Resolve to Prepare in the New Year

OEM TIP OF THE WEEK: Resolve to Prepare in the New Year With the new year only days away, it's time to make those annual New Year's resolutions. Whether eating healthier or getting fit top your lists, be sure to save space for emergency preparedness. For 2011, resolve to prepare a disaster plan for you and your loved ones. As a first step, decide on a household meeting place where everyone can reunite after a disaster. To help select local venues and landmarks, check out OEM's Meeting Place Finder on Facebook. Learn more about disaster plans Read the Tip of the Week online

Holiday Light Safety

Happy Holidays Private Sector:
FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 12/20/10: Maintain your holiday lights and decorations using safety tips from US Fire Administration. http://go.usa.gov/CWY.
FEMA · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20472

Bright Ideas for Better Supplies

OEM TIP OF THE WEEK: Bright Ideas for Better Supplies Tuesday night is the 2010 winter solstice, the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Is the bulb in your flashlight up to the task? Traditional flashlight bulbs burn out after a few years. Light Emitting Diode (LED) flashlights, however, are more durable and last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs. Learn more about emergency supplies Read the Tip of the Week online

Don’t Space Out On Your Space Heater

As temperatures in New York City dip this week, OEM reminds New Yorkers to take proper precautions with home heating. Remember to position space heaters at least three feet away from furniture, drapes, and other flammable materials. Also, always turn off space heaters before you go to sleep. Improperly used heating equipment is the leading cause of fires in New York City during the winter months. Learn more about safe home heating Read the Fire Department's advice on safe home heating Read the Tip of the Week online

Preparedness Mentoring

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 12/13/10: Businesses can share their preparedness success using Ready Business Preparedness Mentoring tools. http://go.usa.gov/CWr.
FEMA · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20472

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 is run by OEM and spans 10 weeks. It 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 interested in helping your community prepare for emergencies call the CERT hotline (718) 422-8585, or email cert@oem.nyc.gov. Learn more about the CERT program Contact CERT Read the Tip of the Week online

Emergency Preparedness for the Disabled

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 12/06/10: Access disability emergency preparedness materials and share them with your organization. www.disability.gov/emergency_preparedness/organizational_preparedness/businesses.
FEMA · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20472