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How to Stay Safe During Subzero Temperatures

(White Plains, NY) –  Dangerously cold temperatures will continue to plummet overnight in Westchester, with a cold weather advisory in effect through 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 28, and arctic subzero temperatures expected to linger.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins urged residents to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets from hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related dangers.

Jenkins said: “Residents should limit time outdoors during extreme cold, dress in warm layers, keep pets indoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives to be sure they have heat. If you must travel, place blankets and emergency supplies in your vehicle, ensure electric vehicles are adequately charged, keep traditional vehicles fueled, and heat your home safely.”

Jenkins said the County’s Department of Emergency Services and Department of Health are providing guidance to help residents handle the cold safely. For the latest on shelter availability, contact your local municipality. Libraries, municipal buildings and malls are also good places to warm up.

Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler emphasized the importance of preparation and awareness during extreme cold conditions.

Amler said: “Before heading outside during this dangerous cold spell, dress yourself and your children in a hat, gloves and multiple layers. Check your tire pressure because it can drop in extreme cold, and if you must spend time outdoors, take frequent breaks to warm up inside. It’s critical to recognize the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.”

Low temperatures can be life-threatening, especially for seniors, infants and people at increased risk for hypothermia. Warning signs of hypothermia in adults include stumbling, mumbling, fumbling, shivering, slurred speech and confusion. Infants with hypothermia may appear sluggish, have very low energy, and exhibit bright red, cold skin. If you think someone is suffering from hypothermia or frostbite, call a medical provider immediately.

Those who are most vulnerable to hypothermia include elderly people with inadequate food, clothing or heat, babies sleeping in cold rooms, people who remain outdoors for long periods of time, and those with alcohol or substance use disorders.

Frostbite can occur quickly and without warning, and most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Numbness may develop, increasing risk of permanent injury. Older adults and people with diabetes are especially susceptible due to impaired circulation.

At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, move the person out of the cold or protect any exposed skin as frostbite may be beginning. Seek immediate medical care. Signs of frostbite include white or grayish-yellow skin, numbness or skin that feels unusually firm or waxy. Victims are often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb.

Tips to Avoid Hypothermia and Frostbite:

• Dress warmly in layers.
• Be aware of the wind chill factor.
• Work slowly when doing outside chores.
• Bring a buddy and an emergency kit to outdoor recreation.
• Carry a charged cell phone.

If Power is Lost:

• Report outages to your utility provider:
  • Con Edison: 1-800-75-CONED (752-6633)
  • NYSEG: 1-800-572-1131 (electric) or 1-800-572-1121 (gas)
• Leave a light on to signal when power is restored.
• Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns instead of candles.
• Limit opening refrigerator and freezer doors.
• Never operate generators indoors or in garages, basements, porches, or sheds—even with doors or windows open.
• Camp stoves and portable grills are for outdoor use only.

Safe Heating Practices:

• Never use ovens, gas stoves, or propane heaters to heat your home.
• Ensure fireplaces, wood stoves, and combustion heaters are properly vented outdoors.
• Follow manufacturer instructions for all heating equipment.
• Use only the fuel intended for each device.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet from furniture, curtains, bedding and water sources.
• Never cover a space heater or place it on furniture.
• Keep children and pets away from heating equipment.
• Never add fuel to a heater while it is hot.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, if available.

Eligible residents may receive financial help to heat their homes this winter. For information about the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), call the Westchester County Department of Social Services at (914) 995-3333 or United Way’s 2-1-1. Eligibility information is also available at www.myBenefits.ny.gov, and applications can be found at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap.

More advice is at: https://emergencyservices.westchestergov.com/ and https://health.westchestergov.com/winter-safety-tips  Follow the Health Department on Twitter @wchealthdept or on Facebook at Facebook.com/wchealthdept.

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GOOD AFTERNOON  WHITE PLAINS RESIDENTS.

YESTERDAY’S STORM BROUGHT US  14-15 INCHES OF SNOW!

OUR AMAZING DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS CREWS WILL CONTINUE THEIR SNOW REMOVAL OPERATIONS THIS WEEK.

CURRENTLY, THEY HAVE FINISHED SALTING THE MAIN ROADS AND ARE CONTINUING TO SALT THE SECTIONS. SHOULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETED THIS MORNING.

DPW IS PREPARING TRUCKS FOR SNOW REMOVAL OPERATIONS TONIGHT IN THE  DOWNTOWN STARTING WITH MAMARONECK AVE AT MAIN STREET AND WORKING THEIR WAY DOWN THE AVENUE. THE CITY’S PAYLOADER OPERATORS WILL BE REMOVING LARGE SNOWMOUNDS AT TRAFFIC ISLANDS AND NEAR TURNING LANES WHERE THEIR OUR SIGHT LINE ISSUES.  

THIS AFTERNOON, DPW WILL BEGIN CLEARING SNOW FROM CROSSWALKS.

FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE WEEK. DPW WILL CONTINUE ITS SNOW REMOVAL OPERATIONS THEN TRANSITION TO CLEARING PARKING LOTS WHERE SNOW WAS PILED UP FROM PLOWING.

GARBAGE OPERATIONS ARE PROCEDING ON THE NORMAL SCHEDULE.

YOU JUST CAN’T HOLD DPW DOWN!

(Editor’s Note: This is a breakthrough in communications initiated by the new  Mayor Justin Brasch administration: timely in real time report on progress on clearing city roads  of the largest snow storm I can remember. This morning the roads  in the neighborhoods had preliminary clearing in place and by noon my neighborhood  was done)

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WPCNR WEATHER. jANUARY 25, 2026 4 P.M. UPDATED 10:40 P.M.

At the 10:40 PM hour, a fine rain is now falling, accumulation has essentially topped out in what has been one of most intense snowstorms afflicting White Plains in years.

More shoveling awaits us tomorrow morning. White Plains Schools are closed Monday.

After a second clearing of snow, it is clear the pace of the largest snowstorm to hit White Plains in two winters, by my recollection, that the powdery consistency of the white event aided by its organization and intensity of flake ordinance is continuing to replace snow already plowed, shoveled or snowblown away at the same  speed as it is removed.

It took your shoveling reporter,  John Bailey, another hour and 15 minutes to clear sidewalk and 90 foot driveway refilled with the windblown white .

My surprise was after completing shoveling in an hour 15 minutes, 1 hour later the drive was refilled again.

The rough total after two snow removals was 12 inches, and seeing another 2 inches have happily refilled the driveway. We are going to be close to 16 inches or more.

The growing problem, the DPW faces is the powdery  drifting llightness of the snow. It does not pile or collect well. Walks  residue has now piled to about  3 feet. And it has a tendence to collapse or create mini-avalanches.

If this stops by midnight the shovel jobs tomorrow will be another chore.

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WPCNR FLAKE-BY-FLAKE FLASH By John F. Bailey. January 25, 2026:

The Sunday snow started at 7 A.M. this morning and by 10:15 A.M had accumulated approximately 5 inches.

The is a skier’s dream: fluffy white power  which when you swerve to a stop makes all the lady skiers take notice.

It took this official shoveler and snow blower pilot 1 hour and 20 minutes to clear my driveway of 5 inches of snow.

However, the snow is continuing it’s 5 inches an hour accumulation rate. One hour later the 5 inches of slow I cleared from my 90 foot driveway had been replaced.

At this rate the snow as beautiful as it is continues the pace of its original forecast by The Weather Channel of 16 inches.

I reckon it will take two more clearings with the snow blower to get the driveway clear.

I await the battery recharging which should be just about done.

It is  a relentless 45 degree angle of fall continuing at this hour.

The temperature is 16 WPCNR SNOWY DEGREES, and the surface under the fallen snow is a wet slippery causing uncertain footing with steering the snowblower.

I warn you after an hour out in this Arctic cold, your fingers become numb in your gloves and your toes become numb even in  your L.L. Bean snow boots.

I cross my fingers that this snow will not last until  Monday evening.

I also suggest you clear it in three stages.

John Bailey reporting from my driveway in a Very White White Plains New York USA, where at 1 P.M. i  have to advise you the wind has picked up, it is now 18 degrees with the wind at 13 miles hour gusting to 26 miles an hour  enhancing the drifting effect  and escalating the difficulty in clearing the “Great White” in an orderly manner that will last.

In fact this drivewat as of 11:15 was cleared to the blackgtop, now at 1:15 PM it is completed been replaced with new snow.