Press Release

For Immediate Release

#46-22

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT KICKS OFF NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH TO EDUCATE NEW YORKERS ABOUT DISASTER READINESS

This year’s theme is ‘A Lasting Legacy.’ The life you’ve built is worth protecting. Prepare for disasters to create a lasting legacy for you and your family.

NYC Emergency Management will host both in-person and virtual events throughout the month

Social media campaign will encourage New Yorkers to share their readiness plans

September 1, 2022 — In recognition of National Preparedness Month, the New York City Emergency Management Department reminds New Yorkers to prepare for emergencies. This year’s events will be held both in-person and virtually and include a social media engagement campaign. These initiatives will provide the foundation to equip New Yorkers with the necessary tools to prepare their families, pets, businesses, and communities for any emergency.

“As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it is more important than ever to take a proactive stance in protecting your family and community. The best way to prepare is to develop an emergency plan and connect with resources that can help you stay informed during an emergency. We encourage New Yorkers to sign up for Notify NYC, the city’s free official source for emergency alerts,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “A special thank you to our federal, state, local, private partners and volunteers for continuing to highlight National Preparedness Month.”

This year’s National Preparedness Month theme is, ‘A Lasting Legacy.’ You can find more information on National Preparedness Month here. Through the various virtual and in-person events, New Yorkers will hear from emergency management experts and community groups that specialize in disaster preparedness and response.

Throughout the month, NYC Emergency Management will continue to partner with nonprofit organizations, as well as elected officials, to share critical information with the public. Through partnerships with Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) and Community Emergency Networks, the agency will facilitate seminars and panel discussions that can equip individuals with the tools they need to prepare for, respond to, and recover from an emergency.

“National Preparedness Month is a great time for us to dive deeper into our communities and to continue to remind them of the importance of preparing for the unexpected,” said NYC Emergency Management Director of Community Engagement Moriah Washington. “Our communities are steadfast in looking out for one another, during this month we want organizations and congregations to refresh their plans and remind their members of the importance of emergency preparedness.”

New York City Emergency Management is hosting the following events throughout September to help New Yorkers get prepared.

September 1: NYC Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Administration Host Virtual Trivia.
September 6: National Preparedness Month Webinar Series: Virtual Open House. Register here
September 8: National Preparedness Month Webinar Series: Ready Rating. Register here
September 13: National Preparedness Month Webinar Series: Creating Communication Strategies for Emergencies. Register here
September 15: National Preparedness Month: Pets and Service Animal Preparedness Fair. North Plaza - Union Square Park
September 18: National Preparedness Month: Staten Island Children’s Museum
September 20: National Preparedness Month Webinar Series: Communities Can Be Language Ready During Emergencies. Register here
September 21: Senior Readyfest*
September 22: National Preparedness Month Webinar Series: How Can Communities Mitigate Weather Related Emergencies.
September 24: National Preparedness Month: Bronx Zoo**
September 29: National Preparedness Month Webinar Series: Business Continuity for Enhanced Preparedness. Register here

*Not open to the public

**Requires paid admission to the zoo

For more information and resources about National Preparedness Month, including a calendar of events, visit NYC.gov/emergencymanagement or follow the agency on social media.

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