Stash Some Cash

In the spirit of Financial Wellness Month (January), OEM reminds New Yorkers to set aside small denominations of cash for use in an emergency. ATMs will not work during a blackout and banks may be closed. Make sure you don't come up short: stash some cash. Learn how to make an emergency financial first aid kit (EFFAK) See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Flu Can Still Get You

Flu season is in full swing in New York City, but it's not too late to get a flu shot. The NYC Health Department reports a 19 percent increase in flu-related emergency room visits since November. The flu shot reduces your risk of hospitalization and death from influenza. More importantly, it protects your family members. It is especially important for the following groups to get flu shots due to risk of complications: People over 50 Children from age six months to five years People with chronic medical conditions Pregnant women Healthcare workers who provide direct patient care Learn more from the NYC health department See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Your Backhand Is Not Just for Tennis

Fires increase during the winter months. If a fire occurs in your home, know how to exit safely. Check closed doors with the back of your hand to see if they are hot. If you burn your palm, you will not be able to perform other important fire safety functions like opening windows and doors. If the door is hot, retreat to a window, where you can wave a sheet to notify firefighters you are still in the building. Learn more about fires Visit the New York City Fire Department online See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Give Blood, Save Lives

January is National Blood Donor Month, so if you are at least 17 years and weigh over 110 pounds, consider giving something for free: blood. Hospitals use blood for emergencies and for patients who have cancer, blood disorders, sickle cell anemia, and other illnesses. Some people need regular blood transfusions to live. Blood may be the best gift you give all year. Learn more about National Blood Donor Month Find a blood bank near you See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Resolve to Prepare

As you make resolutions for the new year, resolve to get prepared for emergencies. Here are some simple ways to prepare yourself: 1. Talk to your family or roommates to create a household disaster plan. Know where you will go and who you will call in case an emergency separates you. 2. Understand the hazards you may face in New York City. 3. Gather emergency supplies for an Emergency Supply Kit and a Go Bag. With your help in 2008, New York City can be more prepared for emergencies. Learn more about Ready New York Download the Ready New York pocket guide See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Donate to Disaster Victims

'Tis the season for giving and OEM asks New Yorkers to help disaster victims rebuild their lives. If you are interested in donating time or money to disaster relief, it's best to affiliate with a recognized disaster volunteer organization, such as the American Red Cross in Greater New York or New York Cares, before a disaster happens. Learn more about donating to relief organizations Read about volunteering after a disaster See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Be a Beacon of Candle Safety

Candles are popular additions to holiday decorations. But if not used safely they can lead to candle-related fires. If you use candles this holiday season, remember to: Make sure you have a working smoke detector on every level of your home. Place all candles in stable holders on flat surfaces and create a one-foot circle of safety around them. NEVER leave the house while candles are burning. NEVER leave children or pets unattended with a lit candle (the candle can easily be knocked over). NEVER use candles near combustible materials such as curtains, drapes, bedding, and or cabinets. Read the Fire Department's Holiday Safety Tips Read the Tip of the Week online

WHISTLE YOUR WAY TO SAFETY

Among the emergency supplies every New Yorker should have is a whistle. A whistle can come in handy if you are trapped in your home and you need to alert rescue workers to your whereabouts. Shouting can be exhausting and even dangerous, as it can make you inhale hazardous debris. Remember, the universal signal for help is three short blasts. Gather other supplies for an Emergency Supply Kit Read the Tip of the Week online

THE CITY LAUNCHES NOTIFY NYC, AN EMERGENCY PUBLIC MESSAGING PROGRAM

Today, Mayor Bloomberg announced the launch of Notify NYC, a program that will enable registered New Yorkers to receive timely emergency-related messages via email, text, and telephone. Information about significant emergencies in any of the four pilot areas — Lower Manhattan, the northeast Bronx, southwest Staten Island, and the Rockaways — will be transmitted to those who subscribe to this service. Starting today, December 4, those interested in receiving emergency updates can register at NYC.gov. Beginning Monday, December 10, the City will start sending emergency-related messages. Visit Notify NYC online Read the press release

SPACE HEATERS NEED SPACE

As winter approaches and temperatures in the city plummet, OEM reminds New Yorkers to take proper precautions with home heating. Improperly used heating equipment is the leading cause of fires in New York City during the winter months. Position space heaters at least three feet away from furniture, drapes, and other flammable materials. Never leave space heaters on overnight. Never plug space heaters in with an extension cord. Never leave a child alone with an active space heater. Allow space heaters to cool before storing. Learn more about safe home heating Read the Fire Department's advice on safe home heating Read the Tip of the Week online

Squirrel Away Food for an Emergency

While shopping for Thanksgiving, pick up some extra water and canned goods to add to your emergency supply kit. It is important to have extra water and non-perishable food stored at home in case you need to shelter in place, like during a blizzard or a power outage. Remember, you don't have to assemble an emergency supply kit in one shopping trip. Instead, buy an extra can of food or pick up some additional water during regular trips to the store. Learn more about preparing for emergencies with Ready New York Read the Tip of the Week online

WINTER'S NOT FAR, WINTERIZE YOUR CAR

New York City has gotten a taste of winter in the last two weeks, so OEM encourages New Yorkers to prepare for the winter season ahead. Along with cold air, winter brings snow, slick roads, and falling ice. Traveling by car can become especially difficult. Before the winter weather sets in, it's important to prepare your car if you have one. Here's how: Create an emergency supply kit to keep in your car and include a blanket, a bag of sand, booster cables, and other things you may want if you're stuck on the road. Have a mechanic check your car's battery, brakes, exhaust, antifreeze, and oil level, and any other parts that may be affected by cold weather. Install winter tires that have adequate tread. Always stay tuned to local media so you know when it is unsafe to drive. Learn other ways to winterize Read the Tip of the Week online