Resolve to be Ready in 2013

As the year comes to a close and you make resolutions for a better 2013, Resolve to be Ready for emergencies. Download our 2013 Resolve to Be Ready NYC Calendar to receive monthly tips to help you develop an effective all-hazards emergency plan for you and your loved ones. While you're at it, sign up for Notify NYC, and commit to making 2013 the year you become prepared.

Download the Resolve to Be Ready Calendar
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Call Cousin Diana in Savannah

In the event of an emergency, long-distance calls will often go through even when local lines are busy. Having an out-of-state contact, such as a friend or relative, can help you relay important messages to your loved ones. Make sure that everyone in the circle has each other's contact information. Don't delay — choose your out-of-state contact today.

Learn more about communicating in an emergency
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Give to Those Affected by Sandy

Holidays are a time of giving. As you complete your holiday to-do list, consider making a cash donation to help those affected by Sandy. Cash donations are preferable to in-kind donations because they allow relief agencies to make purchases that meet New Yorkers' precise needs. What's more, cash donations to recognized relief organizations are tax deductible.

Donate to those affected by Sandy through the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City
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Don't Use Your Stove to Heat Your Home

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, many New Yorkers are still without heat. As temperatures drop, it is important to remember never to use a gas stove to heat your home. When not properly vented, gas stoves (along with other fuel-burning appliances) can produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas. When inhaled, carbon monoxide displaces oxygen in your blood, making it lethal even in small quantities. Minimize your risk for carbon monoxide poisoning by making sure that you have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your home.

Learn more about carbon monoxide from the Department of Health
Learn more about smoke and carbon monoxide alarms from FDNY
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(Safely) Deck the Halls

Home and office decorations are a tradition around the holidays, but they can pose a fire hazard if not properly managed. Take these extra steps to reduce the risk this season:

-Use only nonflammable or flame-retardant decorations.
-Inspect your holiday lights for frayed wires, gaps, or excessive wear.
-Do not overload electrical outlets.
-Do not block entrances or exits to your home with decorations.
-If you are celebrating Christmas and have purchased a real tree, be sure to keep it well watered. Dry Christmas trees account for hundreds of house fires annually.

Learn more about holiday fire safety from FDNY
Read more about Christmas tree safety from FDNY
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Get Your Seasonal Flu Shot

The flu season is in full swing, and the best defense is getting vaccinated. Everyone six months of age and older is encouraged to get the flu shot (this year's vaccine covers three strains). For more information, and to find a flu shot location near you, go to the NYC Influenza Information page.

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Travel Safely This Thanksgiving

After the events of Hurricane Sandy, many of us are looking forward to spending quality time with our loved ones. If you are traveling this Thanksgiving, here are a few helpful tips to make sure you get to your destination safely:-If you're traveling by car, be sure to inspect your vehicle before getting on the road. Make sure your tires have air, the oil is properly maintained, the windshield wipers have fluid, and the brakes are sound.
-If you're traveling by air, arrive at the airport early to avoid hassles and last-minute delays.
-Lastly, sign up for Notify NYC to remain up-to-date on weather and traffic conditions, and all emergency information in your area.
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Find Sandy Recovery Resources

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, we regret we had to take an unscheduled break from delivering OEM's Tip of the Week. This week we're back, with a tip about where to find the best resources for Sandy recovery. For information on how to help or where to get help, visit www.nyc.gov/severeweather, where we've been updating a comprehensive list of resources. Get information on federal and City assistance, transportation, schools, donations and volunteering, sheltering, housing, clean-up, and health and safety, among other topics.
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Stock Your Car for Winter

This week marks Winter Weather Awareness Week in New York, a reminder that it's time to winterize your car and stock up on some emergency supplies. Snow arrived in NYC as early as October 29th last year, so be sure to keep the following items in your vehicle in preparation for the coming winter:

- A gallon of water
- Non-perishable foods (like canned fruit, protein bars, and trail mix)
- A blanket
- A flashlight and extra batteries
- An ice scraper
- Cat litter/sand (for added traction if you get stuck in the snow)
- Spare winter clothes (sweater/hoodie, hat, gloves)

Learn more about winterizing your vehicle
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Follow Us on Facebook & Twitter

OEM communicates directly with New Yorkers through a variety of tools, including social media. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for emergency updates, OEM news, preparedness tips, weather advisories, and important City services. And OEM is making it even easier to stay connected this month with an iPad giveaway! Sign up for Notify NYC and tell us how it will help you stay informed for a chance to win an iPad.

Read more about the Notify NYC iPad contest
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Stop, Drop, and Roll to Fire Safety

This week during National Fire Prevention Week, brush up on your fire safety skills. Remember, if your clothes catch on fire, STOP where you are, DROP to the ground, and ROLL over and over to smother the flames. Cover your face to protect your lungs from the smoke.

Get more fire safety tips from FDNY
Learn more about fire from OEM
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Turn Out the Lights, But Keep Your Flashlight Ready

October is National Energy Action Month, and OEM reminds New Yorkers that energy efficiency starts with simple choices. Take steps like turning off the lights when you leave a room to save energy. Remember to keep your emergency lights energy efficient, too: traditional flashlight bulbs have limited lifespans, but Light Emitting Diode (LED) flashlights are more durable and last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs.

Learn more about saving energy from Con Ed
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Don't Let Flu Get to You

Flu season can begin as early as October. Protect yourself and your family by getting vaccinated and practicing good and regular health hygiene. Seasonal flu is spread from person to person, so use tissues when coughing or sneezing, and remember to frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water to reduce the spread of the germs.
Learn more about flu prevention
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