Notify NYC Will Go Citywide

Today Mayor Bloomberg announced that on May 28, Notify NYC will go citywide. Notify NYC is New York City's public messaging system that helps keep subscribers informed about significant events in the city. If you want to receive notifications about emergency activity in your neighborhood, consider registering for Notify NYC. You can pre-register for the citywide program now. Learn more about Notify NYC Read the press release See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Know The Zones

This month is Hurricane Awareness Month in New York, and OEM reminds residents to get prepared. If you live within 10 blocks of a coastal area, the City may ask you to evacuate before a severe coastal storm. Identify a safe place to stay ahead of time. Find out if you live in an evacuation zone by using OEM's Hurricane Zone Finder. Learn more about preparing for hurricanes in New York City Download Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Avoid Chores During Thunderstorms

This week is Severe Weather Awareness week, and OEM reminds New Yorkers to take precautions to stay safe during thunderstorms. The safest place to be during a thunderstorm is inside, but if lightning strikes the building, the current can flow into your home through the electrical wiring and the water pipes. Unplug appliances and avoid showering, washing the dishes, or doing laundry during a thunderstorm. Just tell mom and dad that OEM said so. Learn more about staying safe during thunderstorms Visit the National Weather Service See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Prevent the Spread of Flu

With recent reports of human swine flu in New York City, New Yorkers should take extra care to stay healthy and prevent the spread of any illness. Wash your hands thoroughly and often, and especially after being out in public. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm - not your hand. Stay away from obviously sick people. Stay home if you are sick. Download a copy of Ready New York: Pandemic Flu Visit the Health Department's website Read more tips on how to stay healthy from the CDC See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

It's Easy Being Green

On Wednesday, April 22, people all over the world will celebrate Earth Day 2009. Some quick research may help you identify activities to make you "greener." OEM recommends one such activity, which also makes you better prepared for flooding: planting a tree. Not only do trees provide oxygen, but they also help absorb rainwater, which might otherwise flood homes and businesses in New York City. Call 311 to find out more about MillionTreesNYC. Learn more about Earth Day Learn how to request a tree for your neighborhood See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Volunteer While The Coast Is Clear

Last week, an earthquake in Italy reminded the world that disaster can strike at any time. When it does, relief organizations may become overwhelmed with volunteers trying to help. If you would like to volunteer for disaster relief, contact a program today, before a disaster strikes, and find the opportunity that best suits your skills. NYC's Community Emergency Response Teams, the American Red Cross in Greater New York, New York Cares and The Salvation Army all offer training and volunteer opportunities for New Yorkers. Learn how to get involved See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Put Your Game Plan to the Test

Spring training is over and beginning today, baseball teams everywhere will see if their hard work has paid off. Is your "team" prepared? Does your household have two meeting spots in case you need to leave home and regroup in a hurry? One meeting place should be right outside your home and one should be in a different neighborhood. Just like the Yankees and the Mets, you and your loved ones may be tested by some serious opposition. You don't have to be a major leaguer to have a solid game plan. Learn how to make an emergency plan See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Don’t Be Fooled By An Emergency

Did you know that new coat of paint might unintentionally seal a window shut? April Fools' Day is around the corner, but an emergency is no time to be foolish. Be sure to test all of your evacuation routes before you need them. Learn how to make an emergency plan See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

Clear Your Fire Escape and Ease Your Mind

In the spirit of spring cleaning, OEM reminds New Yorkers to keep fire escapes clear of obstacles. Though open space is hard to resist in this city, storing bicycles, grills, and large planters on a fire escape can make it difficult for you and your neighbors to evacuate. Don't let your possessions get in the way of your safety. Download the Fire Department's Safety Tips for Apartments Read more about fire safety See OEM's Tip of the Week on the website

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