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JCRC: training here, training there

January 26, 2016

The past few months have been busy with JCRC-NY coordinating major  training sessions for hundreds of institutions in the NY area. There is a heightened awareness of the potential for attacks and a willingness on the part of organizations to “Step up their Game.”

All of the trainings focused on security/terrorism awareness, building a culture of security within organizations and active shooter responses. Kudos and thanks to our wonderful partners, including: NYPD Counterterrorism, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the FBI. Our common goals are to strengthen the ties between law enforcement and nonprofit organizations and to empower them by giving them to tools and knowledge to respond as well as possible. Here’s some examples of our recent work: Read More JCRC: training here, training there

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Blizzard on the way?

January 21, 2016
NWS Most likely accumulations

Mayor de Blasio today issued a hazardous travel advisory for Saturday, January 23, 2016 through Sunday, January 24, 2016. Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties have issued similar advisories. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Blizzard Watch for New York City from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon. This system is forecast to bring heavy snow along with strong and potentially damaging winds, and will create slick and hazardous travel conditions. Stay tuned for the latest updates via Notify NYC, NYC Severe Weather.

What’s in store? For most of the region, the current NWS forecast is for heavy snow (8 to 12 inches forecast) and potentially damaging northeast winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph in much of the region. There is also likely to be coastal flooding over multiple high tide cycles.

How should I prepare? Travel during the storm may be extremely dangerous due to heavy snowfall, strong winds and whiteout conditions. Some roads may become impassable and strong winds may down power lines and tree limbs.

  • Stock up with enough food and supplies. You might not be able to shop over the weekend.
  • Have extra batteries on hand in the event of power outages.
  • Check on your neighbors, especially those who are vulnerable.

Travel Safety Tips. New Yorkers are encouraged to take the following precautions:

Motorists

  • If you must drive a vehicle, monitor weather and traffic reports for the latest road conditions. Use mass transportation whenever possible.
  • Drive slowly. Posted speed limits are for ideal weather conditions. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
  • Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
  • Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they do not stop quicker than other vehicles.
  • Keep the name and phone number of at least one local towing service in your car in case you break down or become stuck in snow.
  • If you get stuck on the road, stay with your car and contact a towing company.

Pedestrians

  • Exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible.
  • Wear layers including a hat, gloves/mittens, and a scarf to stay protected from the cold. And keep clothes and shoes dry, if a layer becomes wet, remove it.
  • Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered if you go outside.
  • Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.
  • Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs.
  • Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls from icy conditions.

Safe Home Heating Tips

  • Report any loss of heat or hot water to property managers immediately, and call 311.
  • If homes lack heat, get to a warm place, if possible, and wear extra layers of dry, loose-fitting clothing, hats and gloves to help stay warm.
  • Never use a gas stove to heat your home.
  • Never use a kerosene or propane space heater, charcoal or gas grill, or generator indoors or near the home.
  • Check on your neighbors, friends, and relatives — especially the elderly and those with disabilities and access and functional needs. People most likely to be exposed to dangerous winter weather conditions include those who lack shelter, work outdoors, and/or live in homes with malfunctioning or inadequate heat. Seniors, infants, people with chronic cardiovascular or lung conditions, people using alcohol or drugs, and people with cognitive impairments such as from dementia, serious mental illness or developmental disability, are at increased risk.

More Information
For more helpful tips for staying warm and safe, view NYC Emergency Management’s public service video announcement, or visit NYC.gov/EmergencyManagement. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or emails alerts about traffic and transit disruptions and other emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, call 311, visit NYC.gov/notifynyc, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

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What is cyber-hygiene? IRS guidance on Cyber-Monday

November 30, 2015

Sometimes the IRS really does want to help us. Their suggestions are straightforward and spot on:

Photo credit: Duke University

Seven Tips to Protect Your Computer Online

IRS Security Awareness Tax Tip Number 1, November 23, 2015

The Internal Revenue Service, the states and the tax industry urge you to be safe online and remind you to take important steps to help protect yourself against identity theft.

Taxes. Security. Together. Working in partnership with you, we can make a difference.

Scammers, hackers and identity thieves are looking to steal your personal information – and your money. But there are simple steps you can take to help protect yourself, like keeping your computer software up-to-date and giving out your personal information only when you have a good reason.

We all have a role to play to protect your tax account. There are just a few easy and practical steps you can take to protect yourself as you conduct your personal business online.

Here are some best practices you can follow to protect your tax and financial information:

  1. Understand and Use Security Software.  Security software helps protect your computer against the digital threats which are prevalent online. Generally, your operating system will include security software or you can access free security software from well-known companies or Internet providers. Other options may have an annual licensing fee and offer more features. Essential tools include a firewall, virus/malware protection and file encryption if you keep sensitive financial/tax documents on your computer. Security suites often come with firewall, anti-virus and anti-spam, parental controls and privacy protection. File encryption to protect your saved documents may have to be purchased separately. Do not buy security software offered as an unexpected pop-up ad on your computer or email! It’s likely from a scammer.
  2. Allow Security Software to Update Automatically.  Set your security software to update automatically. Malware – malicious software – evolves constantly and your security software suite is updated routinely to keep pace.
  3. Look for the “S” for Encrypted “https” Websites.  When shopping or banking online, always look to see that the site uses encryption to protect your information. Look for https at the beginning of the web address. The “s” is for secure. Unencrypted sites begin with an http address. Additionally, make sure the https carries through on all pages, not just the sign-on page.
  4. Use Strong Passwords.  Use passwords of at least 10 to 12 characters, mixing letters, numbers and special characters. Don’t use your name, birthdate or common words. Don’t use the same password for several accounts. Keep your password list in a secure place or use a password manager. Don’t share your password with anyone. Calls, texts or emails pretending to be from legitimate companies or the IRS asking you to update your accounts or seeking personal financial information are generally scams.
  5. Secure Your Wireless Network.  A wireless network sends a signal through the air that allows you to connect to the Internet. If your home or business wi-fi is unsecured it also allows any computer within range to access your wireless and steal information from your computer. Criminals also can use your wireless to send spam or commit crimes that would be traced back to your account. Always encrypt your wireless. Generally, you must turn on this feature and create a password.
  6. Be Cautious When Using Public Wireless Networks.  Public wi-fi hotspots are convenient but often not secure. Tax or financial Information you send though websites or mobile apps may be accessed by someone else. If a public Wi-Fi hotspot does not require a password, it probably is not secure. If you are transmitting sensitive information, look for the “s” in https in the website address to ensure that the information will be secure.
  7. Avoid Phishing Attempts.  Never reply to emails, texts or pop-up messages asking for your personal, tax or financial information. One common trick by criminals is to impersonate a business such as your financial institution, tax software provider or the IRS, asking you to update your account and providing a link. Never click on links even if they seem to be from organizations you trust. Go directly to the organization’s website. Legitimate businesses don’t ask you to send sensitive information through unsecured channels.

To learn additional steps you can take to protect your personal and financial data, visit Taxes. Security. Together. Also read Publication 4524, Security Awareness for Taxpayers.

Each and every taxpayer has a set of fundamental rights they should be aware of when dealing with the IRS. These are your Taxpayer Bill of Rights. Explore your rights and our obligations to protect them on IRS.gov.

IRS YouTube Video:

  • Taxes. Security. Together. – English
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Manhattan bomb threat: lessons learned

November 24, 2015
Bomb threat in Manhattan gets major NYPD response
Waiting for the “All-Clear” while a synagogue building is searched in a major response to a bomb threat in Manhattan. Photo: @ClarkPenaEH

Bomb threats are nothing new. Paris and Brussels have educated more Americans that terrorist attacks are a scary possibility, but the Jewish community has known that for a long time.

Dealing with a bomb threat is never easy, but in today’s environment, planning and cool heads are critical. Click here for a tool for bomb threat planning.

After the NYPD issued an all-clear, we spoke with Aaron Strum, Executive Director of The Jewish Center about his crazy day and “lessons learned”. This is what we learned:

  • Planning is where its at. Even the best organizations can make mistakes if they’re “just winging it”. If you receive a communication (phone, mail, email) what should you do first: evacuate or lockdown? Who’s going to call the police? Do you know what to tell them? Making those decisions during planning sessions is preferable to making them under pressure.
  • Secure-obp_dhs-doj-bomb-threat-guidance-imageGet everyone on the same page.  Often Jewish institutions house multiple organizations under the same roof. Every organization in the building should have the same plan, and there should be a single leader calling the shots. Everyone in the building should have the same training and participate in common exercises and drills.
  • Know who’s in charge…and who’s next. Ok, the call comes in, what’s the next step? Should you evacuate or shelter-in-place? There has to be a clear delineation of  command. At the same time, there have to be backups, with full authority to make decisions, in place.

We recently reviewed the emergency plans for a school that included the instruction, “If a threat is received, find Mr. Levine …” What if Mr. Levine is out of the building? The plan was silent. Should anyone call 911? The plan was silent. Everything stopped until Mr. Levine was found. Plans must be flexible and adaptable, rather than reliant on a single person.

  • When the cavalry comes over the hill, they’re in charge. OK, you have your plan and you like it. One element of your plan is to designate someone to be at the door to meet the first responders. Brief them about the details, but you’re probably going to have to repeat yourself when the next wave of police come (The UWS event had the precinct, Emergency Service Unit, Strategic Response Group and the Bomb Squad respond). Someone may overrule your plan. Assume that they know what they’re talking about.
  • You must be able to communicate.
    • Internally. That means PA systems, intercoms, walkie-talkies, texts, runners, whatever. Everyone in the building has to know what is happening so that they can execute their role in your plan.
    • Externally. Everyone will want to know what’s going on and you will be deluged by phone calls, texts, emails. Plan on that. Quick tips:
      • Forward your calls. Parents want to know that their kids are safe. Have the capacity to forward your calls from the main number to a cell phone or an alternate landline.
      • Mass notification system, phone trees, email groups or mass texting. There are many ways to do it, but people want to know something. There are services and software that can efficiently handle the problem using multiple channels (simultaneous email, landline and cell phone calls/texts) or you can set up your own system (e.g., free services like Google Hangouts or search for “group texting”). Bottom line: set something up ahead of time, draft sample messages and be ready.
      • Media nudnikim. Somehow, enterprising reporters will find you. Remember, your first responsibility is to your constituents, not the media. You don’t have to talk to them, at least until you have time to breathe. (See our  Disaster and Crisis Response Systems for Jewish Organizations, p. 171 ff)
  • Determine places of assembly. So, you’re evacuating and it’s 10° outside. Where should you go with your dozens or hundreds of students? Another school, a public place? In this case there was a synagogue building close by (which went into lockdown, at the advice of the NYPD), but don’t wing it. Find the best place and have a discussion with them ahead of time. Often, you can develop a mutual assistance agreement (See our  Disaster and Crisis Response Systems for Jewish Organizations, p. 111 ff). Also remember that you need dismissal/parental pickup plans that will work in the place of assembly.
  • Know your building. Before issuing an “all-clear” someone will have to search every place in your building that a bomb can be hidden.
    • Lock unused spaces. As a matter of course, keep unused spaces in your building and closets, elevator rooms, mechanical rooms, etc., locked. If spaces need not be searched the search will go quicker.
    • List hidden spaces. Every building has nooks and crannies hidden to most people, even to those using the building every day. Make  a list of those places, floor-by-floor. When the search for a device is underway, you don’t want them to miss anything.
  • Do a post-incident postmortem. Take the time to have the key players sit down to decide what went right and what went wrong. Then modify your plans accordingly.

 

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Emotional trauma resources for schools and parents

November 16, 2015

The horrific events in Paris last Friday night take a toll on most people. Our chil
dren are not immune. Schools and parents have to intervene.

Grief and Mourning during an Emergency (Center for Disease Control)

Disasters may cost people property, possessions, and the lives of their loved ones. Most cultures have specific, relatively unique beliefs, rituals, and practices for death, dying, and grieving. These may be impacted during a crisis, and it’s important for communicators to convey that any illness, injury, or death is a tragedy.

Grief is a universal emotion, but no two people experience grief in exactly the same way. People may experience mental, emotional, and physical reactions to loss. Sudden, traumatic loss is an affront to an individual’s sense of order; and, in a crisis, the loss may affect an entire community. Public health and other response professionals must prepare themselves to confront the realities of these deaths and to assist the community in its bereavement process.

Compassionate communicators should show sensitivity in their messages and reporting. Response organizations must respect that every death represents the loss of a vital member of the community. Responders should strive to understand grieving rituals from different ethnic and cultural perspectives. Communicators may also engage community members in actions—such as symbolic ribbon-wearing or community-wide memorial services—to promote unity. Communication should acknowledge all loss, display empathy, and encourage people to help their community.

For the more details on communicating through grief, please see Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication, 2014 Edition at http://emergency.cdc.gov/cerc/resources/pdf/cerc_2014edition.pdf.

The emotional trauma experts at our sister agency in the UJA-Federation network, the Jewish Board, recommend the following resources from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network | National Center for PTSD:Jewish Board2

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The Islamic State and the Jews

October 28, 2015

Screen shot from Hebrew language Islamic State video.

Stratfor, the respected, global intelligence firm,  just published an insightful analytical report, The Islamic State Weighs in on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, with the following forecasts:

  • Lone wolf attacks against Jewish targets outside of Israel will increase in the coming weeks.
  • Anti-Semitic violence will provoke reprisal attacks and vigilantism. 
  • Mimicking a recent string of knife attacks in Israel, assailants elsewhere in the world who sympathize with the Palestinian cause may use similar tactics.

The Stratfor analysis follows Washington Post and Haaretz reports of a series of Islamic State videos praising the attacks in Israel and calling for more. One of the videos featured a Hebrew-speaking, knife-wielding Islamic State fighter who labeled the Jewish people the primary enemy and called for their deaths in Israel and throughout the world. Some of the videos made their way through social media outlets accompanied by the hashtag #BeheadtheJew. There is also an ADL document describing the videos.

See these free, online courses from the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, University of Maryland, for a deeper understanding of rise of the Islamic State.

While the almost daily attacks in Israel are deeply disturbing, we should be mindful that on December 7, 2014,  NYC evidently experienced its own “lone wolf” knife attack at Chabad Headquarters in Crown Heights. Even though law enforcement sources did not find that the perpetrator had any terrorist connections, the incident is a haunting reminder of what could happen here.

While law enforcement authorities do not know of any specific threats, Jewish institutions should review their existing security precautions and take appropriate steps to safeguard their constituents.

Think about:

  • Police relationships. Remember, one of the most important recommendations is to establish a close, working relationship with your local police authorities. They should know about your services, school schedules, special meetings, etc. Be in contact with the community affairs officer of your local precinct and let him/her know about the times of daily services and school arrival and dismissal times.
  • Protective measures. DHS just published: Potential Indicators, Common Vulnerabilities, and Protective Measures: Religious Facilities. This is an new (October 2015) and excellent overview of facility security and emergency planning. This can be used to set the agenda for your security/building committee to plan for the unexpected. There is also a good table with indicators of suspicious activity. Another new resource is Protective Measures for Enhanced Facility Security. Please review the documents and act accordingly. 
  • Security awareness. Law enforcement and Homeland Security leaders recommend that organizations train their staffs and constituencies in security awareness, especially the signs of suspicious behavior — in short, if it just doesn’t look right. If you see something, say something: in New York City (888) NYC-SAFE or elsewhere in NY: (866) SAFE-NYS.
  • Active Shooters. Click here for more information on active shooters and armed intruders.
  • Suggested Protective Measures
    •  Increase visibility of security and law enforcement personnel in areas adjacent to and in front of security checkpoints to deter unwanted activity;
    • Raise awareness among employees by conducting “all hazards” awareness training;
    • Establish liaison and regular communications with local, state, and federal law enforcement, emergency responders, and public health organizations to enhance information exchange or clarify emergency responses;
    • Report missing or stolen equipment to the proper authorities;
    • Raise community awareness of potential threats and vulnerabilities; and
    • Encourage employees, tenants, and visitors to report anything that appears to be odd or suspicious.
  • Click here to subscribe to the JCRC-NY Security and Emergency Preparedness Alert list. Review other JCRC-NY recommended resources here.
  •  If you want to arrange for trainings, access other resources or have any questions you can contact JCRC-NY here.
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Cybersecurity: it’s not too late

October 08, 2015

Security crosswordSee the blog entry below from TechSoup, and the Cyber-awareness pages from the FBI and the NYPD and the JCRC Cybersecurity Resources page. Take a quiz from Symantec. Raise your Cyber-awareness and Cyber-security before it’s too late!

Are you a trivia master? Or a security enthusiast? Put your security smarts to the test and take the weekly security quiz brought to you by Symantec! For the entire month of October, TechSoup and our donor partners will be participating in National Cyber Security Awareness Month (also known as NCSAM). We’ll have blog posts, virtual events, resources, and more to help your organization stay secure online.

Here’s the sweet part: if you answer the quizzes correctly, you’ll be eligible for a prize courtesy of Symantec! We’ll be doing a random drawing weekly for a $100 Amazon gift card. And if you answer all four quizzes correctly, you might win a $500 Amazon gift card.

Read the sweepstakes terms and conditions.

Week 1 Quiz: Malware, Adware, and Viruses, Oh My!
Do you know the difference between malware, adware, viruses, and worms, and how to avoid them?

  • Malware is a term used to describe programs that are written with malicious intent. There are multiple types of malware used for a variety of nefarious purposes.
  • Adware makes its way on to your computer and causes unwanted advertisements to pop up. It may change your home screen or redirect you to websites you do not intentionally access.
  • Viruses are like a bad cold; this specific type of malware spreads itself once it’s initially run. Viruses can attach themselves to good files on your machine, or be self-contained and search out other machines to infect.
  • Worms are a type of virus that do not need to attach themselves to a good file to run. These bad guys move around on their own, as self-contained viruses, searching out other machines to infect.

Take the Quiz Now

Study Up
Need some more information before you start the quiz? Check out these security resources from TechSoup and beyond:

    • Safer Internet Guide
    • Stay Safe Online. The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) builds strong public/private partnerships to create and implement broad-reaching education and awareness efforts to empower users at home, work and school with the information they need to keep themselves, their organizations, their systems and their sensitive information safe and secure online and encourage a culture of cybersecurity. Check out their resources.

Image: Maksim Kabakou / Shutterstock

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Sukkahs in the wind

October 01, 2015

Please distribute on blogs and synagogue/community listserves.

NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM) is now advising New Yorkers to prepare for ongoing sustained winds upwards of 30mph with wind gusts in excess of 70mph. Most Succoth, especially in open areas or experiencing sustained gusts, are not built for such conditions.

The Rabbinical Council of America is distributing this document, developed by Rabbi Kenneth Brander with profound thanks to Rav Hershel Schachter, shlita for his guidance. The relevant portion of the document follows:

Sukkot, Shemeni Atzeret & Simchat HaTorah

  •  If the weather forecast is for winds of over 40 mph there is a serious danger that the sukkah will become flying debris which can create dangerous projectiles and should be dismantled before Shabbat/Yom Tov.
  • If there is a concern of schach flying around (in winds that are less than 40 mph winds) then the schach can be tied down even with plastic cable ties.
  • If schach needs to be replaced or tied down on the sukkah on Shabbat or Yom Tov in can be done by a Gentile.
  • If there is concern about going to shul on Simchat Torah morning – Vezot ha’Berakha can be read on the night of Simchat Torah in five aliyot. Alternatively should the storm pass by Simchat Torah afternoon then hakafot and torah reading can be read at an early mincha on Simchat Torah.

Of course, individuals and organizations should consult with their appropriate halachic authorities. Some additional tips:

  • Secure your Sukkah to fixed objects such as posts or fencing. Unsecured bamboo mats can become airborne, leading to injuries and property damage. Unsecured walls (either canvas or plywood) are essentially sails and could collapse and/or blow away. This is already happening in the Washington, DC area.
  • Balconies. Succoth built on balconies on higher floors are subject to higher winds.
  • There is a likelihood of blackouts during the storm. See the RCA document here for additional guidance. The source document with citations can be found here.
  • Drying. If you do take down and secure your Sukkah over the next few days, the materials and skhakh are likely to be wet. To avoid mold, be sure to thoroughly dry everything after Sukkoth before you store it. (HT Dori Zofan).

Thanks to NYCEM Commissioner Joseph Esposito and Assistant Commissioner Ira Tannenbaum for their ongoing leadership and concern. Here is the NYCEM guidance:

The National Weather Service forecast for the next several days includes wind speeds that are predicted to be between 15 and 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 40 mph at times. High winds can down trees and power lines, blow out windows, blow down signs, cause flying debris, and structural collapse. Individuals who have constructed a Succah for the holiday should take appropriate actions to secure the structure and roofing to prevent damage or injury from flying debris.

Ira Tannenbaum
Assistant Commissioner, Public/Private Initiatives
New York City Emergency Management
165 Cadman Plaza East
Brooklyn, NY 11201

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT11/refresh/AL1115W5+gif/180011W_sm.gif

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Next two weeks: traffic, traffic everywhere

September 17, 2015

As you know, from September 24 through September 26, 2015, Pope Francis will be visiting New York City. New Yorkers should anticipate traffic disruptions and various street closures. The use of public transportation is highly encouraged during this period. All New Yorkers in the vicinity of the visit’s events will be affected: traffic, client appointments, critical services, and deliveries in the impacted areas . Please share this information, partner organizations, and employees to allow extra travel time, find alternate routes or locations, or reschedule appointments in the area. Employees and residents of the affected areas should be advised to carry identification at all times.

The MTA New York City Bus system is planning significant service changes to bus routes near the locations of papal events in order to accommodate street closures and pedestrian restrictions. Those service changes will be posted at www.mta.info/nyct. Affected customers are encouraged to use subway service if possible; subway managers will be prepared to adjust train operations based on conditions in stations near papal events. Please note that road closures during the papal visit are subject to change at the discretion of the NYPD. Future updates and traffic advisories will be posted here.

Here is a map of street closings from WNYC:

Please click here to view the full list of streetclosures and traffic restrictions.

Planned Road Closures

Day Closures
Thur, Sep 24 Beginning at approximately midnight the following streets in the vicinity of the St. Patrick’s Cathedral will be closed to vehicular traffic until approximately 9 p.m.:

  • 50th Street from Madison Ave. to 5th Avenue
  • 51st Street from Madison Ave. to 5th Avenue

The FDR DRIVE (Southbound at 63rd Street and Northbound at South Ferry) will be subject to intermittent closures.
Fri, Sep 25 Beginning at approximately 3 a.m. the following streets in the vicinity of the St. Patrick’s Cathedral will be closed to vehicular traffic until 6 a.m.:

  • 5th Avenue from 47th Street to 55th Street
  • 48th Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue
  • 49th Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue
  • 50th Street from 5th Ave. to 6th Avenue (will remained closed until approx. 9 p.m.)
  • 51st Street from 5th Ave. to 6th Avenue (will remained closed until approx. 9 p.m.)
  • 52nd Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue
  • 53rd Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue
  • 54th Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue
  • 55th Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue

Beginning at approximately 6 a.m. the following streets in the vicinity of the St. Patrick’s Cathedral will be re-opened to vehicular traffic until 10 a.m.:

  • 5th Avenue from 47th Street to 55th Street48th Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue
  • 49th Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue
  • 52nd Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue
  • 53rd Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue
  • 54th Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue
  • 55th Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue Please note: Crosstown traffic will be reduced to one lane of traffic

Beginning at approximately 10 a.m. the following streets in the vicinity of the St. Patrick’s Cathedral will be closed to vehicular traffic until approximately 9 p.m.:

  • 5th Avenue from 47th Street to 55th Street
  • 48th Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue
  • 49th Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue
  • 50th Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue
  • 51st Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue
  • 52nd Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue
  • 53rd Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue
  • 54th Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue
  • 55th Street from Madison Ave. to 6th Avenue

Beginning at approximately 2 p.m. the following streets in the vicinity of the St. Patrick’s Cathedral will be closed to vehicular traffic until approximately 9 p.m. (Madison Avenue from 47th Street to 57th Street)

The following streets in the vicinity of the United Nations will continued to be closed for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to vehicular traffic:

  • 1st Avenue from 42nd Street to 48th Street. The tunnel underpass from 41st Street to 48th Street will remain open for passenger cars. Trucks and other large vehicles will not be able to access until the end of the day’s session.
  • 43rd Street from 1st Avenue to 2nd Avenue
  • 44th Street from 1st Avenue to 2nd Avenue
  • 45th Street from 1st Avenue to 2nd Avenue
  • 46th Street from 1st Avenue to 2nd Avenue

The following will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at approximately 5:00 a.m.:

  • 42nd Street from the FDR Drive to 2nd Avenue
  • 42nd Street Exit and Entrance Ramps of the FDR Drive

Please note: These areas will reopen each evening after the day’s session.

9-11 Memorial. Beginning at approximately midnight, Liberty Street (from Trinity Place to Greenwich Street) and Cedar Street (from Trinity Place to Greenwich Street)  will be closed to vehicular traffic until approximately 1 p.m.

Beginning at approximately 11 a.m., West Street (North bound on  from Battery Place to Murray Street) will be closed to vehicular traffic until approximately 1 p.m.West Street (South bound on  from Chambers Street to Albany Street) will be subject to additional intermittent closures/managed access to vehicular traffic and closed to trucks and other large vehicles.

Beginning at approximately midnight streets in the vicinity of the Our Lady Queen of Angels School  (112th Street from 2nd Avenue to 3rd Avenue and the 113th Street Cul-de-sac) will be closed to vehicular traffic until approximately 6 p.m.Please note: Starting at approximately 3 p.m. trucks and other large vehicles will not be able to access 2nd Avenue from 106th Street to 116th Street and 3rd Avenue between 106th Street to 116th Street.

Beginning at approximately midnight the following streets in the vicinity of Central Park will be closed to vehicular traffic until approximately 7 p.m.:

  • Central Park West between Columbus Circle and West 81st Street
  • W 61st Street between Central Park West and Broadway
  • W 62nd Street between Central Park West and Broadway
  • W 63rd Street between Central Park West and Broadway
  • W 64th Street between Central Park West and Broadway
  • W 65th Street between Central Park West and Broadway
  • W 66th Street between Central Park West and Broadway
  • W 67th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
  • W 68th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
  • W 69th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
  • W 70th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
  • W 71st Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
  • W 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue • W 73rd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
  • W 74th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
  • W 75th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
  • W 76th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
  • W 77th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue

Madison Square Garden. Beginning at approximately midnight, 31st Street from 7th Avenue to 9th Avenue and 33rd Street from 7th Avenue to 9th Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic until approximately 11:59 p.m.Beginning at approximately noon, the following streets in the vicinity of Madison Square Garden will have intermittent closures/managed access to vehicular traffic:

  • 31st Street from 6th Avenue to 7th Avenue – managed access
  • 32nd Street from 6th Avenue to 7th Avenue- managed access
  • 33rd Street from 6th Avenue to 7th Avenue- managed access
  • 7th Avenue from 30th Street to 34th Street – two western lanes closed
  • 8th Avenue from 31st Street to 33rd Street – one lane only/intermittent closures

Please note: Starting at approximately noon, trucks and other large vehicles will not be able to access 7th Avenue from 30th Street to 34th Street or 8th Avenue from 30th Street to 34th Street.
Sat, Sep 26 The FDR DRIVE will be subject to intermittent closures (Southbound at 63rd Street and Northbound at South Ferry)
All 3 days Papal Nuncio’s Residence. Beginning at approximately 8 a.m. on Thursday, 72nd Street from Madison Ave. to 5th Avenue  will be closed to vehicular traffic until Saturday, September 26th at approximately 10 a.m.:

Beginning at approximately 3 p.m. on Thursday until Saturday, September 26th at approximately 10 a.m., 71st Street from Madison Ave. to 5th Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic.

Please note: Trucks and other large vehicles will not be able to access Madison Ave. from 69th Street to 74th Street while Pope Francis is in residence.

Additional intermittent closures/managed access to vehicular traffic in the vicinity of the Papal Nuncio’s Residence include:

  • 5th Avenue to from 74th Street to 71st Street
  • 70th Street from Park Avenue to 5th Avenue
  • 71st Street from Park Avenue to Madison Avenue
  • 72nd Street from Park Avenue to Madison Avenue
  • 73rd Street from Madison Avenue to 5th Avenue
  • Madison Ave. from 69th Street to 73rd Street -two western lanes closed

Beginning at approximately 10 p.m. the following streets in the vicinity of the Papal Nuncio’s Residence will be closed to vehicular traffic until approximately 6 a.m.:

  • 71st Street from Park Ave. to 5th Avenue
  • 72nd Street from Park Ave. to 5th Avenue
  • 73rd Street from Park Ave. to 5th Avenue
  • Madison Ave. from 70th Street to 73rd Street

Please note: Trucks and other large vehicles will not be able to access: • 5th Ave. (from 74th Street to 71st Street) and Madison Ave. (from 69th Street to 74th Street).

Street Closures for UN General Assembly

There may be street closures in the following area of Manhattan during the UN General Assembly session between Friday, September 18 and Saturday, October 3, to be determined by the Police Department. The major meetings fall on Monday and Tuesday, September 28th-29th (Sukkoth). Motorcades taking world leaders around town contribute to the gridlock. Consider using public transportation to get around the area.

For daily closings click here.

The affected locations are:

  • Area bounded by East 60th Street on the north, East 34th Street on the south, 1st Avenue on the east, Madison Avenue on the west, All inclusive.
  • 34th Street between FDR Drive and 7th Avenue
  • 42nd Street between FDR Drive and 7th Avenue
  • 50th Street between FDR Drive and 7th Avenue
  • 57th Street between FDR Drive and 7th Avenue
  • 48th Street and 49th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive Service Road
  • FDR Drive Service Road between 48th Street and 49th Street
  • 51st Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
  • 52nd Street and 53rd Street between 6th Avenue and 7th Avenue
  • 54th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
  • 55th Street between 6th Avenue and Madison Avenue
  • 56th Street between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
  • 6th Avenue between 53rd Street and 55th Street
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