Put Your Plan into Action

As National Preparedness Month comes to an end, it's time to put your emergency plan into action: review the steps and practice with every member of your household (pets included). Use resources like the Ready New York Emergency Reference Card and the Ready NYC mobile application for iOS and Android to record this information and share it with your loved ones. Don't forget to review this plan throughout the year and make updates, if needed.
Read the Tip of the Week online

Be a Know-It-All with Notify NYC

A key step to being prepared is staying informed. Don't be left in the dark; be "in the know" when emergencies happen by signing up for Notify NYC, New York City's official emergency communications program. Get free alerts about emergencies that matter most to you, and choose how you want to receive them. Sign up today!
Get notified
Read the Tip of the Week online

Get Prepared by Planning for Hazards

It should be of little surprise that New York City is no stranger to natural and man-made hazards. The best method of safety is to plan ahead! If you find yourself facing an emergency like a fire, hurricane or power outage, turn to your emergency plan. Some additional tips to remember:

• If you own a home, protect your property by taking steps to reduce your risk.
• If you own a business, consider how these emergencies may affect your ability conduct your daily operation. Decide which hazards are most likely to affect your business and plan for those first.

Don't get caught off guard and learn more about hazards that can affect New York City
View the City's Hazard Mitigation Plan

Read the Tip of the Week online

Get Your Family's Plan in Place

New Yorkers are always on the go, and with school back in session this week, families will be busier than ever. Things may get crazed, but be sure to set aside some time to talk with your family about what to do in the event of an emergency. Schedule a family meeting or talk during a family meal and discuss the following:

• Meeting places: one near your home and one outside your neighborhood where you and your family can reunite after an emergency.
• An out-of-state family member or friend that can be used so you and your loved ones can keep in touch.
• What emergency supplies you will need in the event of an evacuation and for a shelter-in-place emergency.

You can make a plan with help from the Ready NYC app (available for Apple and Android phones and tablets) and share it with your family members. Children too small to memorize this information could carry an Emergency Reference Card that lists emergency information.
Read the Tip of the Week online

Don't Wait. Communicate

Getting in touch with your family after a disaster is not as easy as you may think. The time to talk to your family about planning for an emergency is now. Check out NYC Emergency Management's new campaign with the Ad Council.
Read the Tip of the Week online

Upgrade Your Supplies this Back-to-School Season

Are you ready for new school year? Get an A+ in emergency preparedness by taking time to check on your emergency supplies. Review what you have on hand, and add any old or expired items to your back-to-school shopping list. Give last year's backpack a new role: use it as a Go Bag for you or a member of your household.
Find out what supplies you'll need during an emergency
Read the Tip of the Week online

Escape to NYC Parks and Pools

Ever have that urge to escape the city? Well, that's possible without even leaving it. Take a mini vacation and explore New York City's public parks, pools, and beaches. These places aren't just for summer fun; consider using one of these locations as a meeting place for you and your family during an emergency.
Find a park, pool or beach near you
Read the Tip of the Week online

You Have the Power to Conserve Energy

Are you afraid of the dark? It's a good idea to keep a flashlight handy, but you should also do your part to conserve energy; power outages occur most during the summer. Consider taking these steps:
• Only use your air conditioner when you are home, and set your thermostat no lower than 78 degrees.
• Turn off nonessential appliances, and only use appliances like dishwashers, washers, and dryers early in the morning or late at night.
• Turn off the lights in any unoccupied rooms.

Learn more about power outages, and tips to prevent them
Read the Tip of the Week online

Know Your Zone. Know What to Do

Hurricane season is under way and knowing your zone is the first step to being prepared for a hurricane. Check out the Know Your Zone website, a one-stop shop for information about hurricanes in New York City. The time to be prepared is now. Know your zone. Know what to do.
Watch the Know Your Zone video
Get a copy of the Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City guide
Read the Tip of the Week online

Support Your Community - Join CERT!

Are you ready to help your community during emergencies? Now is the time to get involved. The New York City Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is looking for volunteers. With more than 2,000 members, CERTs are known for their dedication to the safety and preparedness of New York City and its residents. Join the next training cycle this fall; sign up today!
Read the Tip of the Week online

Beat the Heat

After this past winter season, a heat wave may seem like a welcomed change, but extreme heat can be dangerous. Check out NYC Emergency Management's Beat the Heat video and website for tips and information about how to be cool, safe, and prepared this summer.
Read the Tip of the Week online

Get to Know the Guides

You can't predict when an emergency is going occur, but you can make sure you're always ready. Ready New York guides and resources can help New Yorkers, their families (including pets), and their property be prepared.
Find a Ready New York resource that's right for you
Read the Tip of the Week online