Recover Rapidly After the Storm

DSNY trash pick up.

After the storm has passed, the City will help New Yorkers get back to their normal routines as quickly as possible—whether that means clearing catch basins and downed trees, reopening roads, or disposing of damaged building materials.

Immediately following a storm, the City will:

Deploy resources to support cleanup efforts:

  • The Department of Sanitation will deploy additional sanitation trucks to flooded communities to collect and dispose of damaged property at the curb.
  • The Department of Parks and Recreation will clear downed trees blocking roadways and sidewalks to allow New Yorkers to safely use those public spaces.
  • DEP will deploy crews to resolve any flooded roadways.

Support homeowner’s cleanup efforts:

  • When an intense storm triggers appropriate activation criteria, the Mayor’s Office of Housing Recovery Operations will engage an on-call vendor to provide in-home debris removal as well as muck and gut services to 1–4 unit homes. This includes the removal of debris, submerged drywall, carpeting/rugs, other household items, etc.

But we all have a role to play:

If you rent, own, or live in a 1–4 family home, you should:

  • Document damages for insurance and possible government aid and identify where water entered your home to inform future mitigation efforts.
  • Remove wet items, drywall, flooring etc. to avoid mold. Consider replacing basement finishes with water resistant materials.
  • Help direct resources by reporting flood damage by calling 311 or visiting 311’s Severe Weather page.

If you rent, own, manage, or live in a large property with several units, you should:

  • Document damages for insurance and possible government aid and identify where water entered your property to inform future mitigation efforts.
  • Remove flooded items, drywall, flooring etc. to avoid mold. Consider replacing basement finishes with water resistant materials.