Procedure aimed at protecting homeless at risk for exposure and death

New York City’s Department of Homeless Services has instituted its Cold Weather Emergency Procedure on a 24-hour basis. The Emergency Procedure is normally in effect from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. when the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s (DOHMH) Poison Control Division issues an inter-agency Cold Weather Alert. A Cold Weather Alert is issued when the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Given the dangerously cold temperatures, DHS has expanded its Emergency Procedure. DHS has a clear procedure in place to protect homeless individuals living on the streets.

“Our outreach teams are always trying to bring homeless individuals in off the streets. When the weather can put their lives in danger, we have to be especially cautious and diligent,” said DHS Commissioner Robert V. Hess. “Our emergency procedure aims to protect those most at risk; we don’t want anyone dying on the streets.”

This procedure instructs outreach workers to:

• identify and regularly monitor clients that may be at risk
  during cold weather
• assist at-risk clients to voluntarily come indoors
• arrange for involuntary transport of at-risk clients, when appropriate
• call 911 for any homeless individual who is actively drinking alcohol, hallucinating and/or grossly disorganized.

Homeless outreach workers are out on the streets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, encouraging individuals to come inside for a warm meal and shelter. During a Cold Weather Emergency, teams attempt to reach clients who are particularly vulnerable to the elements of the weather.  They are trained to look for signs of distress including frostbite or hypothermia. Teams make every effort to secure clients’ cooperation with voluntary transport to an indoor location. If outreach teams are concerned about the safety of an individual, they will call EMS and/or the NYPD for involuntary transport. DHS medical teams are also on stand-by and available by phone.

Anyone wanting and needing a bed will get one. During a Cold Weather Emergency, shelter options include the following:

Drop-in Centers

Drop-In Centers are required to take in as many clients as possible, within the fire code limitations. Drop-In staff can also make arrangements for clients at other citywide facilities.

Shelters

During an Emergency, clients can access any shelter. Beds are available system-wide to accommodate all clients brought in by outreach teams or walk-ins. Shelters cannot suspend any individuals during this time.

Concerned New Yorkers can also help. If someone on the street looks like they need assistance, concerned citizens should call 311 or the BRC hotline at (212) 533-5151.  Outreach workers will be dispatched to check on that person. In an emergency, dial 911.

Symptoms of cold weather illnesses include:

• Hypothermia: slurred speech, sluggishness, confusion, dizziness, shallow breathing, unusual behavior and slow, irregular heartbeat.
• Frostbite: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, and waxy feeling skin.