Avoid Being Washed Up

March 16 - 20 is Flood Safety Awareness Week, according to the National Weather Service. This week OEM encourages New Yorkers to take a few minutes each day to reduce flood damage risk. For instance, if you assess your home's flood risk at FloodSmart, clear neighborhood catch basins before a forecasted rain, or pack Go Bags for all household members, you can save time and money when you are cleaning up after a flood. Download Ready New York: Flooding Read more about flood hazards See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Recall the Recall This Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time serves as a reminder to check and refresh the batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. This year, in addition to checking batteries, OEM has a special task for all you Ready New Yorkers replenishing your supplies: cross-check the food products in your emergency supplies with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) recall list. Remember, foods like granola, snack bars, crackers, and even noodles may contain peanut products, and therefore may not be safe. Learn more about FDA recalls See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Take It Slow In The Snow

As the snow piles up, OEM reminds New Yorkers to ease into the tasks ahead. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unfamiliar exercise, such as shoveling snow or pushing a car, can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Follow these tips to stay safe and healthy while working outdoors: Stretch and warm up your body before shoveling snow to prevent injury. Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors. Take frequent rest breaks and drink plenty of fluids to avoid overexertion and dehydration. Offer to help individuals who require special assistance, including seniors and people with disabilities. Remember to maintain an awareness of utilities when shoveling snow. Do not cover fire hydrants with snow when clearing sidewalks and driveways. Do not shovel snow into manholes and catch basins. The City needs its infrastructure functioning properly to weather the storm. Learn more winter weather tips See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Make Sure Flashy is Functional

OEM has always suggested New Yorkers have a flashlight and extra batteries in case of emergencies. These days, though, some flashlights no longer require batteries. Shake flashlights and hand-crank flashlights use magnetic induction to power long-lasting LED lights. While you will not have to replace the batteries or bulbs in these new flashlights, you may have to use both hands to operate them. If you're interested in alternative flashlights, make sure to try them out before you purchase. Things can happen quickly during an emergency and you don't need any surprises with your supplies. Learn more about emergency supplies See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Learn The ABCs of Fire Extinguishers

Unlike people, all portable fire extinguishers are not created equal. The different letters on the labels indicate the types of fires they extinguish. Class A extinguishers are for fires that involve combustible materials such as cloth, wood, paper, rubber, and many plastics. Class B extinguishers are for fires that involve flammable and combustible liquids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel oil, oil-based paints, lacquers, and flammable gases. Class C extinguishers are for fires that involve electrical equipment. Class D extinguishers are for fires that involve combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium. Class K extinguishers are for fires that involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances. These are mainly for commercial kitchens, like those found in restaurants, cafeterias, and caterers. Most portable fire extinguishers are rated ABC, which means they are well suited for fires that occur in the home. If you work with metals, or cook for large crowds, consider adding class D and K extinguishers to your arsenal. Learn more about portable fire extinguishers from the Fire Department See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

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