Guidance for Different Types of Emergencies
Public health emergencies can happen suddenly and affect many people at once. Learning about these emergencies and knowing how to prepare can help you and your family stay safe when they occur.
Power Outage
Power outages can be life threatening. By preparing for outages, you will have a plan if the power goes out. Cyber attacks (attacks against our information technology and internet systems) could also cause power outages.
For more information on how to prepare for power outages, see Emergencies Power Outage.
Biological Threats
A biological emergency involves exposure to bacteria and viruses that can cause a serious illness. Usually, these biological agents must be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or eaten to make you sick.
In response to certain biological threats, the Health Department will set up Points of Dispensing (PODs) to quickly distribute medication and supplies to a large number of people in a short period of time in order to prevent illness.
Coastal Storm and Flash Flooding
Learn about coastal storms and flash flooding and what to do before, during, and after a storm at Coastal Storms and Flash Flooding.
If you or anyone in your home depends on electrically-powered life-sustaining medical equipment (such as a ventilator or cardiac device), receives dialysis or has limited mobility, there are specific steps you should take to prepare for a coastal storm: Coastal Storm Preparedness for Durable Medical Equipment Users, Individuals with Limited Mobility and Dialysis Patients.
Cold Weather
Cold weather can bring dangerously low temperatures, heavy snow, strong winds, ice, sleet and freezing rain. Learn more about how to prepare for cold and winter weather at Emergencies: Cold Weather.
Earthquake
Learn about what to do before, during, and after an earthquake at NYC Emergency Management: Earthquakes.
Hot Weather
Climate change has made dangerously hot weather more common and more severe in NYC. Learn how to prepare for hot weather and keep yourself and your family safe at Hot Weather and Your Health.
Radiological and Nuclear Incidents
A radiation threat involves your exposure to radiation as the result of an accident or terrorist attack. In either situation, there are critical actions you can take to protect yourself. Learn more at Emergencies: Radiological Dispersal Device (Dirty Bomb).
A nuclear blast is an explosion with intense light, heat, damaging pressure waves, and widespread dispersion of radioactive material. This material can contaminate the air, water, and ground surfaces for miles. Learn more at Emergencies: Nuclear Incident.