DON'T LET TORNADOES GET YOU TWISTED

Thanks to current events, New Yorkers know that tornadoes can impact New York City. But do YOU know what to do if a tornado approaches your home? Tornadoes are typically spawned by powerful thunderstorms, and most tornado-related damage results from sheer wind speed and wind-blown debris, as well as large hail. If you see an approaching tornado: Go to your basement or the lowest point of your residence. If an underground shelter is not available, move to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Stay away from windows. Do not try to outrun a tornado in a car. Instead, leave your vehicle and find shelter immediately. Learn more about tornado safety Read about New York City Hazards Read the Tip of the Week online

REVISE YOUR SCHOOL SUPPLIES

The summer break is almost over and children around the city will soon head back to school. Parents everywhere are rejoicing. As your family stocks up on school supplies, why not grab a few basic emergency supplies in the same trip?

The following may come in handy during an emergency:

• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
  

Every family should have an Emergency Supply Kit and Go Bags. You can never be too prepared!

What's a Go Bag?
Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit
Read the Tip of the Week online

WHEN THE POWER IS OUT YOU ARE NOT POWERLESS

In August 2003, a power outage spanning from New York to Michigan left over 50 million people without power for 29 hours. Power outages on this scale are extremely rare, but the city's high demand for energy on summer days can leave New Yorkers vulnerable to smaller disruptions. If your power fails:

• Call your power provider immediately to report the outage.
  o Con Edison 24-hour hotline: 1-800-75-CONED (752-6633)
  o KeySpan 24-hour hotline: 1-718-643-4050
• Disconnect appliances that will turn on automatically when service is restored. If several appliances start up at once, they may overload electrical circuits.
• Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Move milk, cheese, meats, and other perishables into the freezer. Keep all items close together and stacked on top of each other.

Learn more about what to do in a power outage

Read the Tip of the Week online

CELEBRATE NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME

This Tuesday, August 7th, is the 24th annual National Night Out Against Crime and OEM reminds New Yorkers to get to know their local police precincts.

The Police Department and the National Association of Town Watch will host events all night throughout the five boroughs to generate interest in local crime-prevention programs and strengthen neighborhood relations. Call 311 to find out more about your local precinct and what's happening in your neighborhood.

Learn more about National Night Out Against Crime
Read NYPD's Crime Prevention Tips
Read the Tip of the Week online