NYC EM REMINDS NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR WINTER WEATHER

WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR A WINTRY MIX AND FRIGID TEMPERATURES TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT REMINDS NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR THE WEATHER

A wintry mix of rain and possible snow may cause slippery conditions Tuesday; a cold front moves in Tuesday afternoon bringing frigid temperatures and single-digit wind chill values

  As a low-pressure system moves into the New York City area Tuesday, the New York City Emergency Management Department reminds New Yorkers to prepare for the weather. According to the latest National Weather Service forecast, light rain moves into the area Tuesday morning, and may transition to light snow around noon. The precipitation is forecast to taper off early Tuesday afternoon. A coating to a tenth of an inch of snow is possible for New York City. New Yorkers should prepare for slippery road conditions, exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking, and consider taking public transportation whenever possible.

“With the potential for the first snowfall of the season and the cold weather to follow, you may experience slippery road conditions on Tuesday. We encourage New Yorkers to allow for extra travel time and exercise caution during your commutes,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Deanne Criswell. “The temperatures will also drop drastically; be sure to bundle up, and remember to check on your friends and loved one who may need help during the cold weather.”

“Extremely cold temperatures can be very dangerous for anyone, but especially those at higher risk for hypothermia, such as those who are experiencing homelessness and those without heat at home,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “We recommend New Yorkers stay inside as much as possible, but if you do have to go outside, please bundle up and dress warmly. If you are without heat at home, call 311. Stay alert for signs of hypothermia, like intense shivering, lack of coordination or dizziness, and if you experience them, seek medical attention or call 911.”

As precipitation tapers off, a strong cold front will move through the area Tuesday, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures throughout the day. Temperatures Tuesday night are forecast to be in the teens with single-digit wind chill values. Wind chill values will be in the teens Wednesday morning, with temperatures in the mid-30s. Seasonal temperatures return Thursday, with high temperatures in the mid-40s. 

Safety Tips

·   Allow for extra travel time, and exercise caution when driving, walking or biking. Consider taking public transportation wherever possible.

·    Keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible.

·   Pedestrians should exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs.

·   Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.

·    Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.

·  Wear dry, warm clothing and cover exposed skin if you have to go outdoors. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered. Wear a hat, hood, scarf, and gloves.

·     Return indoors when shivering. Shivering is an important first sign that the body is losing heat.

·     Be safe when working outside. Working outdoors increases risks for cold-related illness, injury or death. Employers must ensure safe work practices, provide appropriate protective equipment, and train workers on cold and winter weather safety.

·   Limit alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol may make you feel warmer but it causes your body to lose heat faster and impairs judgment. As a result, alcohol actually increases your chances of hypothermia and frostbite.

·  Immediately tell your building superintendent, property manager or owner if you do not have heat. Call 311 if the problem is not fixed quickly and go to a warm place, such as a friend or family member’s home. If you stay at home, wear layers of clothing.

· Check on family, friends and neighbors who may need help in cold weather — especially older adults or people with disabilities — to make sure they are safe inside and have heat.

For more information, visit NYC.gov/EmergencyManagement. New Yorkers are also encouraged to download the free Notify NYC mobile application, which is available from iTunes or Google Play. Notify NYC is the City’s free emergency notification system that allows New Yorkers to also receive phone calls, text messages, and/or email alerts about weather conditions and other emergencies. To learn more about the Notify NYC program or to sign up, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.