TELL YOUR TALE, GET A GO BAG

Last month, OEM announced its first-ever Ready New Yorker of the Month winner. Are you a Ready New Yorker? The next deadline for submissions is Friday, September 28, so here's your chance to prove it: Enter the contest online or request a hard copy of the application Write a true short story (200 words or fewer) about how or why you are prepared for emergencies Make sure you comply with all competition instructions (in pdf) Finally, if you are already prepared, encourage your friends and loved ones to prepare themselves by learning more about Ready New York Read the winning story for September and learn more Enter the contest online Read the Tip of the Week online

Stay Safe and Sound Underground

Most accidents on the subways result from slips and falls on stairways. Slow down and use the handrails to keep your balance. Should a more serious incident occur while you are underground, keep these three tips in mind: Listen for instructions. Stay inside the train. Subway tracks are dangerous and poorly lit. The safest place is usually inside the subway car. If evacuation is necessary, an MTA employee will provide instructions over the intercom or by walking through the train. Only pull the emergency cord if someone is caught between closed car doors and is in danger of being dragged. If your train is between stations and you pull the cord, the train will stop, preventing emergency responders from reaching the train. Learn more about subway preparedness Read about subway safety from the MTA Read the Tip of the Week online

Don't Forget Your Pet

A year ago this week, OEM introduced Ready New York for Pets — a guide for pet owners on how to care for pets during an emergency. OEM encourages all pet owners to include pets in their disaster plans: Think about where you will go with your pet and how you will get there if you have to leave home during an emergency. Know what you will do if an emergency prevents you from returning home to your pet. Put together a pet Go Bag. This Saturday, September 15, stop by the Ready New York table at the American Kennel Club's Responsible Dog Ownership Day in Madison Square Park to pick up your free copy of the Ready New York for Pets guide and learn more about how to prepare your pets. Get more tips on how to prepare your pets Read the Tip of the Week online

Remember to Prepare This September

As National Preparedness Month gets underway this September, take time to make sure you and your family are ready for any emergency. Prepare by making a disaster plan, gathering emergency supplies, familiarizing yourself with hazards you may face in NYC, and getting involved in preparing your community. This Thursday, September 6, stop by one of seven sites throughout the five boroughs to pick up your free copy of the Ready New York preparedness guide and learn more about ways to get involved in preparing your fellow New Yorkers. Sites include: Bronx: South Bronx Hub (148th Street & Willis Avenue) Brooklyn: Borough Hall (Columbus Park) Manhattan: Foley Square (Worth and Centre Streets) Mitchel Square Park (168th Street & Broadway) Queens: Forest Hills-71st Avenue Station Jamaica Station (Parsons and Archer Avenues) Staten Island: Staten Island Ferry Terminal Learn more about National Preparedness Month Read the presidential declaration Read the Tip of the Week online