Don't Let the Weather Ruffle Your Feathers

On average, the National Weather Service issues 400 severe thunderstorm warnings, 17 tornado warnings, and about 150 flash flood warnings each year in New York state. During Severe Weather Awareness Week, we're reminded of the importance of practicing how to take shelter before tornadoes, thunderstorms, or flash floods strike. Severe weather can come with little or no warning, and cause serious injury, damage, and disruptions. While you can't control the weather, you can plan ahead so that you're not caught off guard.

Read more about severe weather
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Update Severe Weather Plans

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 4/23/12: Be a force of nature by encouraging your staff to update their severe weather emergency plans for work, school and home. www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/news/022812_be_force.html

Know When to Call 911 or 311

When there's a problem, it's good to know the right numbers to contact for help. Call 911 when you are in immediate danger, witness a crime in progress, or have a serious injury or life-threatening condition. If you need to report a problem or need information about City government services and programs, visit 311 Online, text to 311692, or call 311 (212-NEW-YORK, outside of NYC). You can also download the 311 iPhone app. Contacting the right number the first time can help you and others get help faster.
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Help Your Peers, Volunteer

Following a disaster, many volunteer organizations are overwhelmed with people who want to help. This week during National Volunteer Week, OEM encourages New Yorkers to get involved with a recognized disaster volunteer organization before a disaster strikes. Getting involved today will increase your ability to help when help is needed. Check out the NYC Citizen Corps Council volunteer guide or visit NYC Service to learn more about disaster volunteer opportunities.

Learn more about National Volunteer Week
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Flood Risk Tools

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 4/9/12: Assess your organization’s flood risk using online tools. http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/commercial_coverage/business_property_risk.jsp

Have A Photo Shoot With Your Taxes

Before you file your taxes on April 17, remember to make copies of your returns for emergencies. Put together an Emergency Financial First Aid Kit, which includes copies of your tax returns, medical insurance cards, credit/debit card statements, and the deed to your home (if you own your own home). If you have a camera phone, take a photo of these documents so you have the information with you at all times. After a disaster it can help insurance providers process your claim faster.

Read more financial preparedness tips
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Keep Computer Virus Definitions Current

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 4/2/12: Small Businesses: Encourage your staff to update their computer virus definitions, report security breaches and use secure tokens to enhance their cyber security awareness. www.ready.gov/document/common-sense-guide-cyber-security-small-businesses.

Play Your Way Through an Emergency Plan

Everyone in your family should be prepared for an emergency, even the kids. Ready New York for Kids can help make learning about emergency preparedness fun, with different activities and games for kids of all ages. As families enjoy spring break this week, use the extra time to check out OEM's emergency preparedness games, guides, and cartoons and teach your kids to be ready for anything.

Watch Ready Kids Cartoons
Play Ready New York Kids games
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