Become a Flu Fighter

Being prepared for anything includes fighting off the flu! Believe it or not, flu can happen in the early spring, too. The best way to protect yourself is with the vaccination. Aside from vaccinations there are also small adjustments to your daily habits that can help keep you and those around you healthy: washing your hands often with soap and water, and covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze with a tissue or the inside of your elbow (NOT your hands!). If you do get sick, make sure to stay home from school or work and don't return until you're fever free for at least 24 hours.

For more information about what you can do to stay flu free visit: http://www.nyc.gov/flu.

Furry Kids Matter, Too

Pets are members of the family, so don't leave them out of your emergency plan. Take some time to think about how you will protect your pet in the event of an emergency:

• Record important information about your pet so that you can easily access it during a disaster.
• Think about where you will go with your pet and how you will get there if you have to leave home during an emergency. If an emergency prevents you from getting home to them, consider what you will do to keep them safe.
• Gather supplies that are best suited for your pet's needs.

While you make your plan, let the Ready New York: My Pet's Emergency Plan guide you. To get your copy, visit: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/guides-resources.page#pets_plan

Chill Out and Winterize Your Supplies

Whether the weather is cold or hot, different emergencies may occur as the seasons change. The trick is knowing how to handle each one. This season, make sure you winterize your emergency plan. Get started by including new emergency supplies to your home, Go Bag, and car. Add such items as warm socks, gloves, a hat, and blankets, so you are prepared whether staying put or heading out.

Find more information on winter weather preparedness: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/winter-weather-prep.page

Be Ready, Be Mobile

The best way to be prepared is to have a plan. If you don't think you have the time, think again: NYC Emergency Management's Ready NYC app allows users to make their plan on the go with their smartphone or tablet. Once the plan is complete, you can share it with family and friends. If you're not tech-savvy, that's okay: you can get a hardcopy of the Ready New York: My Emergency Plan workbook (and other resources) by calling 311.

Access Ready New York guides and resources: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/em/ready/guides-resources.page

Resolve to Be Ready - Sign up for Notify NYC

As the new year begins, think about how you will be prepared during 2016. The first part of being prepared is being informed. The easiest way to do that is signing up for Notify NYC, the City of New York's official emergency communications program. By signing up, you will receive information that matters most to you — from severe weather to street closures to public health — the way you want to receive it. Best of all, it's free!

Sign up today: https://a858-nycnotify.nyc.gov/notifynyc/