Iranian National Arrested For Scheme To Evade U.S. Economic Sanctions By Illicitly Sending More Than $115 Million From Venezuela Through The U.S. Financial System

  Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, John C. Demers, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, Cyrus Vance Jr., New York County District Attorney, and William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that ALI SADR HASHEMI NEJAD (“SADR”) was arrested for his alleged involvement in a scheme to evade U.S. economic sanctions against Iran, to defraud the United States, and to commit money laundering and bank fraud.  SADR was charged with participating in a scheme in which more than $115 million in payments for a Venezuelan housing complex were illegally funneled through the U.S. financial system for the benefit of Iranian individuals and entities.  SADR was arrested yesterday on a six-count Indictment (the “Indictment”) and presented this afternoon in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.  SADR’s case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter Jr. in the Southern District of New York.   

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, Ali Sadr Hashemi Nejad created a network of front companies and foreign bank accounts to mask Iranian business dealings in Venezuela and evade U.S. sanctions.  For years, Sadr allegedly funneled more than $115 million of a nearly half-billion-dollar Venezuelan construction contract through the U.S. banking system, using entities in Switzerland, Turkey, and the British Virgin Islands to conceal Iran’s identity.  The arrest of Sadr shows that U.S. economic sanctions against Iran are for real, and violators will be exposed and prosecuted.”

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. said:  “This indictment is the result of an investigation launched by my Office in 2013 into this defendant and his illicit scheme to funnel millions from Venezuela to Iranian-controlled entities. The defendant’s conduct strikes at the very heart of what U.S. economic sanctions are designed to prohibit. The most important values in the international community – respect for human rights, peaceful coexistence, and a world free from terrorism – depend on the effective enforcement of these sanctions. We are proud to join with our federal partners to protect the security of our nation and the integrity of our financial system.”

Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “Sadr’s arrest and the FBI’s investigation into his actions are further evidence of Iran’s never-ending attempts to circumvent U.S. sanctions.  It also illustrates the FBI New York’s relentless pursuit of actors representing the Iranian government, and our success at thwarting the use of the U.S. banking systems for Iran’s nefarious goals.”

According to the Indictment[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:

Beginning in 1979, the President, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (the “IEEPA”), has repeatedly found that the actions and policies of the government of Iran constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States and declared a national emergency to deal with the threat.  In accordance with these presidential declarations, the United States has instituted a host of economic sanctions against Iran and Iranian entities.  This sanctions regime prohibits, among other things, financial transactions involving the United States or United States persons that were intended for the benefit of the Government of Iran or Iranian individuals or entities. 

In August 2004, the Governments of Iran and Venezuela entered into an agreement (the “Agreement”), whereby they agreed to cooperate in certain areas of common interest.  The following year, both governments supplemented the Agreement by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding regarding an infrastructure project in Venezuela (the “Project”), which was to involve the construction of thousands of housing units in Venezuela. 

The Project was led by Stratus Group, an Iranian conglomerate controlled by SADR and his family with international business operations in the construction, banking, and oil industries.  In December 2006, Stratus Group incorporated a company in Tehran, which was then known as the Iranian International Housing Corporation (“IIHC”).  IIHC was responsible for construction for the Project.  Thereafter, IIHC entered into a contract with a subsidiary of a Venezuelan state-owned energy company (the “VE Company”), which called for IIHC to build approximately 7,000 housing units in Venezuela in exchange for approximately $475,734,000.  Stratus Group created the Venezuela Project Executive Committee to oversee the execution of the Project.  SADR was a member of the committee and was responsible for managing the Project’s finances.

In connection with his role on the Project, SADR took steps to evade U.S. economic sanctions and to defraud U.S. banks by concealing the role of Iran and Iranian parties in U.S. dollar payments sent through the U.S. banking system.  For example, in 2010, SADR and a co-conspirator used St. Kitts and Nevis passports and a United Arab Emirates address to incorporate two entities outside Iran that would receive U.S. dollar payments related to the Project on behalf of IIHC.  The first entity, Clarity Trade and Finance (“Clarity”), was incorporated in Switzerland, and the second, Stratus International Contracting, J.S., a/k/a “Stratus Turkey,” a/k/a “Straturk,” was incorporated in Turkey.  Stratus Turkey and Clarity were both owned and controlled by SADR and his family members in Iran.  SADR then opened U.S. dollar bank accounts for Clarity and Stratus Turkey at a financial institution located in Switzerland. 

Thereafter, SADR and others conducted a series of international financial transactions using Clarity and Stratus Turkey for the benefit of Iranian parties in a manner that concealed the Iranian nexus to the payments, in violation of U.S. economic sanctions.  Specifically, between April 2011 and November 2013, the VE Company, at the direction of SADR and others, made approximately 15 payments to IIHC through Stratus Turkey or Clarity, totaling approximately $115,000,000.  

SADR and others directed that payments be routed through banks in the United States to Stratus Turkey’s or Clarity’s bank accounts at the financial institution in Switzerland.  The majority of the funds were then transferred to another offshore entity located in the British Virgin Islands, which had been incorporated by SADR and others in 2009.  In addition, on February 1, 2012, Clarity wired more than $2,000,000 of proceeds from the Project directly into the United States.  Those proceeds were then used to purchase real property in California.

SADR, 38, of Iran, is charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, one count of conspiracy to violate the IEEPA, one count of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of money laundering, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  A chart containing the charges and maximum penalties is below.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman and Mr. Demers praised the outstanding investigative efforts of the New York County District Attorney’s Office and the FBI.  Mr. Berman also thanked the New York County District Attorney’s Office for their ongoing assistance in this investigation. 

Count Number	Description	Maximum Penalty
One	Conspiracy to Defraud the United States 18 U.S.C. § 371	Five years in prison
Two	Conspiracy to Violate IEEPA 50 U.S.C. § 1705	20 years in prison
Three	Bank Fraud 18 U.S.C. § 1344	30 years in prison
Four	Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud 18 U.S.C. § 1349	30 years in prison
Five	Money Laundering 18 U.S.C. § 1956	20 years in prison
Six	Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering 18 U.S.C. § 1956	20 years in prison

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Two New York National Guard Soldiers Sentenced To Prison For Fraudulent Recruitment Bonus Scheme

  Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that EVETTE MERCED, a Staff Sergeant in the New York Army National Guard, was sentenced to 36 months in prison, and her husband, DARRYL HARRISON, a Sergeant First Class in the New York Army National Guard, was sentenced to 33 months in prison, for leading a scheme designed to fraudulently obtain recruiting bonuses intended to reward those who legitimately recruited soldiers to the Army National Guard.  MERCED and HARRISON pled guilty on June 16, 2017, before U.S. Magistrate Judge James C. Francis IV to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “While most join the military to serve their country, Evette Merced and Darryl Harrison enriched themselves by fraudulently obtaining recruiting bonuses.  Today, they were sentenced to prison for defrauding the military and American taxpayers.”

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in related court proceedings:

In September 2005, the Army National Guard established a recruiting bonus program, referred to as the Guard Recruiting Assistance Program (G-RAP), administered by a private company, Document and Packaging Broker, Inc. (Docupak).  The G-RAP was designed to offer referral bonus payments to Army National Guard soldiers not otherwise involved in Army National Guard recruitment efforts for civilians the soldiers successfully convinced to serve in the Army National Guard.  A participating soldier, also known as a Recruiting Assistant (“RA”), could receive up to $2,000 in bonus payments for referring another individual to join.  To participate in the program, a soldier was required to establish an online account in his or her name to record the referral and recruitment efforts.  The RA would input the personal identifying information of each recruit into the account.  Based on certain milestones achieved by the referred soldier, a participating soldier could then receive payment through direct deposit into the participating soldier’s designated bank account.  Soldiers who were themselves serving as paid recruiters for the Army National Guard as part of the National Guard’s standard recruitment program were not eligible to participate in the G-RAP or to receive a referral bonus payment, as the G-RAP was intended to be a supplement to the National Guard’s standard recruiting program.   

Beginning in 2007, MERCED and HARRISON abused their positions as members of the Army National Guard then serving as full-time salaried recruiters for the Army National Guard by providing the personal identifying information of potential soldiers to various RAs in exchange for thousands of dollars in kickbacks.  The RAs then used their respective online RA accounts to falsely claim that they were responsible for referring those soldiers to the New York Army National Guard.  After making those false claims, those RAs received referral bonus payments totaling more than $77,000 from the G-RAP, and kicked back a significant portion of those payments to MERCED and HARRISON. 

In addition to their prison terms, MERCED, 47, and HARRISON, 53, both of Charlotte, North Carolina, were each sentenced to two years of supervised release.  MERCED was also ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $28,000 and restitution in the amount of $77,000.  HARRISON was ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $10,250 and restitution in the amount of $77,000. 

Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Army Criminal Investigation Command. 

Statement From A.G. Schneiderman On Facebook/Cambridge Analytica

  “Consumers have a right to know how their information is used – and companies like Facebook have a fundamental responsibility to protect their users’ personal information.

“Today, along with Massachusetts Attorney General Healey, we sent a demand letter to Facebook – the first step in our joint investigation to get to the bottom of what happened.

“New Yorkers deserve answers, and if any company or individual violated the law, we will hold them accountable.” 

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Settlement With Adore Me Lingerie Company For Deceptive Advertising

AG’s Agreement Follows Separate $1.4 Million Settlement With FTC, Including $125,000 For New Yorkers 

Retailer Will Pay Additional $300,000 in Penalties, Fees, and Costs, As Well As Up To $63,000 More in Restitution for NY Consumers 

Settlement Requires Company To Reform Its Marketing Practices

  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced a settlement with lingerie retailer Adore Me, Inc. (“Adore Me”), following an investigation into the company’s business and advertising practices for its VIP Membership Program. The settlement resolves allegations that Adore Me deceptively marketed its VIP Membership Program to consumers for a $39.95 monthly fee—often by failing to adequately disclose the recurring monthly charges to consumers and leading them to believe that they could still use their accumulated store credit when they cancelled the program. In a separate settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), Adore Me agreed to pay $1.4 million in consumer restitution, of which New Yorkers will receive approximately $125,000. The Attorney General’s settlement requires the retailer to pay $300,000 in penalties, fees, and costs, as well as up to $63,000 in restitution to consumers.

“Adore Me misled customers – and we’re holding them to account” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “My office will continue to investigate companies that cheat New Yorkers out of their hard earned money through misleading advertisements.”

Adore Me offers consumers two methods to buy its merchandise: a pay-as-you-go option that does not require any further commitment, and a VIP Membership Program that enrolls consumer in a monthly fee-based program. While Adore Me’s VIP Membership Program offers consumers a discount on their initial purchase of merchandise, as well as discounted prices on future purchases each month, Adore Me charges consumers enrolled in the VIP Membership Program $39.95, unless, within the first five days of the month, the consumer “shops” and purchases merchandise or affirmatively clicks a button to “skip” buying merchandise that month. For those consumers who do not “shop” or “skip” during the required five-day period, Adore Me charges their credit or debit cards $39.95, which is then reflected as a store credit in the consumers’ Adore Me account. 

Adore Me marketed its VIP Membership Program to consumers without clearly and conspicuously disclosing the material terms and conditions. In addition, Adore Me told consumers that their store credits could be used at any time. However, until June 2016, Adore Me actually kept all credits of consumers who canceled their VIP Membership and still had store credit remaining in their online accounts at the time they cancelled. In addition, consumers often incurred monthly fees for several months without realizing that they had been enrolled in Adore Me’s VIP Membership Program. Even after consumers noticed these charges on their credit or debit card statements, many consumers experienced difficulties cancelling this fee-based membership program when they contacted Adore Me.

Adore Me recently reached a separate settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) for almost $1.4 million in consumer restitution. Under that settlement, consumers who forfeited store credit between May 1, 2015 and May 19, 2016 will receive a full refund. Under Adore Me’s settlement with the FTC, New York consumers will receive approximately $125,000 in restitution. 

In addition to those consumers who will receive restitution pursuant to the FTC’s settlement with Adore Me, the following categories of consumers are eligible to receive restitution under the Attorney General’s settlement:

• New York consumers who currently have store credit in an amount greater than twelve (12) months of VIP Membership Program charges;

• New York consumers who had store credit with Adore Me that they forfeited when they cancelled their VIP Memberships before May 1, 2015 or after May 19, 2016;

• New York consumers who cancelled their VIP Membership Program prior to June 2016 and satisfied certain criteria evidencing that they only spent store credit to avoid forfeiture of those store credits; and

• Any consumers who filed a complaint with the Attorney General’s office between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2017 stating that they were not aware or did not knowingly consent to being enrolled in the VIP Membership Program.

Under the terms of the settlement, Adore Me is required to notify consumers in writing that they are entitled to a refund. The company will issue refunds to the credit card, debit card, or bank account that consumers used to make their purchases from Adore Me. If, for any reason, the refund does not go through, Adore Me will mail consumers a refund check.

In addition to paying $300,000 in penalties, fees, and costs and up to an additional $63,000 in consumer restitution, Adore Me has agreed to several important reforms of its current business practices. These include:

• Reforming its online marketing practices to ensure consumers understand that they are enrolling in Adore Me’s fee-based VIP Membership Program;

• Obtaining the consumer’s express informed consent prior to billing any consumer for Adore Me’s VIP Membership Program;

• Providing consumers with a simple online mechanism to cancel their VIP Membership and promptly stop billing and collecting monthly payments; and

• Ceasing to charge consumers enrolled in its VIP Membership Program who have accumulated twelve (12) months of store credit.

MAYOR DE BLASIO CLOSES SCHOOLS FOR WEDNESDAY MARCH 21st

  In an announcement just in time for the 6 PM local news television shows NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced that due to predictions of up to TEN INCHES or more of snow for Wednesday that all NYC Public Schools will be closed. 

 The mayor added that while you may not see the snow during arrival time, it is expected to fall throughout the day thus leaving a very hazardous dismissal time. For the safety of the NYC Public School children, all Public Schools will therefore be closed on Wednesday March 21st. 

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND NYC & COMPANY ANNOUNCE NEW YORK CITY WELCOMED RECORD 62.8 MILLION VISITORS IN 2017

 2017 saw an increase of 2.3 million visitors over 2016, marking the eighth consecutive year of tourism growth

  Today, Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC & Company—New York City’s official destination marketing organization— announced that 2017 was the eighth consecutive year for record-breaking tourism, with the City welcoming an estimated 62.8 million visitors last year, an increase of 2.3 million visitors over 2016.  Visitation for 2017 was comprised of 49.7 million domestic and 13.1 million international visitors, both all-time highs.

“We’re keeping our door to the world open,” said Mayor de Blasio. “Even with all the headwinds from the White House, we attracted a record number of visitors to our city. That’s a testament to the strength of our tourism sector and the values of our city.”

“Despite geopolitical challenges and a travel ban that made our task of promoting tourism more challenging than ever, we are pleased to see that we overcame these hurdles to realize a consecutive eighth year of tourism growth in New York City, welcoming an all-time high of 62.8 million visitors last year. The strength from our Asia and South American markets helped offset drops in our traditional European core markets. At the same time, the City continued its constant trend of reinvention, always offering countless reasons to visit and discover all that our five boroughs only can offer, both iconic and new. And campaigns to counter the negative rhetoric such as New York City – Welcoming the World, reaffirmed our commitment to being an open and welcoming global capital,” saidNYC & Company President and CEO Fred Dixon.

In 2017, NYC & Company launched two campaigns, “New York City – Welcoming the World” and “True York City”, which helped position NYC as a must-visit destination despite challenges in the geopolitical climate and changes in travel policies. Overall, tourism last year grew 3.8 percent compared to 2016, when NYC welcomed 60.5 million visitors. Domestic visitation grew 3.9 percent, from 47.8 million visitors in 2016 to 49.7 million in 2017. International travel increased by 3.4 percent, from 12.7 million visitors in 2016 to 13.1 million in 2017.

"The world clearly loves New York, and we love our tourists - for the economic boost that comes with their visits as well as the excitement and energy that they bring to our streets. Our world-renowned attractions include the Theater District, Times Square and the High Line - and that's just in my Council district alone. I thank everyone for coming here and everyone who works to make those visitors feel at home in the Big Apple," said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

“Tourism continues to be a centerpiece of New York City’s economy, and we’re fortunate to continue to welcome record visitors year after year,” said NYC & Company Chairman Emily K Rafferty. “Despite headwinds we faced last year, the City’s unparalleled vibrancy and energy endured, drawing record visitors once again. I want to thank NYC & Company’s board and the organization’s 2,000 private member businesses for continuing to power City’s travel and tourism industry and for catapulting us to an eight straight year of growth.”

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES HAZARDOUS TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21

Winter Storm Warning in effect from midnight through early Thursday morning

Alternate Side Parking Regulations are suspended Wednesday, March 21 and Thursday, March 22; parking meters remain in effect

  The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a hazardous travel advisory for Wednesday, March 21. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for New York City in effect from midnight through 8 a.m. Thursday, March 22. According to the National Weather Service, a nor’easter is expected to bring a wintry mix of rain, sleet, and snow to the city. Precipitation begins as a mix of rain, sleet, and snow Tuesday evening and will transition to snow overnight into Wednesday. Snow will become steadier early Wednesday during the morning commute. The heaviest period of snow is forecast for Wednesdayafternoon through Wednesday night. Snow is expected to end early Thursday morning.  The National Weather Service currently predicts a total of more than 6 inches of snow, with the potential for up to between 12 and 16 inches possible.

High winds are also in the forecast, with sustained winds 20 mph to 30 mph, and gusts up to 45 mph. The strongest winds are expected throughout the day on Wednesday. High winds continue Thursday, before subsiding early Friday morning. Temperatures Wednesday are forecast to be around freezing, with wind chill values between 15 and 20 degrees during the day, and between 20 and 25 degrees late Wednesday. Temperatures increase into the low forties on Thursday.

A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel 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.

NYC Emergency Management also advises residents living in coastal areas to prepare for the potential for coastal flooding on Wednesday. The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory for the shorelines of Staten Island, Brooklyn and southern Queens in effect from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. Wednesday. Localized minor to moderate coastal flooding is possible with the hide tide cycles on Wednesday. New Yorkers living in coastal areas are advised to prepare as some roads and low-lying property may experience shallow flooding.

“The calendar may say spring, but winter is sticking around a little longer, as the fourth nor’easter in two weeks is forecast to bring snow that will make travel extremely hazardous,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “New Yorkers should take this storm seriously. If you have to go out, use mass transit where 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 nearly 1600 plows when more than two inches of snow accumulates, with additional plows available if necessary.

·         DSNY will assign 2,400 workers per shift to 12-hour shifts.

·         DSNY has 227,000 tons of rock salt on hand.

·         Normal garbage/recycling collections for Wednesday, March 21 may be delayed depending on snowfall amounts.

Department of Transportation

·         DOT will deploy more than 430 staffers Citywide with 389 pieces of equipment to address conditions. DOT will assist DSNY with snow removal starting Wednesday, March 21, at 7:00 a.m.

·         DOT’s Bridges Division will deploy anti-icing 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.

·         Alternate Side Parking Regulations are suspended for Wednesday, March 21, and Thursday March 22, to facilitate snow removal operations. Payment at parking meters will remain in effect throughout the city.

·         The Staten Island Ferry is operating on a regular schedule and crews are monitoring weather conditions. Passengers should allow extra travel time on Wednesday and Thursday, in the event of weather-related delays. Passengers are encouraged to monitor our Facebook page (fb.com/statenislandferry) and sign up for email alerts at nyc.gov/siferry for the most up to date information. Crews will pre-treat and clear walkways at the Staten Island Ferry terminals. 

Economic Development Corporation

·         NYC Ferry service is currently operating on a normal schedule; however, winter storm conditions may affect service. Riders should prepare for potential weather-related delays. Real-time service changes will be posted online at www.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, 160 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 of Housing Preservation & Development

Residential building owners are legally required to maintain indoor temperatures at 68 degrees when the temperatures fall below 55 degrees outside during the day and a minimum of 62 degrees indoors overnight, regardless of outdoor temperatures. If an apartment lacks appropriate heat, a tenant should first attempt to notify the building owner, managing agent or superintendent. If heat is not restored, the tenant should register an official complaint via 311. Tenants can call 311, visit 311 online at www.nyc.gov/311, or use the app 311Mobile (on Android and iOS devices) to file a complaint. Hearing-impaired tenants can register complaints via a Touchtone Device for the Deaf TDD at (212) 504-4115.

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 before and during the storm.

NYCHA

·         NYCHA’s Office of Emergency Management will activate its Situation Room to monitor the storm.

·         NYCHA Property Management will activate its snow preparation procedures to minimize impact of the storm.

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.

• If you live in a flood-prone area, keep materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand to help protect your home. 
• When outside, avoid walking and driving through flooded areas. As few as six inches of moving water can knock a person over. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. One or two feet of water can carry away a vehicle.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.

Safe Home Heating Tips

Improper use of portable heating equipment can lead to fire or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Take precautions to ensure you are heating your home safely.

Fire safety tips:

·         Make sure you have a working smoke alarm in every room. Test them at least once a month and change the batteries twice a year.

·         Use only portable heating equipment that is approved for indoor use. Space heaters are temporary heating devices and should only be used for a limited time each day.

·         Keep combustible materials, including furniture, drapes, and carpeting at least three feet away from the heat source. Never drape clothes over a space heater to dry them.

·         Never leave running space heaters unattended, especially around children. Always keep an eye on heating equipment. Turn it off when you are unable to closely monitor it.

·         Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip. Do not plug anything else into the same outlet when the space heater is in use. Do not use space heaters with frayed or damaged cords.

·         If you are going to use an electric blanket, only use one that is less than 10 years old from the date of purchase. Also avoid tucking the electric blanket in at the sides of the bed. Only purchase blankets with an automatic safety shut-off.

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

·         Carbon monoxide comes from the burning of fuel. Therefore, make sure all fuel-burning devices such as furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters, and clothes dryers are properly vented to the outdoors and operating properly. If you are not sure, contact a professional to inspect and make necessary repairs.

·         Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector. Most homes and residential buildings in New York City are required by law to have carbon monoxide detectors installed near all sleeping areas. Owners are responsible for installing approved carbon monoxide detectors. Occupants are responsible for keeping and maintaining the carbon monoxide detectors in good repair.

·         Keep fireplace chimneys clean and clear of debris.

·         Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven, charcoal barbecue grill, kerosene, propane, or oil-burning heaters. Kerosene heaters and propane space heaters are illegal in New York City.

·         The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are non-specific and include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, trouble breathing, and loss of consciousness. Severe poisonings may result in permanent injury or death.

If a carbon monoxide detector goes off in your home get outside immediately and call 911. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get outside immediately and call 911. For more fire safety information, visit FDNYsmart.org.