Justice Department Files Nationwide Lawsuit Alleging Walgreens Knowingly Filled Millions of Prescriptions that Lacked a Legitimate Medical Purpose

 

In a civil complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the Justice Department alleges that Walgreens Boots Alliance, Walgreen Co. and various subsidiaries (collectively, Walgreens) dispensed millions of unlawful prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and then sought reimbursement for many of these prescriptions from various federal health care programs in violation the False Claims Act (FCA). Walgreens is one of the country’s largest pharmacy chains, with over 8,000 pharmacies across the United States.

“This lawsuit seeks to hold Walgreens accountable for the many years that it failed to meet its obligations when dispensing dangerous opioids and other drugs,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Our complaint alleges that Walgreens pharmacists filled millions of controlled substance prescriptions with clear red flags that indicated the prescriptions were highly likely to be unlawful, and that Walgreens systematically pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions, including controlled substance prescriptions, without taking the time needed to confirm their validity. These practices allowed millions of opioid pills and other controlled substances to flow illegally out of Walgreens stores.”

The government’s complaint alleges that, from approximately August 2012 through the present, Walgreens knowingly filled millions of prescriptions for controlled substances that lacked a legitimate medical purpose, were not valid, and/or were not issued in the usual course of professional practice. Among the millions of unlawful prescriptions that Walgreens allegedly filled were prescriptions for dangerous and excessive quantities of opioids, prescriptions for early refills of opioids and prescriptions for the especially dangerous and abused combination of drugs known as the “trinity,” which is made up of an opioid, a benzodiazepine and a muscle relaxant.

The complaint alleges that Walgreens pharmacists filled these prescriptions despite clear “red flags” that indicated that the prescriptions were highly likely to be unlawful. Walgreens allegedly ignored substantial evidence from multiple sources that its stores were dispensing unlawful prescriptions, including from its own pharmacists and internal data.

The complaint further alleges that Walgreens systematically pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions quickly without taking the time needed to confirm each prescription’s validity. Walgreens also allegedly deprived its pharmacists of crucial information, including by preventing pharmacists from warning one another about certain prescribers.

The complaint alleges that by knowingly filling unlawful prescriptions for controlled substances, Walgreens violated the CSA and, where Walgreens sought reimbursement from federal health care programs, also violated the FCA. The complaint alleges that Walgreens’s actions helped to fuel the prescription opioid crisis and that, in some particularly tragic instances, patients died after overdosing on opioids shortly after filling unlawful prescriptions at Walgreens. If Walgreens is found liable, it could face civil penalties of up to $80,850 for each unlawful prescription filled in violation of the CSA and treble damages and applicable penalties for each prescription paid by federal programs in violation of the FCA. The court also may award injunctive relief to prevent Walgreens from committing further CSA violations.

“As alleged in the complaint, Walgreens continually disregarded its obligations under the Controlled Substances Act and False Claims Act by illegally dispensing powerful controlled substances and unlawfully seeking reimbursement from federal health care programs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. “These laws are critically important in protecting our communities from the dangers of the opioid epidemic. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that opioids are properly dispensed and that taxpayer funds are only spent on legitimate pharmacy claims.”

“The damage caused by the opioid crisis continues to reverberate in the Middle District of Florida and around the country,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “The filing of this civil complaint is a major step in our continued effort to confront those responsible for the harm they have done to our communities.”

“Pharmacies play a critical role in ensuring that only lawful controlled substance prescriptions are dispensed – Walgreens failed to do just that,” said U.S. Attorney Erek Barron for the District of Maryland. “We are committed to holding Walgreens accountable for its role in the opioid epidemic that has devastated communities across the country, including in Maryland.”

“This country is in the midst of a serious opioid epidemic, and New York is no exception,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Carolyn Pokorny for the Eastern District of New York. “Walgreens, which operates one of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States, including nearly 300 pharmacies in the Eastern District of New York during the relevant time period, repeatedly ignored its obligations to ensure that these drugs did not fall into the wrong hands. My office will continue to work with others in the Justice Department to combat the opioid crisis by holding pharmacies that fill unlawful prescriptions accountable.”

“This announcement demonstrates that we are doubling down on our commitment to both combat the opioid crisis and enforce corporate accountability,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Maya D. Song for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We will continue to work with colleagues across the nation to confront these issues and deter pharmacies from failing to honor their obligation to ensure that these powerful drugs are provided only to those with a true medical need.”

“Walgreens and its pharmacists have an obligation to ensure that every prescription they fill is legitimate and issued responsibly. As this lawsuit alleges, Walgreens failed in this obligation, and many times ignored the red flags that warned of suspicious prescribing practices,” said DEA Principal Deputy Administrator George Papadopoulos. “Walgreens placed the public in danger by disregarding their responsibility.  DEA will continue to pursue any individual or corporation that chooses profit over patient safety and we will hold them accountable.”

“Millions of Americans enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, and other public health care programs count on pharmacies to dispense drugs responsibly. When pharmacies disregard federal laws and put profits ahead of patients, they endanger Americans’ health and compromise taxpayer dollars,” said Deputy Inspector General Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG remains diligent in pursuing entities involved in unlawful behavior that abuses the public’s trust in health care services.”

Four different whistleblowers who previously worked for Walgreens in various parts of the country filed whistleblower actions under the qui tam provisions of the FCA. Those provisions authorize private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in any recovery. The Act permits the United States to intervene and take over such lawsuits, as it has done here. The four cases have been consolidated and are captioned United States ex rel. Novak v. Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. No. 18 C 5452 (NDIL).

The United States’ intervention in this matter underscores the government’s commitment to combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant Director Amy DeLine, Senior Litigation Counsel Donald Lorenzen and Trial Attorney Nicole Frazer of the Justice Department’s Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant Director Natalie Waites and Trial Attorney Joshua Barron of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie R. Raedy for the Northern District of Illinois, Chief of the Civil Division Randy Harwell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Tapie for the Middle District of Florida, Chief of the Civil Division Thomas Corcoran for the District of Maryland, Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot M. Schachner for the Eastern District of New York and Assistant U.S. Attorney Clare Wuerker for the Eastern District of Virginia.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Colorado and the Southern District of California, the DEA, HHS-OIG, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Defense Health Agency (DHA), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Inspector General and FBI Chicago Field Office provided substantial assistance in the investigation.

The Justice Department is committed to holding responsible those who have fueled the opioid crisis by violating the law. In March 2023, the Associate Attorney General announced the creation of the Opioid Epidemic Civil Litigation Task Force, which formalizes and enhances coordination of the department’s existing work and will consider new initiatives. Because of the scope and duration of the crisis, the Task Force includes U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, DEA and other department components. The Task Force steers the department’s civil litigation efforts involving actors alleged to have contributed to the opioid epidemic, including by diverting prescription opioids.

The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.

Additional information about the Fraud Section of the Civil Division and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/fraud-section.

For information about the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, visit:

• Middle District of Florida, justice.gov/usao-mdfl;
• Northern District of Illinois, justice.gov/usao-ndil;
• District of Maryland, justice.gov/usao-md;
• Eastern District of New York, justice.gov/usao-edny; and
• Eastern District of Virginia, justice.gov/usao-edva.

For information about the federal agencies involved in this investigation and their work to combat the opioid crisis and federal health care fraud, visit:

• DEA at dea.gov;
• FBI at fbi.gov;
• HHS at hhs.gov
• DHA at health.mil/About-MHS/OASDHA/Defense-Health-Agency
• OPM at opm.gov
• DOL at dol.gov

Attorney General James Urges Supreme Court to Uphold Funding Program for Broadband Access in Rural Communities

 

24 AGs File Amicus Brief in Support of the Universal Service Fund that Helps Fund Communications Services for Rural Schools, Libraries, and Health Care Providers

New York Attorney General Letitia James urged the Supreme Court to uphold a funding program that supports broadband access in rural communities across the country. The Universal Service Fund (USF) supports internet, phone, and communications services for rural communities, schools, and low-income users. In an amicus brief filed in FCC v. Consumers’ Research, a coalition of 24 attorneys general argues that many rural schools, libraries, and health care providers have relied on the USF to operate and, without the USF, communities will lose access to critical resources.

“Thousands of schools, libraries, and health care facilities across the country rely on funding from the FCC’s Universal Service Fund to operate, and shutting it down would have devastating consequences,” said Attorney General James. “This program has been a crucial lifeline to provide phone and internet services to rural communities who need it and that is why my office is fighting to keep it. I am proud to join my fellow attorneys general in urging the Supreme Court to uphold this critical program that has helped millions nationwide.” 

The USF was established as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to subsidize the infrastructure necessary to provide nationwide communications services. The USF is operated by the FCC, which has appointed the Universal Service Administrative Company, or USAC, a not-for-profit corporation to help the FCC administer the fund. Last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that the funding structure underlying the FCC’s USF is unconstitutional. 

In the brief filed, the attorneys general argue that the USF has been successful in achieving the goals Congress intended for the program. Additionally, the coalition argues that the framework Congress created to manage the USF has benefited schools, libraries, rural health care providers, tribes, and low-income users. Without the USF, many low-income and rural communities may experience disruptions in telecommunications services that are necessary for daily activities. Cash-strapped schools may lose the chance to provide their students with the basic resources they need to thrive in the modern world and health care in rural communities may be harder to access and outcomes will be poorer.

Joining Attorney General James in filing today’s brief are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, the Maine Office of the Public Advocate, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia.

Mexican National Extradited to the United States for Involvement in an International Human Smuggling Operation

Extensive coordination and cooperation efforts between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities resulted in the extradition of a human smuggler who allegedly participated in an international human smuggling conspiracy.

Monica Hernandez-Palma, also known as Moni, 32, a Mexican national, was arrested in Mexico pursuant to a U.S. request for her extradition and surrendered by Mexico to U.S. authorities to face charges previously filed in the Western District of Texas. Hernandez-Palma made her initial appearance in the Western District of Texas, where an indictment against her was unsealed.

According to the indictment, beginning in November 2020 and continuing through September 2023, Hernandez-Palma conspired with others to bring and attempt to bring migrants to the United States illegally for commercial advantage and private financial gain.

Hernandez-Palma is charged with one count of conspiracy to bring a migrant to the United States at a place other than a designated port of entry and three counts of bringing a migrant to the United States without authorization and for purpose of commercial advantage and private financial gain. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent S. Wible, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas; and Special Agent in Charge Craig S. Larrabee of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio made the announcement.

The Office of the Assistant Special Agent in Charge HSI Del Rio investigated this case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol Del Rio Sector, HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center.

Trial Attorney Jenna Reed of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Holly Pavlinski for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Mexico. The Justice Department thanks its Mexican law enforcement partners, who were instrumental in arresting and extraditing Hernandez-Palma.

The investigation and prosecution of Hernandez-Palma is being coordinated through the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA was created in June 2021 by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, in partnership with Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, to strengthen the Justice Department’s efforts to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous smuggling emanating from Central America and impacting our border communities. JTFA’s goal is to disrupt and dismantle human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, with a focus on networks that endanger, abuse, or exploit migrants, present national security risks, or engage in other types of transnational organized crime.

Since its creation, JTFA has successfully increased coordination and collaboration between the Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security, and other U.S. law enforcement agencies, and with foreign law enforcement partners, including in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico; targeted those organizations that have the most impact on the United States; and coordinated significant human smuggling indictments and extradition efforts in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. In June, the initiative was expanded to Colombia and Panama to combat human smuggling in the Darién. JTFA is comprised of detailees from southwest border U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, including the Southern and Western Districts of Texas, District of New Mexico, District of Arizona, and Southern District of California. Dedicated support for the program is also provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division that are part of JTFA, led by HRSP and supported by the Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; OIA; and Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.

This investigation is also supported by the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks or raise grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT also coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

NEW LEGISLATIVE SESSION:

A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR RIVERA

A new beginning. Watch Senator Rivera's video as the Legislature embarks on a new legislative year.

SENATOR RIVERA VISITS THE SALVADORI CENTER AT PS 105

This week, Senator Rivera visited PS 105, a school located on Pelham Parkway in the southern part of his district to learn about the Salvadori Center Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts/Architecture, and Math (STEAM) programming. The Senator had the opportunity to explore the center's curriculum, meet with students currently enrolled in the program, and hear about their experiences and accomplishments. This school is at the forefront of STEAM education, empowering students to explore and engage with science, technology, engineering, art/architecture and math in innovative ways. Senator Rivera was proud of the innovative education the children are receiving and grateful for the warm welcome. Keep it going teachers, staff, parents and students!

This week, Senator Rivera participated in an hour-long Health Policy class moderated by the esteemed Dr. Douglas York at the New York Medical College. During the session, a select group of four year medical students with a keen interest in the policy process, had the opportunity to ask questions to the Senator about health policy and how the process is practiced in New York State.

Thank you to Dr. Douglas L. York, President & Chief Executive Officer of Union Community Health Center and Associate Professor & Assistant Site Dean of New York Medical College for this invitation.

TUESDAY 02/11: PARTICIPATE ON A VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING RE: THE KINGSBRIDGE ARMORY

APPLY NOW FOR THE HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HEAP)

HOW TO STAY SAFE DURING

VERY COLD TEMPERATURES?

This week, our City will face extremely cold temperatures. How can you prepare for it? Here is what you can do:

STAY SAFE INDOORS

Prevent Fires and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:

•   Change batteries in carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms.
•   Check that they are installed in areas where people sleep and on each floor of your home.

Take these Steps if you do not have Heat or Hot Water:

•   Tell your building superintendent, property manager or owner right away. Call 311 if the problem is not fixed quickly.
•   Go to a warm place, such as a friend’s or family member’s home.

Until Your Heat is Fixed, Heat Your Home Safely:

•   Never use a stove, oven or charcoal grill to heat your home. Kerosene heaters and propane space heaters are illegal in NYC.
•   If you use an electric space heater, only plug it directly into the wall outlet.

 

STAY SAFE OUTDOORS

Keep Warm:

•   Dress in dry, loose-fitting layers.
•   Cover exposed skin, such as your face and hands.

Prevent Slips and Falls:

•   Take care when walking on snow and ice, especially if you are an older adult.
•   Wear sturdy shoes or boots.
•   Take short steps and walk at a slow pace.
•   Use handrails on stairs.

Be Careful When Shoveling Snow:

•   In NYC, homeowners are responsible for shoveling snow. Shovel slowly and take breaks often.
•   If you are an older adult or have a disability and need snow shoveled, call 311 and ask if volunteer snow removal services are available in your neighborhood.

Watch for Signs of Hypothermia and Frostbite:

Hypothermia and frostbite are serious conditions caused by spending long periods of time in very cold temperatures.

Hypothermia is when your body temperature drops to a dangerously low level. It can lead to death. Symptoms include:



•   Intense shivering
•   Sluggishness
•   Dizziness
•   Drowsiness
•   Trouble speaking
•   Confusion
•   Lack of Coordination
•   Shallow Breathing

Frostbite is when parts of the body freeze, especially your fingers, toes, ears, nose and cheeks. It can cause permanent damage. Symptoms include:

•   Red and painful skin or pale skin
•   Unusually firm or waxy skin
•   Numbness

Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you see symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite. 

*Source: NYC Health: https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/emergency-preparedness/emergencies-extreme-weather-cold-weather.page 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Snow and Extreme Cold Expected to Impact New York State Starting Sunday

New York City May See 4-6 Inches of Snow; Long Island Can Expect 2-3 Inches of Snow; and Up to 10 Inches Possible in the Mid-Hudson and Capital Regions

Snow and Frigid Temperatures Beginning Sunday Night and Continuing Through Mid-Week Statewide

Lake Effect Snow for Areas East of Lakes Erie and Ontario Starting Sunday and Continuing Through Wednesday

Feels-Like Temperatures as Low as Negative 25 Degrees Fahrenheit Expected Across Much of the State on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Evenings

Fans Attending Buffalo Bills Game on Sunday Can Expect Some Snow and Feels-Like Temperatures of 15 Degrees

Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on winter weather expected to impact areas across the State starting Sunday. The Governor has directed State agencies to prepare to respond as conditions warrant. New Yorkers should monitor local weather conditions and take action to prepare for winter weather and freezing cold temperatures.

“Frigid temperatures and snow is expected to impact most of the State starting tomorrow, and my Administration stands ready to respond and assist our local partners,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers are no stranger to winter weather, but I encourage everyone to make sure you and your family are prepared for the snow and extreme cold, exercise caution if traveling and continue to monitor your local forecast.’”

New York City residents should expect 4-6 inches of snow and Long Island residents should expect 2-3 inches of snow. The highest amounts of snowfall will be in the New York City Metro area — with peak snowfall rates of 0.5-1 inch per hour at times — which will result in slippery travel and snow-covered roads Sunday afternoon into Sunday night. The snow may begin as rain or a mix of rain and snow across Eastern Long Island Sunday afternoon. Precipitation in portions of Eastern Long Island may remain primarily rain.

Up to 10 inches of snow are expected in the Capital and Mid-Hudson Regions through Sunday night. On Sunday, up to 3 inches of heavy wet snow may occur in Orchard Park — fans attending the Buffalo Bills game can anticipate feels-like temperatures of 15 degrees. Lake effect snow is forecast to develop Sunday night and continue through Wednesday for areas east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Although the timing, placement and intensity of snow is uncertain, there is the potential for heavy lake effect snow and difficult travel conditions in these areas. Feels-like temperatures as low as negative 25 degrees Fahrenheit are also expected on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night across much of the state.

For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at alert.ny.gov — a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer. 

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES WINTER WEATHER ALERT FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 THROUGH MONDAY, JANUARY 20

 

Winter Storm to Bring Snow, Icy Conditions, and Sub-Freezing Temperatures

The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a winter weather alert for Sunday, January 19 through Monday, January 20. A winter storm is expected to bring 2 to 5 inches of snow accumulation beginning Sunday afternoon, with potential for higher amounts depending on the storm's track. As temperatures plummet below freezing Monday, any untreated wet surfaces or melting snow could refreeze, creating hazardous travel conditions. 

Even colder temperatures are expected throughout the week, as well as wind chills potentially dropping to the single digits or lower. NYC Emergency Management will issue Cold Weather Alerts as these frigid conditions develop, which will activate enhanced outreach efforts to protect vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.

“Our city agencies are ready to answer the call and keep New Yorkers safe as we expect extremely colder temperatures and snowfall over the next several days,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We’re expecting snow Sunday and a cold snap hitting the city tomorrow night through Wednesday. To keep streets safe and clean, city agencies will be implementing snow clearing protocol and reaching out to connect unsheltered New Yorkers to shelters. Thanks to our men and women at the Department of Transportation, Department of Sanitation, and Emergency Management, we’re prepared for what comes our way. Remember to sign up for Notify NYC for weather updates and alerts.”

“This weekend's snowstorm is expected to bring snow and extreme cold to our city,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “We urge New Yorkers to take this storm seriously and prepare for hazardous travel conditions. If you must travel, use mass transit if possible, and allow for extra time. Now is the time to check on your neighbors, especially older adults and those with disabilities. Everyone should monitor the forecast, take steps to stay warm, and subscribe to Notify NYC for the latest updates and alerts. And remember, if you see someone sleeping out in the cold, call 311. Outreach teams will get them assistance and find them somewhere warm to go.”

“We have already fought four snow events this winter, using tens of millions of pounds of salt and hundreds of thousands of gallons of brine to make sure that streets and bike lanes are safe and passable, but this snowfall is predicted to be significantly larger and thousands of Sanitation Workers are ready to work on 12-hour shifts, driving 2500 plows and 700 salt spreaders across 19,000 lane-miles of New York City roadway to make sure that New Yorkers see as little interruption to their lives as possible. We’ll be out there doing what needs to be done so that the rest of the City can enjoy a safe holiday weekend – please do your part by staying off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” said Javier Lojan, Acting Commissioner, New York City Department of Sanitation. 

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.

As part of the Winter Weather Emergency Plan, the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has issued a Snow Alert and is fully prepared with a fleet of more than 700 spreaders. 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. Based on the anticipated weather, more than 20 million pounds of salt could potentially be deployed to manage the snow and ice conditions effectively. Collection trucks have been fitted with plows that will hit the streets when accumulation reaches two inches. 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 as necessary.  

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. 

With temperatures forecast to drop below freezing, the Department of Social Services (DSS) will issue Code Blue Weather Alerts to protect vulnerable New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. This alert is activated whenever the temperature or wind chill is predicted to reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., triggering enhanced outreach efforts to encourage those living on the streets to seek shelter. During a Code Blue, highly trained outreach teams work tirelessly to connect unsheltered New Yorkers with critical resources, including shelters, drop-in centers, safe havens, and stabilization beds.

Teams proactively and repeatedly engage individuals on their Code Blue Priority Lists, offering support, transportation to shelter, and ensuring their safety during the extreme cold. An Enhanced Code Blue is declared when even more dangerous conditions are present, such as significant precipitation, heavy snow accumulation, prolonged periods of frigid temperatures, dangerously low wind chills, high winds, or ice storms. During an Enhanced Code Blue, outreach teams increase the frequency of contact with vulnerable individuals to ensure their safety and well-being. 

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 social media.

·     If you must go outdoors, dress in warm, dry clothing and cover exposed skin, especially your fingertips, earlobes, and nose. Wear a hat, hood, scarf, and gloves to retain body heat. Shivering is an early warning sign that your body is losing heat—take it as a cue to return indoors. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s guidance before engaging in strenuous activity, as cold weather places extra strain on the heart. Remember, your body is already working hard to stay warm, so avoid overexertion.

·     Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to serious health issues, including hypothermia, frostbite, and worsening of chronic heart and lung conditions. Hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops dangerously low, with early signs such as shivering, dizziness, and trouble speaking, progressing to confusion and shallow breathing. Frostbite affects extremities like fingers, toes, and the face, starting with redness and pain before leading to numbness and pale, waxy skin. If you suspect frostbite or hypothermia, call 911 immediately. While waiting for help, move the person to a warm place, remove damp clothing, and cover them with blankets.

·     Outdoor workers, such as those in construction and utilities, face risks from cold-related health impacts. Employers should implement safe work practices, provide appropriate protective equipment, and train workers on recognizing cold-related disorders, prevention strategies, and proper treatment. Ensuring workplace safety during winter conditions helps protect employees from the dangers of prolonged exposure to cold weather.

·     Allow for extra travel time and expect delays with little to no notice. Use public transportation whenever possible.

·     If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible. 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.

·     For fire safety, ensure every room has a working smoke alarm, test them monthly, and change batteries twice a year. Use only indoor-approved portable heaters, keeping combustible materials like furniture and drapes at least three feet away. Never drape clothes over heaters or leave them running unattended, especially around children. Always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet—never use extension cords or power strips—and avoid using heaters with damaged cords. Turn off heating devices when not in use to reduce fire risks.

·     To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, ensure all fuel-burning appliances—such as furnaces, boilers, water heaters, and dryers—are properly vented and in good working condition. If unsure, consult a professional for inspection and repairs. Building owners must install approved carbon monoxide detectors, while occupants are responsible for maintaining them. If you have a fireplace, keep the chimney clean and free of debris. Never use gas stoves, ovens, charcoal grills, kerosene, propane, or oil-burning heaters to heat your home—kerosene and propane space heaters are illegal in NYC. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, including headache, nausea, dizziness, trouble breathing, and loss of consciousness, can be life-threatening, with severe cases leading to permanent injury or death.

·     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)  

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. NotifyNYC is available in 14 languages, including American Sign Language. To learn more about the NotifyNYC program or to sign up, New Yorkers can visit the NotifyNYC website, call 311, or download the free NotifyNYC 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.