Become a Flu Fighter

Being prepared for anything includes fighting off the flu! Believe it or not, flu can happen in the early spring, too. The best way to protect yourself is with the vaccination. Aside from vaccinations there are also small adjustments to your daily habits that can help keep you and those around you healthy: washing your hands often with soap and water, and covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze with a tissue or the inside of your elbow (NOT your hands!). If you do get sick, make sure to stay home from school or work and don't return until you're fever free for at least 24 hours.

For more information about what you can do to stay flu free visit: http://www.nyc.gov/flu.

Furry Kids Matter, Too

Pets are members of the family, so don't leave them out of your emergency plan. Take some time to think about how you will protect your pet in the event of an emergency:

• Record important information about your pet so that you can easily access it during a disaster.
• Think about where you will go with your pet and how you will get there if you have to leave home during an emergency. If an emergency prevents you from getting home to them, consider what you will do to keep them safe.
• Gather supplies that are best suited for your pet's needs.

While you make your plan, let the Ready New York: My Pet's Emergency Plan guide you. To get your copy, visit: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/guides-resources.page#pets_plan

Chill Out and Winterize Your Supplies

Whether the weather is cold or hot, different emergencies may occur as the seasons change. The trick is knowing how to handle each one. This season, make sure you winterize your emergency plan. Get started by including new emergency supplies to your home, Go Bag, and car. Add such items as warm socks, gloves, a hat, and blankets, so you are prepared whether staying put or heading out.

Find more information on winter weather preparedness: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/winter-weather-prep.page

Be Ready, Be Mobile

The best way to be prepared is to have a plan. If you don't think you have the time, think again: NYC Emergency Management's Ready NYC app allows users to make their plan on the go with their smartphone or tablet. Once the plan is complete, you can share it with family and friends. If you're not tech-savvy, that's okay: you can get a hardcopy of the Ready New York: My Emergency Plan workbook (and other resources) by calling 311.

Access Ready New York guides and resources: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/guides-resources.page

Resolve to Be Ready - Sign up for Notify NYC

As the new year begins, think about how you will be prepared during 2016. The first part of being prepared is being informed. The easiest way to do that is signing up for Notify NYC, the City of New York's official emergency communications program. By signing up, you will receive information that matters most to you — from severe weather to street closures to public health — the way you want to receive it. Best of all, it's free!

Sign up today: https://a858-nycnotify.nyc.gov/notifynyc/

Resolve to Be Ready

Have you made any resolutions yet? As the New Year approaches, think about how you and your family will be prepared for the years to come. Get a little help from NYC Emergency Management's 2016 Resolve to Be Ready calendar to receive tips on all things emergency preparedness, including how to create an emergency plan, gather supplies that are right for you, and ways to stay informed during a disaster.
Get the 2016 Resolve to Be Ready calendar
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Keep in Touch this Holiday Season

As you get in touch with out-of-town family members and friends to wish them a joyous holiday season, ask one to be your family's emergency contact. During a disaster, long-distance calls often go through even when local lines are busy. Calling someone out of state can allow you to relay an important message to loved ones and stay connected with others.
Get more tips on communicating during an emergency, and how to stay prepared
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Warm Up Your Home the Right Way

Winter officially begins next week. Do you have a way to keep warm? Before you get cozy, make sure you heat your home safely by following these tips:

• Maintain your fireplace by having your chimney inspected, and keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening.
• If you use other heat sources like space heaters, remember to use portable heating equipment that is approved for indoor use - improper use of portable heating equipment can lead to fire or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
• Never drape clothes over a space heater to dry.
• Never use the kitchen oven or gas range to heat your home or apartment.
• Every resident is entitled to heat and hot water. Tenants without adequate heat or hot water should first speak with the building owner, manager, or superintendent. If the problem is not corrected, tenants should call 311.

For more tips on home heating safety, check out NYC Emergency Management's Winter Weather Health & Safety Tips page
For tips on how to stay cozy and save money this winter, check out GreeNYC's Stay Cozy campaign
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Candles Are No Match for Flashlights

A common misconception we would like to extinguish: using candles for emergencies. Candles can cause fires, especially when left unattended. Flashlights, on the other hand, last longer and are safer to use. If you do burn candles for religious or decorative purposes, take the steps to ensure you're safe. Keep candles away from curtains or other flammable materials and make sure they are in secure metal, glass, or ceramic holders.
Check out additional candle safety tips from FDNYSmart.org
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End of Hurricane Season, but Not Emergencies

Hurricane season may be ending, but that shouldn't stop you from being prepared. New York City is no stranger to the forces of nature, and disaster can strike at any time. The day before an emergency is like any other day. Take the time to plan ahead now so you and your loved ones are ready for anything.
Find out how you can plan for hazards
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Give Thanks and Donate

With the holiday season upon us, give a little extra thanks. Consider helping others by making a financial contribution to an agency involved in disaster relief. Cash donations allow agencies to make purchases for survivors' precise needs. What's more, cash donations to recognized relief organizations are also tax deductible.
Learn more about making donations
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Fight the Flu

This season, don't let the flu knock you down. Fight back by arming yourself with smart habits. These small steps can go a long way: get a flu shot, frequently wash your hands with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze (remember to use a tissue or the inside of your elbow - not your hand!).
Learn more about flu prevention and staying healthy this season
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