Save Your Energy for the Longest Day of the Year

Wednesday, June 20, marks the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. With weeks of warm weather ahead, use the summer solstice as an opportunity to start conserving energy. Follow these simple energy-saving tips:

- Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms
- Only use your air conditioner when you are home
- Unplug mobile chargers when they are not in use

Conserving energy not only saves you money, but it also reduces stress on power lines to help avoid service disruptions during extreme heat.

Get more energy-saving tips
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Keep Your Cool in the Summer Heat

New York City can get as much as 10 degrees hotter than surrounding areas during the summer. Know how to beat the heat. Stay cool as the weather warms up by drinking plenty of water and wearing lightweight clothing. Also remember to take frequent breaks when exercising or doing strenuous activities, especially during the sun's peak hours of 11 AM to 4 PM.

Learn more about how to stay cool
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Break the Grip of the Rip

As beach season gets underway, beware of rip currents—strong, narrow currents moving away from shore. Rip currents claim more than 100 lives each year in the U.S. and account for 80 percent of beach rescues. This week during Rip Current Awareness Week, OEM reminds New Yorkers to learn about the dangers of rip currents. Swim parallel to the shoreline if you encounter a rip current and always swim where there is a lifeguard.
Watch a video on how to escape a rip current from the National Weather Service
Learn more about rip current safety
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Childcare Multi-Hazard Planning

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 6/4/12: Childcare providers: Develop, implement and test your childcare facility plan using the Multi-Hazard Planning for Childcare On-line course. go.usa.gov/V9m.
Visit us on the web at www.fema.gov/privatesector, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Hunker Down for Hurricane Season

As New Yorkers experienced last summer with Hurricane Irene, hurricanes can and do affect New York City. This week is Hurricane Preparedness Week and as the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins this Friday, OEM reminds all New Yorkers to prepare. Start by finding out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone. Then look for OEM's newly updated "Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City" guide later this week.

Learn more about hurricanes and NYC
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Prep for Hurricane Season

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 5/28/12: Share your community evacuation route, update your first aid kit and shelter in place plan to prep for hurricane season. http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

Know the Drill When You Grill

Memorial Day is around the corner and OEM reminds New Yorkers to exercise caution when firing up the BBQ. It is illegal to use propane grills on terraces, balconies, or roofs in New York City. Charcoal grills are allowed on balconies, but only if they are at least 10 feet away from the building and there is an immediate source of water nearby.

Learn more about BBQ safety in the Fire Department's Summer Safety Tips
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Public / Private Collaboration Course

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 5/21/12: Obtain tools, case studies and strategies to develop emergency management collaborations with the public private partnership course.  http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is660.asp

Campus Fire Prevention

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 5/14/12: Campus safety teams: share fire prevention tools with students, staff and faculty. www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/college/get_out.shtm.

Respect Your Elders and Their Needs

May is Older Americans Month and OEM reminds New Yorkers to consider the needs of older friends and family during emergencies. OEM’s My Emergency Plan guide helps New Yorkers create a personalized emergency plan, capturing important health information, evacuation planning, and a support network. This May become a part of an older American’s emergency support network.

Watch OEM's senior outreach video
Read the Tip of the Week online

Plan for Active Shooter Scenarios

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 5/7/12: Update your emergency response plan to incorporate active shooter scenarios.
training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is907.asp.

Keep Mom in the Loop This Mother's Day

Moms always want to know where their kids are and how to reach them, so this Mother's Day, OEM encourages you to fill out an emergency reference card with your family. The card lists important information, like the languages you speak and any allergies you may have, to help others assist you during an emergency. Remember to update your information regularly and to keep your family in the loop, especially the number one lady in your life.
Learn more about preparing for emergencies
Read the Tip of the Week online