New York City winters, which often bring extreme cold, heavy snow, ice, sleet, and freezing rain, can pose serious hazards. New York City Emergency Management urges Advance Warning System partners to take proactive steps to prepare staff and safeguard clients, particularly people with disabilities and others with access or functional needs (DAFN), who face significantly higher risks during winter weather emergencies. Review and share the following safety tips to plan and prepare for winter weather hazards this season.
Prepare for the cold and winter weather before it arrives to stay safe and healthy throughout the season.
- Check the carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms are working.
- Make sure you have warm clothing you can layer, as well as gloves, a hat and sturdy shoes and/or boots.
- Talk to your at-risk friends and family and make a plan to support them when the weather turns cold.
- Review the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite to quickly identify and respond effectively by calling 911.
- Call 311 if you observe somebody who may be homeless and in a dangerous situation (i.e. sleeping outside in the cold)
- Avoid driving in dangerous weather. If you must drive, keep a shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets, and first aid kit in your car in case of an emergency.
- In the winter, make sure the tailpipe is clear of snow before you start the car engine. Carbon monoxide can very quickly build up in cars with blocked tailpipes.
- To learn more about winter weather safety, visit the NYC Health Department’s interactive online infographic.
If you do not have heat or hot water:
- Tell your building superintendent, property manager, or owner right away. Call 311 if the problem is not fixed quickly.
- Go to a warm place, such as a friend or family member's house. If you stay home, wear layered, loose-fitting clothing.
Until your heat is fixed, heat your home safely:
- Never use a stove, oven or charcoal grill to heat your home. Kerosene heaters and propane space heaters are illegal in NYC.
- Place space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can catch fire, such as curtains or tablecloths. Do not hang clothes over a space heater to dry.
Be Prepared for Utility Disruptions during Winter Storms
Utility disruptions —including power, gas, water, and phone service — are a nuisance but can also be life threatening. While prolonged utility disruptions do not occur often, it is always a good idea to be prepared.
Ask your utility company whether your medical equipment qualifies you to be listed as a life-sustaining equipment customer (LSE). For those who rely on electric-powered medical equipment at home (e.g., respirators, dialysis machines, apnea monitors), please register with your utility provider so you can be contacted in the event of an emergency. Individuals who use electric-powered medical equipment should have an emergency plan. Consider the following:
- If you rely on oxygen, talk to your vendor about emergency replacements. In the event that you do not have access to oxygen, call 911 for immediate assistance.
- If you lose power and have a disability, access and functional needs or use life-sustaining equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, dial 911.
- Make sure to charge all medical and communications devices before the power goes out.
- An alternate source of electric power, such as a battery back-up system.
- If using a generator be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, local building codes, and ensure that it's in a well-ventilated area. Do not use generators indoors.
- Have a variety of telephone options (land-line, cordless, cellular) if possible.
- Make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios or televisions are working. Keep extra batteries.
Protect Yourself from COVID-19, Flu, and RSV
Respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are more common in fall and winter. Older adults, young children and people with certain underlying medical conditions are at the highest risk of getting sick or having severe illness from these viruses.
Getting vaccinated protects people from COVID-19, flu and RSV! COVID-19 and flu vaccines reduce the chance of becoming sick, being hospitalized and dying. Everyone ages 6 months and older should get an updated flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine, even if they have received prior COVID-19 shots or had COVID-19. There are new RSV vaccines available for adults ages 60 and older and people who are pregnant. It is safe and convenient to get more than one of these vaccines at the same time. Other ways to protect from respiratory illness include wearing a face mask in indoor public places, following good hand hygiene, and staying home when sick.
To find a nearby COVID-19 and flu vaccination provider, visit vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or contact NYC Health + Hospitals at 1-844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) to schedule an appointment with a primary care provider who can offer your child vaccines. Older adults and pregnant people should talk to a health care provider about whether RSV vaccination is right for them.
The symptoms of COVID-19, flu and RSV are similar. People with mild or moderate symptoms of a respiratory illness – including cough, congestion and other signs of a cold – should get tested for COVID-19 and flu right away so they can contact their healthcare provider and start treatment if eligible. In the case of an emergency or severe illness, such as difficulty breathing, a pale or blue color around the lips or mouth, confusion, severe dehydration, or other concerning symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. NYC Health + Hospitals’ Virtual ExpressCare can connect people to healthcare providers in minutes, and the service is available 24/7 in over 200 languages, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. People can access Virtual ExpressCare by going to expresscare.nyc or calling 631-EXP-Care (631-397-2273).
For more information on winter viruses visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus, nyc.gov/flu and http://on.nyc.gov/rsv.
Read More for additional winter weather safety tips.