NEW YORKERS SHOULD BRACE FOR EXTREME COLD

As temperatures drop below freezing this week, OEM recommends that New Yorkers layer up and take extra precautions to stay warm and dry. From Tuesday, January 13, through Sunday, January 18, the National Weather Service forecasts New York City temperatures well below freezing, with lows in the single digits toward the end of the week. When inside, remember to heat your homes safely. Never use a stove or oven to warm a home and use portable heaters that have been approved for indoor use. If you lose heat, first speak with your building manager, superintendent, or owner, and if heat is not restored, call 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115) to reach the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. Learn more about staying warm in severe cold Visit OEM online

Get Off The Sidelines And Get Involved

New York City needs your help. Emergencies happen every day and sometimes even the finest first responders in the world can use a little community assistance. OEM's Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) are groups of community-based volunteers trained in disaster preparedness and emergency response. The training, run by OEM, the Police Department, and the Fire Department, spans 11 weeks and covers topics like fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. A new training cycle begins in February. If you are over 18 and you are interested in helping your community prepare for anything and everything, call the CERT hotline (718) 422-8585, or email cert@oem.nyc.gov. Learn more about the CERT program Contact CERT See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Give Blood, Save Lives

Blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months due to the holidays, travel schedules, inclement weather, and illness. America's blood centers and the American Red Cross host National Blood Donor Month in January to help increase reserves. If you are at least 17 and you weigh more than 110 pounds, you could save up to three lives by donating blood. Learn more about National Blood Donor Month Find a blood bank near you See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Prepare in the New Year

As you greet 2009 this week, consider adding "preparing for emergencies" to your list of new year's resolutions. Start by making a plan for where to go and what to do in case of an emergency. Next, familiarize yourself with New York City hazards. Finally, gather supplies for a Go Bag and Emergency Supply Kit. Help make New York better prepared in 2009. See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Donation Inspiration

'Tis the season for giving and as we shower our loved ones with gifts, OEM reminds New Yorkers to consider giving to those less fortunate. Maybe you don't have a coat to contribute to a local coat drive, or you haven't seen a Salvation Army collector ringing the bell in your neighborhood, you can always donate to causes online using AidMatrix or the Network for Good. Learn more about charitable donations See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Light The Night

Most New Yorkers have a flashlight in their homes and many have extra batteries, but how many people keep replacement bulbs for their flashlights? Traditional flashlight bulbs have limited lifespans. Light Emitting Diode (LED) flashlights, however, are more durable and last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs. This Sunday night is the 2008 winter solstice, the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and OEM asks New Yorkers to include these long-lasting flashlights in their emergency supplies. Check out more emergency supplies See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Brace for Winter Blasts

As temperatures fall below freezing, New Yorkers begin to disappear beneath coats, hats, and scarves. OEM reminds the bundled masses to adjust their emergency supplies in addition to their wardrobes. Part of being prepared is anticipating problems like cold weather and planning ahead. During the winter months, add a blanket and some warm socks to your Go Bag and some hot chocolate packets to your emergency supply kit. Check out more winter weather tips See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Show Them You Care, Help Them Prepare

As the holiday season gears up and everyone searches for the perfect gift, OEM reminds New Yorkers to pack some preparedness into their parcels. Whether you need a guide for pet lovers, or one for the kids' stockings, Ready New York has the right emergency preparedness guide for you. Check them out on-line and call 311 for a free copy. Check out the Ready New York guides See OEM's Tip of the Week online

Don’t Be a Turkey This Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches people will be grabbing canned foods off shelves around the country. This year, when you are shopping for Turkey Day sides, grab a few extra non-perishables to put in your emergency supply kit. You'll thank yourself when you need them. Learn more about emergency supplies Read about Ready New York See OEM's Tip of the Week online

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