The Advance Warning System (AWS) disseminates information to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs through their service providers. Please share the important information below with your clients and other agencies or individuals to empower them to make informed decisions.
Dear AWS providers,
NYCEM is monitoring a weather system that will impact the area Thursday 10/30/25.
According to the latest forecast, the heaviest rainfall is expected from Thursday afternoon until Thursday evening. Rainfall rates may briefly reach one inch per hour, with a total rainfall of 1 to 2 inches expected. Winds will also increase through Thursday afternoon, with sustained speeds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts up to 40 mph Thursday evening. As the storm exits on Friday, stronger winds are expected, with gusts up to 40 mph and possibly 50 mph.
We ask that you share the following safety information with your staff and clients:
General Storm Safety Guidance:
- Charge phones and keep emergency notifications turned on. Enable loud alarms or emergency alert functions on devices.
- Stay informed. Have multiple ways to receive alerts, such as mobile phones, weather radios, and emergency apps. Sign up for Notify NYC alerts via the mobile app, 311, or NYC.gov/NotifyNYC. Notify NYC is available in 14 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL).
- Prepare a Go Bag. Pack essentials including medications, chargers, ID, non-perishable food, flashlights, and important documents in waterproof bags. Don’t forget your pets or service animals: pack supplies to care for them, including food, leashes, a carrier, and medication.
- Allow for extra travel time. Expect delays with little to no notice. Staff or clients who utilize MTA Access-A-Ride paratransit or car services should prepare for the possibility of longer wait and ride times.
- Avoid traveling through flooded streets, subways, or underpasses. Stay away from downed power lines and electrical hazards.
- Have flood or water sensors installed and operational to provide early warnings of water entering the home.
- To keep yourself and others safe from high winds, bring inside loose, lightweight objects like lawn furniture and potted plants. Anchor objects like gas grills & tanks.
- Prepare for the possibility of power outages. Before the storm, charge devices, turn refrigerators/freezers to the coldest settings, and keep flashlights and extra batteries ready. If an outage occurs, turn off all appliances, keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed to prevent food spoilage, and do not use generators indoors. If you use life sustaining equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance dial 911.
- Be prepared to move to higher ground should conditions worsen. This is especially important for staff and clients who live or operate services in a basement apartment, or in a low-lying, flood-prone, or poor drainage area.
- Call 911 immediately if in immediate danger.
Specific Guidance for Basement and Below-Grade Residents:
- Sign up for the basement alert group on Notify NYC to be alerted about dangerous flooding.
- Keep exits clear of clutter and debris at all times. Practice opening all exits in advance.
- Remove cords, electronics, and other hazards from floor areas prone to flooding.
- Ensure flood or water sensors are installed, tested, and working.
- Set alarms to check conditions overnight when flooding is possible.
- Have a predetermined, safe location to relocate to before storms. Consider relocating early if heavy rain or flooding is forecasted, especially overnight.
- Keep phones charged and ringer volume turned up overnight.
How to Enable Emergency Alerts:
Go to Settings > Notifications.
Scroll all the way to the bottom and ensure Emergency Alerts and Severe Alerts are enabled.
Keep the ringer switch ON and volume up overnight.
Open the Settings app.
Tap Safety & Emergency or Notifications (varies by device).
Select Wireless Emergency Alerts and ensure alerts for Extreme and Severe Threats are enabled.
Keep phone volume up overnight.
Sample Client Conversation:
“I want to check in with you because a storm with rain and winds is expected. Do you have a way to get emergency alerts that will wake you up if conditions worsen? Make sure your phone is charged, the ringer is on, and alerts are enabled. If you live in a basement or low-lying area, consider moving to higher ground before the storm. Keep a Go Bag ready with essentials like medications, ID, chargers, and important documents in waterproof bags. Bring in or secure anything outside that could blow away in the wind, and keep exits clear in case you need to leave quickly. If you rely on transportation or home care, plan ahead for possible service delays. Let’s make sure your plan is ready before the storm starts.”
Key Reminders for Clients and Providers:
- Have multiple alert methods, and ensure phones are loud enough to wake you.
- Keep exits clear and practice emergency escape routes.
- Unplug or elevate floor-level electronics before storms.
- Secure or bring inside loose outdoor objects that could be moved by strong winds.
- Install and maintain water or flood sensors for early warning.
- Have an emergency plan in case transportation services are disrupted or unavailable. Identify alternative options to access medical care, supplies, or safe shelter.
- Consider relocating early if heavy rain or flooding is expected overnight.
- Avoid all flooded streets and public transit areas.
- Avoid contact with floodwaters. Floodwaters are often contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and debris, making them unsafe.
- Call 911 if in immediate danger.
Thank you for your continued commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe. Please share this information widely with staff and clients.
The Advance Warning System (AWS) alerts organizations who work with people with disabilities and access and functional needs to various types of hazards and emergencies in New York City that may affect people's independence and daily lives. Participating organizations receive public preparedness and emergency information that they can relay to their clients and other similar agencies. If you work for an organization that serves people with disabilities or access and functional needs you can subscribe for AWS Alerts at the following link: https://www.advancewarningsystemnyc.org/aws
Please do not reply to this e-mail. This mailbox is not monitored. To make changes or receive assistance with your account, please login to the AWS website or contact us through the AWS website. If you think you or someone else may have an emergency, call 911 immediately.