Emergency Services

Animals

If you have a problem concerning a loose or stray dog or an injured or sick cat contact the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter at 516-785-5220. After hours, contact the Department of Public Safety at 516-538-1900.

Building & Structural Problems

At times, due to fire, accident, or weather conditions, the structural integrity of a building is altered. If a problem such as this should arise, contact the Building Department at 516-489-5000 during regular business hours, or the Department of Public Safety at 516-538-1900, if the condition occurs after regular business hours.

Flooding

During a heavy rainstorm or when snow begins to melt, storm drains may back up. This is normally caused by leaves and other foreign materials blocking the drain. The problem can be relieved by removing the blockage. If a blockage occurs, you should contact the Town of Hempstead Highway Department at 516-489-5000 during regular business hours or contact the Department of Public Safety after hours at 516-538-1900. All complaints will be handled on a priority basis.

Heat Complaints

If a problem should arise causing inadequate or lack of heat, contact the Nassau County Health Department at 516-227-9715, your local police department, or the Town of Hempstead Department of Public Safety at 516-538-1900. The Public Safety office will be able to furnish you with the telephone numbers of responsible agencies.

Hurricane Information

In the event that a hurricane or major coastal storm is heading toward the Town of Hempstead, the Department of Public Safety will activate an Emergency Management Office (EMO) to coordinate all efforts of the Town to ensure the most effective course of action is being taken. This website will also broadcast emergency bulletins as needed. In the event that an emergency arises, residents should contact their local police department or the Department of Public Safety at 516-538-1900. View the Town's Hurricane Safety page.

Park Emergency

The Town of Hempstead Department of Public Safety has the responsibility for maintaining order within town parks. If you encounter difficulties pertaining to unruly patrons or parking, you may contact the Department of Public Safety at 516-538-1900.

Residential Problems

A problem that occurs on private property is the responsibility of the owner of the property. The Town of Hempstead cannot trespass on private property. If the problem requires immediate attention, even on private property, Public Safety may be contacted at 516-538-1900. They will help you find the proper agency to call. If the problem is a true emergency, such as a cave-in of a cesspool, the Department will provide fencing to cordon off the area.

Road Conditions

Road conditions such as cave-ins, potholes, construction hazards, etc., may be reported to the Town of Hempstead Highway Department during regular business hours at 516-489-5000 or after hours to the Department of Public Safety at 516-538-1900.

Road Salting

For icy road conditions, you may contact the Town of Hempstead Highway Department at 516-489-5000 during regular business hours. After hours, contact the Town of Hempstead Department of Public Safety at 516-538-1900. Special consideration will be given to residents with a substantiated medical problem that requires medical attention. All calls will be handled on a priority basis.

Snow Removal

During a snowfall, the Town of Hempstead makes every effort to keep the roadways cleared and passable. The Town is responsible for clearing approximately 1,200 miles of roadway. If a problem should arise, you may contact the Highway Department during regular business hours at 516-489-5000. After hours, contact the Department of Public Safety at 516-538-1900. If the storm is of major proportions, the Emergency Management Office (EMO) will be activated and will coordinate all efforts of the Town to ensure that the most effective course of action is being taken. Special consideration will be given to residents with substantiated medical problems that require medical attention. All requests will be handled on a priority basis. For Storm Response information, please view the Storm Response Information page.

Street Light Pole Down

A downed light pole can pose serious problems because the wires leading to the light are energized. Do not attempt to move the pole. Contact the Town of Hempstead Traffic Control Division at 516-378-2260 during regular business hours. After hours, contact the Department of Public Safety at 516-538-1900.

Trees DownTree Fallen Down Across Road

In a situation where a tree has fallen into a roadway, the Town of Hempstead will remove the tree on a priority basis. A tree blocking the roadway or one that is leaning on a power line will be of the first priority. Please notify the Town of Hempstead Highway Department during regular business hours at 516-489-5000. After hours, contact the Department of Public Safety at 516-538-1900.