RAISE YOUR BBQ IQ

This Friday is July 4, and people everywhere will be firing up their grills. OEM reminds New Yorkers to barbecue safely this Independence Day. Never use a propane grill on a balcony, terrace, or roof. Only use a charcoal grill on a balcony or terrace if there is a 10-foot clearance from the building. Only use barbecue lighter fluid to start a fire. Never wear loose-fitting clothes that could catch on fire when using the grill. Learn more about bbq safety from the Fire Department See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

STAY COOL IN THE POOL

This Friday, June 27, NYC's Department of Parks and Recreation welcomes the summer by opening 54 public pools throughout the city. It is important to stay cool as temperatures rise. Visiting one of the City's pools is a good way to keep your body temperature low on a hot summer day. Remember to re-apply sunscreen after you swim. Find out what you can do to beat the heat Locate a pool near you See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

ORDER A CEASE ON GREASE FIRES

The NYC Fire Department says that cooking is the leading cause of house fires and fire injuries. Whether you are an amateur cook or a chef extraordinaire, be aware that water will only inflame grease fires. Water causes splashing, which spreads the fire. OEM reminds New Yorkers to turn off the stove and use a pot lid to smother a grease fire. Baking soda will also extinguish a grease fire. Learn more about fire safety See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

When Temperatures Rise, Be Thunder Wise

Sudden, extreme temperature changes often bring about thunderstorms, which produce lightning and high winds, among other hazards. As New York City approaches the end of a heat wave, residents should know how to stay safe when thunder and lightning strike. During a thunderstorm: The safest place to be is indoors. Remember the 30/30 rule. If you see lightning, count the seconds before you hear thunder. If it's less than 30 seconds, go inside and wait 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before venturing back out. If you are caught outside in a thunderstorm and there is no shelter, squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Do not lie flat on the ground. Learn more about thunderstorm safety See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

DON'T SIZZLE DURING THE FIRST HEAT WAVE OF THE SUMMER

For the next four days the heat index in New York City is predicted to be in the high 90s. New Yorkers should hydrate, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and stay in the shade when outside. Remember to check on neighbors who may need assistance. Seniors, young children, and people with special needs are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses. To assist New Yorkers during the heat, OEM will open cooling centers in all five boroughs on Saturday and Sunday (June 7 and 8). Cooling centers are public places, such as senior centers and community centers, where air conditioning is available. Call 311 or visit OEM's website tomorrow morning (June 7) to find the nearest cooling center. Tips to beat the heat: Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes Use an air conditioner if you have one Keep body temperature low by taking cool baths or showers Take a break from the heat at one of the City's cooling centers Read the press release Learn more tips to beat the heat

ATTEND A FREE EMERGENCY PLANNING WORKSHOP FOR EMPLOYERS

ATTEND A FREE EMERGENCY PLANNING WORKSHOP FOR EMPLOYERS The NYC Office of Emergency Management and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene would like to invite representatives of the local business community to attend its FREE, one-day Emergency Planning Workshop for Employers. Workshop topics include: Business Continuity Environmental Impact of Emergencies on Buildings What Employers Should Know About the NYC Fire Code Public-Private Sector Security Initiatives Occupational Health and Safety Lessons Learned from Recent Emergencies Developing Emergency Action Plans Pandemic Awareness WHEN: Tuesday, June 17, 2008 8 AM – 3 PM WHERE: New York University Kimmel Center 60 Washington Square South New York, NY 10012 Breakfast and lunch will be served. Register for the conference Visit OEM online

Get a Grip on the Rip

New York City beach season is upon us and June 1 - 7 is Rip Current Awareness Week. With that in mind, OEM reminds New Yorkers to learn about the dangers of rip currents and be safe when at the ocean. Always swim at a beach with lifeguards. If caught in a rip tide, swim parallel to the beach. If you see someone caught in a current, call a lifeguard. If one is not available, call 911. Learn more rip current safety tips from the National Weather Service See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website