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 partners,
The NYC Emergency Management Department advises New Yorkers to prepare for potential winter weather on Sunday, 1/18. The National Weather Service has forecast 1-3 inches of snow with a 10% chance of 4-5 inches.
City agencies are preparing for the storm, as periods of snow may cause difficult travel conditions and power outages.
New Yorkers are advised to limit travel and stay inside during periods of severe weather.
If you must travel, exercise caution. Roads and surfaces may be slippery. Use mass transit if possible.
If you must go outdoors, wear dry, warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered.
Check on family, friends, and neighbors who may need help in cold weather – especially older adults or people with disabilities.
For more information, please visit www.weather.gov/okx or https://on.nyc.gov/2WYDNJS
NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) is asking that AWS service providers take the following proactive steps to ensure the safety of themselves and their clients:
Conduct outreach to ensure clients are aware and prepared for the weather. Help them prepare if needed. Older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions are most vulnerable.
Encourage staff and vulnerable clients to stay indoors. Consider rescheduling non-emergency appointments and activities. Providers should consider shifting in-person services to remote where appropriate. Providers should adjust services as needed, especially for homebound clients who may require supplemental meal delivery or medical services. If staff or clients must go outdoors, they should wear warm, dry clothing and cover exposed skin. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered. Shivering is an early sign that the body is losing heat and is a signal to return indoors.
Cold weather puts extra strain on the heart. Providers and clients should use caution when shoveling snow. Anyone with heart disease or high blood pressure should follow the advice of their healthcare provider.
Never use a stove or oven to heat a home. Electric heaters should be plugged directly into a wall outlet and kept away from anything flammable. Confirm that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working properly. Heat or hot water complaints should be directed to building management. If the issue is not resolved, complaints can be submitted to 311.
Allow for extra travel time. Expect delays with little to no notice, especially when snow is heaviest. Encourage use of public transportation. Staff or clients who rely on car services or paratransit should prepare for longer wait and ride times. MTA Access-A-Ride (AAR) users should call AAR at (877)-337-2017 for service updates, issues regarding same-day trips, trip updates, and to cancel trips.
Drive slowly and carefully if travel is necessary. Use major roads whenever possible. Wet or slushy roadways may freeze and create icy and dangerous conditions.
Protect service animals and pets from the cold. Limit time outdoors, use pet-safe booties if available, and keep animals dry. Do not leave animals outside or in unheated areas.
Be prepared for potential power outages. If an outage occurs, turn off all appliances, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to prevent food spoilage, and do not use generators indoors. Clients who use life sustaining equipment and need immediate assistance should call 911. Report outages, downed power lines, and damaged electrical equipment to power providers.
Report downed trees or damaged tree limbs to 311. Call 911 if there is immediate danger.
Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the city will send alerts and updates through Notify NYC. Notify NYC is available in 14 languages, including American Sign Language. Clients can sign up online, through the app, or by calling 311.
Sample Client Conversation:
“I want to check in because snow and very cold temperatures are expected. Do you have working heat and a warm place to stay? If you need to go outside, wear warm layers and keep your hands, ears, and face covered. If you need to shovel, take it slow and stop if you feel unwell. Never use your stove to heat your home, and keep space heaters plugged directly into the wall and away from anything that can burn. Make sure any pets or service animals stay warm and are not outside for long. If you rely on transportation or services, plan for possible delays. Please sign up for Notify NYC to get important weather updates.”
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping New Yorkers safe.
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 no 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.