Not sure it is an emergency?

If someone is hurt, in danger, not breathing, or cannot be woken up, call 911 first. Tell them where you are. Stay on the line.

Feeling very sad, scared, or overwhelmed?

988 is free, private, and open every day and night. You can call, text, or chat. You do not have to be in crisis to reach out.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Free, private support from trained counselors by call, text, or chat. Also for anyone worried about someone else.

New York State 988

New York's state mental health office explains how 988 works across New York and the local contact centers.

NYC 988

For New York City: call or text 988, 24/7. Phone support in over 200 languages. Formerly known as NYC Well.

NYS HOPEline

Free, private help for alcohol, drug, or gambling worries, for you or someone you love. Open every day.

Veterans and service members

Dial 988, then press 1. Or text 838255. Free, private, 24/7.

Disaster Distress Helpline

After a storm, fire, flood, or other disaster, you can talk with a counselor. Free, 24/7, many languages.

StopBullying.gov

A federal site with plain guidance on bullying and cyberbullying: what to say, what to do, and how to get help.

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

A grown-up or a kid can talk with a counselor about worries over abuse or neglect. It is not a reporting line. For danger, call 911.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Private help 24/7 if someone at home is hurting you or someone you love. Clearing your browser history after a visit is a good idea.

National Runaway Safeline

For a young person thinking about leaving home, or a family worried about one. Call or text, 24/7.

Poison Control

Swallowed something unsafe, or not sure? Call right away, or use the free online tool. If someone collapses or has trouble breathing, call 911.

Ready Kids

Games and a family plan that help kids learn what to do in an emergency. From Ready.gov.

Make a family plan

How will we reach each other? Where do we meet? What do we do in a house fire? Talk it through together.

American Red Cross preparedness

Build a kit, make a plan, learn which emergencies are likely near you. Includes a free Emergency app.

NY-Alert

Free emergency alerts for New York by phone, text, or email, for severe weather, road closures, and more.

NYS weather text alerts

Text your county name (no spaces, no word County) to 333111 for free state weather and safety alerts. Carrier rates may apply.

Westchester County alerts

Westchester has an emergency notification system and a Special Needs Registry for families who need extra help in an emergency.

National Weather Service

Official watches, warnings, and forecasts for where you are.

Feeling worried after a storm?

It is normal to feel shaky after a scary weather event. A counselor can listen.

Easy reminders

• Use the buddy system. Little ones go with a grown-up. Older kids stay in a group.
• Stay on sidewalks and well lit streets. Cross at crosswalks, together.
• Add reflective tape or glow trim to costumes and bags so drivers can see you.
• Carry a flashlight after dark. A glow stick is fun too.
• Grown-ups check treats and read labels for allergies before anyone eats them. Wait until you are home.
• Skip homemade or unwrapped treats from people you do not know.
• Little kids: hard candy, gum, and small candies can be choking hazards.
• Plan a return time and a meeting spot before you head out.

HealthyChildren.org (AAP)

Halloween fun and safety tips for kids of all ages, from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

FDA Halloween food safety

Checking treats, reading labels for food allergies, and keeping little ones safe from choking hazards.