Resolve to Prepare

As you make resolutions for the new year, resolve to get prepared for emergencies. Here are some simple ways to prepare yourself: 1. Talk to your family or roommates to create a household disaster plan. Know where you will go and who you will call in case an emergency separates you. 2. Understand the hazards you may face in New York City. 3. Gather emergency supplies for an Emergency Supply Kit and a Go Bag. With your help in 2008, New York City can be more prepared for emergencies. Learn more about Ready New York Download the Ready New York pocket guide See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Donate to Disaster Victims

'Tis the season for giving and OEM asks New Yorkers to help disaster victims rebuild their lives. If you are interested in donating time or money to disaster relief, it's best to affiliate with a recognized disaster volunteer organization, such as the American Red Cross in Greater New York or New York Cares, before a disaster happens. Learn more about donating to relief organizations Read about volunteering after a disaster See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Be a Beacon of Candle Safety

Candles are popular additions to holiday decorations. But if not used safely they can lead to candle-related fires. If you use candles this holiday season, remember to: Make sure you have a working smoke detector on every level of your home. Place all candles in stable holders on flat surfaces and create a one-foot circle of safety around them. NEVER leave the house while candles are burning. NEVER leave children or pets unattended with a lit candle (the candle can easily be knocked over). NEVER use candles near combustible materials such as curtains, drapes, bedding, and or cabinets. Read the Fire Department's Holiday Safety Tips Read the Tip of the Week online

WHISTLE YOUR WAY TO SAFETY

Among the emergency supplies every New Yorker should have is a whistle. A whistle can come in handy if you are trapped in your home and you need to alert rescue workers to your whereabouts. Shouting can be exhausting and even dangerous, as it can make you inhale hazardous debris. Remember, the universal signal for help is three short blasts. Gather other supplies for an Emergency Supply Kit Read the Tip of the Week online

THE CITY LAUNCHES NOTIFY NYC, AN EMERGENCY PUBLIC MESSAGING PROGRAM

Today, Mayor Bloomberg announced the launch of Notify NYC, a program that will enable registered New Yorkers to receive timely emergency-related messages via email, text, and telephone. Information about significant emergencies in any of the four pilot areas — Lower Manhattan, the northeast Bronx, southwest Staten Island, and the Rockaways — will be transmitted to those who subscribe to this service. Starting today, December 4, those interested in receiving emergency updates can register at NYC.gov. Beginning Monday, December 10, the City will start sending emergency-related messages. Visit Notify NYC online Read the press release

SPACE HEATERS NEED SPACE

As winter approaches and temperatures in the city plummet, OEM reminds New Yorkers to take proper precautions with home heating. Improperly used heating equipment is the leading cause of fires in New York City during the winter months. Position space heaters at least three feet away from furniture, drapes, and other flammable materials. Never leave space heaters on overnight. Never plug space heaters in with an extension cord. Never leave a child alone with an active space heater. Allow space heaters to cool before storing. Learn more about safe home heating Read the Fire Department's advice on safe home heating Read the Tip of the Week online

Squirrel Away Food for an Emergency

While shopping for Thanksgiving, pick up some extra water and canned goods to add to your emergency supply kit. It is important to have extra water and non-perishable food stored at home in case you need to shelter in place, like during a blizzard or a power outage. Remember, you don't have to assemble an emergency supply kit in one shopping trip. Instead, buy an extra can of food or pick up some additional water during regular trips to the store. Learn more about preparing for emergencies with Ready New York Read the Tip of the Week online

WINTER'S NOT FAR, WINTERIZE YOUR CAR

New York City has gotten a taste of winter in the last two weeks, so OEM encourages New Yorkers to prepare for the winter season ahead. Along with cold air, winter brings snow, slick roads, and falling ice. Traveling by car can become especially difficult. Before the winter weather sets in, it's important to prepare your car if you have one. Here's how: Create an emergency supply kit to keep in your car and include a blanket, a bag of sand, booster cables, and other things you may want if you're stuck on the road. Have a mechanic check your car's battery, brakes, exhaust, antifreeze, and oil level, and any other parts that may be affected by cold weather. Install winter tires that have adequate tread. Always stay tuned to local media so you know when it is unsafe to drive. Learn other ways to winterize Read the Tip of the Week online

FIGHT FLU BEFORE FLU FIGHTS YOU

Flu season is here and OEM and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene remind New Yorkers to get flu shots this year. It is especially important for the following groups to get flu shots due to risk of complications: People over 50 Children from age six months to five years People with chronic medical conditions Pregnant women Healthcare workers who provide direct patient care By getting a flu shot you can protect yourself, as well as those around you. You can also stop the spread of flu in other ways: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing Stay home if you are sick with a fever and cough Read the press release Visit the Health Department online Read the Tip of the Week online

OEM and Department of Education Launch Ready New York for Kids

Yesterday, Mayor Bloomberg, OEM Commissioner Joseph F. Bruno, and Department of Education (DOE) Deputy Chancellor Kathleen Grimm introduced Ready New York for Kids, an emergency preparedness program for school-age children. As part of this program, which teaches kids and parents about preparing for emergencies, OEM and DOE have created two Ready New York for Kids guides. One guide is designed for elementary school children, the other targets students in middle and high schools. Throughout the month of November, Ready New York for Kids will be distributed to all 1.1 million New York City public school students. Ready New York for Kids is available in nine languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Haitian-Creole, Urdu, Arabic and Bengali. The guides are available through OEM's website, and by calling 311. OEM encourages parents and guardians to review the Ready New York for Kids materials with their children and work together to create a disaster plan. Read the press release Download copies of the guides

Turn Back the Clock, Check Your Batteries, and Restock

Take advantage of your extra hour this weekend as daylight-saving time ends. On Sunday, November 4, when you turn back your clocks, remember to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and make sure your Go Bags and Emergency Supply Kits are fully stocked. Check expiration dates on emergency supplies and replace any items that may have been used. The Fire Department will be distributing fresh 9-volt batteries for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the five boroughs this week. Get free batteries from the Fire Department Read the Tip of the Week online

Twenty Tips for a Street-Smart Halloween (DOT)

Halloween is an exciting holiday for children; it's also a great time to talk to your kids about street smarts. To ensure trick-or-treaters stay safe, NYC DOT and Safe Kids New York City offers these safety tips for kids and motorists.

For Kids
1. Kids 10 and under should trick-or-treat with a trusted adult
2. Only trick-or-treat in familiar areas that are well lit
3. Cross streets at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks
4. Look left, right and left again when crossing; always walk, don't run, when crossing streets
5. Make eye contact with drivers and watch for cars that are turning or backing up
6. Walk on sidewalks or paths; if there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible
7. Never dart out into the street or cross in between parked cars
8. Wear light-colored, flame-retardant, costumes decorated with retro-reflective tape or stickers
9. Wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes to prevent trips and falls
10. Carry a flashlight or glow stick to increase visibility to drivers
11. Wear face paint and makeup; a mask can restrict a child's vision

For Motorists
12. Be especially alert in residential neighborhoods
13. Drive more slowly and anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic on and near the road
14. Be sure to drive with your full headlights on so you can spot children from greater distances
15. Take extra time to actively look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs
16. Remember that costumes can limit children's visibility and they may not be able to see your vehicle
17. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully
18. Remember that children are excited on this night and may move in unpredictable ways
19. Remember that popular trick-or-treating hours are during the typical rush-hour period, between 5:30-9:30 p.m.
20. Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and pedestrians

Kids - Check out these Halloween safety tips and maze with your parents and have a fun and safe Halloween! (in PDF)

Parents - forward these tips to share with your friends and neighbors. Together we can all have a safe and happy Halloween.

Know What to Do When You're Forced Out at Home

As the World Series begins, OEM reminds New Yorkers to know what to do in case home is not safe. Whether you live alone or with others, you should learn a few steps to stay safe if you have to evacuate: Decide where you will go if you have to leave in a hurry. Choose one location close to your home and another outside your neighborhood. Identify all possible exit routes in your home and practice using them in a non-emergency situation. Choose an out-of-state contact who all your household members can call if they are separated. If local phone circuits are busy, an out-of-state number may be easier to reach. Read more on evacuation Learn how to pack a Go Bag Read the Tip of the Week online