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Dear New Yorkers,

As sub-freezing temperatures hit the city, staying inside is one way to stay safe from the cold.

But the frigid air isn’t the only risk to safety in the winter. Often-used tactics to stay warm indoors come with their own dangers, like potential fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.

“We see a big spike in home heating fires in December, January, February,” said Captain Michael Kozo, the commanding officer of the Fire Education Unit of the FDNY.

Home heating fires in New York are usually the result of a number of heating methods — “but space heaters definitely trump the others,” added Kozo.

If you’re using a space heater, there are some things you can do to reduce risk: from purchasing a heater that’s been certified for safety, to plugging your heater directly into the wall, it’s crucial to follow guidance from the FDNY and other experts so that you can stay warm and stay safe.

Using a space heater incorrectly comes with serious risks: Earlier this month, FDNY posted on social media that a two-alarm fire in Staten Island that left a baby in critical condition was the result of a space heater plugged into a power strip.

Read more here about how to avoid common winter heating hazards.

Weather ☀️

A little warmer! Highs around 30 and sunny, which should continue for the rest of the week.

MTA 🚇

The 4 train will run less frequently in the Bronx from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find all the MTA’s planned changes and the latest delays here.

Alternate side parking 🚙

It’s suspended today, Jan. 23, due to snow.

By the way…

Who’s responsible for clearing snow and ice? If you’re still slipping on the sidewalk, read our guide to find out who to call.

Our Other Top Stories

When a fire — started by a space heater — ripped through an apartment complex in the Bronx three years ago, leaving 17 dead and dozens injured and homeless, the Bronx Community Foundation sprang into action. They raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, promoted by Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Katy Hochul. But an internal financial audit shows that nearly $400,000 in donations remains unspent — and only a small fraction was spent actually helping the fire’s victims.  In Hunts Point, where rates of asthma are among the highest in the country, residents could finally see the implementation of measures to mitigate the effects of increased congestion pricing-diverted traffic on already busy highways. The first of these mitigation measures are new electric-hybrid transport refrigeration units, which would replace old diesel-burning units in the hopes of reducing emissions. Other future plans include expanding green space and establishing a Bronx asthma center. On the first episode of FAQ NYC's mayoral candidate interview series, our hosts interview Scott Stringer. The former comptroller who lost to Adams in the 2021 primary explained what he’s been doing since then and pitched himself as the right person to turn things around: “Having experience and a record of competence actually meets the moment. People want somebody who can walk into City Hall and know exactly what they're doing,” Stringer said. Listen here.

Next week, we’re launching our new newsletter RANKED CHOICES, a free weekly newsletter to keep busy New Yorkers up to speed on the 2025 election. It’s written by our City Hall reporter Katie Honan and THE CITY’s election team. We’ll hit your inbox every Thursday afternoon with a look at what you should know about the campaign, with a lot of news voters can use about how local elections work. If you want to read RANKED CHOICES, sign up here!

Things To Do

Here’s what’s going on around the city this week.

Thursday, Jan. 23: Attend the opening reception of “Brooklyn Dreamland, Land without Shadows,” an art exhibit depicting the “bygone era of Coney Island.” Arsenal in Central Park, 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25: Customize your tote bag with tie-dye at the Queens Public Library. Call to sign up. 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25: If you want to help prevent flooding in your apartment and your community, hear solutions from policy experts and tradespeople at Flood Solutions Fair. Van Alen Institute, Gowanus, Brooklyn, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

THE KICKER: To any unlucky grocery shoppers at the Trader Joe’s at 72nd and Broadway, congratulations: your location is officially the busiest TJ’s in the world.

Thanks, as always, for reading. Make it a great Thursday.

Love,

THE CITY

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