NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Deadly Cold Snap Response and City Efforts

Winter Weather and City Worker Efforts

• ❄️ City workers are making remarkable efforts to clear millions of tons of snow, melting over 122 million pounds of snow and laying 209 million pounds of salt.
• 🌨️ As of this morning, workers have cleared 44,646 crosswalks, 16,532 bus stops, and 9,764 fire hydrants.

Severe Cold Snap and Its Dangers

• 🥶 New York City is experiencing its 11th consecutive day of below-freezing weather, potentially the longest period of sub-32°F weather in its history.
• ⚠️ The greatest danger is to vulnerable New Yorkers exposed to the elements, with 16 deaths reported outdoors.
• 💔 In 13 of these cases, hypothermia is indicated as a contributing factor, while three appear to be overdose deaths.

City's Response to Homelessness and Cold

• 🆘 New York City is in a Code Blue and urges citizens to call 311 if they see someone in need.
• 🏘️ Outreach workers are intensifying efforts to get homeless New Yorkers into shelters, operating warming sites and vehicles across the five boroughs.
• 🛌 Shelter capacity has been expanded, intake rules relaxed, and 50 new single-room shelter units have been added.
• 🚑 Mobile warming units, now a fleet of 20, are equipped with clinical staff to treat New Yorkers and provide assistance.

Call for Community Support

• ❤️ The city is committed to caring for every person, stating no one will be turned away from shelter.
• 🤝 New Yorkers are asked to check in on their neighbors, especially the vulnerable, to get through the cold together.