How cops are preparing for ‘biggest blizzard in years’

In advance of the coming storm officials say will dump anywhere from two to four inches an hour on the New York City area, the New York Police Department has ordered all precinct commanders to survey their commands for hazardous conditions and damage from high winds.

Special attention will be given to construction sites and high rise structures.

In addition, cops said:

• All members on patrol who encounter a homeless individual will ensure the person has shelter.  If the person has no shelter, they will offer the person transportation to the nearest shelter facility
• All vehicles will be fueled and ready for deployment
• Tours will be monitored to ensure that staffing is available
• Mounted officers in vehicles, Highway Units and NYPD Tow trucks will patrol highways around the city for disabled vehicles and motorists needing assistance
• Message boards will be activated on marked patrol vehicles alerting motorist of hazardous conditions
• Snow chains will be placed on department vehicles to allow for safe movement during the storm
• During the storm the public should call 911 for emergencies, all non-emergency calls should be directed to 311
• The 911 system will be monitored for incoming calls
• Aviation operations will be suspended

Cops are urging New Yorkers to call 911 for any emergency situation and 311 for any non-emergency situation or for information about the storm and/or services available.

New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about severe weather events and other emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, visit Notify NYC online, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

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