Be Our Foul Weather Friend on Facebook

When Hurricane Irene arrived in New York City this past weekend, OEM kept fans updated on Facebook. The conversation that started with about 4,000 fans grew to include 13,000 in five days. That's quite a growth spurt, but not as impressive as the quality of the comments and advice shared between our fans. Thanks for tuning in and supporting each other. OEM is committed to posting information on our Facebook page when New Yorkers need it.

Join OEM's Facebook community
Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

OEM Monitors Hurricane Irene As It Approaches U.S. East Coast

The NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is closely monitoring Hurricane Irene as it approaches the East Coast. While the forecast remains uncertain, there is a possibility New York City may experience hurricane or tropical storm conditions this weekend.

OEM urges New Yorkers to find out if they live in a hurricane evacuation zone and take steps to prepare for heavy rain and strong winds.

• Make sure your Emergency Supply Kit is stocked and have a Go Bag ready in case you need to evacuate.
• Help friends, relatives, and neighbors prepare - especially those with disabilities or special needs.
• Clear debris from catch basins to prevent street flooding.
• Stay tuned to local radio and TV broadcasts for the latest information about Hurricane Irene. Make sure you have a battery-operated radio with extra batteries handy in case you lose power during the storm.
• Sign up for Notify NYC to receive the latest emergency information, including updates on Hurricane Irene.

Learn more about hurricanes and NYC
Download Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City

Stay Safe Indoors During Summer Storms

Along with sunny skies and warm weather, summer brings an increased risk of thunderstorms. With potential storms in the forecast, OEM reminds New Yorkers that thunderstorms can be dangerous even when you are indoors. If lightning strikes the building, the current can flow through the electrical wiring or water pipes. Protect yourself and your family by avoiding the land-line telephone and the shower until the danger passes. Learn more about thunderstorm safety Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Learn Your Way Around When You Go Out of Town

Fires and other emergencies can be disorienting even when you are in a familiar place. If you are travelling and staying in hotels, it is important to learn the emergency exit routes before you need them. OEM reminds New Yorkers to practice preparedness on the road. Everyone in your family should know the emergency exits for every place they spend the night. Learn more about emergency planning Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

American Red Cross Ready Rating

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 8/8/11: The American Red Cross Ready Rating System helps you analyze your business’ disaster preparedness.
www.readyrating.org/Businesses.aspx
FEMA · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20472

On Hot Summer Days, Cool Off Safely With a Spray Cap

On sweltering summer days, get relief from the heat by installing a spray cap on a fire hydrant. Pick up a spray cap at your local firehouse if you want to open a fire hydrant to cool off. Open hydrants without spray caps can reduce the flow of water to pumps used for firefighting, or push children into oncoming traffic. Call 311 to report an open fire hydrant. Learn more about spray caps Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Help Fight Crime During National Night Out

Get to know your local police precinct this Tuesday, August 2, at National Night Out Against Crime. Sponsored by the NYPD and the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out promotes police-community partnerships to help keep our nation safe. The NYPD will host events throughout the evening across the five boroughs. Call 311 to learn what's happening in your neighborhood (and don't forget to say hi to your local Community Emergency Response Team if you go!). Learn more about National Night Out Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

NYC Hurricane Season Ahead

Hurricanes in New York City may be rare, but they can and have happened. Our city is among the most vulnerable to hurricane damage in the U.S. because of its densely populated coastline. August 1 marks NYC's unofficial start of hurricane season as hurricanes are most likely to occur in our area between August and October. Do you have a plan if a hurricane hits? Start by using OEM's Hurricane Zone Finder to find out whether you live in a hurricane evacuation zone. Learn more about hurricanes and NYC Download Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City Read OEM's Tip of the Week online

Stock Your Summer Travel Emergency Kit

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 7/18/11: Pack local maps, food and cell phone chargers in your summer travel emergency kit. www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html.
Visit us on the web at www.fema.gov/privatesector, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.
FEMA · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20472

Stay Cool, Visit a City Pool

When the heat is on in the city, OEM reminds you to stay cool. One fun heat-beating option is to visit a New York City pool. All 54 Parks outdoor pools are open for the season. Visit 311 online or the Parks Department website to find pool locations and hours. Get more heat-beating tips Read the Tip of the Week online

Business Preparation for Wildfires

FEMA Private Sector Tip of the Week 7/11/11: Identify your organization's fire risk, create a safety zone and prepare your staff for wildfires. www.fema.gov/hazard/wildfire/wf_prepare.shtm.
FEMA · U.S. Department of Homeland Security · Washington, DC 20472

Keep Your Pets Free from Fire

Home fires, one of the most common emergencies in New York City, affect an estimated 500,000 pets nationwide every year. Next Friday is National Pet Fire Safety Day, and OEM reminds you to keep your pets safe from fire and include them in your disaster plan. Get pet fire safety tips from the National Volunteer Fire Council Read the Tip of the Week online