5 Things: Alternate Side Suspended, NYC Schools Open and No Recycling Pick-Up

1. Be careful of falling tree limbs. Wet heavy snow combined with leaves still on trees equals a much greater possibility of branches coming down, so don't go under large trees unless necessary. Also, with temperatures predicted to reach 45-degrees today, expect ankle-deep puddles of slush at many Manhattan intersections. So even if sidewalks near you seem clear, wear boots if you have them. 

2. New York City schools are open. Check for updates on the NYC Department of Education's website. 

3. Subway service is nearly back to normal. Despite the nor'easter, train service is for the most part up and running, with the exception of the L train, which still only has partial service in Brooklyn, subway service in the Rockaways, and and portions of the R and N lines. However, due to signal problems, there are longer waits between trains on the G and Q lines. See more details here. 

3.5 Sandy recovery help still needed. The webside Occupy Sandy is a good resource for volunteer opportunities. Also, blood is greatly needed right now. NYC.gov has good information on where to volunteer, donate or offer a guest room to someone affected by the storm. Cash is the most efficient way to help. Here are links to donate to The Red Cross and the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City.

4. Garbage is being picked up, not recycling. We know the pile is getting big, but residents are asked to store recycling items for collection at a later time.

5. Alternate side parking is suspended through Monday, Nov. 12. Yes, you read that right. For the rest of the week due to the storm, then Monday for Veteran's Day. You still need to pay the meters.