Don’t Get Cracked by Winter Ice

The chilly temperatures that have gripped the city the past few weeks have frozen not only New Yorkers, but lakes and ponds in City parks as well. While lakes and ponds may appear frozen, OEM reminds New Yorkers never to venture out onto thin ice. Instead, take advantage of one of the City's many dedicated ice skating rinks. Heed ice safety tips See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

You Don’t Have to Be President to Pick a Cabinet

In light of the 44th presidential inauguration, OEM asks New Yorkers: who is in your "cabinet?" When an emergency strikes, who will you call to communicate your whereabouts and safety to loved ones? Who will you turn to for help if you cannot return home? Everyone should identify a support network of trusted friends or family members in case of emergency. So you don't live in the White House. You still need a household disaster plan. Develop a household disaster plan Learn about NYC hazards See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

NEW YORKERS SHOULD BRACE FOR EXTREME COLD

As temperatures drop below freezing this week, OEM recommends that New Yorkers layer up and take extra precautions to stay warm and dry. From Tuesday, January 13, through Sunday, January 18, the National Weather Service forecasts New York City temperatures well below freezing, with lows in the single digits toward the end of the week. When inside, remember to heat your homes safely. Never use a stove or oven to warm a home and use portable heaters that have been approved for indoor use. If you lose heat, first speak with your building manager, superintendent, or owner, and if heat is not restored, call 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115) to reach the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Learn more about staying warm in severe cold Visit OEM online

Get Off The Sidelines And Get Involved

New York City needs your help. Emergencies happen every day and sometimes even the finest first responders in the world can use a little community assistance. OEM's Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) are groups of community-based volunteers trained in disaster preparedness and emergency response. The training, run by OEM, the Police Department, and the Fire Department, spans 11 weeks and covers topics like fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. A new training cycle begins in February. If you are over 18 and you are interested in helping your community prepare for anything and everything, call the CERT hotline (718) 422-8585, or email cert@oem.nyc.gov. Learn more about the CERT program Contact CERT See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Give Blood, Save Lives

Blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months due to the holidays, travel schedules, inclement weather, and illness. America's blood centers and the American Red Cross host National Blood Donor Month in January to help increase reserves. If you are at least 17 and you weigh more than 110 pounds, you could save up to three lives by donating blood. Learn more about National Blood Donor Month Find a blood bank near you See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website