New York homeowner guide

Main water shutoff

At the meter or at the wall entry. NYC homes often have shutoff valves in the basement or near the boiler room. Upstate homes: shutoff is typically at the pressure tank if on a well, and at the meter if on city water. Test operation before any freeze event.

Heating system type

New York has an unusual diversity of heating systems: steam boilers (common in NYC pre-war buildings), forced hot water (Hudson Valley and Upstate suburbs), heat pumps (newer construction), and electric baseboard (rural). Know your system's type, fuel, and service schedule.

Radon test

Many New York counties have elevated radon, particularly in the Hudson Valley (Dutchess, Columbia, Ulster, Putnam) and western NY (Erie, Niagara, Monroe). Test within 90 days of move-in.

NYC / Long Island: building and coastal systems

Check building super contacts, elevator/mechanical room access, and flood barrier locations. Long Island: inspect exterior for winter storm damage monthly in the Nov to Apr window.

Upstate / Adirondacks: heating and snow load

Monitor heating fuel levels (propane or oil); aim to keep the tank above 25% at all times in winter. After major snowfall, check roof load on flat or low-slope sections.

Long Island and NYC coastal prep

Sandy's 14-foot surge flooded lower Manhattan, the Rockaways, and much of the South Shore. Know your evacuation zone (A-F). Zone A evacuates first. Verify sump pump battery backup, stock 7-day supplies, and know your shelter location if not evacuating.

Roof inspection

Annual inspection before storm season. Long Island roofs take constant salt air and wind. NYC flat roofs: inspect the membrane for punctures, lifted sections, and ponding water.

Pro recommended: Licensed Roofer

Western NY lake effect preparation

Buffalo and the Lake Ontario snowbelt (Oswego, Watertown) receive among the highest snowfalls in the US, 100-200 inches per year. Service the snow blower in September. Verify roof load capacity. Stock 7-10 days of supplies before November 1.

Heating fuel and pipe protection

Fill oil or propane tank before the first hard freeze. Wrap exposed pipes in unheated spaces. Check insulation in the attic and exterior walls. Upstate NY's -10°F to -20°F temperatures are pipe-burst events waiting for underprepared homes.

Roof snow removal

When snow exceeds 24 inches on a flat or low-slope roof, remove it with a roof rake. Wet lake effect snow weighs 20+ lbs per square foot. Older Upstate homes (pre-1960 construction) may have marginal roof load capacity.

Ice dam prevention

NY's freeze-thaw cycles create ice dams on homes with inadequate attic insulation or air sealing. Maintain R-49+ in the attic and ensure soffits are unobstructed. A properly sealed, well-insulated attic prevents ice dams more reliably than any mechanical solution.

Test and act

If radon is above 4 pCi/L, install a sub-slab depressurization system. NRPP-certified mitigators available statewide. Cost $800-1,500. NY State has a Radon Program through the Department of Health; free resources at health.ny.gov.

Pro recommended: Certified Radon Mitigation Contractor

Flood insurance

Long Island, NYC low-lying areas, and Hudson River communities need flood insurance. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Sandy demonstrated that FEMA flood maps underestimate actual risk in NY.

Sandy-scale coastal planning

Plan around Sandy's impact: 14-foot surge, 7+ million without power, weeks-long disruptions. Know your evacuation zone and route before storm season. Stock 7 days of supplies.

Western NY lake effect response

Lake effect events are hyper-local and fast-moving. A band can dump 2-4 feet in 12 hours in a narrow corridor. When a Lake Effect Snow Warning is issued: stop driving, shelter in place, have supplies for 5-7 days. Do not rely on regional forecasts. Monitor NWS Buffalo or NWS Syracuse for band positioning.

Shut off and drain

Main water off at the meter or pressure tank. Open all faucets. Photograph all damage. Upstate: after a cold snap, plumber wait times are 48-72 hours. NYC: call building super first; building may have central shutoff.

Storm surge and groundwater flooding response

Do not enter if electrical equipment is submerged. Call Con Edison (1-800-752-6633), National Grid (1-718-643-4050), or your utility to disconnect at the meter. Deploy backup pump. Sandy basement flooding required professional water removal in many cases; NYC/Long Island experienced 80,000+ flooded basements.

Extended outages in extreme cold

Upstate NY power outages during ice storms or lake effect events are dangerous due to cold. Know your nearest warming center. Con Edison: 1-800-752-6633. National Grid: 1-800-867-5222. NYSEG: 1-800-572-1111. Generators outside only, 20 feet from windows.

Evacuate and call from outside

Rotten egg smell: everyone out. Leave door open. Call 911. Con Edison: 1-800-752-6633. National Grid: 1-718-643-4050 (NYC), 1-800-892-2345 (Upstate). KeySpan/National Grid: 1-718-643-4050. Do not re-enter until cleared.

Multi-story and apartment fire response

NYC high-rise protocol: don't take elevators. Use fire stairs. Feel each door before opening. If your floor is filled with smoke, close the door and call 911 to report your location. For single-family homes upstate: know two exits from every room, especially upper floors. Keep escape ladders accessible. Designate a meeting place outside. Never re-enter.