ADAMS ADMINISTRATION RELEASES SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILL OF RIGHTS, FURTHER ENSHRINING RIGHT TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND ABORTION CARE IN NYC

 

Enshrines Right to Dignified, Respectful, and Compassionate Sexual Reproductive Health Care for All 

 

New York City Abortion Access Hub Has Served Nearly 3,500 People Since Launch, More Than 600 Patients Have Accessed No-Cost Medication Abortion at City’s Sexual Health Clinics 

 

NYC Health + Hospitals’ Virtual ExpressCare Telehealth Abortion Service Allows Patients in NYC to Speak With Providers On-Demand via Video or Phone From Comfort of Own Home 

 

As the right to access abortion care has been stripped away from over one-third of U.S. women, New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the city is further enshrining its commitment to reproductive rights, releasing the Sexual and Reproductive Bill of Rights. This Bill of Rights defines health as inclusive of access to sexual health care, birth control, gender-affirming health care, and abortion services, and will help ensure that all patients in New York City are protected from discrimination and harassment related to their sexual and reproductive health care decisions. The Sexual and Reproductive Bill of Rights will be distributed to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s (DOHMH) network of health care providers, advocacy groups, and partner organizations across the city to share with patients.  

 

“Two years ago, the Supreme Court stripped women of the right to control their own bodies, and since then, cities and states across the country have worked tirelessly to completely limit abortion access to Americans,” said Mayor Adams. “As much of the nation continues their attacks on abortion care, we won’t ever allow this right to be stripped away here in New York City. We are issuing a Sexual and Reproductive Health Bill of Rights today to do everything in our power to ensure abortion and reproductive health care remain available to residents and visitors alike. This is about protecting women’s choices and their freedoms.” 

 

 “New York City has acted to protect reproductive rights and has strengthened access to services through the Abortion Access Hub and other programs launched by DOHMH and NYC Health + Hospitals,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “With the release of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Bill of Rights, we are communicating clearly with providers all across the city about what is right and just in a health care environment. Patients and providers alike can now have more clarity in these care conversations and know that New York City stands with them at each step along the way.”

    

“While rights to reproductive health for women, transgender, and gender expansive people are eroded nationally, this administration is a leader in ensuring all New Yorkers receive necessary health care,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “This Sexual and Reproductive Health Bill of Rights will enshrine the right to comprehensive reproductive health and family planning, continuing the promise of ‘Women Forward NYC’ to help all women, including transgender and gender expansive New Yorkers, thrive.” 

 

“Abortion care is health care, health care is a human right, and New Yorkers, and all Americans, have a right to exercise their rights by making health care decisions about their own bodies,” said DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “Abortion remains legal in New York, but we know that protected rights are necessary, but not sufficient, to guarantee access to care. Knowing your rights and exercising these rights is just as important. That is why the city is launching the Sexual and Reproductive Health Bill of Rights and bringing additional abortion services online — to provide support that helps people navigate multiple barriers to care. Everyone deserves to receive reproductive health care in a safe, high-quality, dignified environment.”  

 

“NYC Health + Hospitals is proud to offer safe and legal abortion care,” said Marisa Nádas, MD, MPH, reproductive health clinical lead, NYC Health + Hospitals, and associate medical director, Virtual ExpressCare. “By offering telehealth abortion services and patient navigation support to people seeking abortion care, as well as abortion care at all of our hospital-based clinics, we are overcoming many of the non-medical barriers people face in accessing care. We are committed to striving for reproductive justice for all New Yorkers.” 

 

In 2022, in its Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal right to access safe, legal abortion care nationwide. Since that decision, New York City has introduced a range of services to protect and fulfill the local right to access abortion care. Since launching the New York City Abortion Access Hub in November 2022, more than 3,500 callers and over 790 chatters have been directed to reproductive health services and resources through NYC Health + Hospitals and providers throughout New York City: 

 

•   More than a third of all callers request a Spanish-speaking navigator and a majority of callers identify as Hispanic or Latino. 
•   A majority of callers shared that they make less than $25,000 a year. 
•   Most callers live in New York City.  
•   Over 600 callers reported living outside the state and more than a third of those callers were from Texas.  

 

Anyone in need of abortion services or support in accessing care can receive referrals by calling 877-NYC-AHUB (877-692-2482). For those who might prefer to start the conversation over text, there is now a chat feature to connect them to a phone operator. 

 

The city — alongside health care providers, patients, and dedicated supporters of reproductive care — has weathered ongoing attempts to restrict access to mifepristone, one of two drugs used for the past 23 years in medication abortion and has continued to support unfettered access to this safe and effective medication. In August 2022, Mayor Adams signed legislation enabling access to no cost medication abortion at DOHMH sexual health clinics. The service has expanded to the Jamaica and Central Harlem Sexual Health clinics after launching in Morrisania in January 2023. As a result, in 2023: 

 

•   627 medication abortion services were provided at the city’s sexual health clinics, 

•   Most patients were New York City residents, with residents of the Bronx and Queens representing half of all medication abortion visits, and 
•   More than 60 percent of medication abortion patients were uninsured.  

 

In October 2023, NYC Health + Hospitals launched telehealth abortion access through Virtual ExpressCare — becoming the first public health system in the nation to do so. Patients in New York City seeking abortion care can schedule a Virtual ExpressCare appointment to speak with a New York state-licensed health care professional by video or phone, on-demand, for an assessment and counseling. If clinically appropriate and prescribed, patients will be able to receive a medication abortion kit at their New York City address within a few days. This service is available seven days a week, between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM, and will provide patients with access to safe, legal abortion care. Patients can access telehealth abortion care online or by calling (718) 360-8981.  

 

This effort comes of the heels of Women Forward NYC: An Action Plan for Gender Equity, a more than $43 million investment aimed at making New York City a national leader on gender equity, including for transgender and gender expansive New Yorkers, with the ambitious goal of becoming the most women-forward city in the United States. Supported through city dollars, private and public partnerships, academic institutions, and federal grant funding, the action plan addresses gender disparities by connecting women to professional development and higher-paying jobs; dismantling barriers to sexual, reproductive, and chronic health care; reducing gender-based violence against women; and providing holistic housing services, including for formerly incarcerated women and domestic and gender-based violence survivors.  

 

Costa Rica Man Arrested For Sweepstakes Fraud And Impersonation Of Federal Government Officials

 

Federico Hernandez Gamboa, Along With Other Members of the Fraud Scheme, Impersonated Federal Government Officials to Induce Elderly Victims to Pay Approximately $4.3 Million

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the unsealing of a Complaint charging FEDERICO HERNANDEZ GAMBOA with conspiring to commit wire fraud, conspiring to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to defraud elderly victims by convincing them that they had won millions of dollars in a sweepstakes lottery that could only be collected after they paid millions of dollars’ worth of supposed taxes and fees.  GAMBOA was arrested on February 10, 2024, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas.  He will be presented before the Honorable Dena Hanovice Palermo in the Southern District of Texas.    

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Federico Hernandez Gamboa defrauded numerous elderly victims who were lured into thinking that they had won life-changing prizes in a sweepstakes lottery, of millions of dollars.  By allegedly impersonating high-ranking federal government officials, Gamboa and others convinced victims that they had to pay supposed taxes and fees in order to claim their sweepstakes winnings.  Scammers who target vulnerable elderly men and women to line their own pockets, take note – you will be held accountable.” 

As alleged in the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court:[1]

From at least August 2020 through at least May 2023, GAMBOA and others contacted elderly victims while claiming to be high-ranking federal government officials, including the Chief of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the Deputy Director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, and others, to convince victims that they had won large cash prizes as part of a sweepstakes lottery.  GAMBOA and others induced the victims to wire millions of dollars in supposed taxes and fees associated with their sweepstakes winnings to bank accounts controlled by members of the fraud scheme.  GAMBOA and others then wired most of the money to bank accounts in Costa Rica. 

Members of the fraud scheme also induced victims to send their personal identifying information, which GAMBOA and others used to create fake identification cards.  They also forged victims’ names on loan agreements that they submitted to financial institutions in order to persuade those institutions that the fraudulently obtained funds belonged to them.

The victims collectively sent approximately $4.3 million in fraud proceeds to bank accounts controlled by members of the fraud scheme, approximately $664,000 of which was sent directly to bank accounts controlled by GAMBOA.

GAMBOA, 51, of San Jose, Costa Rica, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory prison term of two years that must run consecutively to any other prison term.  

The maximum and mandatory 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 a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the exceptional investigative work of the Special Agents and Analysts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and thanked the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their assistance with the investigation.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda C. Weingarten is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

Former Iranian-Owned Boeing Aircraft Successfully Returned to the United States

 

The Department of Justice today completed enforcement of a final order for forfeiture of a U.S.-manufactured Boeing 747 cargo plane, previously owned by Mahan Air, a sanctioned Iranian airline affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).

On Feb. 11, the government of Argentina transferred physical custody of the aircraft to the United States pursuant to the final order of forfeiture, which was issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on May 3, 2023, which rests all right, title, and interest in the aircraft in the United States of America. The Boeing 747 cargo plane arrived in the Southern District of Florida where it will be prepared for disposition.

“The seized American-built aircraft was transferred by a sanctioned Iranian airline in a transaction that violated U.S. export control laws and directly benefited the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is a designated terrorist organization,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that the full force of U.S. laws deny hostile state actors the means to engage in malign activities that threaten our national security.”

“Mahan Air – known to ferry weapons and fighters for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hizballah – violated our export restrictions by selling this airplane to a Venezuelan cargo airline.  Now, it’s property of the United States government,” said Assistant Secretary of Export Enforcement’s Matthew S. Axelrod. “This seized airplane’s arrival in the United States is a powerful example of our unceasing efforts to prevent Iran and its proxies from leveraging and profiting from U.S. technology.”

“The United States’ forfeiture of the Boeing 747 cargo plane culminates over 18 months of planning, coordination, and execution by the United States government and our Argentine counterparts,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “Bad actors – both near and far – are on alert that the United States will use all its tools to hold those who violate our laws to account.  The successful seizure of the Boeing 747 underscores our commitment to prevent the illegal exportation of U.S. technologies and enforce U.S. export control laws.”

“Using a whole-of-government approach, we have worked with our international partners to forfeit a plane transferred by Iranian entities in violation of U.S. sanctions and export control laws,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “Foreign adversaries – seeking to illegally use American-made products to further their endeavors – need to know that the United States government will work with the international community to hold them accountable for their illegal conduct. The United States appreciates the collaboration with our Argentinian law enforcement and judicial partners.” 

“The transfer of this plane to U.S. custody is the final step in the long process to bring this case to its rightful conclusion,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI's National Security Branch “The FBI, along with our federal government and international partners, used every tool under our authorities to hold the Iranian government and their affiliates accountable for violating U.S. laws.”

The plane was previously detained by Argentine law enforcement. On July 19, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a seizure warrant for the aircraft, which Argentine authorities promptly enforced. On Oct. 20, 2022, in support of its ongoing criminal investigation, the United States filed a civil forfeiture complaint alleging that the aircraft’s transfer from Mahan Air to Empresa de Transporte Aéreocargo del Sur, S.A. (EMTRASUR), a Venezuelan cargo airline and subsidiary of Consorcio Venezolano de Industrias Aeronáuticas y Servicios Aéreos, S.A (CONVIASA), a Venezuelan state-owned company, violated U.S. export control laws. As alleged, Mahan Air was subject to a Department of Commerce Temporary Denial Order, which prohibited, among other things, Mahan Air from engaging in any transactions involving any commodity exported from the United States that is subject to the Export Administration Regulations. The complaint further alleged that the unauthorized transfer of this aircraft directly benefited the IRGC-QF.

According to court documents, the registered captain of the aircraft was an ex-commander for the IRGC and a shareholder and member of the board of a second sanctioned Iranian airline, Qeshm Fars Air, affiliated with the IRGC-QF. Argentinian law enforcement also recovered a Mahan Air flight log documenting the aircraft’s flights after the unlawful transfer to EMTRASUR and confirmed additional violations of U.S. export control laws between February and May 2022 when EMTRASUR reexported the aircraft between Caracas, Venezuela; Tehran, Iran; and Moscow, Russia, without U.S. Government authorization.  

This matter is being investigated by the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security’s Miami Field Office and the FBI Miami Field Office.

Attorney General James Secures Full Refunds for New Yorkers Wrongfully Charged for COVID-19 Vaccines

 

Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care Refunded Nearly $15,000 to Patients and Will Pay $25,000 in Penalties

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office has secured full refunds for hundreds of New Yorkers who were wrongfully billed for COVID-19 vaccines by Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care (Northwell-GoHealth) clinics. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Northwell-GoHealth wrongly charged up to 731 patients for COVID-19 vaccines, resulting in patients paying a total of $14,996.05 in improper fees. Northwell-GoHealth also sent 72 unpaid bills for COVID-19 vaccines to collections. As a result of the agreement announced today, Northwell-GoHealth has reimbursed all New Yorkers who were wrongly charged, will strengthen employee compliance with applicable laws for COVID-19 vaccine billing, and will pay a $25,000 penalty.

“During the pandemic state of emergency, COVID-19 vaccines were free to all who wanted them,” said Attorney General James. “Clinics should be careful in ensuring that New Yorkers were not improperly charged fees for these vaccines and should take steps to refund any payments wrongfully charged and received. I encourage anyone who believes they may have been billed for a COVID-19 vaccine that was supposed to be free to reach out to my office.”

The OAG launched an investigation into Northwell-GoHealth, which operates 57 urgent care clinics in the state, following complaints from New Yorkers who received and paid bills for COVID-19 vaccines. Under the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Provider Agreement regarding COVID-19 vaccine distribution, which was in effect until September 12, 2023, providers such as Northwell-GoHealth were required to administer COVID-19 vaccines at no out-of-pocket cost to the patient.

Due to administrative errors, Northwell-GoHealth instead charged as many as 731 New Yorkers who received COVID-19 vaccines at their clinics approximately $28 per vaccine dose. As a result, 451 patients or their guarantors made out-of-pocket payments to satisfy charges they should not have received, and unpaid accounts associated with 72 vaccine doses were sent to collections for reimbursement.

Under the agreement announced today, Northwell-GoHealth has refunded a total of $14,996.05 to all patients or guarantors who were improperly charged for vaccine administration and will notify all impacted consumers either of the refund or of the wrongful charge. In addition, the clinics have agreed to strengthen their billing practices to ensure that future COVID-19 vaccine appointments at Northwell-GoHealth clinics do not result in improper charges to patients.

If New Yorkers are aware of providers improperly charging consumers a fee for administration of the COVID-19 vaccine, they should submit a complaint to OAG’s Health Care Bureau or call 1-800-428-9071.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Extreme Weather Forecast

 Governor Hochul: “People have been accustomed to a fairly mild winter, so take all the necessary precautions. Stay tuned to your news. If you can work remotely, that's great. Make sure that our roads are clear for the plows as always.”

First, I'd like to begin with the acknowledgement that Mother Nature is sending her love our way for Valentine's Day in the form of a massive snowstorm. We are expecting to see in Long Island and New York City, six to eight inches. The Hudson Valley and Catskills, anywhere from eight to 12 inches, and up to 18 in some places. Capital Region, two to six inches.

So, greatest impact will be on tomorrow's commute. Downstate, Mayor Adams has already told schools they'll be working remotely – much of the chagrin of the children. And heavy wet snow is expected on Long Island.

So, we are in for this once again. People have been accustomed to a fairly mild winter, so take all the necessary precautions. Stay tuned to your news. If you can work remotely, that's great. Make sure that our roads are clear for the plows as always. So, stay tuned for more details, but again, letting Mother Nature know she loves us by sending us a major snowstorm.

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR MONDAY NIGHT INTO TUESDAY FOR SNOW, GUSTY WINDS, AND MINOR COASTAL FLOODING

 

Alternate Side Parking will be Suspended on Tuesday, Meters Are Still in Effect  

NYC Public Schools will Pivot to Remote Learning 

The New York City Emergency Management Department has issued a Travel Advisory for Monday night, February 12 into Tuesday, February 13. A Winter Storm Watch is in effect citywide from 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday. The latest National Weather Service forecast calls for the possibility of 5 to 8 inches of snow at rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. This may result in difficult travel alongside low visibility, especially for the morning commute tomorrow. New Yorkers are urged to remain off the roads to allow crews to operate and respond to weather conditions.  

Precipitation is expected to start off as rain around midnight tonight. Snow begins to mix in around 3:00 to 4:00 a.m. and transitions to all snow around 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. Snowfall will be heaviest toward daybreak and steadily continue through the morning, ending in the early afternoon. The precise storm track and location of heaviest snow banding remains uncertain. Snowfall totals may change leading up to and during the event.   

Gusty northeast winds of 30 to 40 mph are also expected tomorrow morning into the afternoon, reducing visibility due to blowing snow. Widespread minor coastal flooding is also possible during high tides tomorrow morning. Tides are expected to peak around 11:00 a.m. in the NY Harbor and Jamaica Bay, and around 2:00 p.m. in the Long Island Sound. 

“With several inches of snow, poor visibility on the roads, and possible coastal flooding heading our way, New Yorkers should prepare in advance of tomorrow’s storm and take the necessary precautions to remain safe,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “All relevant city agencies have been activated and are prepared to handle whatever comes our way, but we’re asking New Yorkers to do their part, too. If you do not have to be on the roads tomorrow, please stay home, and, if you’re a property owner, remember to clear your sidewalks. As a reminder, New Yorkers should sign up for Notify NYC to keep up to date on winter weather.” 

 

“NYC Emergency Management has issued a Travel Advisory due to a significant winter storm forecasted to impact the region," said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “We have mobilized a comprehensive response with our city agencies and utility partners, but while we are preparing for any eventuality, I urge New Yorkers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary for their safety and to allow our Sanitation Department (DSNY) crews and first responders to navigate the storm and reach those in need more quickly. Please stay informed through Notify NYC to navigate potential travel disruptions and to be able to get around safely. As always, let's not forget to check on our family and neighbors who might need extra support at this time.” 

 

"Thousands of New York’s Strongest are prepared to spread salt on every street in the City and plow snow when accumulations hit 2 inches or more,” said Jessica Tisch, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Sanitation. “With state-of-the-art snow fighting technology and the largest Sanitation Worker headcount in two decades, DSNY has never been more prepared to fight snow. We won’t stop until every street is safe and clear, and we urge all New Yorkers to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary to give our plows and spreaders the space they need to do their critical work.” 

  

NYC Emergency Management has proactively activated the City's Winter Weather Emergency Plan in response to the forecasted conditions. This includes conducting coordination calls with the National Weather Service and city and state agencies and utility partners, and bolstering staffing at the Emergency Operations Center, which is already operational due to the city's ongoing asylum seeker operations. The administration announced that Alternate Side Parking Regulations will be suspended tomorrow, Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Payment at parking meters will remain in effect throughout the city. 

  

As part of the Winter Weather Emergency Plan, the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) will be issuing a Snow Alert and is pre-deploying over 700 salt spreaders to pretreat roadways ahead of the first snowflake and is prepared to dispatch plows in all sectors when more than two inches of snow accumulates. During a Snow Alert, the Department collaborates closely with NYC Emergency Management and the Department of Transportation to implement snow clearing protocols, adhering to the detailed snow plans established by each agency. DSNY will be tracking operations via its new Bladerunner 2.0 platform, allowing real-time adjustments as conditions require. Every street is on a route and, for the first time, every route can be dispatched at the same time. 

 

While the NYC Department of Sanitation clears streets and bike lanes, property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks. As a reminder, property owners, including restaurants with outdoor dining structures, may not push snow into the street, including bike lanes. This impedes snow clearing operations and is illegal. Snow may be moved against the building, to the curb line, or areas on private property. Sidewalks should be passable for all pedestrians, including a minimum 4-foot clear path, where possible. While property owners are not required to clear bus stops, the Department of Sanitation suggests that property owners clear a path from the sidewalk to the curb at the bus stop. The fine for the initial failure to clear sidewalks summons is $100 for the first offense, $150 for the second offense and $250 for the third offense.  

 

The NYC Department of Homeless Services has issued a Code Blue and outreach teams will canvass all five boroughs to connect our most vulnerable New Yorkers to shelters. No one who is homeless and seeking shelter in New York City during a Code Blue will be denied. For the most immediate response, New Yorkers who see individuals they believe to be experiencing homelessness and in need should contact 311 via phone or mobile app and request outreach assistance. 

  

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 NYC.gov/311, or use the 311 mobile app (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. 

 

NYCEM urges all New Yorkers to prioritize their safety by remaining alert and well-informed, including with real-time updates by subscribing to Notify NYC and listening to news broadcasts for the latest weather information. NYCEM strongly encourages all New Yorkers to take proactive steps to ensure their own safety and support the city’s resilience: 

  

•   NYCEM offers New Yorkers tips on staying safe before, during, and after winter storms at on.nyc.gov/winterweather.  
•   Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the city will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications online or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter. 
•   Allow for extra travel time and expect delays with little to no notice. Use public transportation whenever possible. 
•   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. 
•   Shivering is an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Shivering is a signal to return indoors. Pedestrians should 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. Older New Yorkers and those with disabilities, access, and functional needs should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.  
•   Be safe at work. Workers who spend a lot of time outdoors are at risk for cold-related health impacts. If you are an employer, implement safe work practices, provide appropriate protective equipment, and train workers on how to stay safe during cold and winter weather. 
•   If you must drive, drive slowly. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible. Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections. 
•   Always have an emergency kit in your car. It should include items like blankets, a flashlight, water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a snow shovel. 
•   Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.  
•   If you require assistance for daily activities, make arrangements in advance for support during the expected weather, ensuring caregivers are aware of and prepared for the weather conditions. 
•   Charge your phones and keep a flashlight and batteries handy. If you lose power and have a disability and/or use life-sustaining equipment and need immediate assistance, call 911. 
•   To report power outages, downed power lines or damaged electrical equipment, call your power provider immediately to report the outage. Con Edison’s 24-hour hotline is 800-75-CONED (752-6633) (TTY: 800-642-2308). You can also report an outage online on Con Edison's website. National Grid’s 24-hour hotline is 718-643-4050 (TTY: 718-237-2857). PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour hotline is 800-490-0025 (TTY: 631-755-6660). 

 

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/SevereWeather. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the city’s free emergency notification system, to stay informed about the latest weather updates and other emergencies. Notify NYC is available in 14 languages, including American Sign Language. To learn more about the Notify NYC program or to sign up, New Yorkers can visit the Notify NYC website, call 311, or download the free Notify NYC app for your Android or Apple device. You can now text to 692-692, using the code NOTIFYNYC, NOTIFYNYCESP (Spanish), and NOTIFYFRE (French) to be instantly enrolled to receive the highest priority, verified alerts across all the five boroughs.