What You Can Do Today
Prepare for this Winter Season
Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
Have several ways to receive free, real-time emergency alerts - sign up for NY-Alert and emergency alerts today.
Have a Plan
Create a family emergency plan and build a personalized emergency supplies kit that fits your household needs.
Attend a Training
Sign-up for a free Citizen Preparedness Corps training for NYS residents on tools and resources to prepare for emergencies.
Winter Weather
Safety Tips
Be Prepared
Heat Your Home Safely This Winter
Check out our fire safety resources to learn how you can best protect your home this winter season.
WATCH VS. ADVISORY VS. WARNING
Winter Weather Alerts
WATCH
ADVISORY
WARNING
HEAP Program
Get Help With Heating Costs
If you are having trouble paying your bills this winter, you can visit the NYS Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) website or call the hotline at 1-800-342-3009.
Blizzards are dangerous storms that are a combination of subfreezing temperatures, strong wind speeds at or above 35 mph, blowing snow that reduces visibility and last at least 3 hours.
Ice storms have an accumulation of at least .25” of ice. They create hazardous driving and walking conditions. Tree branches and powerlines can easily snap under the weight.
Lake effect storms form due to an abundance of moisture in the air.
Snow squalls are brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant.