Get Your Federal Benefits, Snow or Shine

Winter weather can disrupt mail service or prevent you from leaving your home. If you receive Social Security, VA, or other federal benefits by paper check, sign up for direct deposit through GoDirect to ensure you have access to your money when you need it most. By March 13, 2013, everyone getting federal benefits must switch to electronic payments, so get ahead of the deadline and be better prepared for emergencies.

Learn more about electronic benefit payments through GoDirect
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Get To Know the Snow Tools

Have you ever wondered how the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) sets its plow routes? Each year, DSNY categorizes the City’s roadways as primary, secondary, and tertiary to help plan for snow removal. Check out the snow route designation tool on NYC Severe Weather to find your roadway’s category.
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Student Tools for Emergency Preparedness

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 1/23/12: Teachers: Add Student Tools for Emergency Management (STEP) preparedness materials to your school lesson plans. www.fema.gov/privatesector/step.shtm.

Be Prepared for Winter

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 1/16/12: Encourage employees to prepare for blizzards by stocking rock salt, extra clothing and shovels in their vehicles. www.ready.gov/winter.

Save Lives by Giving Blood

Close to 2,000 donations are needed every day in the NYC area for blood tranfusions. If you are at least 17 years old and weigh more than 110 pounds, you can safely donate blood. Donate during National Blood Donor Month this January, and continue to donate regularly throughout the year.

Find out where to donate blood in NYC
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Prove You're Ready. Take The Challenge.

New Yorkers like to think they are ready for anything, but no one really knows what will happen next. Take the NYC Readiness Challenge to practice thinking through some of the decisions you may face during an emergency. You might not be as ready as you think you are.

Take the NYC Readiness Challenge
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Earthquake Mitigation

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 1/9/12: Learn about earthquake mitigation during the upcoming National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program E-74 Earthquake Webinars.   www.fema.gov/pdf/privatesector/E_74_privatesector.pdf

Update Communications Plan

Happy New Year Private Sector:

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 1/3/12:  Winterize your crisis communications plan by updating your employee and supplier emergency contact lists. www.ready.gov/business/implementation/crisis.

Don't Drop the Ball on Preparedness

Last year New York was hit by snowstorms, an earthquake, and even a hurricane. Who knows what 2012 will bring! Start making your plan today by downloading OEM's Resolve to be Ready 2012 calendar. Filled with regular reminders that break planning into small, quick steps, the calendar can help you work preparedness into your schedule in 2012.

Download the Resolve to be Ready 2012 calendar
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