Get Prepared. Get Involved.

OEM TIP OF THE WEEK: GET PREPARED. GET INVOLVED. In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared March Red Cross Month. Nearly seven decades later, more than half a million people volunteer for the American Red Cross each year. Keeping with the spirit of volunteerism, OEM encourages New Yorkers to volunteer in their communities. Start by learning about the many ways you can get involved. Learn more about joining the American Red Cross in Greater New York Read the Tip of the Week online

Inspect Your Detectors

OEM TIP OF THE WEEK: INSPECT YOUR DETECTORS On Sunday, March 13, Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins. As New Yorkers change their clocks to prepare for spring, OEM reminds New Yorkers to prepare for emergencies as well. Use DST to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Take a minute twice a year to prevent emergencies. Learn more about stocking emergency supplies Read the Tip of the Week online

Back to the Basics

OEM TIP OF THE WEEK: BACK TO BASICS March 1, 2011 marks the 70th anniversary of the first commercially licensed FM radio station in the country, W47NV, based in Nashville. While many Americans now rely on television and Internet for their news, OEM takes this occasion to remind New Yorkers that radios can be an important news source as well. A battery-operated AM/FM radio can provide news updates during power outages. Stay informed by including a radio in your emergency supplies. Learn more about emergency supplies Read the Tip of the Week online

Prepare your Business for Earthquakes

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 2/21/11: View our online tools to prepare your employees and business for earthquakes.  http://go.usa.gov/rKK.

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FEMA · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20472

Cold Weather Is Hard on Your Heart

OEM TIP OF THE WEEK: COLD WEATHER IS HARD ON YOUR HEART February is American Heart Month, and, with the return of cold weather, OEM reminds New Yorkers to take precautions before performing strenuous tasks outdoors. Low temperatures place added strain on the heart, and hospitalizations for heart-related problems increase by more than 50 percent in winter, according to the Harvard Medical School. Remember to stretch, stay hydrated, and take frequent breaks when working outdoors in cold weather. Learn more cold weather safety tips Read the Presidential Proclamation about American Heart Month 2011 Read the Tip of the Week online

Love in the Time of Disaster

OEM TIP OF THE WEEK: LOVE IN THE TIME OF DISASTER Happy Valentine's Day, New York! As you exchange chocolates, flowers, and other gifts with your loved ones, OEM reminds New Yorkers to share emergency contact information as well. Cell phones, e-mail, and social media are great tools to express your love under normal circumstances, but they may be inaccessible during a power outage. Make a plan to stay in touch with your special someone no matter what obstacles you may face. Learn more about creating a disaster plan Read the Tip of the Week online

Plan for the Pets

OEM TIP OF THE WEEK: PLAN FOR THE PETS February is Responsible Pet Owner Month and OEM reminds New Yorkers that spaying and neutering pets is just one part of being a responsible pet owner. Have you thought about how you will care for your pet during a disaster? Create an emergency pet checklist that includes proper pet identification, plans for evacuating with your pets, and pet go bags. Learn more about pet preparedness Download Ready New York: For Pets Read the Tip of the Week online

Fire Safety for College Students

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 02/07/11: Tip of the Week 2/7/11: Fire Safety for College Students is just a click away on USFA. www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/college/index.shtm. 

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FEMA · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20472

Go Team, Go Bag!

OEM TIP OF THE WEEK: GO TEAM, GO BAG! With Super Bowl Sunday less than a week away, millions of Americans are busy party planning for game day. Keeping with the spirit of planning, OEM encourages New Yorkers to prepare a Go Bag. Your Go Bag should contain items you and your family would need if you had to evacuate in an emergency. Whether you are a Steelers fan or a certified Packer-Backer, everyone wins with a Go Bag. Learn tips for packing a Go Bag Read the Tip of the Week online

FEMA Toolkit for State Earthquake programs

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 1/31/11: Businesses can download and use the FEMA Toolkit for State Earthquake programs.  http://go.usa.gov/rKD.  
FEMA · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20472

Unplug Unused Appliances

OEM TIP OF THE WEEK: UNPLUG UNUSED APPLIANCES During periods of extreme weather, like today's frigid temperatures, New York City consumes more electricity than usual. To help reduce demand, unplug appliances you are not using. If you lose power, contact your power provider immediately to let them know. Unplug major appliances so circuits in your home aren't overwhelmed when power is restored. Learn tips for coping with power outages Read the Tip of the Week online

Include the Kids

OEM TIP OF THE WEEK: INCLUDE THE KIDS Emergency preparedness is a family affair. When making your household disaster plan, be sure to include the little ones in the activities. With the use of games and other learning materials, preparing can be fun for people of all ages. Download Ready New York: Kids' Guide Read the Tip of the Week online