Community Emergency Planning in NYC - A Toolkit for Community Leaders

EXTREME WEATHER

TRIGGERS:

• A heat index above 100ºF for 1+ day, or above 95ºF for 2+ days.

• Snow accumulation greater than six inches, high temperatures below 15ºF for a 48-hour period or a wind chill below 0º F.

• Nor’easters: coastal storms that combine typical winter storm hazards with high winds and coastal flooding.

• Tornadoes: funnel shaped clouds that form after large thunderstorms.

WHAT DOES THE CITY DO?

• Alerts the public of risks and available resources.

• Monitors and assists homeless individuals.

• Monitors vulnerable infrastructure such as power and water systems.

Extreme Heat:

• Opens cooling centers to help prevent heat-related illness or death. Cooling centers are air conditioned spaces such as senior centers, community centers, public libraries, and other public facilities that typically operate during daytime hours and are free and open to the public.

• Conveys information to service providers through the Advance Warning System (https://advancewarningsystemnyc.org).

• Distributes hydrant spray caps to conserve water (opening hydrants without a cap results in a drop in local water pressure and threatens firefighting capabilities).

Winter Weather:

• Deploys plows and salt spreaders to clear 6,300 miles of streets.

• Dispatches tow trucks and closes roadways and airports as needed.

• Responds when landlords do not provide adequate heat to tenants.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Call 311 to report dangerous conditions, electricity or heat loss, or if you see someone in need of assistance.

• Check on your neighbors.

• Members of the community over 18 years of age can request spray caps from FDNY firehouses.

• Clear snow and dangling ice from roofs, curb cuts, and hydrants.