AVOID A WARDROBE MALFUNCTION THIS SUPER BOWL WEEKEND

As you prepare for the Super Bowl, remember to dress appropriately. During the cold winter months, wear layers to make sure your skin is not exposed to the biting air. By layering thinner materials on one another, you trap warm air close to your body. Cover your extremities with mittens, scarves, and hats to prevent body heat from escaping.

Also consider keeping extra layers of clothing and a blanket in your Go Bag and car, if you have one.

• Learn how to dress warmly in low temperatures
• Read OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

PREPARE YOUR POCKET BOOK

January is National Financial Wellness Month and OEM reminds New Yorkers to prepare an Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) as part of their household disaster plans. Disaster relief agencies may require financial documents to determine the best method to support a victim's recovery. Obtaining new copies of any lost documents can be difficult after a disaster and may be avoided by storing a second set somewhere safe.

• Learn how to make an EFFAK
• See OEM's Tip of the Week on the Web site

GIVE BLOOD AND SAVE LIVES

OEM reminds New Yorkers to give blood this month during National Blood Donor Month. Blood is perishable and reserves need regular replenishment. Each day the New York Blood center needs almost 2,000 people to donate blood to maintain its supplies. If you are 17 years or older and weigh at least 110 pounds you can save up to three lives by donating one pint of blood.

• Learn more about donating blood
• Find a blood donation center near you
• See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

HEAT YOUR HOME SAFELY

As more seasonable temperatures return this week, OEM reminds New Yorkers to heat their homes safely. According to the NYC Fire Department, heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires during the months of December, January and February, and trails only cooking equipment in home fires year-round. To stay safe:
- Use only portable heating equipment approved for indoor use.
- Keep combustible materials, including furniture, drapes, and carpeting, at least three feet away from the heat source.
- Make sure wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys are inspected annually by a professional and cleaned as often as the inspections indicate.

• Get more safe home heating tips
• See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

RESOLVE TO BE READY IN '07

Almost half of all Americans make at least one New Year's resolution. According to a recent Ad Council survey, 91 percent of Americans agreed that taking steps to prepare could help them in an emergency. However, studies show many of those people have not yet made a disaster plan or put together an Emergency Supply Kit and Go Bag. Start the year off right: resolve to prepare for emergencies in 2007.

• Learn more about ways to prepare for emergencies
• Read OEM's Tip of the Week on the website