Prepping in New York City
Most New Yorkers will ride out an emergency in an apartment, without a car, possibly without elevators. The plan is about what you can store and carry.
- Coastal storms
- Flash flooding
- Heat waves
Sign up today
The official New York City alert and lookup tools. Each takes a few minutes and works even if you do nothing else on this page.
- Notify NYCSign up for Notify NYC
The city's official alerts, free and available in 13 languages. Sign up online, in the Notify NYC app or by calling 311.
- Basement flood alertsLearn more
If you live in a basement apartment, join Notify NYC's basement alert group for flash flood warnings.
- Hurricane Evacuation Zone FinderFind your zone
The city has six evacuation zones, numbered 1 to 6, and orders evacuations zone by zone. Look up your address or call 311.
Links checked October 2026. Wireless Emergency Alerts reach most phones automatically; these add local detail.
What can go wrong in New York City
- Coastal storm surge
- Sandy's surge in 2012 flooded subway tunnels and coastal neighborhoods and left much of lower Manhattan without power for days.
- Flash flooding
- Intense rain overwhelms sewers fast. In 2021, the remnants of Ida flooded basement apartments, and people died inside them.
- Heat waves
- Heat is the city's deadliest weather. Older residents in apartments without AC are most at risk.
- High-rise blackouts
- When power fails, elevators stop and upper floors can lose water pressure.
- Winter storms
- Snow and ice can shut down transit and strand people at home.
What that means for your plan
Plan to shelter in place in your apartment. Store water in stackable containers, keep an emergency toilet kit, and pack a go-bag light enough to carry down many flights of stairs and walk with.
If you live in a basement apartment, know a way out that doesn't rely on one stairwell, sign up for flood alerts and move to higher ground before heavy rain, not during it.
Know your neighbors, especially older residents and anyone on medical equipment. In heat waves and blackouts, checking on each other saves lives.
Do these first, in this order
- Notify NYC and your zone
Two minutes each. Your zone decides whether you're told to leave.
Radios and communication guide - Water in stackable containers
Upper floors can lose water when pumps stop.
Water storage and filters guide - A go-bag you can carry
You may be leaving on foot or by subway.
Go-bags and evacuation guide - Emergency toilet kit
When water stops, building sanitation fails fast.
Sanitation and hygiene guide - Headlamps for stairwells
Emergency lighting in stairwells doesn't last long.
Lighting and staying warm guide - Battery power and a fan
Keeps phones alive and a room bearable during a summer blackout.
Power stations and generators guide
Questions
How do I find my hurricane evacuation zone in NYC?
Use the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder at nyc.gov/knowyourzone or call 311. The city has six zones, numbered 1 through 6, and orders evacuations zone by zone.
How do I get emergency alerts in New York City?
Sign up for Notify NYC at nyc.gov/notify, download the Notify NYC app, or call 311. Alerts are free and available in 13 languages.
Should I stay in my high-rise during a hurricane?
If your zone is ordered to evacuate, go. If not, upper floors are above the surge, but expect to lose elevators, water pressure and power, so stock up before the storm.
How ready is your New York City home?
The quiz weights every item for city apartment risks and shows your top gaps. About 3 minutes, no sign-up.