HEALTH ALERT
EXTREME COLD EVENT
Feb. 6 to Feb. 9
Guidance for Hospitals, Psychiatric Centers, Service Providers, and Outreach Programs
Extreme cold weather is expected statewide throughout the weekend, with windchill temperatures expected to dip below -10 in downstate areas and down to -25 in parts of the upstate region. This deep freeze is expected to impact many areas of the state starting today, Feb. 6 and continuing into next week.
There is also a chance of snow late Sunday, Feb. 8, into Monday Feb. 9, with impacts mainly for the New York City metropolitan area and Long Island. The latest information on active weather watches, warnings, and advisories can be found on the National Weather Service Website by entering your zip code on the top left of the screen.
Hospitals, service providers and outreach programs are strongly encouraged to review OMH’s winter storm guidance and emergency response plans, while also checking that any backup systems are functioning properly. Additionally, facilities should report any disruption of services or infrastructure to the Department’s State Medical Operations Coordination Center.
Regional Outlook
- Western New York: Bitter cold is expected tonight through Sunday, with wind chills well below zero expected along with light snow or flurries at times with minimal accumulations. Extreme Cold Watch is in effect.
- Central New York: Light snow is possible tonight through Saturday, with dangerous cold persisting through the weekend and wind chills below zero likely. Extreme Cold Watch is in effect.
- Hudson River Region: Very cold conditions anticipated through the weekend, with chances of snow increasing from late Sunday to Monday and an elevated risk for icy travel. Extreme Cold Watch in effect for interior locations.
- New York City Region: Cold and dry weather expected through Saturday, with increased potential for accumulating snow late Sunday into Monday. Hazardous travel is possible if snow develops.
- Long Island: Cold weather is expected throughout the weekend, with snow possible late Sunday to Monday. Strong winds may contribute to reduced visibility and dangerous wind chills.
Temperatures as forecast through the weekend can be dangerous for both patients and staff, but also for critical infrastructure. Exposure to extreme cold at these temperatures can cause frostbite and hypothermia in as little as 10 minutes. Anyone who must go outside should be properly clothed, including wearing multiple layers and covering as much exposed skin as possible. Extreme cold can also pose an issue for pipes, which can freeze and burst in unoccupied or below-ground areas. Facilities are strongly encouraged to collaborate with physical plant staff to ensure temperatures in facilities are maintained properly.
Operational Actions
- Limit outdoor exposure and ensure cold-weather safety protocols are followed.
- Allow extra travel time and prepare for icy conditions.
- Monitor forecast updates and watches/warnings closely through the weekend.
- Report any service interruptions or operational impacts to the appropriate OMH Field Office.
The Code Blue conditions expected throughout the weekend and into next week pose an immediate danger for individuals experiencing homelessness. Anyone who appears to be living unsheltered –especially in these conditions –should be referred to a Safe Options Support or ‘SOS’ team, if one is in service in the area. If, however, someone appears to be suffering cold-weather conditions like hypothermia or frostbite, call 911 and request immediate emergency attention.
At 10 degrees, unsheltered individuals refusing all efforts to come inside and insisting on sleeping outdoors may demonstrate both an extreme lack of awareness of danger and exposure to objectively life-threatening conditions. This refusal can be criteria for involuntary removal, considering the likelihood to result in serious harm due to these extreme cold conditions. Any such determination must remain consistent with applicable Mental Hygiene Law standards, including the requirement that involuntary admission or retention be based on mental illness and resulting inability to meet basic needs or likelihood of serious harm.
Hypothermia and frostbite can pose a serious risk for individuals who are unsheltered, underdressed, have diabetes, are elderly, are malnourished, have mobility problems, or struggle with substance use issues. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia mimic those of intoxication and include confusion, slurred speech, trouble with coordination, slowed response time, and sleepiness. Areas of frostbite may appear dusky or waxy on the skin, which may feel numb or prickly to the individual. Either of these conditions require immediate medical evaluation.
Community-based hospitals, Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Programs and psychiatric facilities must follow the admission and discharge regulations now in effect, which require patients to have an appropriate plan in place –including an arrangement for them to be appropriately housed –before leaving inpatient care. Sending any patient –especially those who are unhoused –to the street during Code Blue conditions indicates a lack of discharge planning and is prohibited. Please ensure that the discharge planning staff at your facility are aware of the regulations now in effect statewide.
