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Get Prepared

Make a disaster plan with your household members to prepare for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency. Make a plan that best suits your needs and the needs of your household.

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Make Your Plan

Know where you will meet family, friends, or caregivers after an emergency. Pick two places to meet: one right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood, such as a library, community center, or place of worship.

There are resources available to help you locate family and friends that have been affected by a disaster. Learn more

Identify all possible exit routes from your home and neighborhood.

Pick someone near your home that family or friends can call for support during a disaster.

Pick an out-of-area contact that family or friends can call if separated during a disaster. If New York City phone circuits are busy, long-distance calls may be easier to make. This out-of-area contact can help you and your family communicate. Keep in mind that cell phones may not function during and immediately following a disaster due to high volume of activity; however, text messages can often get through, even if you can't make calls on your cell phone. What's more, if cell phones aren't functional, using a landline or a payphone (to call your out-of-area contact) is a good alternative.

Plan for everybody's needs, including seniors; people with disabilities, access and functional needs; children; non-English speakers; and pets and service animals.

Ensure that household members have a copy of your household disaster plan and emergency contact information to keep in their wallets and backpacks.

Practice your plan with all household members.

Tip: buy the right insurance. If you rent your home, renter's insurance will insure the items inside your apartment. If you are a homeowner, make sure your home is properly insured — flood and wind damage are not covered in a basic homeowner's policy.

Gather supplies for whether you have to stay (shelter in place) or go (evacuate).

Stay informed by signing up for Notify NYC, the City of New York's official, free emergency communications program. Register for emergency notifications by getting the free Notify NYC mobile application, visiting NYC.gov/notifynyc, contacting 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or following @NotifyNYC on Twitter. (Notify NYC messages are available through many formats, including email, text messages, telephone, the Notify NYC website, RSS, Twitter, and American Sign Language videos.)

When developing your family's disaster plan, you should assemble and make copies of vital contact information for each family member. Use Ready New York's Emergency Reference Card to capture this information.

Gather Supplies

Go Bag

Everyone in your household should have a Go Bag — a collection of things you would want if you have to leave in a hurry. Your Go Bag should be sturdy and easy to carry, like a backpack or a small suitcase on wheels. You'll need to customize your Go Bag for your personal needs, but some of the important things you need in your Go Bag include:

Bottled water and nonperishable food, such as granola bars

Copies of your important documents in a waterproof container (e.g., insurance cards, Medicare/Medicaid cards, photo IDs, proof of address, marriage and birth certificates, copies of credit and ATM cards)

Flashlight, hand-crank or battery-operated AM/FM radio, and extra batteries

List of the medications you take, why you take them, and their dosages

Contact information for your household and members of your support network

Cash, in small bills

Notepad and pen

Back-up medical equipment (e.g., glasses, batteries) and chargers

Aerosol tire repair kits and/or tire inflator to repair flat wheelchair or scooter tires Doctors' names and phone numbers

First-aid kit

Toiletries

Child care, pet care, and other special items

Supplies for your service animal or pet (e.g., food, extra water, bowl, leash, cleaning items, vaccination records, and medications)

Portable cell phone chargers

If you have children, pack child care supplies as well as games and small toys.

If you're older or have any special medical needs, consider including these items:

Instructions and extra batteries for any devices you use

Aerosol tire repair kits and/or tire inflator to repair flat wheelchair or scooter tires

Back-up medical equipment

Items to comfort you in a stressful situation

If you have a pet or service animal, you need to pack a Go Bag for them:

A current color photograph of you and your pet/service animal together (in case you are separated)

Copies of medical records that indicate dates of vaccinations and a list of medications your pet/service animal takes and why he or she takes them

Proof of identification and ownership, including copies of registration information, adoption papers, proof of purchase, and microchip information

Physical description of your pet/service animal, including species, breed, age, sex, color, distinguishing traits, and any other vital information about characteristics and behavior

Animal first aid kit, including flea and tick treatment and other items recommended by your veterinarian

Food and water for at least three days

Food and water dishes

Collapsible cage or carrier

Muzzle* and sturdy leash (*Note: Nylon muzzles should only be used temporarily as they can restrict a dog's ability to pant)

Cotton sheet to place over the carrier to help keep your pet/service animal calm

Comforting toys or treats

Litter, litter pan, and litter scoop

Plastic bags for clean-up

Include items that can help protect you and others from COVID-19, including hand sanitizer, and face coverings for each person.* (*Face coverings should not be used by children under the age of 2. They also should not be used by people having trouble breathing, or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or unable to remove the mask without assistance. Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC))

Avoid panic buying. Buy supplies slowly to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to buy what they need. Report overcharging and price gouging to the City

Emergency Supply Kit

Keep enough supplies in your home to survive on your own, or shelter in place, for up to seven days. If possible, keep these materials in an easily accessible, separate container or special cupboard. You should indicate to your household members that these supplies are for emergencies only. Check expiration dates of food and update your kits when you change your clock during daylight saving times.

One gallon of drinking water per person per day

Nonperishable, ready-to-eat canned foods, and a manual can opener

First-aid kit

Medications, including a list of the medications you take, why you take them, and dosages

Flashlight or battery-powered lantern, battery-operated AM/FM radio, and extra batteries, or wind-up batteries that do not require batteries

Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries (you can also buy wind-up radios that do not require batteries)

Glow sticks

Whistle or bell

Back-up medical equipment, if possible (e.g., oxygen, medication, scooter battery, hearing aids, mobility aids, glasses, facemasks, gloves)

Style and serial numbers of medical devices (such as pacemakers) and usage instructions

Child care supplies or other special care items

Consider adding items that you may need for emergencies like winter storms and heat waves.

Winter weather supplies:

Blankets, sleeping bags, extra newspapers for insulation

Extra mittens, socks, scarves and hat, raingear and extra clothes

Hot weather supplies:

Light, loose clothing

Sunscreen (at least SPF 15)

Emergency meal preparation supplies in case of a power outage, such as disposable plates, cups, and utensils

Regardless of the season, it's a good idea to prepare for an in-car emergency. Assemble an emergency supply kit for your vehicle, and consider adding the following items for winter conditions:

Sack of sand or kitty litter for gaining traction under wheels, and a small shovel

Set of tire chains or traction mats

Working jack and lug wrench, spare tire

Windshield scraper and broom

Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)

Booster cables

Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag, and flares or reflective triangles

Avoid panic buying. Buy supplies slowly to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to buy what they need. Report overcharging and price gouging to the City

Get Information

NYC Emergency Management is branching out and sharing information with New Yorkers in more ways than ever before. During an emergency, the agency works with partners to provide a unified, accurate, and timely message to the public. NYC Emergency Management delivers emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through the following channels:

Notify NYC, the City of New York's official, free emergency communications program, will alert New Yorkers if there is an emergency in your area. Register for emergency notifications by getting the free Notify NYC mobile application, visiting NYC.gov/notifynyc, contacting 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or following @NotifyNYC on Twitter. (Notify NYC messages are available through many formats, including email, text messages, telephone, the Notify NYC website, RSS, Twitter, and American Sign Language videos.)

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), a free emergency notification service that allows authorized government officials to send geographically targeted emergency alerts to enabled mobile devices on wireless networks. Learn more about WEA

Broadcast media using the City's emergency public communication systems

Email alerts to subscribers:

CorpNet is a free email notification service that provides business partners with current, accurate information about planned events and emergencies to enhance awareness and aid decision making. (If you or your business can help NYC Emergency Management keep New Yorkers informed about emergencies in New York City, visit the Take Action to Prepare Your Business page.)

Advance Warning System, provides emergency alerts and information to organizations that serve people with people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, and is managed by the New York City Emergency Management Department in partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the New York City Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities.

PlanNowNYC

Know Your Zone

Beat the Heat

Follow NYC Emergency Management on Social Media

NYC Emergency Management on X (Formerly Twitter)

NYC Emergency Management on WhatsApp

NYC Emergency Management on Facebook

NYC Emergency Management on Instagram

NYC Emergency Management on LinkedIn

John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service on LinkedIn

@NotifyNYC on Twitter

NYC Emergency Management on YouTube

Notify NYC on YouTube

When to Go: Evacuations

Evacuation should be addressed as part of everyone's planning efforts. City officials will tell you when to evacuate through the media and direct warnings. Evacuation is used as a last resort when a serious threat to public safety exists. If you must evacuate, your first plan should always be to stay with friends or family.* In a planned evacuation, such as for a coastal storm, the City will advise residents of which areas are impacted and provide guidance on how the evacuation will proceed. In the case of coastal storms, designated routes have been identified throughout the city to effectively get people from low-lying hazard areas safely to higher ground. To find out whether you live or work in a hurricane evacuation zone, use the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder, the City's evacuation mapping tool.

*Ask friends or relatives outside your area if you are able to stay with them. Check and see if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or have people in their home at higher risk for serious illness. If they have symptoms or people at higher risk in their home, make other arrangements.

In an unplanned evacuation, such as for a hazardous material spill, officials will advise affected residents to leave the immediate area until the danger can be removed. Always have your Go Bag prepared and easily accessible in case of any evacuation. You may not have time to assemble your belongings, and you may not be allowed back until the danger has passed.

Evacuate immediately when you:

Are directed to do so by an emergency official.

Are in immediate danger.

Be Prepared to Evacuate

Determine whether you live in a hurricane evacuation zone by accessing the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder, or contact 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115).

Know evacuation plans for all the places you and your household members spend time. Often buildings have floor marshals who are responsible for evacuation plans.

Make alternate transportation plans; the means of transportation you usually use may not be available.

Practice plans through regular drills. People who practice escape drills can evacuation with greater ease than those who are unfamiliar with the procedures.

If you have pets, consider what you would do if you cannot return home to them. Pet owners should read Ready New York: My Pet's Emergency Plan for more information.

Residents of high-rise apartment buildings and basement apartments may face special risks and should be prepared to evacuate if needed. (Basements are vulnerable to flooding.)

What to Do When You Evacuate

If there is time, secure your home: close and lock windows and doors, and unplug appliances before you leave. Authorities will instruct you if it is necessary to turn off utilities.

Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable, protective clothing, such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts.

Bring your Go Bag with you.

Do NOT use an elevator during a fire or other emergency unless directed to do so by emergency personnel. If power goes out or is shut off, you may become trapped.

Remember, evacuation routes change based on the emergency so stay tuned to the local news, access NYC.gov, or contact 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) for the latest information.

Go to the nearest safe place or shelter as soon as instructed.

If you must go to an evacuation center or shelter, remember to follow the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for protecting yourself and family from COVID-19.

Disaster Sheltering

If you are directed to evacuate, make arrangements to stay with friends or family outside the affected area whenever possible. For evacuees who have no alternative shelter, the City will open shelters throughout the five boroughs. Disaster shelters may be set up in school, municipal buildings, and places of worship. They provide basic food and water. If possible, bring clothing, bedding, bathing and sanitary supplies, medications, and your Go Bag to shelters. Bring a face covering for each member of your household to the shelter. Maintain at least 6 feet of space between you and people who aren’t in your immediate family.

See the pets and service animal preparedness page and Ready New York: My Pet's Emergency Plan for tips.

Alcoholic beverages, firearms, and illegal substances are NOT allowed in disaster shelters.

Shelter sites change based on the emergency so stay tuned to the local news, access NYC.gov, or contact 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) for the latest information.

Watch the video below for information about staying in evacuation centers (presented in American Sign Language).

When to Stay: Shelter in Place

During some emergencies, you may be asked to stay where you are, or "shelter in place." This could be as simple as remaining at home while officials clear hazards from a nearby area, or it could require more active measures during emergencies involving contaminated air.

Identify a room with few doors or windows to shelter in place. Ideally the room should allow at least 10 square feet per person.

When officials advise you to shelter in place, act quickly and follow instructions. Your main objective should be to get to a safe indoor location. You will likely be in your "safe room" for no more than a few hours. Once inside:

Lock doors, close windows, air vents and fireplace dampers.

Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems.

Seal all windows, doors and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape.

Make sure you have emergency supplies.

Tune in to local radio or TV stations to receive updates.

If your children are at school, do not pick them up until the danger has passed and shelter-in-place orders have been lifted. School officials have shelter-in-place procedures. You will only endanger yourself by leaving a safe area during the emergency.

More Resources

Ready New York guides and resources

MTA Rail Safety

Resources for Property Owners

Have a Plan

Kids

Include your children in planning for an emergency.

Older Adults

Emergencies can present additional challenges for older adults. By planning ahead, you will feel more confident about protecting yourself in any emergency.

Disabilities, Access and Functional Needs

People with disabilities or access and functional needs must take additional steps when making a plan to be prepared.

Pets

For many, pets are more than just animals — they are a part of the family. As members of your family, they should be included in your emergency planning process.