Ready for what New York actually throws at you.
Superstorm Sandy, nor'easters that bury the city, upstate flooding that destroys mountain communities, and a 20 million person population that makes every disaster complicated.
About this guide
New York is two entirely different states sharing a name and a governor. New York City and the metro area face hurricane storm surge, coastal flooding, extreme urban heat, and the vulnerability of 8 million people in a dense, below-sea-level infrastructure system — Sandy (2012) flooded the subway, knocked out power to half the city, and killed 43 New Yorkers. Upstate New York is a different world: Irene and Lee (2011) caused catastrophic flooding across the Catskills, Mohawk Valley, and Adirondack communities. Buffalo sits in the Lake Erie snow belt and gets buried multiple times per winter. Western NY sees tornadoes. The Adirondacks get extreme cold and ice. One ZIP code does not fit all of New York — enter yours to see what applies.
Local self-reliance starts with knowing your place.
Quick facts
Top hazards: Hurricanes & Storm Surge, Nor'easters & Blizzards, Flooding
NY has expanded Medicaid — adults up to 138% FPL may qualify
USDA hardiness zones: 3b (Adirondack highlands) to 7b (NYC / Long Island / Hudson Valley lowlands)
Unemployment: up to $869/week for 26 weeks
Free or low-cost soil testing available through the state extension service
Seven topics, one state
Each section focuses on one question. Find what you need without wading through what you don't.
Official maps and tools for flood, fire, earthquake, water, dam, river, and local hazard awareness.
Am I at risk? →
Find nearby courses, extension programs, and emergency training that build practical skills.
Where do I learn? →
Connect with local gatherings, neighbor-help efforts, civic groups, and community support networks.
What's happening near me? →
Find official alerts, emergency agencies, trauma centers, and crisis-response information near you.
Who do I call? →
Use local frost dates, planting zones, soil data, extension calendars, and composting guidance.
What can I grow? →
Find food, utility, health, unemployment, and 211 resources before hardship becomes crisis.
Where can I find help? →
Find your county transit provider, demand-response ride service, and carpool matching options.
How do I get around? →
Simple step-by-step preparedness checklists for your home, family, garden, documents, and local risks.
What do I do next? →
Get specific
Enter your ZIP code to see real-time weather alerts, drought conditions, FEMA disaster declarations, and county-level resources.
Next steps
Know your risks
Flood zones, hazard maps, and the NY risks that apply to your county.
Local Risk ReadinessBuild the basics
The universal first step — before you personalize, get the 72-hour foundation in place.
First 72 Hours