Plan Your Fire Escape

More than half of all home fire deaths occur between 10 PM and 6 AM, when most people are sleeping. This week is Fire Prevention Week, and OEM reminds New Yorkers to check their smoke detectors and make a fire escape plan. Map your escape, including two ways out of each room, and practice with a family fire drill.

Get more tips on how to fire escape plan from FDNY
Learn more about Fire Prevention Week
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Fire Safety for Colleges and Universities

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 10/10/11: Share Fire Safety 101 for Colleges and Universities with students, staff and faculty to prepare for a safe semester. www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/college/.

Be An Energy Star

October is Energy Awareness Month and OEM reminds New Yorkers that energy efficiency starts with simple choices. Traditional light bulbs burn out after a few years, but Energy Star-qualified bulbs last up to six times longer and use 75 percent less energy. Reducing the city's energy demand becomes especially important during an emergency when the supply may be strained or disrupted.

Learn more about Energy Awareness Month
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Get Involved Before Disaster Strikes

The best time to get involved in your community is now, before a disaster hits. OEM is always looking for new CERT volunteers who want to help their families, friends, and neighbors before, during, and after emergencies. After completing a 10-week training program, NYC CERTs support their local communities by assisting with emergency response and educating their neighbors on emergency preparedness. Affiliate with CERT or a recognized disaster volunteer organization so you can receive proper training before an emergency.

Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

 

Get Informed in Real Time

In an emergency, receiving reliable, real-time information is critical. OEM urges New Yorkers to get informed.

• Before an emergency happens, change the batteries in your radios and decide how you will get timely emergency updates so you can react in the right way.
• Register for Notify NYC, the City's source for emergency information and receive notifications and alerts by e-mail, text message, or phone.

Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Gather Supplies For Any Surprise

This week during National Preparedness Month, OEM encourages New Yorkers to gather emergency supplies for their Go Bags and emergency supply kits. Both should have items like water, non-perishable foods, flashlights, and a first-aid kit, but Go Bags must be easy to carry and emergency supply kits can be larger and kept in a safe place in the home.

Win a fully-stocked Go Bag by taking the Ready New Yorker of the Month quiz
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

See If You Meet The Readiness Challenge

It's much easier to stay calm during an emergency if you have a plan. OEM encourages families to make a plan that includes a meeting place, out-of-state contact, and a completed emergency reference card. This week, also try out OEM’s new NYC Readiness Challenge, an interactive tool that highlights what could happen in the event of an emergency.

Try OEM's Readiness Challenge
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Be Our Foul Weather Friend on Facebook

When Hurricane Irene arrived in New York City this past weekend, OEM kept fans updated on Facebook. The conversation that started with about 4,000 fans grew to include 13,000 in five days. That's quite a growth spurt, but not as impressive as the quality of the comments and advice shared between our fans. Thanks for tuning in and supporting each other. OEM is committed to posting information on our Facebook page when New Yorkers need it.

Join OEM's Facebook community
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

OEM Monitors Hurricane Irene As It Approaches U.S. East Coast

The NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is closely monitoring Hurricane Irene as it approaches the East Coast. While the forecast remains uncertain, there is a possibility New York City may experience hurricane or tropical storm conditions this weekend.

OEM urges New Yorkers to find out if they live in a hurricane evacuation zone and take steps to prepare for heavy rain and strong winds.

• Make sure your Emergency Supply Kit is stocked and have a Go Bag ready in case you need to evacuate.
• Help friends, relatives, and neighbors prepare - especially those with disabilities or special needs.
• Clear debris from catch basins to prevent street flooding.
• Stay tuned to local radio and TV broadcasts for the latest information about Hurricane Irene. Make sure you have a battery-operated radio with extra batteries handy in case you lose power during the storm.
• Sign up for Notify NYC to receive the latest emergency information, including updates on Hurricane Irene.

Learn more about hurricanes and NYC
Download Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City

Stay Safe Indoors During Summer Storms

Along with sunny skies and warm weather, summer brings an increased risk of thunderstorms. With potential storms in the forecast, OEM reminds New Yorkers that thunderstorms can be dangerous even when you are indoors. If lightning strikes the building, the current can flow through the electrical wiring or water pipes. Protect yourself and your family by avoiding the land-line telephone and the shower until the danger passes. Learn more about thunderstorm safety Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Learn Your Way Around When You Go Out of Town

Fires and other emergencies can be disorienting even when you are in a familiar place. If you are travelling and staying in hotels, it is important to learn the emergency exit routes before you need them. OEM reminds New Yorkers to practice preparedness on the road. Everyone in your family should know the emergency exits for every place they spend the night. Learn more about emergency planning Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

American Red Cross Ready Rating

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 8/8/11: The American Red Cross Ready Rating System helps you analyze your business’ disaster preparedness.
www.readyrating.org/Businesses.aspx
FEMA · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20472