As Love is Heating Up, Stay Fire-Free

This Valentine's Day, when you settle down by the fire or enjoy a candle-lit dinner, remember to practice fire safety. Fire Safety Musts: Keep a portable ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher in your home. Wet class K extinguishers are recommended for stove top fires. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the kitchen and within 15 feet of each bedroom entrance. Check the batteries in your smoke detector at least twice a year. Read about preventing fire hazards Learn more about fire safety from the Fire Department See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Celebrate Safety First

Let this year's historic Super Bowl safety inspire you to practice safety in your own home. Sometimes a good defense is your best offense. Put together an emergency supply kit with items you will need in case you have to be cooped up for several days. Nonperishables, a flashlight, extra batteries, and a battery-operated radio can be clutch in blackouts, severe storms, or earthquakes. Put together an emergency supply kit Learn more about NYC hazards See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Don’t Get Cracked by Winter Ice

The chilly temperatures that have gripped the city the past few weeks have frozen not only New Yorkers, but lakes and ponds in City parks as well. While lakes and ponds may appear frozen, OEM reminds New Yorkers never to venture out onto thin ice. Instead, take advantage of one of the City's many dedicated ice skating rinks. Heed ice safety tips See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

You Don’t Have to Be President to Pick a Cabinet

In light of the 44th presidential inauguration, OEM asks New Yorkers: who is in your "cabinet?" When an emergency strikes, who will you call to communicate your whereabouts and safety to loved ones? Who will you turn to for help if you cannot return home? Everyone should identify a support network of trusted friends or family members in case of emergency. So you don't live in the White House. You still need a household disaster plan. Develop a household disaster plan Learn about NYC hazards See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

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