Who This Helps
All New York City residents — especially basement apartment dwellers, seniors vulnerable to scams, families preparing for spring weather emergencies, and anyone who wants to stay ahead of the threats that peak every April. If you haven’t updated your emergency prep since last year, this guide is for you.
NYC Crime Is at Historic Lows — But Targeted Threats Are Rising
Here’s some genuinely good news: New York City recorded the fewest murders of any opening quarter in the city’s recorded history during Q1 2026. According to the NYPD, there were 54 murders in the first three months of the year — along with 139 shooting incidents, which tied 2025 for the all-time quarterly low. Major crime fell 5.3% citywide, with 1,421 fewer reported offenses compared to Q1 2025. Burglaries dropped 20.6% and robbery fell 7.8%. Subway crime declined 1.3% year-over-year, with felony assaults in transit down 6.6%.
This is a city that is, on most measures, safer than it has ever been.
But safety means more than crime statistics. Spring in NYC brings a distinct set of threats — from flash flooding to sophisticated scams — that every New Yorker should be prepared for. Here’s what’s active right now.
Active Scam Alerts: April 2026
AI-Powered Tax Scams: The Most Sophisticated Threat Right Now
New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a warning about a new wave of AI-generated fraud targeting state residents during tax season. Scammers are now using artificial intelligence to create fake videos of government officials and celebrities promoting false tax incentives. AI also enables highly convincing personalized phishing emails that mimic legitimate IRS or NYS Tax Department notices — far more convincing than the obvious phishing attempts of a few years ago.
What to do: Never click links in unsolicited emails about your taxes. Go directly to irs.gov or tax.ny.gov. The IRS initiates contact by mail, not email or phone. Report suspected tax scams to the NY Attorney General at 800-771-7755 or ag.ny.gov.
Utility Shutoff Scams
Scammers are calling from local-looking phone numbers, claiming to be utility representatives (including NYSEG and ConEd) and threatening immediate power shutoffs unless payment is made immediately via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. The NY Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection has flagged this as an active threat.
What to do: Your utility company will never demand immediate payment via gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. If you receive such a call, hang up and call your utility company directly using the number on your bill or their official website. Report utility scams to the NY Department of State Consumer Protection hotline: 800-697-1220.
Fake Arrest Warrant Scams
Criminals are impersonating police officers or court officials and telling victims they have an active arrest warrant or owe court fines — and that they can avoid arrest by paying immediately. On April 1, 2026, NY State Police arrested a 23-year-old man after he allegedly defrauded a victim of over $200,000 using this method.
What to do: Law enforcement will never call you to demand payment to avoid arrest. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and call your local precinct directly. Report scams to the NYPD by calling 311 or visiting your local precinct.
Health Insurance Scams
Fraudsters posing as NY State of Health representatives are using fake websites with near-identical URLs and spoofed phone numbers to sell fake health insurance policies. This scam is particularly active as people try to navigate enrollment options.
What to do: Only enroll in health insurance through the official NY State of Health marketplace at nystateofhealth.ny.gov or by calling 855-355-5777. Report suspected fraud to the NY Attorney General’s Health Care Bureau at 800-771-7755.
Flash Flooding: The Urgent Spring Threat
On April 3, 2026, NYC Emergency Management issued a direct warning: flash flooding is one of New York City’s fastest-moving and most dangerous weather threats, and it is particularly deadly for basement apartment residents. Flash flooding can reach life-threatening levels in minutes — before many residents realize what’s happening.
NYC’s Department of Environmental Protection and DOT proactively inspect and clear catch basins in flood-prone areas throughout spring, and NYCEM’s 24/7 Watch Command continuously monitors weather systems. But preparation at home is essential.
If you live in a basement apartment:
- Know your evacuation route before the rain starts — find which floor you can reach quickly
- Sign up for the Notify NYC Basement Alert Group (instructions below) — this sends targeted warnings specifically for basement dwellers when life-threatening weather is approaching
- When heavy rain begins, do not wait for water to enter before moving to a higher floor
- Keep a go-bag near the door with medication, documents, and phone charger
To assess your specific flood risk and learn property protection options, visit nyc.gov/site/em/ready/flooding.page (FloodHelp NY).
Sign Up for Notify NYC: Your Emergency Alert System
Notify NYC is the city’s official emergency communications system, delivering real-time alerts about weather emergencies, public safety incidents, and citywide events in 13 languages. It is free, official, and the fastest way to receive a warning when something is happening in your neighborhood.
How to sign up:
- Text method: Text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 (English citywide alerts). After signing up, reply with your ZIP code for localized neighborhood alerts.
- App: Download the free Notify NYC app for iOS or Android
- Phone: Call 311, or call 212-639-9675, or 711 (Video Relay for hearing impaired)
- Basement Alert Group: When signing up, specifically opt in to the Basement Alert Group for targeted flash flood warnings
Official Notify NYC site: a858-nycnotify.nyc.gov/notifynyc
New Fire Safety Rules Just Took Effect
The Fire Code of New York State 2025, based on the International Fire Code 2024, became effective April 3, 2026. While most of the technical requirements affect building professionals and property owners, the most important thing for residents to know is this: if you live in a building where you haven’t seen updated fire safety notices, emergency exit signage, or a working smoke/CO detector inspection recently, ask your landlord about compliance.
You can report fire safety violations via 311 or directly to the FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Prevention. Building owners are required to provide tenants with fire safety information and conduct regular fire drills in covered buildings.
FDNY fire safety information: nyc.gov/site/fdny — Resident Safety
Building and Construction Safety Improvements
NYC’s construction safety record improved dramatically in 2025. According to the NYC Department of Buildings, construction incidents and injuries fell approximately 32% in the first 11 months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Two significant new rules are helping: Construction Superintendents are now limited to overseeing ONE job site at a time (previously they could oversee up to 10), and all diesel tower cranes must now be equipped with fire detection and suppression systems.
If you see unsafe construction practices near your home or workplace, report them to DOB via 311 or at nyc.gov/buildings.
How to Take Action
Sign up for emergency alerts:
→ Text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692
→ Or download the Notify NYC app: a858-nycnotify.nyc.gov/notifynyc
Check your flood risk:
→ nyc.gov/site/em/ready/flooding.page
Report a scam:
→ NY Attorney General: 800-771-7755 or ag.ny.gov
→ NY Consumer Protection: 800-697-1220
→ NYPD: Call 311 or visit your local precinct
Report unsafe construction:
→ Call 311 or file at nyc.gov/buildings
Fire safety complaints:
→ Call 311 or contact FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention: nyc.gov/site/fdny
NYC Emergency Management general preparedness:
→ nyc.gov/site/em/ready
For more on navigating NYC systems and finding help, see our guide on NYC benefits available this spring — including emergency cash assistance programs that can help if a flooding event or other emergency affects your home.
HelpNewYork is committed to keeping New Yorkers informed about real threats. If you’ve encountered a scam or safety issue not covered here, the best first step is always to call 311. Stay safe this spring.
