The FDNY Urges New Yorkers to Take Safety Precautions Ahead of Forecasted Snowstorm

January 22, 2026

As New Yorkers prepare for a predicted snowstorm and extreme cold, the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) reminds residents to take a few steps to keep themselves, their neighbors, and FDNY members safe during the storm. The National Weather Service New York forecasts a significant winter storm likely late Saturday night into Monday.

This weekend, the FDNY will release two public service announcements focused on space heater safety and clearing snow from fire hydrants, which are critical to fire operations and ensure the FDNY can quickly locate a water source if there is a fire.

"Cold weather brings an increased risk of fires and other emergencies," said Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore. "We want you to be safe in this storm. Taking a few basic precautions, like using space heaters safely and having working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, can help protect your family. Our EMTs, Paramedics, Dispatchers, and Firefighters are ready to respond to any type of emergency, at any time, no matter what. We need your help making sure they can safely access hydrants and entryways."

The FDNY urges New Yorkers to follow these safety tips:

• Use space heaters safely, by placing them on a flat surface at least three feet away from anything that can burn. Always turn them off when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Plug heaters directly into an outlet and never use extension cords or damaged cords with space heaters.
• Never use ovens or gas ranges to heat your home. This can cause dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, which can lead to serious illness or death.
• Check on neighbors during extreme cold, especially older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions.
• Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them at least once a month to make sure they're working.
• Prepare for winter emergencies and stock up on essentials such as flashlights, batteries, nonperishable food, and bottled water. Create a family emergency plan so everyone knows what to do during a fire or severe winter storm.
• Shovel a path to hydrants and entryways so they are visible to the FDNY in case of emergency. Any delay in fire companies locating hydrants and getting water on a fire endangers the lives of Firefighters AND civilians.

For more safety tips, visit FDNYSmart.org.