Flood Awareness, Insurance, and Maps

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 11/28/11: Add the latest flood awareness, insurance and flood maps data to your organization’s emergency plan. www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/info.shtm.

Call Cousin Dan in San Fran

When everyone calls friends and loved ones at the same time (like at midnight on New Year's Eve), local phone circuits can get overwhelmed. Long-distance calls will often go through even when local circuits are busy. If a local emergency or event ties up New York City phone circuits, an out-of-state contact can help you relay important messages to family members. Don't delay - choose your out-of-state contact today.

Learn more about communicating in an emergency
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Kitchen Fire Safety

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 11/21/11: Practice fire safety by removing oven mitts from stove tops and keep kids & pets away from hot surfaces. http://tinyurl.com/3rl3agr.
Consejo de la semana del 11/21/11: Use seguridad contra incendios al remover los guantes para el horno de la superficie de la estufa y mantenga a los niños y mascotas lejos de las superficies calientes. http://tinyurl.com/3rl3agr.

Shop for Turkey Day Sides and Grab Extra Supplies

The day before Thanksgiving is the busiest grocery shopping day of the year. This week, while you are shopping for Thanksgiving, pick up some extra water and canned goods for your emergency supply kit. It is important to have extra food and water stored at home in case you need to shelter in place. And in the spirit of giving, pick up some extra canned goods to donate at a local food drive.

Learn more about emergency supplies
Find Thanksgiving recipes from NYC Food
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Don't Be Burned by Smoking

Smokers are seven times more likely than non-smokers to experience house fires. Thursday, November 17, is the Great American Smokeout, and OEM encourages New Yorkers to help prevent house fires by following advice from the U.S. Fire Administration.

• If you smoke, do it outside.
• Make sure disposed cigarettes and ashes are completely out.
• Never smoke in a home where an oxygen tank is used.

Learn more about fire safety from FDNY
Join the Great American Smokeout
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Elect a Meeting Place

Tuesday, November 8, is Election Day, and as you contemplate the elections in your neighborhood, OEM asks you to consider your polling site as an emergency meeting place.

If an emergency prevents you or your family from returning home, everyone should know where to meet. Most poll sites in New York City are located in public buildings within walking distance of each voter's residence. So this year, when you think about who to elect, elect to be prepared as well.

Try OEM's My Meeting Place app on Facebook
Locate your polling site on NYC.gov
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online