Winter Safety

Stay safe during winter weather events by preparing in advance, paying attention to local weather forecasts, and following these safety tips. 

Be Prepared 

 
In the event of a winter storm, you may lose heat, power, telephone service, and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day.  Have the following available:

  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information
  • Extra non-perishable snacks and bottled water
  • Extra prescription medicine
  • Baby items such as diapers and formula
  • First-aid supplies
  • Extra pet food and warm shelter for pets
  • Be sure to have sufficient heating fuel as it may be days before fuel carriers are able to make deliveries after a winter storm.
  • To prevent a fire, make sure that emergency heat sources such as a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater are properly ventilated. 
  • Never heat your home using a gas stovetop or oven. 
  • Have working fire extinguishers and smoke alarms; test smoke alarms monthly to ensure they work properly.
  • To prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning,  never run a generator in an enclosed space, and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and attached garages. 
  • Have a working carbon monoxide detector installed on every level of your home. 

Protect Yourself

  • Dress in layers of warm clothing and limit time spent outside in the cold to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. 
  • People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite in a matter of minutes. Areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands and feet. 
  • Hypothermia is another threat during extreme cold. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce.
  • Stock up and apply ice melt early and often to prevent ice formation on walkways and driveways, and the potential for hazardous situations.
  • Reduce the risk of heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow.

 Automobile Preparations

  • Fill your vehicle's gas tank before a winter storm arrives. 
  • Prepare an emergency supply kit for your car including blankets, bottled water, non-perishable snacks, a flashlight, sand, and jumper cables. 
  • Limit travel on hazardous roadways. 
  • If you must travel, be sure to clear your vehicle of ice or snow before driving.
  • If your car gets stuck during a storm, stay in the vehicle.
  • When driving, watch for black ice or potholes.  

Important Contact Information

  • Hempstead Town utilizes the Swift911 Emergency Notification System to send residents emergency notifications for weather emergencies, natural disasters, or flooding. Update your contact preferences at hempsteadny.gov/198/Swift911-Emergency-Notification. 
  • Check the town website hempsteadny.gov for program, transportation, and meeting cancellations. Use the “Alert Sign Up” button on our home page or visit hempsteadny.gov/notifyme to sign up to receive important email notifications.  
  • Visit hempsteadny.gov/197/Storm-Response-Information for a roadway jurisdiction map and contact details for roads maintained by the state, county, and villages.
  • Use our Storm Response Form at hempsteadtown.com/storm to notify us of hazardous town roadway conditions. 
  • Report potholes on town roadways to our Highway Department by calling (516) 489-5000, ext. 3471.
  • Report a gas emergency immediately by calling National Grid Long Island at (800) 490-0045 or 911. 
  • Report an electrical outage or downed wires at PSEGLINY.com, (800) 490-0075, or text OUT to PSEGLI (773454).
  • The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) aids income-eligible households with home heating needs. Contact the Nassau County Department of Social Services at (516) 227-8519 for details.
  • Residents of rental apartments may contact the Nassau County Health Department at (516) 227-9715 for heat complaints.