MAKE MERRIER THE LIVES OF DISASTER VICTIMS

Now that you and your loved ones are overjoyed with holiday gifts, consider spreading the joy to those less fortunate. Donating time or money after disasters can help victims rebuild their lives.

New Yorkers need no reminder that disasters happen, but OEM reminds New Yorkers that they can help. It's best to affiliate with a recognized disaster volunteer organization, such as the American Red Cross in Greater New York, New York Cares or The Salvation Army, before a disaster happens.

• Learn more about donating to relief organizations
• Read about volunteering after a disaster
• Read OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

DON'T BE LEFT IN THE DARK

Thursday, December 21, marks the shortest day of the year - the Winter Solstice. This year, you don't have to be left in the dark. Make sure you have working flashlights in your Go Bag and Emergency Supply Kit. Check the batteries in each flashlight to ensure you'll have light in the event of a power outage.

• What else should be in your Go Bag?
• What else should you put in your Emergency Supply Kit?
• See OEM's Tip of the Week on the Web site

GIVE A GO BAG

'Tis the giving season and what better way to show you care than to help your loved ones prepare? A Go Bag is an easy-to-carry bag filled with items like a flashlight, AM/FM radio, and first aid supplies that come in handy in an emergency evacuation. Everyone in the family should create a Go Bag tailored to his or her specific needs. Make your own Go Bag from our list of suggested supplies or purchase a ready-made one from local retailers.

• Learn more about Go Bags
• Read OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

PREPARING FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Emergencies can present additional challenges for seniors and people with disabilities. If you have a special need to account for during an emergency, reach out to your family, friends, and neighbors beforehand and develop a plan for getting the help you need. Establishing a strong support network is an essential step in being prepared whether you are asked to shelter in place or evacuate.

• Download Ready New York for Seniors and People with Disabilities
• Read OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

STASH SOME CASH

As you set aside cash for the holidays this season, consider stashing some of that cash for emergencies. OEM recommends New Yorkers keep a small amount of cash in their Go Bags. In the event of a widespread power outage, ATMs will not work and merchants may be unable to accept credit cards. If your budget allows, it's a good idea to have a small amount of cash on hand for any type of emergency.

• Learn what else to pack in your Go Bag
• See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

CALL AUNT MILLIE IN PHILLY

As you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this week, OEM reminds you to consider your out-of-state friends and relatives for more than just their turkey-basting skills. Designating an out-of-state contact is an important part of any disaster plan. If New York City phone circuits are busy, long-distance calls may be easier to make. If you are separated from your family members in an emergency, your out-of-state contact may be able to help you communicate.

• Learn more about disaster planning
• Read OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

GET WISE, WINTERIZE!

Fall has been kind so far, but the warm weather cannot last forever. The first snowfall of the year is just around the corner and when it starts to stick, stairs, walkways, and roads may become dangerously slick. Keep some rock salt on hand to melt your way out these sticky situations. Follow the links below to learn more pre-season tips.

• Learn More Winter Weather Tips
• See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

DON'T BE CAUGHT WITHOUT YOUR SHOT

The leaves are changing and the wind carries a winter chill. You guessed it. Flu season is here once again. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene suggests people over age 50, people with chronic medical conditions, and young children as well as their caretakers and household contacts get a flu shot.

There is no out-of-pocket cost for this service and the shot is readily available.

Check the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website to find flu shot distribution centers in your neighborhood.

• See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website
• Find a Flu Shot Distribution Center in Your Neighborhood

DON'T BE HAUNTED BY DISASTER

Ghosts and goblins may be scary, but emergencies don't have to be! Take some time to create a household disaster plan, and familiarize your entire household with it. Identify meeting spots, exit routes, emergency contacts, and hold drills so you can practice exiting your home.

A few, simple steps can go a long way to help you prepare for any emergency. Stay tuned for future Tips of the Week, posted on OEM's homepage.

• Get OEM's Tip of the Week on the website
• Make a Household Disaster Plan

OEM INTRODUCES TIP OF THE WEEK

OEM is pleased to offer weekly web tips to help New Yorkers better prepare for all types of emergencies. These tips, covering topics from identifying out-of-state contacts to packing a Go Bag, will show you just how easy it is to be ready.

This week, OEM reminds you to restock as you turn back the clock. On Sunday, October 29, when daylight saving time ends, check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and make sure your Go Bags and Emergency Supply Kits are fully stocked and up-to-date. To learn more about Go Bags and emergency supplies, visit Ready New York online.

Stay tuned for future Tips of the Week, posted weekly on OEM's homepage.

• See OEM's first Tip of the Week
• What's in your Go Bag?
• What's in your Emergency Supply Kit?