NYC Winter Preparation Tips & Heating Assistance Resources

Dear Colleagues,

Winter is coming. Here are some helpful winter preparation tips and heating assistance resources from NYC Emergency Management. Please take a moment to review them to help you feel prepared and stay safe this winter.

Winter Preparation Tips

Prepare early: Check alarms, dress warmly, plan for at-risk individuals.

• Check safety devices: Ensure carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms are working.
• Safe heating practices are critical; never use stoves or illegal heaters
• Dress warmly: Layer clothing, wear gloves, hats, and sturdy shoes/boots.
• Support at-risk individuals: Make a plan to assist friends, family, and clients who may be vulnerable. Winter weather poses higher risks for people with disabilities and access/functional needs.
• Know emergency signs: Review symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite; call 911 if needed.
• Report on homelessness risks: Call 311 if you see someone sleeping outside in cold weather.
• Travel safely: Avoid driving in dangerous conditions; keep emergency supplies in your car.

If You Lose Heat or Hot Water

• Notify your building superintendent or property manager immediately; call 311 if unresolved.
• Go to a warm location or wear layered clothing at home.
• Heat safely: Never use stoves, ovens, charcoal grills, kerosene, or propane heaters. Keep space heaters 3 feet away from flammable items.

Heating Assistance Programs

• 2025-2026 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP):
  • Regular HEAP benefit delayed until further notice.
  • Emergency HEAP benefit tentatively opens January 2, 2026.
  • Visit https://access.nyc.gov/programs/home-energy-assistance-program-heap/ for eligibility and application details.
  • Households facing an energy emergency should call their local Department of Social Services’ HEAP office for assistance.  
  • For more information on eligibility and application process visit Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).
• Utility Protections:
  • ConEdison and PSEG suspend disconnections during extreme cold.
  • ConEdison’s CONCERN program offers payment assistance; Customers older than 65, 18 or younger or permanently disabled qualify and must sign up by ConEd’s “My Account” or calling 1-800-4040-9097, weekdays from 8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
  • PSEG customers contact PSEG customer service team at 1-800-0025 for payment arrangement to restore power

Power Outage Preparedness

• People using Life-Support Equipment (LSE) should register with their utility provider:
  • ConEd: 1-877-582-6633
  • PSEG: 1-800-490-0025

Protect Against Respiratory Illness

• Get vaccinated for COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
• Practice good hygiene, wear masks indoors, and stay home when sick.
• Find vaccines at https://vaccinefinder.nyc.gov  or call NYC Health + Hospitals at 1-844-NYC-4NYC.
• For more information on winter viruses visit: nyc.gov/flu and http://on.nyc.gov/rsv. 

Thank you for helping us keep VNS Health teams and clients safe this winter.

Lauren Campbell
Director, Emergency Management and Employee Safety
VNS HEALTH