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Contact Press Office:
Email: press@dos.ny.gov
Phone: 518-486-9844
September 24, 2026
CONSUMER ALERT:
During National Preparedness Month, the NYS Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Reminds New Yorkers to Prepare for Severe Weather Emergencies and Stay Alert to Scams
September is National Preparedness Month
Hurricane season is in full swing, but storm-related disasters can happen at any time.
Up to 77% of Survivors of Disasters Experienced Scams
Secretary Mosley: “If the lights suddenly go out, are you prepared? Disasters can take many forms, and the dangers don’t always end when the storm passes.”
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September is National Preparedness Month, and the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is urging New Yorkers to prepare for weather emergencies and stay alert to scams that may target consumers in the aftermath of a disaster. Following a storm or natural disaster, scammers may take advantage of the urgency to restore utilities, clean up, rebuild and manage finances. According to a Census Bureau Survey from 2024, up to 77% of survivors of disasters experienced a scam within a month after a natural disaster.
“If the lights suddenly go out, are you prepared?” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “Disasters can take many forms, and the dangers don’t always end when the storm passes. New Yorkers need to be prepared not only for the immediate risks of severe weather, but also for scammers who take advantage of people when they are most vulnerable. At the Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection, our goal is to ensure New Yorkers have the information and resources they need to protect their families, homes and wallets.”
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Terry O'Leary said, “Preparing for emergencies is a shared responsibility, which is why DHSES is proud to partner with Secretary Mosley and the Department of State’s Consumer Protection Division to ensure New Yorkers are protected before, during and after an emergency. Through our free Citizen Preparedness Corps training, we are equipping New Yorkers with the skills they need to stay safe during severe weather. But preparedness doesn't end when the storm passes – it means staying aware and prepared for all threats, including from those who look to exploit families during times of need. Taking steps to learn about potential threats and how to prepare for them makes all the difference in how quickly our communities recover and stay safe.”
With natural disasters and extreme weather on the rise, being prepared can help New Yorkers respond quickly and recover more safely when emergencies do occur. During National Preparedness Month, New Yorkers are encouraged to attend a Citizen Preparedness Corps (CPC) training course.
What is the Citizen Preparedness Corps (CPC)?
The CPC was established to train all New Yorkers how to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond immediately and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. CPC training is provided by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and the New York National Guard.
CPC trainings are free and held in-person throughout the state. New Yorkers can find a local training and enroll on the DHSES website.
There are also steps every New Yorker can take to prepare for disasters, reduce risks to health and safety, and protect against scams. Follow these tips to help stay prepared and protected:
BEFORE A HURRICANE OR STORM:
- Review your family’s emergency plan and restock your supply kit.
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Sign up for alerts and warnings about severe weather and disasters in your area.
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Check your insurance policy. To avoid surprises, check to make sure your insurance policy is current, and find out what’s covered — and what isn’t.
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Secure important documents, like Social Security and health insurance cards, and copies of deeds, titles, wills, birth and marriage certificates. Use a lockable, fireproof box or upload scanned PDFs of important documents to personal cloud storage. And make sure to use a strong password and multifactor authentication.
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Guard your personal information. Scammers will use every opportunity to access your credit card, bank account, or Social Security number.
IN AN EMERGENCY:
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Use battery-powered emergency lighting. If there is a power failure at home, use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns instead of candles, if possible. If you must use candles, use extreme caution. Never leave lit candles unattended, and do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Extinguish candles when you leave the room and before sleeping.
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Use generators safely. Do not use a gas or electric generator in a home, garage, basement or any enclosed space. Plug in appliances to the generator using only individual heavy-duty, outdoor-rated electrical cords. When used, gas generators should be located at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent -- preferably in a space where rain and snow do not reach them.
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Avoid build-up of carbon monoxide fumes. Only use fireplaces, wood stoves or other combustion heaters if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space. Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire and keep it open until the ashes are cool. Ensure adequate ventilation if using a kerosene, propane or other fuel heater, and use only the specific type of fuel a heater is designed to use—don’t substitute with another source. Never use a gas range, oven or grill to warm up a home. Never leave a vehicle running while parked in a garage attached to a home, even if the windows are open.
AFTER A HURRICANE OR NATURAL DISASTER, BEWARE OF THESE COMMON POST DISASTER SCAMS:
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Storm Chasing Fraud: If your home suffered damage from a recent storm, storm chasing contractors, or scammers posing as contractors, may step in with promises of a quick fix and low cost. These individuals may tell you there’s damage to your roof when there is not, or they may pressure you to pay them upfront for repairs or rebuilding and then disappear. For more tips on how to avoid a scam after a natural disaster, check out the NYS Attorney General’s Consumer’s tips.
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Government Imposter Scams: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) cautions against scammers who offer assistance filing for disaster grants while asking for application fees, cash deposits or advance payments. Federal agencies, such as FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Small Business Administration don’t charge applicants for disaster assistance or for help in completing applications. FEMA Housing Inspectors will never charge a fee for an inspection, never ask for your nine-digit registration number, and they will always wear an official government badge to identify themselves. If you don’t see their badge, ask them to show you their identification.
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Utility scams: Scammers may also impersonate utilities and offer to restore power in exchange for upfront payment or a “reconnection fee” in the aftermath of widespread power outages. Scammers posing as utility workers may knock on your door claiming that there is a major gas or water leak in the area and that they need to enter the home to check the pipes or gas lines. Once inside, they may ask you for personal information that can be used to steal your identity or take the opportunity to steal your valuables.
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Identity Theft: Criminals may try to apply for FEMA assistance using your name, address and Social Security number. You can help protect your personally identifiable information using safeguarding techniques, but pay attention to warning signs that your personal information has been breached. If a FEMA inspector comes to your door or you receive a letter from FEMA and you have not filed a FEMA application, your information may have been used without your knowledge. Immediately contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for assistance.
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Bogus charities: After disasters, scammers may solicit donations via calls, texts, emails or social media. Scammers may create websites with the storm’s name or location and use keywords like “help” and “relief.” Use resources such as Charity Navigator, CharityWatch, GuideStar or the BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance to find charities you can trust.
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Phishing Scams: Phishing attempts generally spike after a natural disaster. You may get calls, texts or email offers for fake government relief or fake repair offers. Remember to never click on links received via text message or email.
About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook.
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