Before dawn today, the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) began providing aid to commuters walking into Manhattan over the Brooklyn, Williamsburg and Queensboro (59th Street) Bridges in the form of hot drinks and snacks—coffee and hot chocolate, cookies, and Granola bars—so they can re-energize, and continue their walk to their destinations in below freezing temperatures. Red Cross also provide saftety tips on coping with cold weather conditions (see below).

Commuters will find a Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) stationed at the Manhattan end of each of these bridges from 5 am to 10 am, and at the Brooklyn and Queens end of the bridges from 3 pm to 8 pm.

This morning, December 20, more than a dozen Red Cross volunteers staffing three ERVs served more than 6,000 cups of hot chocolate and coffee to grateful pedestrians.

Red Cross ERVs have also been deployed to Red Cross Area Offices in the outer boroughs on a standby basis in order to be able to respond immediately to any emergencies that may occur during the transit strike.

"The Red Cross will continue to maintain our disaster response capabilities at the highest level during this strike,” said Scott Graham, Chief Response Officer of the American Red Cross in Greater New York. "To that end, our resources are now spread across five boroughs and we have deployed staff members to our Area Offices.”

In addition to manning the ERVS, ARC/GNY has responded to 14 emergencies over the past twenty-four hours. During the winter months, Red Cross in Greater New York responds to an average of 8 to 10 emergencies a day throughout New York City. 

For the duration of the strike, Red Cross client services normally offered at the Red Cross Manhattan Headquarters to victims of emergencies and disasters will also be available at more accessible borough Area Offices.

ARC/GNY Health & Safety and Disaster Training Classes

All ARC/GNY Cross Health & Safety and Disaster Training classes have been cancelled on Tuesday, December 20.

All ARC/GNY Cross Health & Safety and Disaster Training Classes will run as scheduled on Wednesday, December 21, and thereafter. If you cannot attend a class, please call 1-800-514-5103 to reschedule.

RED CROSS COLD WEATHER HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS

The Red Cross offers the following tips to help travelers deal with cold weather conditions—

Safety Precautions: If possible, carry a cell phone or communication device in case of an emergency. Follow the directions of all traffic officers and follow recommended driving, walking and biking routes.

When Walking or Biking:

• Dress appropriately before going outdoors. The air temperature does not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Dress in layers—you can take off a layer if you become too warm. Wear gloves or mittens, and replace wet clothing immediately. Wear reflective gear if you have to walk or bike in the early morning or evening hours. Wear comfortable shoes or boots.
• Stay hydrated and have appropriate snacks handy.  If you are walking long distances bring a thermos with hot cider, soup or broth, which will warm you and give you nutrients and energy. Avoid drinking beverages with alcohol or caffeine. They will make you more susceptible to cold-weather hazards like hypothermia. If you have a medical condition such as diabetes or hypoglycemia carry a high-energy snack with you such as a granola bar, raisins or peanut butter.
• Recognize the symptoms of cold weather illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite.  Both conditions are serious. Symptoms of hypothermia include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Warning signs of frostbite include gray, white or yellow skin discoloration. If any of these conditions are present, seek medical attention immediately.

For additional safety tips, click here.

Keep Informed: Watch and listen to local news reports to stay on top of the latest strike and travel information. Visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/transitinfo for the latest transit information including maps of road restrictions, carpool locations, pedestrian and bicycle access routes, ferry, private buses, taxi and for-hire vehicles, trains and rail and more.

For travel advisories during the strike, please call 3-1-1, the New York City general information number.

More Photo(s):

Thousands of New Yorkers were happy to find American Red Cross of Greater New York volunteers ready with a hot beverage after they walked across bridges into Manhattan on the first morning of the New York City transit strike. Wind chill temperatures were in the teens. ARC/GNY will have refreshment and hydration stations at the three major bridges every weekday morning and evening throughout the strike. (Photo: Theresa A. Bischoff)