Help Your Neighbors Prepare

As the holiday season approaches, harness the spirit of generosity and goodwill to help your neighbors. When the temperature dips or an emergency occurs in your building or neighborhood, be sure to check on neighbors who may need assistance, especially seniors and people with special needs. Learn more about helping people with special needs prepare See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Avoid the Virus Among Us

The Health Department's surveillance system shows a recent spike in NYC emergency department visits related to a common stomach illness. The virus, which typically emerges each fall, can cause vomiting and diarrhea. While this illness is very contagious, there are ways to reduce your risk of getting and spreading it. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Stay home if you are sick; the virus can be contagious up to two days after symptoms are gone. Disinfect surfaces with a germ-killing cleaner. Learn more in the Health Department's press release Read the stomach virus fact sheet See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Elect a Meeting Point

Tuesday, November 4, is Election Day, and in addition to encouraging New Yorkers to vote, OEM asks you to consider your polling site as a possible emergency meeting point. If an emergency prevents you or your family from returning home, everyone should know where to meet. Most poll sites in New York City are located in public buildings within walking distance of each voter's residence. So this year, when you elect a president, elect to be prepared as well. Learn more about meeting points and disaster plans Locate your polling site on NYC.gov See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Boo! Check Your Batteries

OEM recommends that New Yorkers change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year, like during daylight-saving times. This weekend brings the end of daylight-saving time along with Halloween: a certifiable double whammy. Check your batteries this weekend so you won't be haunted by disaster. Learn more about preventing fire Read more about carbon monoxide safety See OEM's Tip of the Week online

KNOCK PREPAREDNESS OUT OF THE PARK

As we head into the 2008 World Series, OEM asks New Yorkers to cover all of the preparedness bases. Be "safe at home" by following advice from some of New York's best emergency coaches. First Base: Learn about the hazards that affect New York City Second Base: Develop a household disaster plan Third Base: Gather supplies to stock emergency kits and Go Bags Home: Once you've hit all these marks, learn how you can get involved by educating your family and friends Learn more about Ready New York See OEM's Tip of the Week online

FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT TO STAY WARM

With home heating season officially underway, OEM reminds New Yorkers what to do if they lose heat. All residents are entitled by law to adequate heat and hot water. If you lose heat or hot water: First speak with your building owner, manager, or superintendent. If the problem is not addressed, tenants should call 311 to lodge a complaint. In the absence of adequate heat, insulate your home as much as possible by hanging blankets over windows and doorways and dress warmly. Learn more about what to do if you lose heat Review the City's cold weather heat requirements (from HPD) See OEM's Tip of the Week online

STOP STOVETOP FIRES

It's Fire Prevention Week and OEM reminds New Yorkers to brush up on fire safety techniques, especially in the kitchen. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, 40 percent of home fires start in the kitchen. Never leave a lit stove unattended and make sure you have a smoke detector in the kitchen. When cooking, clear stovetops and nearby counters to prevent rapid spread of fire. Learn more about preparing for fires in New York City Learn more about fire safety from the National Fire Protection Agency See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Watch Out For High Winds

As the season changes and cold fronts arrive, high winds can rip through New York City. The urban canyons, created by the City's high-rises, amplify the effects of these windstorms. Though high winds are generally associated with blizzards, thunderstorms, and nor'easters, they can also result from drops in temperature and air pressure differentials, both common in the fall. OEM urges New Yorkers to secure any patio or roof furniture in preparation for the blustery days ahead. Learn more about high winds See OEM's Tip of the Week Online

Stop Kidding Around, Get Prepared

Preparing for emergencies is a serious matter, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun. In this last week of National Preparedness Month, OEM encourages kids to prepare, and have fun while doing it. Ready New York for Kids has two tracks — one for elementary students and one for teenagers. Both offer games, checklists, and suggested teacher activities to help children get ready for the unexpected. Whether kids are at home, in school, or at play, they should know how to react when an emergency strikes. And remember, we're all kids at heart. Attend the Ready New York for Kids event on Saturday, September 27 Download Ready New York for Kids See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Seniority Makes Preparing a Priority

During this third week of National Preparedness Month, OEM encourages older adults to prepare for emergencies. Seniors should consider their specific needs when developing emergency plans. Take the first step toward creating a plan: establish a support network. This network should include a neighbor, friend, family member, and/or caregiver who can keep extra copies of plan information like numbers of healthcare providers and locations of meeting spots. This week, OEM gears up to introduce its revised Ready New York guide for seniors and people with disabilities. Talk to your favorite seniors about preparing for emergencies. Get a sneak peek of the guide (in PDF) See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Prepare in Many Languages

As National Preparedness Month in NYC continues, OEM reminds New Yorkers that its Ready New York preparedness guides are available in up to 14 lanugages. If you have non-English speaking friends, family, or neighbors, help them prepare for emergencies with a guide in their native language. Find a preparedness guide in your language See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

September is National Preparedness Month

On Thursday, September 4, OEM and members of the Citizen Corps Council will kickoff National Preparedness Month by giving away preparedness guides and 1,000 Go Bags filled with emergency supplies. Stop by participating sites for your chance to win. Learn more about National Preparedness Month See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website