NYC's (Unofficial) Hurricane Season is Here

While hurricane season in the U.S. officially begins June 1, the greatest potential for hurricanes in New York City occurs from August to October.

As August begins this week, take the time to make sure your family's hurricane plan is up to date.

• Find out if you live in one of the City's three evacuation zones by calling 311 or using the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder on OEM's website.


• Know where you will go if you need to evacuate your home.


• Keep a Go Bag and Emergency Supply Kit ready.


• Make sure your plan accounts for people with special needs and pets.

Download a copy of OEM's Ready New York hurricane brochure
Learn more about hurricanes and NYC
Read the Tip of the Week online

STAY SAFE BY SHELTERING IN PLACE

In some emergencies, the best way to stay safe is to stay where you are or shelter in place. This could be as simple as remaining inside while officials clear hazards from the area, or it may require more active measures like closing windows and shutting down the ventilation system to block out contaminated air.

To shelter in place:

• Identify a room with few doors and windows. Ideally, the room should allow 10 square feet per person.
• Tune into local television or radio news and follow the updates from emergency officials.
• Make use of Emergency Supply Kits and Go Bags.

• Read more about sheltering in place
• Read the Tip of the Week on OEM's website

IN FLASH FLOODS BE HIGH AND DRY

Summer heat means summer storms. Even short thunderstorms can cause flash floods in New York City because much of New York's infrastructure particularly in low-lying and poor drainage areas cannot cope with rainfall of more than one inch per hour. Make sure you know how to recognize possible flash flooding, and seek high ground if you see or hear rapidly rising water.

Learn flash flood basics:

• Do not attempt to cross flowing water that may be more than knee deep. If you have doubts, don't cross.
• Never attempt to drive your vehicle through standing water. If your vehicle stalls, abandon it and seek higher ground immediately.
• During threatening weather, listen to the radio or television for weather bulletins.

• Read more about flash flooding
• Read the Tip of the Week on OEM's Web site

WHEN IT'S HOT, BE WATER-WISE

In this intense heat, it's important New Yorkers know the benefits of water. Understand how to use and conserve it.

• Drink water regularly, even if you are not thirsty. Avoid caffeinated, carbonated, and sugary beverages.
  
• Cool showers or baths may be helpful, but avoid extreme temperature changes, as they can make you nauseated or dizzy.
  
• Turn off faucets while washing dishes, shaving, and brushing teeth.
  
• Opening fire hydrants without spray caps is wasteful and dangerous. Contact your local firehouse to obtain a spray cap.

• Learn more Beat the Heat tips
• Read more about water conservation
• Download Ready New York: Beat the Heat
• Read the Tip of the Week on OEM's website

CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY THE SAFE WAY

Personal fireworks are illegal in New York City and over the last 12 years the number of fireworks-related fires has dropped by 78 percent. But, another fire hazard lurks in the traditions of the season. OEM encourages New Yorkers to practice safe grilling techniques while roasting their eats.

• Never use a propane grill on a balcony, roof, or terrace. It is both dangerous and illegal.
  
• Have a fire extinguisher, a garden hose attached to a water supply, or at least 16-quarts of water close by in case of a fire.
  
• Never pour or squirt starter fluid onto open flames. The flames can easily flashback along the fluid's path to the container in your hands.
  
• Finally, NEVER attempt to extinguish a grease fire with water. It will only cause the flames to flare up. Instead, use an approved portable fire extinguisher.

Have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July.

• Read more BBQ safety tips from the Fire Department
• Read the Tip of the Week online