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Check here each month for crucial preparedness tips
BE SAFE/ JULY’S TIP
Summer heatwaves can cause cramps, exhaustion, and even strokes. Be sure to keep tabs on the temperature and heat index while staying hydrated throughout the day.
Safety Tips for Hot Weather
BE PREPARED/ JUNE’S TIP
It’s Atlantic Hurricane Season which brings the potential for floods and power outages. Be prepared by having an emergency go-bag packed and ready to use with emergency supplies.
Pack your go-bag
BE READY/ MAY’S TIP
Best to be overprepared than underprepared. Find out local weather and traffic alerts along with emergency resources available to you through your Town or County government.
Get connected to Resources
BE SAFE / APRIL’S TIP
April showers bring May flowers… and floods. Clear debris from gutters and downspouts to keep your home safe and water draining properly.
Learn more about Floods
BE PREPARED / MARCH’S TIP
Preparing children for emergencies is critical to keeping you and your family safe during disasters. Make sure they know their full name, parents’ full names, address (including city and state), and phone number (including area code)..
Learn more about Keeping Children Safe
BE PREPARED / FEBRUARY’S TIP
On average it takes at least 18-24 months to repair/rebuild/replace a home and possessions after a large loss. Purchase enough insurance to replace property at full value and protect against local risks, such as floods or hurricanes.
Learn more about Protecting Assets
BE READY/ JANUARY’S TIP
Seniors often need extra care during emergencies and should keep a 3-6 day supply of prescription and non-prescription medications needed in case of disaster.
Learn more about People with Special Needs
BE PREPARED / DECEMBER’S TIP
New York currently leads the nation in reported fire fatalities. Install fire extinguishers in your residence and teach family members how to use them.
Learn more about Fires
BE PREPARED / NOVEMBER’S TIP
Evacuations are more common than many people realize. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond.
Learn more about Family Disaster Plans
BE PREPARED / OCTOBER’S TIP
To prepare for any unexpected damage to property, store your inventory in a secure place away from your home, such as a safe deposit box. Or, share your inventory with a trusted relative/friend so they can save it for you.
BE READY / SEPTEMBER’S TIP
Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes and microbursts. New York State has averaged 8-9 tornadoes annually over the last 10 years. Check your disaster supplies – replace or restock as needed.
Learn more about Hurricanes & Tornadoes
BE PREPARED / AUGUST’S TIP
Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. During disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
Learn more about Power Outages
BE PREPARED / JUNE’S TIP
Thunderstorms do contain lightning, which is unpredictable and always dangerous. Unplug electronics before a storm to prevent damage, but never unplug during a storm because of the risk of electrocution.
Learn more about Lightning
BE SAFE / MAY’S TIP
If you are planning to use your barbeque grill at home, make sure your propane tank is up to date or else it could rupture and cause catastrophic damage.
Learn more about Hazardous Materials
BE PREPARED / APRIL’S TIP
In case of a flood following a rainstorm, create a personal flood file containing copies of vital documents like insurance policies an information about all of your possessions.
BE READY / MARCH’S TIP
Pets are members of your family too! In order to keep your pet safe, make sure they are microchipped and wearing an up-to-date ID tag all the time.
Learn more about Pet Safety
Temperatures can drop very low in the month of February. If your heating fuel is low, refuel if you know a storm is coming. Fuel carriers may not deliver fuel for days after a storm.
Learn more about Winter Storms
BE SAFE / JANUARY’S TIP
When outside in the winter, watch for signs of frostbite including loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose.
Natural disasters can strike at any time. Create a plan with your family to discuss what you would do if your basic services were cut off like water, gas, electricity or telephones.
BE SAFE / NOVEMBER’S TIP
If a wild fire is reported near your home, wet your roof and shrubs within 15 feet of your residence to avoid spreading the fire.
Learn more about Wild Fires
BE SAFE / OCTOBER’S TIP
Large waves can develop due to strong winds. Do not venture out on the water if you know high winds are heading to shore.
Learn more about Wind
BE PREPARED / SEPTEMBER’S TIP
September is peak hurricane season. If a hurricane is on its way, keep cash on hand in case an ATM has no power.
Learn more about Hurricanes
BE SAFE / AUGUST’S TIP
Thunderstorms can strike at any time. Seek shelter when you hear the first rumble of thunder and stay inside until 30 minutes after the last rumble.
BE SAFE / JULY’S TIP
It is easy to become dehydrated during the summer months. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even when you don’t feel thirsty.
Learn more about Heatwaves
Sending text messages to family members is usually more reliable and faster during disasters because phone lines get backed up. Planning how you’re going to communicate with your family is crucial.
BE READY / MAY’S TIP
New York State has averaged 8-9 tornadoes annually over the last 10 years. Be sure to have cash on hand in case power goes out and ATMs don’t work.
Learn more about Tornadoes
During icy and snowy conditions, keep your car’s gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
If you hear thunder, lightening is close enough to strike you. Always seek shelter in an enclosed permanent building or metal-topped vehicle.
BE PREPARED / JULY’S TIP
A freezer that is half full will hold food safely for up to 24 hours, and a full freezer between 36 and 48 hours.
June is the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane Season, which continues until the end of November. Typically, hurricane warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of an anticipated tropical storm. That doesn’t give you much time to prepare. Starting early gives you the time you need to ensure everything you need is ready in case of extreme weather.
Read more about Storms.
BE PREPARED / MAY’S TIP
A power outage can happen at any time. If the power goes out, make sure to leave the light switch turned to ‘on’ in one room so that you can tell when electricity is restored.
Read more about Power Outages.
April showers bring May flowers, or floods. Take the time to learn which roadways around your home, school or workplace are likely to flood and find an alternative route to avoid those areas.
Read more about Flood safety
A flood could happen at any time, and water can destroy your personal possessions. Create a personal flood file containing copies of vital documents, including insurance policies (with agent’s contact information) and information about all possessions. Keep it in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or waterproof container.
Read more about Floods
Evacuations are more common than most people realize. Many disasters leave very little time to gather the essentials, which is why a Family Disaster Plan is so essential to safety. Create a plan this month, practice it throughout the year, and make changes when necessary.
Read more about Family Disaster plans
BE PREPARED / JANUARY’S TIP
During cold weather it can be nice to warm up by the fireplace. Be sure that you have chimneys, wood stoves, and all home heating systems inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist.
Read more about Fire safety
The dangers of winter storms include icy roads, exposure and hypothermia, traffic accidents, heart attacks, and power loss. Before a winter storm strikes, make sure your home and vehicles are stocked with the supplies you might need during a storm event.
Learn more about winter storms
In case of a home fire, families should practice their fire drill at least two times a year. During the drill, time your escape route so you know how long you have to get out of your home should a fire start.
Learn more about fires
Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, pressure, and damage potential. Categories One and Two are extremely dangerous and warrant full attention. Category Three and higher are considered major hurricanes with winds of 111 to 115 miles per hour or more.
Learn more about how to prepare for a major storm
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