NotifyNYC Announcement – Live WEA Test – 6/14 (CW)

Today, 6/14, at approximately 4:00 PM. The WEA system would warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children, and other critical situations through alerts on cell phones. For instructions on how to enable the WEA test setting on Apple iOS and Android, please click here and here. For information on the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA), visit www.fema.gov/ipaws or www.ready.gov/alerts

NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH – JUNE

Each week throughout National Safety Month in June is an opportunity to make a difference in your home, work, and community.

Identifying risks around the home or improving safety standards at home and in your community protects everyone. Whether we increase first aid and emergency awareness through drills or provide water safety tips for summer recreation, we’re taking steps to provide a safer neighborhood.

Get involved.

  • Report repairs as they are needed
  • Hold drills at home to help children know what to do in the even of
    • fire
    • tornado
    • medical event
    • another natural disaster
  • Volunteer to participate in community emergency preparedness events
  • Put together a first aid kit
  • Take a CPR class
  • Teach someone to change a tire properly and safely
  • Learn about proper storage and disposal of medications
  • Take a defensive driving course
  • Learn how to identify fall hazards in a home

Heat Safety 2023

During extremely hot and humid weather, your body’s ability to cool itself is challenged. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness. It is important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a list of warning signs and symptoms of heat illness, and recommended first aid steps. Some of these symptoms and steps are listed below.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.

  • Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen and Heavy sweating.
  • First Aid: Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water.

    Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.

Heat Exhaustion

  • Symptoms: Heavy sweating, Weakness or tiredness, cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, fainting,
  • First Aid: Move person to a cooler environment, preferably a well air conditioned room. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths or have person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water. If person vomits more than once,

    Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour

Heat Stroke

  • Symptoms: Throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103°F, hot, red, dry or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, loss of consciousness.
  • First Aid: Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath. Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures. Do NOT give fluids.

Using a fan to blow air in someone’s direction may actually make them hotter if heat index temperatures are above the 90s. For more information on all of these heat related illnesses, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site.

FTC halts two student loan debt relief schemes

Paying off student loans can feel like a big undertaking, especially since it’ll take most people years to see a zero balance. When debt relief companies call promising quick loan forgiveness, you may be tempted to hear them out — but don’t. These scammers claim they’ll lighten your load (for a fee) — but their schemes often leave you deeper in the hole. For more information, click here.

FDNY Lithium-ion Safety

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries found in electric bikes, scooters, cars, laptops, tablets, phones, and many other common household devices. Lithium-ion battery fires have caused deaths, serious injuries, and devastating damage to property around the city. It’s important to follow rules for safe storage, charging and disposal for these types of batteries.

If you own a lithium-ion powered device or plan to buy one, the FDNY has important safety tips that you should follow. These tips apply to all devices powered by lithium-ion batteries, including phones, tablets, laptops, e-cigarettes, toys, high-tech luggage, and even robotic vacuum cleaners.  For more information click here.

Are scams affecting your community?

This month and all year long, we join the nation in honoring the cultures and many contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) individuals and communities. This year’s theme focuses on leadership. Want to do your part to help your neighbors and friends in AA and NHPI communities? for more information click here.

Have I told you lately that I love you — and how to avoid scams?

It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Maybe you’ve already sent a card to your grandmother, grandfather, or the older adult in your life. But if you haven’t told them lately that you love them, pick up the phone and call, too. While you’re catching up, remind them that you’ll never pressure them to wire you money or buy you gift cards — but a scammer might. For more info, click here.