Storm ‘Nemo’ Tips and Updates from Mount Sinai

The Mount Sinai Hospital New York City

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the New York metropolitan area through Saturday. Heavy snow accumulations, sleet, ice and high winds are expected. Mount Sinai Hospital is prepared for Storm ‘Nemo,’ officially activating its Emergency Command Center.

Appointments for the Mount Sinai Doctors Faculty Practice, the Ambulatory Care Clinics at CAM (102nd St.), and Endoscopies are all cancelled for Saturday as a result of the snow storm.

Our inbound phone service is experiencing high volume of calls, but remains fully operational. Callers to the hospital should dial 212-241-6500 for all hospital services. For all elective procedures and outpatient appointments at The Mount Sinai Hospital, patients should contact their doctor's office directly.

Mount Sinai Queens

Mount Sinai Queens Hospital switchboard will be operational through tonight. The Hospital is fully staffed and our Emergency Department is open.

Outpatient appointments and elective surgeries for tomorrow are cancelled and both Family Health Associates and Physician Associates will be closed. The Cancer Program is also closed tomorrow.

North Shore Medical Group

North Shore Medical Group will be closed Saturday. For more information, call our Main Office at 631-351-3700.

Storm Safety Tips

As the storm gains momentum, it is important to be prepared for its strong winds, potential power outages and snow. Mount Sinai has compiled the following safety tips to help you coordinate your plans:

  • If you have a special medical condition, plan ahead. Compile a list of medications (and dosages) you take and any known allergies you have in case you need to go to the hospital.

  • Store insulin and liquid antibiotics on ice in case of a power failure.

  • Be certain to have an extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts handy, as well as batteries for hearing aids.

  • Charge all cell in advance of the storm. If you lose power in the home and your car is in a garage, you can use your car cigarette lighter to serve as a backup charger for your cell battery if it runs low.

  • Battery-powered flashlights are better to use in emergencies than candles, as candles can pose a fire hazard. Be sure to have extra batteries for your flashlight(s).

  • Keep a battery-operated emergency radio handy to stay current with weather and news updates.

  • Stay in close contact with the elderly and relatives.

  • Be sure to have a supply of water in containers and even your tub, as pipes can freeze during power outages. You should have at least one gallon of water per person per day.

  • Create an emergency kit with medications, water, bandages, soap, toothpaste/toothbrush, extra clothing, flashlights, a radio, and food in it.

  • Gather essentials for infants, such as diapers, wipes, formula, sanitized bottles, and extra clothing. Also gather warm clothing items and extra blankets in one area.

  • Make sure you or your relatives have backup power sources if anyone is on home oxygen or nebulizers.

  • Remove any deck furniture, planters, garbage cans and tools from outdoors, as they can be tossed by high winds.

  • Should you need to reach Mount Sinai, the main switchboard is 212-241-6500, the Emergency Room is 212-241-6639 and Admissions is 212-241-1900.  

  • Referring physicians requesting transfers should contact the appropriate service area:
    • Physician Access Services for all beds (excludes Women and Children’s Services, Psychiatry and Rehabilitation): 212-241-4983
    • Obstetrics, NICU: 212-241-7450
    • Pediatrics (excludes the NICU): 212-231-7470
    • Psychiatry: 212-241-7147
    • Rehabilitation: 212-241-5457

  • Remain inside – large storms and blizzard-like conditions can increase risks such as frostbite, hypothermia, as well as dangerous traveling conditions.

  • After the storm, be extra cautious driving and walking outside with potential hazards such as down trees and black ice when you go outside.

  • Have a supply of cash on hand. If the power fails, the ATM network will not be in operation and credit /debit card machines will be out as well.

 

Last Updated: 2/8/13