Extreme Cold
Extreme cold is weather cold enough to harm your body. Snow and ice can also make travel and everyday tasks harder.
Core actions
- Stay in a heated place Outside, wear warm layers, cover your head and hands, and change out of wet clothes.
- Use safe heating Never use a stove, oven, or indoor generator for warmth. Keep heaters away from anything that can burn.
- Check on neighbors Report unresolved heat problems and plan where to go if your home becomes too cold.
- Confusion, unusual drowsiness, or slow breathing after cold exposure? Call 911 and move to warmth.
Start here
- Stay safe in winter weather NYC Emergency Management Safe heating, cold weather, snow, and utility interruptions.
- Report missing heat or hot water NYC311 Contact your landlord first, then report unresolved problems. NYCHA residents should use NYCHA repair channels.
- Request help for someone living outside NYC311 Homeless outreach and Code Blue information. Call 911 for immediate medical danger.
More help
- Recognize cold-related health risks NYC Health Cold weather safety and ways to support people at greater risk. Translated cold weather materials.
- Check help paying for heat HEAP through HRA Heating and emergency assistance for eligible households. Check application periods and funding availability. Translated program information.
- Ask about emergency financial assistance HRA One Shot Deal Possible help with an emergency, rent, or utility bills. Eligibility applies; some assistance requires repayment.
- Request repairs in NYCHA housing NYCHA Customer Contact Center Heat, hot water, and other repairs. Call 718-707-7771.
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning NYC Health Alarm and fuel-burning appliance safety. If an alarm sounds or poisoning is suspected, leave and call 911.
- Find snow and severe weather updates NYC Severe Weather City notices and service updates. Use Notify NYC for alerts.
- Find support for an older adult NYC Aging Meals, case management, caregiver help, and local centers. Call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469. Phone language assistance available.
- Queens Community House older adult support Queens Community House Local centers, case management, and home-delivered meals for eligible older adults. Confirm service area and enrollment.
- Ask Con Edison about bill assistance Con Edison Discounts and payment assistance for eligible customers in most of Queens.
- Ask PSEG Long Island about bill assistance PSEG Long Island Payment and financial assistance for eligible customers in the Rockaways.