Press Release

For Immediate Release
#39-20

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT’S SUPERHERO – READY GIRL – REVEALS FIRST ADVENTURE IN NEW DIGITAL COMIC 


As National Preparedness Month continues, new digital comic provides tips to help New Yorkers prepare for a hurricane


Ready Girl releases new digital comic as part of Queens Public Library’s 'Storytime' online series. Comics available in English and Spanish.


September 22, 2020 — Have you ever wondered about the origin of Ready Girl’s superpowers? Wonder no more. New York City Emergency Management’s emergency preparedness superhero has released a new digital comic that reveals the genesis of her supernatural ability to prepare for emergencies. The new project, “The First Adventure,” delivers a behind-the-scenes look at the steps Ready Girl took to protect her family from the impending danger of severe weather. As part of National Preparedness Month, NYC Emergency Management teamed up with Queens Public Library to launch the new comic as part of the library’s “Storytime” online series to engage New Yorkers in reading and literature. The virtual event was held Tuesday, September 22, on the library’s Facebook page. The digital comic is available in English and Spanish. Ready Girl has also released an additional digital comic, “Chaos on Campus,” where she uses her superpowers outside of New York City to help students stay safe. “Chaos on Campus” is also available in English and Spanish.

“Ready Girl is a champion of preparedness. This new project blends creativity with education to engage kids, comic book lovers, and New Yorkers in general about being ready for an emergency From the COVID-19 pandemic to heat emergencies and an active hurricane season, 2020 has underscored the importance of having a plan,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Deanne Criswell. “We are thankful to the Queens Public Library for this opportunity to captivate and educate our communities during “‘Storytime.’” 

“Queens Public Library and Ready Girl share the common goal of providing vital information, resources and knowledge to help sustain and strengthen communities, no matter how challenging the circumstances,” said Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “We are happy to team up with her and NYC Emergency Management to devote one of our weekly storytimes to making sure people of all ages understand the importance of planning for unpredictable situations.”

The project reveals Ready Girl’s ability to help her family by being equipped with the knowledge of how to prepare. It encourages individuals to build an emergency plan and reassures youth about their inherent ability to be superheroes through preparedness. NYC Emergency Management and Ready Girl are working with New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library to schedule upcoming readings.

About Ready Girl

Since she burst onto the scene back in October 2015, Ready Girl has spread her message all over New York City, visiting hundreds of schools, community centers and youth organizations, and local fairs. She has trained thousands of children throughout the five boroughs to be ready for any emergency. She focuses on three key messages:

  • Get Ready: Make a Plan – Have at least two phone numbers – one local and one out-of- state number – that you can call in an emergency, and practice your emergency plan with adults in your home.
  • Get Set: Prepare a Stay-at-Home Kit – During emergencies that require you to stay at home, have extra food and water for all family members and a battery-operated radio for news updates.
  • Get Ready to Go: Pack a Go Bag – During emergencies that require you to leave your home, have a Go Bag packed with emergency supplies that you can grab in a hurry.
To keep up-to-date with Ready Girl, and to learn more about the Ready New York program, visit NYC.gov/EmergencyManagement

National Preparedness Month

Held each September, National Preparedness Month promotes family and community disaster and emergency planning now and throughout the year. During the month, NYC Emergency Management teamed up with City agencies and community partners to organize and promote a number of virtual events for the entire family, including children, older adults, and pets, as well as inform New Yorkers and their communities about the steps they can take to prepare. You can find more information on National Preparedness Month here.

Census 2020

The 2020 Census is ending on September 30, and it is critical that all New Yorkers are counted.
New York City stands to lose billions of dollars in federal aid every single year for schools, hospitals, health clinics, affordable housing, transportation, and more, as well as our representation in Congress and in Albany if we do not achieve a complete count. 

The census is easy, safe, and confidential. It can be completed online or by phone. It is just 10 simple questions that can be answered in under 10 minutes. By law, all responses are completely confidential and cannot be shared with anyone — not immigration, not the police, or your landlord. There are no questions about immigration, citizenship, criminal history, or income. Go to my2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020 to complete your census today. New York City’s future depends on it. 
 
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