NYC Emergency Protocols for Lethal Cold Weather and Snow Cleanup

NYC's Response to Severe Cold

• ❄️ New York City is implementing emergency protocols due to the coldest weather in 8 years, aiming to protect residents from lethal cold.
• 🚨 The city is enforcing a Code Blue, allowing direct access to shelters without the usual intake process.
• 🏘️ Additional warming centers are being opened, and outreach organizations are increasing their efforts to get people indoors.

Outreach and Tragic Losses

• 🤝 The Salvation Army is distributing gloves and hand warmers in Washington Square Park and engaging with people in subways to encourage seeking shelter.
• 💔 Over the weekend, 170 people were moved to shelters, but tragically, 10 people were found dead outside, highlighting the severe impact of the cold.

Transportation and Snow Removal

• 🚇 Subways and buses are generally running without significant issues, though some bus stops still require snow clearing.
• 🌨️ DOT and Sanitation departments are deploying large workforces to clear sidewalks and bus stops.
• 🚢 New York City Ferry has halted operations due to ice and is not expected to resume for several days; another ferry service is running with delays.
• 🚗 Alternate side parking has been suspended through Sunday due to the challenging conditions for vehicles.
• 🥶 Despite snowfall subsiding, temperatures will remain below freezing for an extended period.