NY debuts new emergency, weather alert system: How to sign up

A new emergency and weather alert system is now available for New Yorkers.

Through the free 333111 system, you’ll receive text alerts from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services about severe weather, significant power outages and shelter locations in your area.

“My highest priority is the safety of New Yorkers, especially during times of severe and unpredictable emergency events,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “To best prepare for inclement weather — especially as hurricane season approaches — I am encouraging all New Yorkers to sign up for alerts so they can remain safe and vigilant when high-impact events occur.”

Here’s what to know.

How to sign up for the new alert system

It’s pretty simple — all you’ll need to do is text 333111 with your county or borough name without the word county or any spaces or punctuation marks.

If you’d like to receive text alerts for multiple counties, text each county or borough name separately to 333111 and if you want alerts for the entire state, text NEWYORKSTATE.

It works with all cell phone carriers, the state says, and is free to sign up barring any message or data rates that may apply through your specific carrier. Signing up is also completely private as the state doesn’t have the ability to track or monitor your activity or personal data in any way, according to the state.

What if I already receive NY-ALERT updates?

If you’ve already signed up for NY-ALERT, you’re all set. NY-ALERT recipients will receive the same messages as those registered for 333111.

How to get emails through the alert system

If you’d like to receive email alerts in addition to the text messages, you’ll have the option to do so after you sign up for the text alerts by replying with your email address.

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What if I no longer want to receive alerts?

If you no longer want to receive alerts, you can text STOP to 333111 and follow the prompts. For email alerts, click the “unsubscribe” button at the bottom of the email.

When emergency alerts will be sent through the system

These are the types of emergency alerts you’ll receive through the 333111 system, according to the department:

Winter-related alerts

• When the winter storm severity index reaches the major stage in any part of the state

• A blizzard warning is issued

• An ice storm warning is issued

• When a wind chill warning or watch is issued

Summer-related alerts

• There’s an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms

• An excessive heat warning is issued

• The heat index is forecast to be 90 degrees or higher for three consecutive days

• The heat risk reaches major

• A tornado watch is issued

Weather-related alerts

• There’s a moderate risk for excessive rainfall

• The air quality is forecast to reach very unhealthy levels

• New York state is included in the cone of uncertainty in a hurricane or tropical storm forecast track

• A hurricane watch is issued

• There’s moderate coastal flooding (2-3 feet of inundation in shoreline and vulnerable areas) expected

• A drought warning or emergency is declared in any part of the state

• A red flag warning is issued

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Utility impact-related alerts

• Widespread, prolonged utility outages are expected to worsen or be prolonged by severe weather

• Electrical load reductions and/or energy conservation is needed

• Dry ice or bottled water distributions are being conducted by utility companies

Transportation-related alerts

• A travel ban is issued by New York state on a major interstate

• When traffic may be in gridlock status for a long period of time

Emily Barnes on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY debuts new emergency, weather alert system: How to sign up