Hochul declares state of emergency

Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency for all of New York as it is expected to be impacted by severe winter weather over the next few days.

During a news conference on Friday, Hochul outlined the conditions that are forecasted and the preparations New Yorkers should be taking to stay safe. According to Hochul, the conditions will be dangerous and will impact the entire state.

The forecast is predicting a combination of heavy snowfall and extreme cold. The governor said by Saturday night, the state is expecting some of the most dangerously low temperatures that it hasn’t seen in years.

These predicted temperatures can create a situation that is ideal for frostbite and hypothermia, Hochul said. The governor urged everyone to be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia — poor coordination, slurred speech, exhaustion and shivering.

All state employees have been authorized to work remotely on Monday and Hochul is encouraging other employers to do the same. She says she wants to keep as many people as possible off the roads, reducing the chances of accidents and clearing the way for plows and emergency vehicles.

The storm is also having an impact on politics in New York as there are special elections coming up on Feb. 3. The governor says early voting, which was supposed to begin on Sunday, is being suspended in New York City on that day due to the weather. Hochul says it may also be suspended on Monday, depending on the conditions. She does not believe the weather will be enough to impact early voting for the special election in Buffalo. The Board of Elections will notify voters of special hours to make up those early voting hours.

Hochul urged New Yorkers to pay attention to weather forecasts, follow all travel advisories and warnings and to stock up on things they will need ahead of the storm.

“We do not want a run on groceries, but you do not want to be that parent who ran out of peanut butter on Sunday and have to go out in the bitter cold to buy it. I’ve been that parent, you do not want to do that,” said Hochul. “Make sure you do not have any reason to go out into the extreme cold as it unfolds Sunday into Monday.”

Hochul also urged people to get their prescriptions filled now so they will not run out in the middle of these extreme winter conditions. Additionally, she asked everyone to fill their gas tanks now because standing outside in frigid temperatures to pump gas could be dangerous.

The governor also cautioned New Yorkers to be aware of their health, and be cautious when shoveling heavy snow, as that has led to many heart attacks for people in the past.

One thing that many people may not think about ahead of severe winter weather is their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Hochul advised New Yorkers to make sure theirs are working in case they have to use things like space heaters indoors due to the cold.

If you do have to go outside, the governor asked that you put on more than just your regular coat. She recommended dressing in layers and wearing as much as needed to stay warm. For anyone who does have to go out, Hochul said loading up your vehicle with supplies, such as food, water, blankets and a flashlight, before you leave could save your life. She added that charging your cell phone is equally important.

The governor even recommended adding extra insulation to pipes or running a space heater to keep them from freezing if necessary, and adding insulation to windows and under doors.

If these storms cause power outages, many people will turn to generators. The governor issued a reminder that gas generators must be run outdoors and away from homes to avoid a deadly buildup of carbon monoxide gas indoors.

Finally, the governor urged pet owners to be aware of their pets’ safety, as this type of weather can be just as dangerous for them.

Hochul stressed that state crews have been preparing for this weather event by pre-treating roads, checking utility lines, having emergency plans in place and issuing warnings that could save lives.