STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- There are many questions in the days post-Sandy: Who do I call for emergency assistance, what should I do with the contents of my freezer, will my garbage ever be picked up?

Here's a guide with some of those answers:

First: Only call 911 in the event of an emergency. Dial or visit

online if you need non-emergency help from the city, but delays may be possible

ESSENTIAL PHONE NUMBERS AND WEB SITES

:

Con Ed:

, 1-800-752-6633

National Grid:

, 718-643-4050

Federal Emergency Management Administration:

or 1-800-621-3362 to register for disaster assistance.

:

The city Department of Sanitation is making scheduled garbage collections as conditions permit.

Recycling collections are suspended -- all recycling should be stored until further notice as the agency continues to handle hurricane debris clean-ups citywide.

:

Mail is being delivered as storm conditions permit

FOOD SAFETY TIPS FROM THE

:

Ditch food in freezers that have lost power after an average of 36 hours. A full freezer will hold the temperature for about 48 hours; a half-full freezer for 24 hours.

Perishable items left for more than 48 hours should be thrown out -- that includes eggs, dairy products, leftovers and deli items, as well as uncooked poultry, meat and seafood

Ketchup, pickles and jellies, peanut butter are OK to keep

TIPS FROM

:

Customers can report downed power lines, outages and check service status by computer or mobile device at

or by calling 1-800-752-6633.

Turn off light switches and appliances to prevent overloaded circuits when power is restored.

Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer to see if food is still frozen -- every time you open the door, room-temperature air enters and speeds the thawing process.

Don't go near downed electrical wires; treat all downed electric wires as if they are live.

TIPS FROM

:

To report the smell of gas or gas outages, call 718-643-4050.

Do not turn off the gas meter even in the event of an evacuation. The gas meter should be left on to maintain proper pressure in the gas piping within the house and to prevent water from entering the lines should flooding occur.

Most gas appliances have safety valves that shut off the flow of gas automatically if the pilot light goes out.

If your appliances have been in contact with water, contact a licensed plumbing or heating contractor to make sure the appliances are safe to operate.

Don't forget to check outdoor appliances, such as pool heaters and gas grills.