Escape to NYC Parks and Pools

Ever have that urge to escape the city? Well, that's possible without even leaving it. Take a mini vacation and explore New York City's public parks, pools, and beaches. These places aren't just for summer fun; consider using one of these locations as a meeting place for you and your family during an emergency.
Find a park, pool or beach near you
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You Have the Power to Conserve Energy

Are you afraid of the dark? It's a good idea to keep a flashlight handy, but you should also do your part to conserve energy; power outages occur most during the summer. Consider taking these steps:
• Only use your air conditioner when you are home, and set your thermostat no lower than 78 degrees.
• Turn off nonessential appliances, and only use appliances like dishwashers, washers, and dryers early in the morning or late at night.
• Turn off the lights in any unoccupied rooms.

Learn more about power outages, and tips to prevent them
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Know Your Zone. Know What to Do

Hurricane season is under way and knowing your zone is the first step to being prepared for a hurricane. Check out the Know Your Zone website, a one-stop shop for information about hurricanes in New York City. The time to be prepared is now. Know your zone. Know what to do.
Watch the Know Your Zone video
Get a copy of the Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City guide
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Support Your Community - Join CERT!

Are you ready to help your community during emergencies? Now is the time to get involved. The New York City Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is looking for volunteers. With more than 2,000 members, CERTs are known for their dedication to the safety and preparedness of New York City and its residents. Join the next training cycle this fall; sign up today!
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Beat the Heat

After this past winter season, a heat wave may seem like a welcomed change, but extreme heat can be dangerous. Check out NYC Emergency Management's Beat the Heat video and website for tips and information about how to be cool, safe, and prepared this summer.
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Get to Know the Guides

You can't predict when an emergency is going occur, but you can make sure you're always ready. Ready New York guides and resources can help New Yorkers, their families (including pets), and their property be prepared.
Find a Ready New York resource that's right for you
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Celebrate Summer Safely

Summer is the time of year for barbecuing, going to the beach, swimming in the pool, and much more. However, we sometimes forget about safety when having fun. Make sure you and your loved ones celebrate summer safely. Know before you go by reviewing tips FDNY, NYC Parks, and the NYC Department of Health.
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School's Out for Summer, but Making a Plan is Still Hot

Schools might be out for the summer, but that doesn't mean kids have to stop learning. Make sure your kids are Ready New Yorkers: be the teacher by making a plan, and be sure they know it as well as you do. Don't forget to keep it fun by quizzing them about the family emergency plan, and have them practice getting to the family meeting places and putting a Go Bag together.
Learn more about preparing kids for emergencies
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When There's Thunder, Take Cover

Ever think the possibility of being struck by lightning is so slim you aren't in danger? Think again! If you hear thunder, it's your roof you want to be under. The easiest way to remember what to do is following the 30/30 rule: if you see lightning, count 30 seconds before you hear thunder. If it's less than 30 seconds, take cover. Once indoors, if you don't hear thunder for 30 minutes, it's safe to go back outside.
Learn more about thunder and lightning safety
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Give Dad (Preparedness) Gear for Father's Day

Struggling to figure out what to get the dad who has everything? This Father's Day, show how much you care by updating his Go Bag with supplies and gadgets he may need in an emergency, like a flashlight, radio, a hand crank cell phone charger, and a flash drive to hold important documents. If your dad doesn't have a Go Bag, that's okay: make him one! Emergencies can happen at any moment, so make sure your loved ones - dad included - are ready with the right supplies.
Learn more about Go Bags
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Flood Zones Do Not Equal Hurricane Evacuation Zones

You already know the difference between hurricanes and floods, but it's important not to confuse flood zones and hurricane evacuation zones. Flood zones are used to determine a property's risk of flooding and are used to set flood insurance rates and building regulations. Hurricane evacuation zones, on the other hand, are areas of the city that may be ordered to evacuate if a hurricane or tropical storm occurs. Spread the word and share the difference.
Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone
Get more information on flood zones in New York City
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Don't Get Swept Away

As you head to the beach this summer, make sure you pack some knowledge about rip currents; don't dive in without knowing what to do. Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water. If you encounter choppy water in a churning motion or a disrupted pattern of waves, make sure to swim parallel to the beach. Also, make sure you only swim where a lifeguard is present.
Learn more about rip currents and stay safe with additional tips from NOAA
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