FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Release 06-023
December 29, 2006

RESOLVE TO PREPARE IN 2007

New Yorkers know emergencies, but not all New Yorkers are prepared for them. Sure, resolving to exercise regularly, read more, and learn a second language are great, but this year spice up the list and resolve to be prepared for emergencies.

OEM encourages New Yorkers to take these simple steps:

1. Get Informed
Educating yourself and your family is the first step toward preparedness. Know fact from fiction when making decisions about your safety.

• Learn the hazards that exist in New York City.
• Download a Ready New York guide that suits your needs at NYC.gov/readyny
• Sign up for OEM e-mail alerts to keep you informed of emergency updates, preparedness events, and preparedness tips.

2. Be Prepared
Should you lose utilities, or conditions outside prevent you from leaving home, make sure you have enough supplies to survive on your own for up to three days. Essentials include:

• One gallon of drinking water per person per day
• Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
• A first-aid kit
• A flashlight and batteries
• A battery-operated radio
• A telephone that does not require electricity

3. Have a Plan
Everyone in your family should know how to find one another and how to communicate in an emergency. Your disaster plan should include:

• A reference card with contact information for all family members.
• An out-of-state contact everyone can call when local lines are busy
• A meeting spot near your home where you can reunite in an emergency
• Exit routes from your household
• Disaster plan practice drills

These simple steps will go a long way when disaster strikes. For more information about Ready New York and getting prepared for emergencies, visit OEM’s website at NYC.gov/readyny or call 311.

CONTACT: Jarrod Bernstein/Lisa Schulman (718) 422-4888