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NYC Winter Storm Resources

a child playing in the snow with the NYC skyline in the background

New York City winters can often pose extreme hazards, from heavy snow and ice to frigid temperatures. Keep yourself, your family, and your community safe with these tips and free resources.

Important Phone Numbers

    • For any life-threatening emergencies, call 911
    • For any power or utility issues, call Con Edison (800-752-6633) or National Grid (718-643-4050)
    • For help paying heating bills or repairing heating equipment, call the Home Energy Assistance Program (800-692-0557)

Warming Centers

Find a full, up-to-date list of warming centers on 311’s website.

Resources

    • Track Snow/Ice Removal with PlowNYC (DSNY)

Tips for Indoor Safety

Provided by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

    • Never use a stove or oven to heat your home. Kerosene or propane space heaters are not allowed in New York City.
    • If you use an electric space-heater, plug it directly into a wall outlet, place it away from flammable items and do not hang clothes over it.
    • Check your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector to make sure they are working and have proper batteries.
    • Put your baby to sleep alone in a crib or bassinet wearing warm layers. Do not cover your baby with a blanket above chest level, keeping it away from their face.

Rules for Clearing Snow and Ice

Provided by the NYC Department of Sanitation.

While the Department of Sanitation clears snow and ice from city streets, property owners are responsible for shoveling their sidewalks.

If you don’t follow these rules, you may receive a ticket from the DSNY:

    • Clear a path at least 4 feet wide.

    • Clear access to the crosswalk and pedestrian ramp (curb cut) if you own a corner property.

    • Shovel bus stops and fire hydrants.

    • Spread salt, sand, or other granular material if the ground is frozen.

    • Do not shovel snow into the street.

If the snow stops falling between:

    • 7am – 5pm, clear the sidewalk within 4 hours

    • 5pm – 9pm, clear the sidewalk within 14 hours

    • 9pm – 7am, clear the sidewalk by 11am