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

Volunteer While The Coast Is Clear

Last week, an earthquake in Italy reminded the world that disaster can strike at any time. When it does, relief organizations may become overwhelmed with volunteers trying to help. If you would like to volunteer for disaster relief, contact a program today, before a disaster strikes, and find the opportunity that best suits your skills. NYC's Community Emergency Response Teams, the American Red Cross in Greater New York, New York Cares and The Salvation Army all offer training and volunteer opportunities for New Yorkers. Learn how to get involved See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Put Your Game Plan to the Test

Spring training is over and beginning today, baseball teams everywhere will see if their hard work has paid off. Is your "team" prepared? Does your household have two meeting spots in case you need to leave home and regroup in a hurry? One meeting place should be right outside your home and one should be in a different neighborhood. Just like the Yankees and the Mets, you and your loved ones may be tested by some serious opposition. You don't have to be a major leaguer to have a solid game plan. Learn how to make an emergency plan See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website