FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Release 07-03
February 9, 2007

NEW YORK CITY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (OEM) ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF WARMING CENTERS; REMINDS NEW YORKERS OF COLD WEATHER TIPS

As the period of severe cold weather subsides, and demand for temporary warming centers decreases, the City will suspend operations at the nine previously identified centers tomorrow, February 10. 2007 at 8:00AM.

OEM continues to recommend that New Yorkers heed the following winter weather safety tips to ensure they are adequately protected:

Exposure to cold can cause life-threatening health conditions. Avoid serious conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia, by keeping warm.

• Wear a hat, hood or scarf, as most heat is lost through the head.
• Wear layers, as they provide better insulation and warmth.
• Keep fingertips, earlobes and noses covered if you go outside.
• Keep clothing dry; if a layer becomes wet, remove it.

Every resident is entitled to heat and hot water.  Tenants without adequate heat or hot water should first speak with the building owner, manager, or superintendent.  If the problem is not corrected, tenants should call 311. The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) will attempt to contact your building’s owner to get heat or hot water service restored.

If service has not been restored, HPD will send an inspector to your building to verify the complaint and issue a violation. If your landlord does not live up to his or her legal obligation, HPD will call in emergency contractors to fix the boiler or do whatever is required to get your heat and hot water working again.

If you lose heat,take measures to trap existing warm air, and safely stay warm until heat returns:

• Insulate your home as much as possible. Hang blankets over windows and doorways and stay in a well-insulated room while power is out.
• Dress warmly. Wear hats, scarves, gloves and layered clothing.
• If you have a working fireplace, use it for heat and light, but be sure to keep the damper open for ventilation.
• If the cold persists and your heat is not restored, call family, neighbors or friends to see if you can stay with them.
• Open your faucets to a steady drip so pipes do not freeze.

CONTACT: Jarrod Bernstein/Andrew Troisi 718-422-4888