Sharpen Your Grill Skill

As July 4 approaches, New Yorkers are gearing up to have barbecues all over the city. In the spirit of promoting fun and preventing emergencies, OEM reminds city residents to use caution while at the grill. It is illegal to use propane grills on terraces, balconies, or roofs. Charcoal grills are allowed on terraces and balconies if there is at least ten feet of clearance from the building and there is an immediate source of water (a hose or four gallons of water in a pail). Read more about BBQ safety from the Fire Department See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Bolt from Bolts

Rainstorms have blasted New York City in the last couple of weeks and OEM urges New Yorkers to know the dangers of lightning. The National Weather Service has named June 21 - 27 Lightning Safety Week to teach people how to be safe during thunderstorms. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from where it's raining. If you can hear thunder, you are in striking distance of lightning. So if you're outside and hear thunder, seek shelter indoors immediately. It's best to wait inside at least thirty minutes after you hear the last thunder clap. Read more about thunder and lightning hazards in NYC Visit the National Weather Service online for more safety tips See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Keep Your Cool During Summer Heat

During the summer, New York City can be as much as 10 degrees hotter than surrounding areas. OEM reminds New Yorkers to beat the heat this summer by staying out of the sun during its peak hours, 11 AM to 4 PM. If you have to be in the sun, wear sunscreen and a hat to protect your face and head. Other ways to keep your cool: Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes. Use an air conditioner if you have one. Drink plenty of fluids. Download Ready New York: Beat the Heat Guide Read more heat tips on OEM's website See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Don’t Sweat the Heat, Ask For a Spray Cap

Opening fire hydrants is a common way to cool off during New York City's sweltering summers, but hydrants without spray caps waste 1,000 gallons of water per minute and can lower water pressure throughout the system. Firefighters need high water pressure to fight fires. OEM reminds New Yorkers to ask for the right tools when using hydrants to stay cool. Contact your local firehouse to obtain a spray cap. Call 311 to locate your nearest firehouse. Learn more about spray caps See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Splash Safely on the Shore

Did you know rip currents can move faster than an Olympic swimmer? This week is National Rip Current Awareness Week, and OEM reminds New Yorkers to practice safe swimming. Remember, swimming at the beach is not like swimming in a pool, and rip tides can happen any time. If you get caught in a rip current, do not fight it, but swim parallel to the shore until you can get out of it. You should also swim at lifeguard-protected beaches as much as possible. Learn more about rip current safety from the National Weather Service Find information on NYC beaches from The NYC Parks Department See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website