MEDICAL PROBLEMS RISE AS TEMPERATURES DO

Summer heat can complicate certain medical conditions. When it is hot out, people who suffer from chronic diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease, should avoid strenuous outdoor activity and stay hydrated.

If you take prescription medication, ask your doctor about possible complications from high temperatures and sun exposure. Tricyclic antidepressants, major tranquillizers, some drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease, amphetamines, and antihistamines increase the risk of heat illness.

• Get more information about heat illness from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• Download Ready New York's Beat the Heat guide
• Read the Tip of the Week online

DAYS OF THUNDER ARE HERE

As summer approaches, OEM reminds New Yorkers to prepare for thunderstorms. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes. Remember the following tips to stay safe during a thunderstorm:

• Stay indoors. Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent.
  
• If you are caught outside in a thunderstrom and there is no shelter, squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Do not lie flat on the ground.
  
• Remember the 30/30 Rule. If you see lightning, count the seconds before you hear thunder. If it's less than 30 seconds, take cover. Once indoors, wait 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before venturing back out.
  

• Get more thunderstorm safety tips
• Read the Tip of the Week online

GET A GRIP, AVOID THE RIP

June 3 - 9 is Rip Current Awareness Week and OEM encourages New Yorkers to be aware of rip current dangers. Rip currents are the most common cause of beach injuries. Swimmers, surfers, and even those who wade in the water can become victim to the "grip of the rip." Such currents can occur at any beach where there are breaking waves.

Look for signs of dangerous rip currents:

• Choppy water
  
• An area of discoloration in the water
  
• A line of foam, debris, or seaweed moving steadily out to sea
  
• A disruption in an approaching wave
  

• Learn more about Rip Current Awareness Week from the National Weather Service
• Learn rip currents safety tips
• Read the Tip of the Week online

BE COOL

Summer's near and the temperature is rising. For many New Yorkers, air conditioner season is here. OEM reminds residents to conserve energy and use air conditioners responsibly during the summer months.

• If you have an air conditioner, use it only in the room or rooms you are using.
• Set your air conditioner to no lower than 78 degrees.
• When setting a timer on your AC, have it power on no more than 30 minutes before you arrive home.

Saving energy helps to avoid power outages during a season when New Yorkers need power most.

• Learn how to beat extreme heat
• Download Ready New York: Beat the Heat
• Read the Tip of the Week online

KNOW THE ZONES

June 1st marks the official beginning of the hurricane season and experts predict over 15 named storms and five major hurricanes in 2007. This week is Hurricane Preparedness Week and OEM asks that New Yorkers use the calm before the storm to create a plan with their families.

Use the Hurricane Zone Finder to determine if you live in an evacuation zone and identify friends or family willing to shelter you outside of the zone. The Hurricane Zone Finder also provides directions to public shelters as a last resort.

• Visit NOAA's Hurricane Preparedness Homepage
• Learn more about preparing for hurricanes in New York City
• Download Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City
• Read the Tip of the Week online

CPR TRAINING SAVES LIVES

Packing a Go Bag and an Emergency Supply Kit can go a long way in preparing you for any emergency, but the right training can prepare you to help others as well. Around 250,000 Americans suffer from sudden cardiac arrest each year; that is nearly one person every two minutes. Prompt, effective administration of CPR can save a life.

Learn how to make a difference at a one-day CPR class offered by the American Red Cross in Greater New York. The classes are open to any safety-minded individuals interested in preparing to help others.

• Sign up for a CPR class with the American Red Cross in Greater New York
• Learn more ways to get involved and prepare for emergencies
• Read the Tip of the Week online

PREPARE YOUR PETS DURING NATIONAL PET WEEK

When it comes to emergency planning, it's important to consider ALL your family members' needs. This week, during National Pet Week, ensure your disaster plan accounts for your pet.

• Know where you will go with your pet if you need to leave your home in an emergency.
• Know what to do if an emergency prevents you from returning home to your pet.
• Know how to safely leave your pet at home during an emergency if you have no choice but to leave your pet behind.

• Download the Ready New York for Pets guide
• Learn more about National Pet Week
• Read the Tip of the Week online

PARKS HELP NEW YORKERS PREPARE

With the City in full bloom, New Yorkers are emerging from their winter hibernation and flocking to the parks. This spring, the City's Parks & Recreation department is helping residents prepare as they enjoy the great outdoors. Stop by any Parks recreation center for a free copy of the Ready New York pocket guide. Pet owners can also find copies of the Ready New York for Pets guide at City dog runs.

• Learn more about Ready New York
• Find a recreation center near you
• Find a dog run near you
• Read the Tip of the Week online

NEVER SAY NEVER WHEN IT COMES TO SEVERE WEATHER

When it is sunny outside it is difficult to remember how dangerous weather can be, but don't be fooled: 90 percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather-related. They account for around 500 deaths and nearly $14 billion in damages across the United States every year.

It is Severe Weather Awareness Week and OEM reminds New Yorkers to keep up with the forecasts. Specific hazards may require specifc plans. For example, avoid landline phones and electrical appliances during thunderstorms, as they can conduct electrical surges from lightning.

• Read more tips on preparing for severe weather
• Visit the National Weather Service's severe weather page
• Read the Tip of the Week online

KNOW WHEN TO ZONE OUT

In light of the Nor'easter that hit New York City this weekend, OEM encourages New Yorkers to find out if they live in a Hurricane Evacuation Zone. During large storms, the City may issue evacuation orders in low-lying, coastal neighborhoods. By using the Hurricane Zone Finder BEFORE an emergency strikes, residents can plan how to stay safe if their homes are vulnerable to flooding.

• Access OEM's Hurricane Zone Finder
• Make a Household Disaster Plan
• Read OEM Tip of the Week online

GET THE EFFAKs

It's tax time again, and while you are focused on your finances, OEM reminds you to update your Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK). After a disaster, insurance providers may request copies of tax returns before they respond to a claim. Store extra copies of these important documents in a safe place while finances are still fresh on your mind.

• Find out what else to keep in your Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK)(PDF)
• Learn more financial preparedness tips
• Read OEM Tip of the Week online

DO YOU HAVE THE POWER?

This week is New York Public Health Week, so OEM reminds you to protect yourselves against health emergencies. One such emergency can occur during a utilities disruption.

A power outage can be more than just uncomfortable for certain New Yorkers. It can be life-threatening. If you, friends, or family rely on life-sustaining medical equipment, make sure you have a 12-hour backup battery and register with your power provider. Con Edison (800-752-6633) and LIPA/Keyspan (800-490-0025) must be alerted to your condition, so they can provide special service in the event you lose power. You can download applications online, or call to receive one by mail.

• Visit Con Ed online
• Visit LIPA online
• Read OEM Tip of the Week online