A.G. Schneiderman Announces $750,000 Joint Settlement With Long Island Pediatrics Practice Resolving Allegations Company Submitted False Claims To Medicaid

NY’s Medicaid Program To Receive Over $450,000 As Part Of Joint State-Federal Settlement

  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced a joint state-federal settlement with the Long Island, NY-based pediatrics practice Freed, Kleinberg, Nussbaum, Festa & Kronberg M.D., LLP (Practice), as well as various current and former partner physicians of the Practice, including Arnold W. Scherz, M.D., Mitchell Kleinberg, M.D., Michael Nussbaum, M.D., Robert Festa, M.D., and Jason Kronberg, D.O. (Partners)—doing business as Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. The agreement settles allegations that the Practice and Partners did not routinely enroll all of their employee providers treating Medicaid patients in the Medicaid program, and instead used the Partners’ Medicaid provider identification numbers to bill for the treatment of Medicaid beneficiaries by unenrolled employee providers. An investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s office found that the false claims occurred at many of the practice’s Long Island locations. The pediatrics practice has locations in Holbrook, Port Jefferson, Shirley, and Wading River, NY. New York’s Medicaid program will receive $450,000 as part of the $750,000 settlement agreement.   

“Providers who are not properly enrolled in Medicaid before treating Medicaid beneficiaries undermine the integrity of the program and its efforts to serve our neediest New Yorkers,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Those serving Medicaid beneficiaries must be properly credentialed and thoroughly vetted prior to Medicaid enrollment to ensure that beneficiaries get the care they deserve from qualified professionals.”

Specifically, the settlement agreement resolves allegations that, from July 1, 2004 through December 31, 2010, the Practice and Partners did not enroll all of their provider employees in Medicaid prior to allowing them to treat patients who were Medicaid beneficiaries. Instead, providers employed by the Practice would treat Medicaid patients and bill under the Partners’ Medicaid identification numbers, as if the billing Partners were the ones seeing those patients, even when they had not.

The State contends that this practice caused false or fraudulent claims to be submitted to and reimbursed by the State’s Medicaid program, for services performed by providers who were not enrolled in Medicaid—a direct violation of Medicaid’s regulations.

The settlement resolves allegations asserted in a qui tam action brought by a whistleblower in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The Attorney General wishes to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for its assistance in this investigation.

A.G. Schneiderman Announces $575,000 Settlement With EmblemHealth After Data Breach Exposed Over 80,000 Social Security Numbers

EmblemHealth Agrees to Implement Corrective Action Plan and Conduct Comprehensive Risk Assessment

AG Schneiderman Renews Call to Pass SHIELD Act to Protect New Yorkers From Data Breaches

  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced a settlement with healthcare provider EmblemHealth and wholly owned subsidiary Group Health Incorporated (“EmblemHealth”) after the company admitted a mailing error that resulted in 81,122 social security numbers being disclosed on a mailing. In addition to paying a $575,000 penalty, EmblemHealth agreed to implement a Corrective Action Plan and conduct a comprehensive risk assessment.

Attorney General Schneiderman today reiterated his call to improve New York’s weak and outdated security laws with the “Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security Act” (or “SHIELD Act”). Introduced by the Attorney General in November 2017, the SHIELD Act would comprehensively protect New Yorkers’ personal information from the growing number of data breaches and close major gaps in New York’s data security laws, without putting an undue burden on businesses.

“The careless handling of social security numbers is never acceptable,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “New Yorkers need to be able to trust that companies entrusted with their private information will guard it appropriately. This starts with good governance—which is why my office will continue to push for stronger security laws and hold businesses accountable for protecting their customers’ personal data.”

EmblemHealth is one of the largest health plans in the United States. On October 13, 2016, it discovered that it had mailed 81,122 policyholders, including 55,664 New York residents, a paper copy of their Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Evidence of Coverage (“EOC Mailing”) that included a mailing label with the policyholder’s social security number on it. Normally, all mailings include a unique mailing identifier that is printed on the envelope. However, in this case, the mailing inadvertently included the insured's Health Insurance Claim Number, which incorporated the insured's social security number.

Pursuant to the federal Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (“HIPAA”), EmblemHealth is required to safeguard patients' protected health information, including social security numbers, and utilize appropriate administrative, physical and technical safeguards. In connection with its 2016 EOC Mailing, EmblemHealth failed to comply with many of the standards and procedural specifications as required by HIPAA. Printing an individual's social security number on “a postcard or other mailer not requiring an envelope, or visible on the envelope, or without the envelope having been opened” also violates New York General Business Law § 399-ddd(2)(e).

In addition to paying a $575,000 penalty, under the settlement EmblemHealth must implement a Corrective Action Plan that includes a thorough risk analysis of security risks associated with the mailing of policy documents to policyholders, and submit a report of those findings to the Attorney General’s office within 180 days of the settlement. EmblemHealth must also review and revise its policies and procedures based on the results of the assessment, and notify the Attorney General’s office of any action it takes. If no action is taken, EmblemHealth must provide a written detailed explanation of why no action is necessary. EmblemHealth must also catalogue, review, and monitor mailings and make reasonable efforts to ensure: (a) all relevant workforce members are adequately trained for each discrete job function that they are tasked with or assigned to perform related to mailings; (b) report any known violations of EmblemHealth policies and procedures relating to the HIPAA Minimum Necessary Standard, as set forth in 45 C.F .R. § 164.502(b) and § 164.514(b), to the appropriate EmblemHealth official and remediate any known violations as soon as practicable; and (c) for a period of three (3) years, report security incidents involving the loss or compromise of New York residents' information to the Attorney General’s office that might not otherwise trigger the reporting requirements of New York State law. 

Assemblymember Pichardo’s bill protecting affordable housing and tenants is one step closer to becoming law

  Assemblymember Victor M. Pichardo (D-Bronx) announced that a bill he authored that repeals a landlord’s ability to obtain a large increase in rent after a rent-regulated apartment becomes vacant has passed the Assembly Committee on Housing, bringing it closer to being voted into law (A.9815).

 “Families here in the Bronx know how difficult it is to find safe, affordable housing,” said Pichardo. “As homelessness continues to rise, forcing more New Yorkers to shuffle from shelter to shelter, we need to be doing more to create and maintain affordable housing and protect tenants. This legislation is vital to making that a reality.”

   Under current law, landlords are eligible for a statutory vacancy bonus once a year, allowing them to raise the rent as much as 20 percent when a rent-regulated unit goes vacant. Not only can this lead to an apartment’s rent increasing quickly and becoming deregulated, it also encourages some unscrupulous landlords to ignore dangerous living conditions as well as harass tenants to push them out, noted Pichardo. Landlords are eligible for the vacancy bonus even if the tenant leaves because of uninhabitable conditions. By repealing the vacancy bonus, Pichardo’s legislation protects existing affordable housing and helps deter landlords from pushing tenants out.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

While we applaud Assemblyman Pichardo on getting this passed in the Assembly, this must also pass the State Senate, and then be signed by the Governor.

Assemblyman Pichardo also forgets that rents can be raised in rent regulated buildings if new equipment is placed into an apartment upon becoming vacant, or is an improvement to an apartment or to the building.

MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS ARIEL PALITZ AS THE CITY’S FIRST EVER SENIOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF NIGHTLIFE

Palitz Brings Both Industry Expertise and Community Experience to the Role

  Today, Mayor de Blasio announced that Ariel Palitz, a lifelong New Yorker and nightlife professional, will be New York City’s first ever Senior Executive Director of the Office of Nightlife. Palitz comes to the role with deep experience in both nightlife and community building. She owned and operated Sutra, a successful nightclub on the Lower East Side, for ten years; served on Community Board 3 for over six years and has spent the past three years helping entrepreneurs fulfill their dreams of opening nightlife establishments in NYC.

“Nightlife is part of the spark of our city. It’s one of the few spaces where all our diversity comes together in a single room. Ariel has lived and breathed this work her whole life. She understands the needs of live musicians, artists, business owners and residents, and she’ll help bring everybody together to foster the kind of vibrant and safe nightlife New Yorkers deserve,” said Mayor de Blasio.

“I am honored to be chosen to lead New York City’s first Office of Nightlife,” said Ariel Palitz. “As a native New Yorker, former nightclub owner and community board member, I understand what is at stake and the challenges ahead. This Office presents an opportunity to support the small business owners, workers, artists, and all New Yorkers who make up our diverse nightlife culture. It is also an opportunity to build bridges with neighbors and address quality of life concerns.  I intend to listen to all voices, identify problems, find common ground, and implement realistic solutions. The Office of Nightlife will be a place for operators, employees, creators, patrons, and residents alike. New Yorkers will no longer have to yearn for the good old days. With the Office of Nightlife, the best is yet to come.”

The Office of Nightlife was established as a result of legislation sponsored by Council Member Rafael Espinal. The legislation passed the full council in August 2017 and was signed into law by Mayor de Blasio in September. The office was initially proposed in Mayor de Blasio’s New York Works jobs plan will be housed at the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. It is designed to serve as a central point of contact between City agencies, the nightlife industry, and city residents. It will promote a safe and vibrant nightlife scene that benefits businesses and residents alike.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ariel Palitz aboard to lead the City’s Office of Nightlife and add Nightlife to our office’s expanded portfolio” said Media and Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin.  “Ariel brings an understanding of the intricacies of the nightlife industry, and its relations with both the City and its diverse communities as both a small business owner and community board member.  Under her stewardship, the Nightlife Office at MOME will work diligently to harness the creative entrepreneurial spirit that defines our city, and ensure that nightlife establishments are able to comply with the rules and regulations that keep all New Yorkers safe and communities healthy. We will work closely with communities and businesses across the city to make sure their needs are being heard and addressed.”

"As a lifelong New Yorker, Ariel is no stranger to the city's ever evolving nightlife business and the challenges it may bring," said Speaker Corey Johnson. "With her vast experience in the community and business level, I have full confidence that, as Senior Executive Director, Ariel will work with all stakeholders to ensure that the city's nightlife venues continue to thrive. The Council is proud to have established  the Office of  Nightlife and I look forward to working with Ariel Palitz in her new role."

“It is exciting to learn that NYC's first Nightlife Mayor is a female with a strong background in nightlife and community advocacy," said  Council Member Rafael Espinal, Chair of the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Business Licensing. "I believe the nightlife community will have a well-rounded voice in Ariel Palitz and the administration will have a unique perspective on nightlife issues. There is a lot of work to do and I look forward to working with Ariel as I continue advocating for the independent venues and DIY community that desperately needs the city's support to come out of the bureaucratic shadows.”

About Ariel Palitz

Ariel Palitz is a former  nightclub owner, promoter, and community board member. From 2004 to 2014, Palitz owned and operated Sutra, a nightclub in the East Village that hosted legendary DJs and musicians. From 2007 to 2014, Palitz served on Community Board 3 as a member of the State Liquor Authority and Department of Consumer Affairs Licensing Committee. She has been involved with the NY Hospitality Alliance and the Lower East Side Girls Club. Most recently, Palitz founded Venue Advisors L.L.C., a full service hospitality and small business consulting company. Palitz, 47, was born and raised in New York City and is a graduate of the University of Hartford. She currently resides in the East Village.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We still want to know how this is going to effect areas outside of the Manhattan nightlife area (to quote Council Speaker Johnson, and Councilman Espinal who may enjoy the Manhattan nightlife) where residents have been complaining about the past night club problems before the new law. 

The city council has decriminalized public urination, and the Manhattan district Attorney has said he will no longer prosecute Subway turnstile jumpers. Marshal Rudy Giuliani ended that, but it appears like Prohibition the laws have been repealed. So where is the next cowboy (Reverend) to step up to take over as the Marshal of Dodge (New York) City?  

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES HAZARDOUS TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7

Winter Storm Warning in effect from Tuesday night through early Thursday morning

Alternate Side Parking Regulations are suspended Wednesday, March 7 and Thursday, March 8; parking meters remain in effect

  The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a hazardous travel advisory for Wednesday, March 7. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for New York City in effect from 10 p.m. Tuesday through 4 a.m. Thursday, March 8. According to the National Weather Service, a nor’easter is expected to bring a wintry mix of rain and snow late Tuesday, before changing over to snow early Wednesday morning. The heaviest period of snow is forecast for Wednesday afternoon through the evening commute. Snow is expected to endWednesday night. A total of 6 to 10 inches of snow is expected, with locally higher amounts possible.  High winds are also in the forecast, with sustained winds 15 mph to 25 mph, and gusts up to 40 mph.

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel extremely hazardous. Commuters are advised to use mass transit where possible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency, and exercise extreme caution when driving, walking or biking.

“Mother nature’s March madness continues as another nor’easter is forecast to bring snow that will make travel dangerous on Wednesday,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “New Yorkers should take mass transit if possible and allow for extra travel time.”

NYC Emergency Management

• NYC Emergency Management is working closely with the National Weather Service to monitor the storm’s track to determine the impacts to New York City.
• NYC Emergency Management will activate the City’s Emergency Operations Center on Wednesday to coordinate the City’s response to the storm.
• NYC Emergency Management is hosting daily interagency conference calls with City and state agencies and public and private partners to coordinate the City’s preparations for the storm.

Department of Sanitation

• The NYC Department of Sanitation is pre-deploying 693 salt spreaders. DSNY will activate PlowNYC and will dispatch 1500 plows when more than two inches of snow accumulates, with additional plows available if necessary.
• DSNY will assign 2,400 workers per shift. Workers were assigned to 12-hour shifts beginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday, March 6.
• DSNY has 234,000 tons of rock salt on hand.
• Normal garbage/recycling collections are scheduled for Wednesday, March 7, but may be delayed depending on snowfall amounts.
• Alternate Side Parking Regulations are suspended for Wednesday, March 7, and Thursday March 8, to facilitate snow removal operations. Payment at parking meters will remain in effect throughout the City.

Department of Transportation

• DOT will assist DSNY with snow removal starting tomorrow, Wednesday, March 5, at 7:00 a.m.
• DOT’s Bridges Division will pre-deploy crews to East River Bridges.
• DOT’s Arterial, Parking and Citywide Concrete Units, will pre-treat and monitor pedestrian overpasses, muni lots and step streets.
• Crews from JC Decaux are pre-treating bus shelters.
• DOT will monitor conditions on the citywide Transportation network at the Joint Transportation Management Center with State DOT and NYPD, and coordinate efforts to address any issues.
• Staten Island Ferry will operate on a modified schedule and passengers should allow for extra travel time. DOT’s Ferry Division will pre-treat and clear walkways at the Staten Island Ferry terminals.

Economic Development Corporation

• NYC Ferry service may be impacted by winter storm conditions, and riders should prepare for potential weather-related delays. Service changes and/or suspensions will be posted onwww.ferry.nyc and announced via social media, app notifications, and email.

Department of Buildings

• DOB issued a weather advisory reminding property owners, contractors and crane operators to take precautionary measures and secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment during high winds.
• The Department will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the City. If sites are not secured, the Department will take immediate enforcement action — issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.

To safeguard construction sites, builders, contractors, and developers should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

• Tie down and secure material and loose debris at construction sites.
• Cover electrical equipment from exposure to the weather.
• Secure netting, scaffolding, and sidewalk sheds.
• Clear icicles and vulnerable snow masses from sidewalk sheds, and supported and suspended scaffolds.
• Clear roofs, overhangs and gutters of melting snow and ice.
• Brace and secure construction fences.         
• Call 911 if there is an emergency on a construction site.

To secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

• Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys.
• Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills, or propane tanks.
• Secure and clear roofs, awnings, umbrellas, and overhangs of melting snow and ice.
• Ensure gutters are clear of debris to allow drainage.
• Secure retractable awnings.

NYC Parks

• Parks will support the DSNY street plowing operation, lending 44 plows with operators.
• Parks will activate 1,300 staff, 132 plow vehicles, 167 salt spreaders, 257 snow blowers and brushes, and other equipment for snow removal on park perimeters.

Department of Social Services

A Code Blue Weather Emergency notice is issued when the temperature is forecast to drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., including National Weather Service calculations for wind chill values.  No one who is homeless and seeking shelter in New York City during a Code Blue will be denied. Should you see an individual who appears to be homeless and in need out in the cold, please call 311 and an outreach team will be dispatched to offer assistance. During Code Blue Weather emergencies, experienced outreach teams work to connect homeless New Yorkers with the following resources:

• Shelters: During a Code Blue, shelter is available system-wide to accommodate anyone who is reasonably believed to be homeless and is brought to a shelter by outreach teams. Accommodations are also available for walk-ins.
• Drop-in centers: All drop-in centers are open 24-hours per day, including when Code Blue procedures are in effect, and will assist as many people as possible for the duration of the emergency. Drop-in staff and the dedicated outreach teams they work closely with every day can also make arrangements for homeless individuals at other citywide facilities.
• Safe havens and stabilization beds: Chronically homeless individuals may be transported directly to these low-threshold housing programs.
• Street homeless outreach: Teams will contact vulnerable individuals on their Code Blue Priority Lists a minimum of once every four (4) hours beginning at 8 p.m. during Code Blue Alerts and once every two (2) hours beginning at 8 p.m. for Enhanced Code Blue Alerts to encourage them to accept services, including transportation to a shelter placement. DSS coordinates borough-level Code Blue efforts directly with partner City agencies, including but not limited to NYPD, DSNY, and the Parks Department.

Department for the Aging

• Seniors should contact their local center before leaving home, as senior centers may close on a case-by-case basis.
• Case-management clients are receiving additional meals, and social workers are calling high-risk clients to assess and address clients’ needs in advance of the storm.

NYCHA

• NYCHA’s Office of Emergency Management has activated a Situation Room to manage response to the storm. This will be staffed with different departments from across the agency to ensure situational awareness, incident tracking, and response coordination.
• NYCHA’s Heating Services Department is adding additional staff overnight starting at 4 p.m.today. This includes increasing normal heating staff after hours on Tuesday and Wednesdayfrom 15 to 21 teams, adding four Oil Burner Mechanic teams, each with a supervisor each, and adding four Roving Teams from midnight to 8 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
• NYCHA Property Management will have staff briefed and prepped to activate the snow-removal procedures. NYCHA’s Customer Contact Center is adding additional staff to handle increased call volume for residents experiencing issues.

Department of Environmental Protection

• DEP will deploy resources to assist DSNY with snow removal and will pre-position staff to ensure critical wastewater treatment and drinking water functions continue without interruption.

Winter Storm Safety Tips

• Use mass transit where possible. If you have to drive, drive slowly. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.

• Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they do not stop quicker than other vehicles.
• Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
• Know your vehicle’s braking system. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without anti-lock brakes in snowy conditions.
• If you are driving and begin to skid, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle.
• Try to keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible.
• Keep the name and phone number of at least one local towing service in your car in case you break down or become stuck.
• Exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. 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.
• If you have to go outdoors, wear dry, warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered. Wear a hat, hood, scarf, and gloves.
• Be careful when shoveling snow. Follow your doctor’s advice if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart.
• Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program. To sign up for Notify NYC, download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
• Charge cell phone batteries.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer.
• If you lose power & have a disability/access and functional needs or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) & need immediate assistance, dial 911.The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a hazardous travel advisory for Wednesday, March 7. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for New York City in effect from 10 p.m. Tuesday through 4 a.m. Thursday, March 8. According to the National Weather Service, a nor’easter is expected to bring a wintry mix of rain and snow late Tuesday, before changing over to snow early Wednesday morning. The heaviest period of snow is forecast for Wednesday afternoon through the evening commute. Snow is expected to endWednesday night. A total of 6 to 10 inches of snow is expected, with locally higher amounts possible.  High winds are also in the forecast, with sustained winds 15 mph to 25 mph, and gusts up to 40 mph.
  
  
  A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel extremely hazardous. Commuters are advised to use mass transit where possible. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency, and exercise extreme caution when driving, walking or biking.
  
  
  “Mother nature’s March madness continues as another nor’easter is forecast to bring snow that will make travel dangerous on Wednesday,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “New Yorkers should take mass transit if possible and allow for extra travel time.”
  
  
  NYC Emergency Management
  
  
  • NYC Emergency Management is working closely with the National Weather Service to monitor the storm’s track to determine the impacts to New York City.
  • NYC Emergency Management will activate the City’s Emergency Operations Center on Wednesday to coordinate the City’s response to the storm.
  • NYC Emergency Management is hosting daily interagency conference calls with City and state agencies and public and private partners to coordinate the City’s preparations for the storm.
  
  
  Department of Sanitation
  
  
  • The NYC Department of Sanitation is pre-deploying 693 salt spreaders. DSNY will activate PlowNYC and will dispatch 1500 plows when more than two inches of snow accumulates, with additional plows available if necessary.
  • DSNY will assign 2,400 workers per shift. Workers were assigned to 12-hour shifts beginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday, March 6.
  • DSNY has 234,000 tons of rock salt on hand.
  • Normal garbage/recycling collections are scheduled for Wednesday, March 7, but may be delayed depending on snowfall amounts.
  • Alternate Side Parking Regulations are suspended for Wednesday, March 7, and Thursday March 8, to facilitate snow removal operations. Payment at parking meters will remain in effect throughout the City.
  
  
  Department of Transportation
  
  
  • DOT will assist DSNY with snow removal starting tomorrow, Wednesday, March 5, at 7:00 a.m.
  • DOT’s Bridges Division will pre-deploy crews to East River Bridges.
  • DOT’s Arterial, Parking and Citywide Concrete Units, will pre-treat and monitor pedestrian overpasses, muni lots and step streets.
  • Crews from JC Decaux are pre-treating bus shelters.
  • DOT will monitor conditions on the citywide Transportation network at the Joint Transportation Management Center with State DOT and NYPD, and coordinate efforts to address any issues.
  • Staten Island Ferry will operate on a modified schedule and passengers should allow for extra travel time. DOT’s Ferry Division will pre-treat and clear walkways at the Staten Island Ferry terminals.
  
  
  Economic Development Corporation
  
  
  • NYC Ferry service may be impacted by winter storm conditions, and riders should prepare for potential weather-related delays. Service changes and/or suspensions will be posted onwww.ferry.nyc and announced via social media, app notifications, and email.
  
  
  Department of Buildings
  • DOB issued a weather advisory reminding property owners, contractors and crane operators to take precautionary measures and secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment during high winds.
  • The Department will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the City. If sites are not secured, the Department will take immediate enforcement action — issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.
  
  
  To safeguard construction sites, builders, contractors, and developers should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:
  
  
  • Tie down and secure material and loose debris at construction sites.
  • Cover electrical equipment from exposure to the weather.
  • Secure netting, scaffolding, and sidewalk sheds.
  • Clear icicles and vulnerable snow masses from sidewalk sheds, and supported and suspended scaffolds.
  • Clear roofs, overhangs and gutters of melting snow and ice.
  • Brace and secure construction fences.         
  • Call 911 if there is an emergency on a construction site.
  To secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:
  
  
  To secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys.
  • Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills, or propane tanks.
  • Secure and clear roofs, awnings, umbrellas, and overhangs of melting snow and ice.
  • Ensure gutters are clear of debris to allow drainage.
  • Secure retractable awnings.
  
  
  NYC Parks
  
  
  • Parks will support the DSNY street plowing operation, lending 44 plows with operators.
  • Parks will activate 1,300 staff, 132 plow vehicles, 167 salt spreaders, 257 snow blowers and brushes, and other equipment for snow removal on park perimeters.
  
  
  Department of Social Services
  
  
  A Code Blue Weather Emergency notice is issued when the temperature is forecast to drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., including National Weather Service calculations for wind chill values.  No one who is homeless and seeking shelter in New York City during a Code Blue will be denied. Should you see an individual who appears to be homeless and in need out in the cold, please call 311 and an outreach team will be dispatched to offer assistance. During Code Blue Weather emergencies, experienced outreach teams work to connect homeless New Yorkers with the following resources:
  
  
  • Shelters: During a Code Blue, shelter is available system-wide to accommodate anyone who is reasonably believed to be homeless and is brought to a shelter by outreach teams. Accommodations are also available for walk-ins.
  • Drop-in centers: All drop-in centers are open 24-hours per day, including when Code Blue procedures are in effect, and will assist as many people as possible for the duration of the emergency. Drop-in staff and the dedicated outreach teams they work closely with every day can also make arrangements for homeless individuals at other citywide facilities.
  • Safe havens and stabilization beds: Chronically homeless individuals may be transported directly to these low-threshold housing programs.
  • Street homeless outreach: Teams will contact vulnerable individuals on their Code Blue Priority Lists a minimum of once every four (4) hours beginning at 8 p.m. during Code Blue Alerts and once every two (2) hours beginning at 8 p.m. for Enhanced Code Blue Alerts to encourage them to accept services, including transportation to a shelter placement. DSS coordinates borough-level Code Blue efforts directly with partner City agencies, including but not limited to NYPD, DSNY, and the Parks Department.
  
  
  Department for the Aging
  
  
  • Seniors should contact their local center before leaving home, as senior centers may close on a case-by-case basis.
  • Case-management clients are receiving additional meals, and social workers are calling high-risk clients to assess and address clients’ needs in advance of the storm.
  
  
  NYCHA
  
  
  • NYCHA’s Office of Emergency Management has activated a Situation Room to manage response to the storm. This will be staffed with different departments from across the agency to ensure situational awareness, incident tracking, and response coordination.
  • NYCHA’s Heating Services Department is adding additional staff overnight starting at 4 p.m.today. This includes increasing normal heating staff after hours on Tuesday and Wednesdayfrom 15 to 21 teams, adding four Oil Burner Mechanic teams, each with a supervisor each, and adding four Roving Teams from midnight to 8 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
  • NYCHA Property Management will have staff briefed and prepped to activate the snow-removal procedures. NYCHA’s Customer Contact Center is adding additional staff to handle increased call volume for residents experiencing issues.
  
  
  Department of Environmental Protection
  
  
  • DEP will deploy resources to assist DSNY with snow removal and will pre-position staff to ensure critical wastewater treatment and drinking water functions continue without interruption.
  
  
  Winter Storm Safety Tips
  
  
  • Use mass transit where possible. If you have to drive, drive slowly. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
  • Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they do not stop quicker than other vehicles.
  • Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
  • Know your vehicle’s braking system. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without anti-lock brakes in snowy conditions.
  • If you are driving and begin to skid, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle.
  • Try to keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible.
  • Keep the name and phone number of at least one local towing service in your car in case you break down or become stuck.
  • Exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. 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.
  • If you have to go outdoors, wear dry, warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered. Wear a hat, hood, scarf, and gloves.
  • Be careful when shoveling snow. Follow your doctor’s advice if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart.
  • Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program. To sign up for Notify NYC, download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
  • Charge cell phone batteries.
  • Turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer.
  • If you lose power & have a disability/access and functional needs or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) & need immediate assistance, dial 911.