Print This Page

Child Safety

Child Safety Booklet

The Administration of Child Services in NYC has created a helpful safety booklet filled with friendly tips for parents and caregivers. It aims to keep little ones safe by sharing advice on preventing some common and serious injuries.

The booklet is a great resource with scientific evidence to help you create a safe environment for your child. It is available in many languages.

Download a safety booklet by visiting www1.nyc.gov/site/acs/child-welfare/take-good-care.page

Updated on October 29, 2024

Preventing health and safety issues

Get clear and useful information about important home health and safety issues that you can prevent with the right tools, programs, and knowledge—all for free. See the list below:

Healthy Homes program: The NYC Department of Health (DOH) provides extensive information on important home health and safety issues including carbon monoxide, hazardous products, and pest control. Visit https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/healthy-home.page

Window Guards: For families with young children living in or visiting one’s home, the landlord is usually required to install window guards. Call 311 for more information or to lodge a complaint. To obtain information on installing window guards or a copy of the law or educational materials, call 311 or visit the website: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/window-guards.page

Carbon Monoxide poisoning: Most homes and residential buildings in NYC City are required by law to have carbon monoxide detectors installed in the sleeping areas. If you rent, the building owner is responsible for installing approved carbon monoxide detectors, and residents are responsible for regularly testing detectors to make sure they work and replacing the batteries. Learn more go to https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/carbon-monoxide.page

Car seat safety: Get a free car seat safety fitting by a trained technician from the Department of Transit (DOT): https://www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/car-safety. Check the NYC DOT Events Calendar for upcoming fittings, or call 212-839-4750 to arrange a free inspection at a DOT Child Car Seat Fitting Station.

Updated on October 29, 2024.

Disaster Relief & Recovery

A disaster is an occurrence disrupting the normal conditions of existence and causing a level of suffering that exceeds the capacity of adjustment of the affected community. Some examples are nor’easters, severe storms with flooding, and power outages.

Learn how to prepare and what resources are at your disposal:

Find a Safe Place to Go
Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to talk with someone in person for guidance or information. To find a center near you, use the DRC Locator or text DRC and your ZIP code to 43362. Example: DRC 10029.

Disaster Relief Resources and Temporary Sheltering Assistance
► You can apply online or with the FEMA App to manage your disaster application. Your Social Security Number (SSN) is required.
► If you are eligible for Transitional Sheltering Assistance, FEMA will pay the cost to stay in certain lodging providers for a limited period. Costs covered are for the cost of the room and taxes, and any other expenses are not included. Search the list of participating locations to see if they have availability in the area you have selected.
► Find open shelters with the American Red Cross Greater NYC

Disaster Unemployment Assistance
DUA is a federal program that provides payments to people in a federally declared disaster area who have lost work or income as a direct result of the disaster. You must first file for regular Unemployment Insurance by calling the NYS Department of Labor at 888-209-8124.

Help with Expenses After a Disaster
You can apply to the NYC Human Resources Administration for a one-time emergency grant, also called the “One Shot Deal.” Call (718) 557-1399 for more information.

Coping with Stress Related to Disasters
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene helps New Yorkers. Contact NYC Well at 888-692-9355 for counseling and resources.

Information Resources
► Preparedness Actions Education
► NYC Emergency Management Office 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115)
► Notify NYC App
► Know Your Zone (Hurricanes)

Updated on October 24th, 2024.