Press Release

#43-16

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HOSTS COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS FAIR IN THE EAST VILLAGE ON AUGUST 24



August 23, 2016 — The New York City Emergency Management Department, Manhattan Community Board 3, and the Village Alliance will host a preparedness fair in the East Village on Wednesday, August 24. NYC Emergency Management staff members, along with representatives from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), FDNY, Con Ed, Small Business Services (SBS), and local community organizations, will be on hand to share emergency preparedness tips ranging from how to beat the heat to gas safety. Residents can also learn basic CPR skills and participate in rock climbing.

"The East Village Preparedness Fair is fun, interactive and educational – we encourage everyone in the neighborhood to stop by," said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. "It's a great day to try out the NYPD rock climbing wall, learn basic CPR, and make an emergency plan with your family."

"In 2012, Council District 2 was heavily impacted by Superstorm Sandy. The community came together during the crisis to provide relief and afterward to rebuild. It is crucial that New Yorkers are educated on how to prepare for emergencies like the one that struck our city," said Council Member Rosie Mendez. "As we come to the end of the summer, we must be mindful of the hurricane season and the winter snow storms that Mother Nature subjects us all to.  It is important to be prepared by knowing the proper steps that we must take to protect ourselves and our neighbors. The East Village Community Preparedness Fair will be an important event that will provide that opportunity to everyone."

For Wednesday's event, NYC Emergency Management has teamed up with Manhattan Community Board 3 and the Village Alliance.  NYC Emergency Management staff members will distribute a range of emergency preparedness materials and show New Yorkers how to prepare for their unique needs. Representatives from the Health Department will distribute information about the Zika virus, DEP will discuss water safety, and FDNY staffers will share information on how New Yorkers can become one of New York's bravest. FDNY EMS will teach residents basic CPR skills.

"Community Board 3 appreciates NYC Emergency Management coming to our District with other emergency-responder agencies to help us be prepared for emergencies. This will connect the agencies and our community to both educate us and have communication in place for any possible disaster," said District Manager Susan Stetzer. "We are very pleased to continue our partnership with OEM, which helps us best serve our community."

"The Village Alliance is delighted to partner with and support NYC Emergency Management at the new Astor Place plaza to help raise awareness within our community about the importance of being prepared for times of emergency," said Executive Director of the Village Alliance William Kelley.

New Yorkers are encouraged to stop by to learn how to be prepared for any emergency, including steps to make a plan, gather supplies, and stay informed. Residents will also learn how to join their local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a program consisting of more than 2,000 volunteers dedicated to helping their communities during emergencies.

Where: Astor Place plaza (corner of East 8th Street and Lafayette Street)
New York, NY 10003

When:
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
11 AM to 2 PM

MEDIA CONTACT:
 
Nancy Silvestri/Omar Bourne (718) 422-4888

STAY CONNECTED: 
Twitter: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications); @nycoem (emergency preparedness info); Facebook: /NYCemergencymanagement