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THIS IS THE NYC.gov NEWS YOU REQUESTED FOR: Emergency Preparedness, Notifications and Alerts

MAJOR NOR'EASTER FORECAST FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the New York City area for Monday, February 28. Snow will begin in the morning, becoming heavy at times Monday evening, possibly changing to rain or sleet. Accumulations of 8 to 13 inches of snow are possible, which combined with strong winds, may cause near blizzard conditions Monday afternoon and evening.

A Coastal Flood Watch has also been issued for coastal areas of Queens and the Bronx on the Long Island Sound as high winds combine with astronomical high tides. Tides may be 3 to 4 feet higher than normal, and strong winds may produce waves of 4 to 7 feet along north-facing shores.

OEM offers the following tips and urges New Yorkers to take steps to ensure their safety.

Winter Storm Driving

With heavy, wet snow and low visibility expected during the Monday evening commute, avoid driving if possible; use public transportation instead.

If you must drive, observe the following tips:

If you travel alone, let someone know your destination, route and when you expect to arrive.
Listen to the radio for the latest information on road conditions.
Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible; these roadways will be cleared first.
Avoid parking on streets designated as snow emergency routes. When the Department of Transportation declares a snow emergency, cars on these roadways are subject to towing.
Drive slowly. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement. Four-wheel drive vehicles do not stop quicker than other vehicles.
If you skid, steer in the direction you want the car to go and straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction.
Know your vehicle's braking system. Vehicles with antilock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without antilock brakes in icy or snowy conditions.
If you become stuck on the road:

Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety unless help is visible within 100 yards. You could become disoriented quickly in blowing snow.
Display a trouble sign if you need help; tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna and raise the hood to alert rescuers.
Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Leave the overhead light on when the car is running so you can be seen.
Move your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
Keep one window slightly open to let in fresh air. Use a window that is opposite the direction the wind is blowing.

Snow Removal Safety Tips
Stretch before you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. This may prevent injury.
Cover your mouth. Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.
Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unfamiliar exercise, such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Take frequent rest breaks, and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Keep dry. Change wet clothes frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
Stay safe. Walk carefully on snowy or icy sidewalks. If using a snow blower, NEVER use your hands to unclog the machine.
Maintain an awareness of utilities when shoveling snow. Do not cover fire hydrants with snow when clearing sidewalks and driveways. Do not shovel snow into manholes and catch basins.
Help those who may require special assistance, including infants, the elderly and infirm, and people with disabilities.

What to Do In the Event of Flooding

Keep a battery-operated AM/FM radio tuned to a local station and follow all emergency instructions.
If you're caught inside by rising waters, move to a higher floor. Take warm clothing, a flashlight and portable radio with you. Then wait for help. Do NOT try to swim to safety. Rescue teams will be looking for you.
If you are forced to evacuate, take your Go Bag with you.
When outside, remember floods are deceptive. Try to avoid flooded areas, and don't attempt to walk across stretches of flood waters more than knee deep.
Avoid driving on flooded roadways. Parts of the road may already be washed out, and you could become stranded or trapped.
If your car stalls in a flooded area, abandon it as soon as possible. Floodwaters can rise rapidly and sweep a car (and its occupants) away. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.
For more winter weather tips and information, visit the OEM website.

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Emergency Preparedness, Notifications and Alerts