Be Severely Aware of Weather Hazards

Spring is upon us and with it comes severe weather, like tornadoes, flooding, and thunderstorms. Appropriately, this week is Severe Weather Awareness Week in New York. Every year, New York experiences severe weather. Last August, a thunderstorm spawned a tornado that blasted through nine miles of Brooklyn. Trees snapped and fell to the ground, roofs peeled off buildings, and cars were destroyed. Extreme flooding throughout the city also stranded commuters. Take some time this week to learn to prepare for weather emergencies. Learn more about severe weather in NYC Read about the August 2007 tornado Read OEM Tip of the Week online

Fight back against identity theft: Just Shred It!

April 24, 2008

Fight back against identity theft: Just Shred It! Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the country. To protect New Yorkers from identity thieves, City agencies have teamed up with industrial shredding companies and Staples to launch Shred Fest NYC, the City's first-ever free shredding event to increase public awareness of identity theft prevention and remind New Yorkers about the importance of shredding documents that contain personal identifying information before throwing them away. Start collecting those personal documents you no longer need-but that identity thieves can steal from your trash-and shred them, for free, at Shred Fest on Sunday, April 27 from 10 AM to 4 PM. Document shredding is one of the most important ways you can protect yourself from identify theft. All documents are shredded in trucks mounted with industrial shredding equipment that allow for you to view your document being shredded. Fifty paper shredders will be given away free, donated by Staples at 11 convenient locations throughout the five boroughs. For more information, call 311 or visit http://www.nyc.gov/

PLANT A TREE AND REDUCE YOUR FLOOD RISK

Celebrate Earth Day this week by planting a tree. In addition to helping slow climate change and improve air quality, trees absorb stormwater, which helps to reduce flooding. Get more information about tree planting through the City's MillionTreesNYC project, which offers NYC residents free street trees and promotes urban forest expansion. Learn more about flooding in NYC Learn more about the benefits of planting trees from NYC Parks & Recreation Read OEM Tip of the Week online

UPDATE YOUR SAFE PLACE

During the Cold War era, New York City designated thousands of buildings in the metropolitan area as fallout shelters in preparation for a nuclear attack. As international relations calmed and public anxiety shifted, the City abandoned this sheltering system. Today, many of these buildings still have the fallout shelter emblem on their walls. Do not be misled by these signs. The historic fallout shelters are no longer maintained by City officials or stocked with emergency supplies. New York City has updated its sheltering plan. In case of an emergency evacuation, tune into local media and follow instructions. Take a battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries with you to receive updates. Learn more about sheltering during an emergency Read OEM Tip of the Week online

RECORD YOUR RETURN

Taxes are due in a week and OEM reminds New Yorkers to make extra copies of their returns to assist them in an emergency. After a disaster, insurance providers may request up to three years of tax returns in support of a claim. Store an extra copy of your tax returns in your Emergency Financial First Aid Kit while finances are still fresh on your mind. Read more financial preparedness tips Read OEM Tip of the Week online