Prepare in the New Year

As you greet 2009 this week, consider adding "preparing for emergencies" to your list of new year's resolutions. Start by making a plan for where to go and what to do in case of an emergency. Next, familiarize yourself with New York City hazards. Finally, gather supplies for a Go Bag and Emergency Supply Kit. Help make New York better prepared in 2009. See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Donation Inspiration

'Tis the season for giving and as we shower our loved ones with gifts, OEM reminds New Yorkers to consider giving to those less fortunate. Maybe you don't have a coat to contribute to a local coat drive, or you haven't seen a Salvation Army collector ringing the bell in your neighborhood, you can always donate to causes online using AidMatrix or the Network for Good. Learn more about charitable donations See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Light The Night

Most New Yorkers have a flashlight in their homes and many have extra batteries, but how many people keep replacement bulbs for their flashlights? Traditional flashlight bulbs have limited lifespans. Light Emitting Diode (LED) flashlights, however, are more durable and last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs. This Sunday night is the 2008 winter solstice, the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and OEM asks New Yorkers to include these long-lasting flashlights in their emergency supplies. Check out more emergency supplies See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Brace for Winter Blasts

As temperatures fall below freezing, New Yorkers begin to disappear beneath coats, hats, and scarves. OEM reminds the bundled masses to adjust their emergency supplies in addition to their wardrobes. Part of being prepared is anticipating problems like cold weather and planning ahead. During the winter months, add a blanket and some warm socks to your Go Bag and some hot chocolate packets to your emergency supply kit. Check out more winter weather tips See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Show Them You Care, Help Them Prepare

As the holiday season gears up and everyone searches for the perfect gift, OEM reminds New Yorkers to pack some preparedness into their parcels. Whether you need a guide for pet lovers, or one for the kids' stockings, Ready New York has the right emergency preparedness guide for you. Check them out on-line and call 311 for a free copy. Check out the Ready New York guides See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Don’t Be a Turkey This Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches people will be grabbing canned foods off shelves around the country. This year, when you are shopping for Turkey Day sides, grab a few extra non-perishables to put in your emergency supply kit. You'll thank yourself when you need them. Learn more about emergency supplies Read about Ready New York See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Help Your Neighbors Prepare

As the holiday season approaches, harness the spirit of generosity and goodwill to help your neighbors. When the temperature dips or an emergency occurs in your building or neighborhood, be sure to check on neighbors who may need assistance, especially seniors and people with special needs. Learn more about helping people with special needs prepare See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Avoid the Virus Among Us

The Health Department's surveillance system shows a recent spike in NYC emergency department visits related to a common stomach illness. The virus, which typically emerges each fall, can cause vomiting and diarrhea. While this illness is very contagious, there are ways to reduce your risk of getting and spreading it. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Stay home if you are sick; the virus can be contagious up to two days after symptoms are gone. Disinfect surfaces with a germ-killing cleaner. Learn more in the Health Department's press release Read the stomach virus fact sheet See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Elect a Meeting Point

Tuesday, November 4, is Election Day, and in addition to encouraging New Yorkers to vote, OEM asks you to consider your polling site as a possible emergency meeting point. If an emergency prevents you or your family from returning home, everyone should know where to meet. Most poll sites in New York City are located in public buildings within walking distance of each voter's residence. So this year, when you elect a president, elect to be prepared as well. Learn more about meeting points and disaster plans Locate your polling site on NYC.gov See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Boo! Check Your Batteries

OEM recommends that New Yorkers change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year, like during daylight-saving times. This weekend brings the end of daylight-saving time along with Halloween: a certifiable double whammy. Check your batteries this weekend so you won't be haunted by disaster. Learn more about preventing fire Read more about carbon monoxide safety See OEM's Tip of the Week online

KNOCK PREPAREDNESS OUT OF THE PARK

As we head into the 2008 World Series, OEM asks New Yorkers to cover all of the preparedness bases. Be "safe at home" by following advice from some of New York's best emergency coaches. First Base: Learn about the hazards that affect New York City Second Base: Develop a household disaster plan Third Base: Gather supplies to stock emergency kits and Go Bags Home: Once you've hit all these marks, learn how you can get involved by educating your family and friends Learn more about Ready New York See OEM's Tip of the Week online

FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT TO STAY WARM

With home heating season officially underway, OEM reminds New Yorkers what to do if they lose heat. All residents are entitled by law to adequate heat and hot water. If you lose heat or hot water: First speak with your building owner, manager, or superintendent. If the problem is not addressed, tenants should call 311 to lodge a complaint. In the absence of adequate heat, insulate your home as much as possible by hanging blankets over windows and doorways and dress warmly. Learn more about what to do if you lose heat Review the City's cold weather heat requirements (from HPD) See OEM's Tip of the Week online

STOP STOVETOP FIRES

It's Fire Prevention Week and OEM reminds New Yorkers to brush up on fire safety techniques, especially in the kitchen. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, 40 percent of home fires start in the kitchen. Never leave a lit stove unattended and make sure you have a smoke detector in the kitchen. When cooking, clear stovetops and nearby counters to prevent rapid spread of fire. Learn more about preparing for fires in New York City Learn more about fire safety from the National Fire Protection Agency See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Watch Out For High Winds

As the season changes and cold fronts arrive, high winds can rip through New York City. The urban canyons, created by the City's high-rises, amplify the effects of these windstorms. Though high winds are generally associated with blizzards, thunderstorms, and nor'easters, they can also result from drops in temperature and air pressure differentials, both common in the fall. OEM urges New Yorkers to secure any patio or roof furniture in preparation for the blustery days ahead. Learn more about high winds See OEM's Tip of the Week Online

Stop Kidding Around, Get Prepared

Preparing for emergencies is a serious matter, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun. In this last week of National Preparedness Month, OEM encourages kids to prepare, and have fun while doing it. Ready New York for Kids has two tracks — one for elementary students and one for teenagers. Both offer games, checklists, and suggested teacher activities to help children get ready for the unexpected. Whether kids are at home, in school, or at play, they should know how to react when an emergency strikes. And remember, we're all kids at heart. Attend the Ready New York for Kids event on Saturday, September 27 Download Ready New York for Kids See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website