Broome County Advises Residents of What to Know Ahead of the Upcoming Winter Storm

Warming Centers, Emergency Shelters, Free Transportation, and Safety Tips Available

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) - The Broome County Office of Emergency Services continues to monitor the latest weather reports from the National Weather Service in Binghamton, and county officials are urging residents to take precautions as dangerously cold temperatures, extreme wind chills, and snowfall are expected from today through the weekend.

Forecasts call for wind chills as low as -25 degrees through Saturday, with snow beginning Sunday morning and continuing into Monday, with possible rates of up to one inch per hour at times.

To improve access to safe, warm locations during this weather event, BC Transit is offering free rides through Monday for anyone traveling to a warming center or emergency shelter.

Safety Tips

The Broome County Office of Emergency Services reminds residents to take extra precautions during extreme cold:

• Pack an emergency kit with essential supplies, for example: non-perishable food items, bottled water, blankets and warm clothing, first aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, medications, and personal hygiene items.
• Prepare for a power outage: Have a flashlight for everyone in the household, make a power outage plan for medical devices and medicines that might need refrigeration, stock up on food and water, keep phones and electronics fully charged, and gas tanks full.
• Protect pets and livestock: Bring pets indoors during the storm. Provide adequate shelter and food for outdoor animals. Ensure livestock have access to shelter and water.
• Limit travel: Avoid unnecessary travel during a winter storm. If you must travel, inform someone of your plans and expected arrival time.

The Broome County Health Department advises that anyone who must go outdoors should take steps to stay dry and warm to protect their health. Wear a hat, scarf or face covering, mittens, water-resistant outerwear, and several loose-fitting layers to trap body heat. Warning signs of hypothermia include confusion, intense shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness, and stiff muscles.

Residents are urged to use caution at home as well. Extreme cold can lead to frozen pipes, and open flames should never be used to thaw pipes, as this can cause serious fires. Improper use of alternative heat sources may also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Broome County Sheriff's Office will be conducting frequent wellness checks throughout the community during this extreme weather event.

Additional tips for older adults and individuals with mobility needs:

• Charge electric wheelchairs, power scooters, and other mobility equipment ahead of the storm
• Check on older neighbors, families members, and anyone who may need extra assistance
• For older adults, do not attempt to shovel heavy snow - have a plan for snow removal after the storm so your home is accessible.

Warming Centers & Emergency Shelters

Broome County has identified daytime warming centers and overnight emergency shelters across the community. Hours may vary by location, and residents are encouraged to confirm hours of operation before visiting.

Daytime Warming Centers:

• Broome County Health Dept - 225 Front Street, Binghamton, NY

Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Broome County Public Library -185 Court Street, Binghamton, NY

Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Fri & Sat: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Broome West Senior Center -2801 Wayne Street, Endicott, NY

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

• Chenango Bridge Senior Center -740 River Road, Binghamton, NY

Mon, Wed & Fri: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Deposit Senior Center - 14 Monument Street, Deposit, NY 13754

Tues & Thurs: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Eastern Broome Senior Center - 27 Golden Lane, Harpursville, NY

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM

• Fenton Free Library -1062 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY 13901

Mon-Fri: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

• First Ward Senior Center - 226 Clinton Street, Binghamton, NY

Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

• George F. Johnson Mem. Library -1001 Park Street, Endicott, NY

Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Fri & Sat: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Johnson City Senior Center - 30 Brocton Street, Johnson City, NY

Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Fri: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Mary L. Wilcox Library - 2630 Main Street, Whitney Point, NY 13862

Mon & Fri: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Tues: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Wed & Thurs: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Northern Broome Senior Center - 12 Strongs Place, Whitney Point, NY

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

• Oakdale Commons - 601 Harry L Drive, Johnson City, NY

Mon-Thurs: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Fri-Sat: 10:00AM - 9:00 PM; Sun: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

• Vestal Public Library - 320 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY

Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM; Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Vestal Senior Center - 201 Main Street, Vestal, NY 13850

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

• Your Home Public Library - 107 Main Street, Johnson City, NY

Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Fri: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Overnight Emergency Shelters:

• Broome County Department of Social Services - 36-42 Main Street, Binghamton NY

8:00 AM-4:00 PM

• UPComfort/Warming Center - 42 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY

Sun - Thurs 6:30PM - 9:00PM

**Can be accessed after 9 PM via DSS emergency after hours phone number, 607-778-3885

• YWCA (for single women)

80 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY

76 Conklin Avenue, Binghamton, NY

• YMCA (for single men)

61 Susquehanna Street, Binghamton, NY

• Volunteers of America (for single men)

320 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY