Sharpen Your Grill Skill

As July 4 approaches, New Yorkers are gearing up to have barbecues all over the city. In the spirit of promoting fun and preventing emergencies, OEM reminds city residents to use caution while at the grill. It is illegal to use propane grills on terraces, balconies, or roofs. Charcoal grills are allowed on terraces and balconies if there is at least ten feet of clearance from the building and there is an immediate source of water (a hose or four gallons of water in a pail). Read more about BBQ safety from the Fire Department See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Bolt from Bolts

Rainstorms have blasted New York City in the last couple of weeks and OEM urges New Yorkers to know the dangers of lightning. The National Weather Service has named June 21 - 27 Lightning Safety Week to teach people how to be safe during thunderstorms. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from where it's raining. If you can hear thunder, you are in striking distance of lightning. So if you're outside and hear thunder, seek shelter indoors immediately. It's best to wait inside at least thirty minutes after you hear the last thunder clap. Read more about thunder and lightning hazards in NYC Visit the National Weather Service online for more safety tips See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Keep Your Cool During Summer Heat

During the summer, New York City can be as much as 10 degrees hotter than surrounding areas. OEM reminds New Yorkers to beat the heat this summer by staying out of the sun during its peak hours, 11 AM to 4 PM. If you have to be in the sun, wear sunscreen and a hat to protect your face and head. Other ways to keep your cool: Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes. Use an air conditioner if you have one. Drink plenty of fluids. Download Ready New York: Beat the Heat Guide Read more heat tips on OEM's website See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Don’t Sweat the Heat, Ask For a Spray Cap

Opening fire hydrants is a common way to cool off during New York City's sweltering summers, but hydrants without spray caps waste 1,000 gallons of water per minute and can lower water pressure throughout the system. Firefighters need high water pressure to fight fires. OEM reminds New Yorkers to ask for the right tools when using hydrants to stay cool. Contact your local firehouse to obtain a spray cap. Call 311 to locate your nearest firehouse. Learn more about spray caps See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Splash Safely on the Shore

Did you know rip currents can move faster than an Olympic swimmer? This week is National Rip Current Awareness Week, and OEM reminds New Yorkers to practice safe swimming. Remember, swimming at the beach is not like swimming in a pool, and rip tides can happen any time. If you get caught in a rip current, do not fight it, but swim parallel to the shore until you can get out of it. You should also swim at lifeguard-protected beaches as much as possible. Learn more about rip current safety from the National Weather Service Find information on NYC beaches from The NYC Parks Department See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Insure So You Can Rest Assured

A few inches of water can cause major damage to your home and belongings. Many people do not realize that standard homeowner's insurance does not cover property damage caused by flooding. The U.S. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers flood insurance at a low cost to homeowners and businesses in participating communities. Get prepared by finding an insurance plan that works best for you. Learn more about NFIP Read OEM's Ready New York: Flooding Guide See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Notify NYC Will Go Citywide

Today Mayor Bloomberg announced that on May 28, Notify NYC will go citywide. Notify NYC is New York City's public messaging system that helps keep subscribers informed about significant events in the city. If you want to receive notifications about emergency activity in your neighborhood, consider registering for Notify NYC. You can pre-register for the citywide program now. Learn more about Notify NYC Read the press release See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Know The Zones

This month is Hurricane Awareness Month in New York, and OEM reminds residents to get prepared. If you live within 10 blocks of a coastal area, the City may ask you to evacuate before a severe coastal storm. Identify a safe place to stay ahead of time. Find out if you live in an evacuation zone by using OEM's Hurricane Zone Finder. Learn more about preparing for hurricanes in New York City Download Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Avoid Chores During Thunderstorms

This week is Severe Weather Awareness week, and OEM reminds New Yorkers to take precautions to stay safe during thunderstorms. The safest place to be during a thunderstorm is inside, but if lightning strikes the building, the current can flow into your home through the electrical wiring and the water pipes. Unplug appliances and avoid showering, washing the dishes, or doing laundry during a thunderstorm. Just tell mom and dad that OEM said so. Learn more about staying safe during thunderstorms Visit the National Weather Service See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Prevent the Spread of Flu

With recent reports of human swine flu in New York City, New Yorkers should take extra care to stay healthy and prevent the spread of any illness. Wash your hands thoroughly and often, and especially after being out in public. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm - not your hand. Stay away from obviously sick people. Stay home if you are sick. Download a copy of Ready New York: Pandemic Flu Visit the Health Department's website Read more tips on how to stay healthy from the CDC See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

It's Easy Being Green

On Wednesday, April 22, people all over the world will celebrate Earth Day 2009. Some quick research may help you identify activities to make you "greener." OEM recommends one such activity, which also makes you better prepared for flooding: planting a tree. Not only do trees provide oxygen, but they also help absorb rainwater, which might otherwise flood homes and businesses in New York City. Call 311 to find out more about MillionTreesNYC. Learn more about Earth Day Learn how to request a tree for your neighborhood See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website