FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Release 05-021
October 28, 2005

OEM REMINDS NEW YORKERS TO CHECK AND UPDATE DISASTER PLANS, EMERGENCY KITS & GO BAGS AS CLOCKS ROLL BACK

This weekend, as New Yorkers are reminded to change the batteries in their smoke detectors when they turn back their clocks, the NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) recommends they also update their disaster plans, and restock their Emergency Supply Kits and Go Bags.

"Keeping emergency supplies and plans up to date is essential to ensuring you are prepared for emergencies," OEM Commissioner Joseph F. Bruno said. "We should all revisit our plans and change our batteries this weekend as the clocks roll back."

Just as the City constantly reviews, drills, and updates emergency plans, residents should make sure their plans are ready to go in the event of a disaster:

• Review your disaster plan with household members to ensure they understand what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency. Update any contact numbers that have changed and make sure all household members have a copy of the plan to carry in their wallets, purses or backpacks.
• Check your Emergency Supply Kit to make sure it includes enough food and water for you to survive at home for at least three days, the batteries in your flashlight and AM/FM radio are charged and working, and your first aid kit is fully stocked.
• Replenish your Go Bag — the collection of items you may need in the event of an evacuation — with supplies such as bottled water and nonperishable food. Make sure copies of important documents are up to date, medications have not expired, and you have adequate cash.

If you have not yet taken the basic steps to prepare, visit Ready New York or call 311 for your free copy of the Ready New York household guide. A few simple steps can go a long way when disaster strikes.

Daylight-saving time occurs this Sunday, October 30, at 2 a.m., when residents should turn their clocks back to Eastern Standard Time.

CONTACT: OEM Press Office 718-422-4888