BE COOL

Summer's near and the temperature is rising. For many New Yorkers, air conditioner season is here. OEM reminds residents to conserve energy and use air conditioners responsibly during the summer months.

• If you have an air conditioner, use it only in the room or rooms you are using.
• Set your air conditioner to no lower than 78 degrees.
• When setting a timer on your AC, have it power on no more than 30 minutes before you arrive home.

Saving energy helps to avoid power outages during a season when New Yorkers need power most.

• Learn how to beat extreme heat
• Download Ready New York: Beat the Heat
• Read the Tip of the Week online

KNOW THE ZONES

June 1st marks the official beginning of the hurricane season and experts predict over 15 named storms and five major hurricanes in 2007. This week is Hurricane Preparedness Week and OEM asks that New Yorkers use the calm before the storm to create a plan with their families.

Use the Hurricane Zone Finder to determine if you live in an evacuation zone and identify friends or family willing to shelter you outside of the zone. The Hurricane Zone Finder also provides directions to public shelters as a last resort.

• Visit NOAA's Hurricane Preparedness Homepage
• Learn more about preparing for hurricanes in New York City
• Download Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City
• Read the Tip of the Week online

CPR TRAINING SAVES LIVES

Packing a Go Bag and an Emergency Supply Kit can go a long way in preparing you for any emergency, but the right training can prepare you to help others as well. Around 250,000 Americans suffer from sudden cardiac arrest each year; that is nearly one person every two minutes. Prompt, effective administration of CPR can save a life.

Learn how to make a difference at a one-day CPR class offered by the American Red Cross in Greater New York. The classes are open to any safety-minded individuals interested in preparing to help others.

• Sign up for a CPR class with the American Red Cross in Greater New York
• Learn more ways to get involved and prepare for emergencies
• Read the Tip of the Week online

PREPARE YOUR PETS DURING NATIONAL PET WEEK

When it comes to emergency planning, it's important to consider ALL your family members' needs. This week, during National Pet Week, ensure your disaster plan accounts for your pet.

• Know where you will go with your pet if you need to leave your home in an emergency.
• Know what to do if an emergency prevents you from returning home to your pet.
• Know how to safely leave your pet at home during an emergency if you have no choice but to leave your pet behind.

• Download the Ready New York for Pets guide
• Learn more about National Pet Week
• Read the Tip of the Week online