Schools might be out for the summer, but that doesn't mean kids have to stop learning. Make sure your kids are Ready New Yorkers: be the teacher by making a plan, and be sure they know it as well as you do. Don't forget to keep it fun by quizzing them about the family emergency plan, and have them practice getting to the family meeting places and putting a Go Bag together. 
Learn more about preparing kids for emergenciesRead the Tip of the Week online
Ever think the possibility of being struck by lightning is so slim you aren't in danger? Think again! If you hear thunder, it's your roof you want to be under. The easiest way to remember what to do is following the 30/30 rule: if you see lightning, count 30 seconds before you hear thunder. If it's less than 30 seconds, take cover. Once indoors, if you don't hear thunder for 30 minutes, it's safe to go back outside. 
Struggling to figure out what to get the dad who has everything? This Father's Day, show how much you care by updating his Go Bag with supplies and gadgets he may need in an emergency, like a flashlight, radio, a hand crank cell phone charger, and a flash drive to hold important documents. If your dad doesn't have a Go Bag, that's okay: make him one! Emergencies can happen at any moment, so make sure your loved ones - dad included - are ready with the right supplies. 
You already know the difference between hurricanes and floods, but it's important not to confuse flood zones and hurricane evacuation zones. Flood zones are used to determine a property's risk of flooding and are used to set flood insurance rates and building regulations. Hurricane evacuation zones, on the other hand, are areas of the city that may be ordered to evacuate if a hurricane or tropical storm occurs. Spread the word and share the difference. 
As you head to the beach this summer, make sure you pack some knowledge about rip currents; don't dive in without knowing what to do. Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water. If you encounter choppy water in a churning motion or a disrupted pattern of waves, make sure to swim parallel to the beach. Also, make sure you only swim where a lifeguard is present. 
Hurricane season is coming. Are you ready? No storm combines duration, size, and wind speed more destructively than a hurricane. This Hurricane Preparedness Week, find out how hazards like strong winds, rain, storm surge, and coastal flooding can affect you and your property, and hit back at hazards by being prepared. 
Summer may officially arrive next month, but it's important to be ready. On warm summer days, the city can be as much as 10 degrees warmer than its surrounding areas. Check out the 
Age is nothing but a number. No matter how old you are, you can choose to lead by example by being prepared for an emergency. Create a support network that you can depend on in the event of a disaster (that includes family, friends, and service providers), keep emergency supplies on hand that best suit your needs, and be sure to have copies of important documents on hand. Not only will you be wiser, but you will be ready. 
You've probably developed your plan and have all of the essentials in place in the event of an emergency, but to become an "emergency Jedi Master," you should practice your plan. Stay on the safe side by getting your household members and out-of-state contacts involved, then review what parts of your plan work, and what can be improved. Be sure to use the Ready New York Emergency Reference Card to record your plan and any changes you make. ![[Valid Atom 1.0]](http://sites.google.com/site/fpcbrooklynyouth/valid-atom.png "Validate my Atom 1.0 feed")
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