Fight the Flu

This season, don't let the flu knock you down. Fight back by arming yourself with smart habits. These small steps can go a long way: get a flu shot, frequently wash your hands with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze (remember to use a tissue or the inside of your elbow - not your hand!).
Learn more about flu prevention and staying healthy this season
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When the Lights Go Out, Power On

Power outages can occur any time of the year. As we approach the start of winter, make sure you stay chill by being prepared:

Contact your power provider immediately to report the outage.

Unplug or turn off any appliances that may turn on automatically when service is restored.

Hang blankets over the windows and doorways to insulate your home.

Be careful not to overload electrical circuits.

Learn more about what to do during a power outage
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Be Ready Before the Rubber Meets the Road

Did you know your home isn't the only place for an emergency supply kit? This Winter Weather Awareness Week, make sure you're ready on the road by having a kit in the event of an in-car emergency. Booster cables, window scrapers, blankets/warm clothing, and newspapers for insulation are just a few items to have on hand.
Learn more about preparing your car and other items for a winter emergency
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Hurricane Season is Still Here; Be Prepared

Three years ago, Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New York City and was unlike any storm in the city's history. And while Hurricane Joaquin may have missed New York City this year, both of these storms are reminders that New Yorkers need to be ready (and stay ready) by having a plan. Make sure you know your hurricane evacuation zone, how a hurricane can affect you and your property, and the steps you can take to be prepared.

Visit the Know Your Zone website for tips and information
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Don't Strike Out; Practice Makes Perfect!

Don't Strike Out; Practice Makes Perfect!
As the World Series approaches, don't strike out; think about hitting a home run in preparedness. Gather your team (or emergency support network) and practice your emergency plan. You can also teach others what to do so when an emergency happens, you'll have your bases covered.
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Explore NYC with the Map Gallery

A city like New York may be hard to navigate. Channel your inner Magellan and explore NYC.gov's Map Gallery, designed to make living in New York City easier. The gallery provides information and resources ranging from hurricane evacuation zones to city resources near you, and more.
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Testing, Testing 1, 2, 3

Have you ever tested your smoke alarm? This Fire Prevention Week, "hear the beep when you sleep" by giving your smoke alarms some TLC. Test your alarms once a month to make sure they are working properly, and replace the batteries every year. To learn more about fire safety (and how to be fire smart), visit FDNY online.
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Put Your Plan into Action

As National Preparedness Month comes to an end, it's time to put your emergency plan into action: review the steps and practice with every member of your household (pets included). Use resources like the Ready New York Emergency Reference Card and the Ready NYC mobile application for iOS and Android to record this information and share it with your loved ones. Don't forget to review this plan throughout the year and make updates, if needed.
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Be a Know-It-All with Notify NYC

A key step to being prepared is staying informed. Don't be left in the dark; be "in the know" when emergencies happen by signing up for Notify NYC, New York City's official emergency communications program. Get free alerts about emergencies that matter most to you, and choose how you want to receive them. Sign up today!
Get notified
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Get Prepared by Planning for Hazards

It should be of little surprise that New York City is no stranger to natural and man-made hazards. The best method of safety is to plan ahead! If you find yourself facing an emergency like a fire, hurricane or power outage, turn to your emergency plan. Some additional tips to remember:

• If you own a home, protect your property by taking steps to reduce your risk.
• If you own a business, consider how these emergencies may affect your ability conduct your daily operation. Decide which hazards are most likely to affect your business and plan for those first.

Don't get caught off guard and learn more about hazards that can affect New York City
View the City's Hazard Mitigation Plan

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Get Your Family's Plan in Place

New Yorkers are always on the go, and with school back in session this week, families will be busier than ever. Things may get crazed, but be sure to set aside some time to talk with your family about what to do in the event of an emergency. Schedule a family meeting or talk during a family meal and discuss the following:

• Meeting places: one near your home and one outside your neighborhood where you and your family can reunite after an emergency.
• An out-of-state family member or friend that can be used so you and your loved ones can keep in touch.
• What emergency supplies you will need in the event of an evacuation and for a shelter-in-place emergency.

You can make a plan with help from the Ready NYC app (available for Apple and Android phones and tablets) and share it with your family members. Children too small to memorize this information could carry an Emergency Reference Card that lists emergency information.
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Don't Wait. Communicate

Getting in touch with your family after a disaster is not as easy as you may think. The time to talk to your family about planning for an emergency is now. Check out NYC Emergency Management's new campaign with the Ad Council.
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