Community Emergency Planning in NYC - A Toolkit for Community Leaders

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

COASTAL STORM EVACUATION

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE TO LEAVE MY HOME?

Use the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder at NYC.gov/knowyourzone or call 311 to find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone. Stay informed about evacuation orders by listening to the news and registering for Notify NYC, the City’s official source for information about emergency events.

WHAT IS AN EVACUATION CENTER?

An evacuation center is a safe facility for evacuees who have no other place to stay in the event of a coastal storm. Evacuation centers are often co-located with shelters. Once at an evacuation center, evacuees will be transported to the appropriate shelter as needed.

HOW WILL I GET TO AN EVACUATION CENTER?

People should use their normal means of transportation to evacuate while it is still safe to travel. People who live in an evacuation zone and need assistance evacuating to a center may call 311 to request assistance. 

SHELTERS + SERVICE CENTERS

DO I NEED TO BE A U.S. CITIZEN TO ENTER A SHELTER OR EVACUATION CENTER?

Evacuation centers and emergency shelters are open to anyone, regardless of immigration status.

CAN I STAY WITH MY FAMILY?

Yes. Families will be able to shelter together. At shelters, households with children will be separated from households without children and single men and women. Staff will work with those staying in the shelter to resolve any issues or concerns.

I DON’T SPEAK ENGLISH. WILL THERE BE TRANSLATORS ON-SITE?

Information will be available in other languages and formats such as American Sign Language. Anyone can request interpretation and translation services as well.

CAN I BRING MY ANIMAL?

Yes. Service animals are always allowed and will not be separated from their owners. Pets are also allowed but will be kept in a separate area at the shelter. Owners should bring any relevant paperwork for their pets.

FEEDING + COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION

WHAT IS AVAILABLE AT A COMMODITY DISTRIBUTION POINT (CDP)?

At a CDP, life-sustaining commodities, like food, water, and baby formula are available.

HOW CAN I GET TO A CDP?

Use your usual means of transportation to get to a CDP. Stay connected to public information channels to know where CDP sites are located.

WHAT IF I CAN’T GET TO A CDP?

Work with your neighbors or friends to help get items from a CDP. People looking to pick up food for others can work with the CDP site manager to assess and potentially fulfill needs for items already being distributed. Call 311 for alternative food access options. 

POWER DISRUPTION RESPONSE

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY POWER GOES OUT?

Report outages to your utility provider. Check on neighbors that may need assistance during an outage.

WILL THE CITY CHECK ON RESIDENTS?

The City will survey impacted areas after a prolonged power outage to determine critical needs. However, people should have an emergency plan that includes stockpiling food, water, and supplies for at least seven days.

WHAT CAN I DO IF I DEPEND ON LIFE SUSTAINING EQUIPMENT?

Make sure you plan for your specific medical needs and have backup power ready. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. As a preparedness step, if you rely on life sustaining equipment, register with your utility provider. 

EXTREME HEAT RESPONSE

WHAT IS A COOLING CENTER?

Cooling centers are air-conditioned facilities—such as libraries, community centers, senior centers and NYCHA facilities—that are open to the public during heat emergencies.

WHO CAN ACCESS COOLING CENTERS AND HOW CAN I FIND MY NEAREST COOLING CENTER?

Any New Yorker looking for relief from the heat can use cooling centers. Use the Cooling Center Finder (nyc.gov/beattheheat or call 311/TTY 212-639-9675) to find your nearest center. Before going to a cooling center, call the site directly to find out more details about the center’s accessibility and hours.

HOW CAN I PREVENT A POWER OUTAGE DURING EXTREME HEAT?

Conserve energy as much as possible to avoid power disruptions:

• Set your air conditioner thermostat no lower than 78 degrees.

• Only use the air conditioner when you are home.

• Turn off nonessential appliances.

WINTER WEATHER RESPONSE

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

• Do not to travel on roads except when necessary. Give sanitation and emergency workers space on the road.

• Avoid overexertion when shoveling.

• Assist neighbors with clearing their property.

• Clear hydrants of snow so that they are visible to the fire department.

• Anyone who sees a homeless individual or family out in the cold should call 311 and an outreach team will assist them.