NYCEM Kicks Off National Preparedness Month Commemorating 20th Anniversary of NYC CERT and Ready NY Programs

Emergency Management


Press Release


For Immediate Release

#31-23

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT KICKS OFF NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH COMMEMORATING 20TH ANNIVERSARYOF NYC CERT AND READY NY PROGRAMS

NYC Emergency Management will host preparedness themed events throughout the month.

NYCEM’s ‘Prep Talk’ podcast highlights 20th anniversary of NYC CERT and Ready NY.

September 5, 2023 — In recognition of National Preparedness Month, the New York City Emergency Management Department will host numerous events throughout September to equip New Yorkers with the necessary tools to prepare their families, pets, businesses, and communities for any emergency.

“It's incredibly exciting to kick off National Preparedness Month, a time when NYC Emergency Management will highlight a range of initiatives aimed at preparing New Yorkers for any type of emergency,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “Throughout September, we’ll be hosting events, sharing invaluable resources, and partnering with various organizations to offer critical information to the public. The 20th anniversary of our NYC CERT and Ready NY programs is part of this broader, enduring commitment to empower New Yorkers with the tools and information they need for enhanced safety and preparedness.”

This year’s National Preparedness Month theme is, ‘Take Control in 1, 2, 3.’ 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. In addition to our in-person and virtual events, NYC Emergency Management's 'Prep Talk' podcast has dedicated a special episode to highlight the 20th anniversary of both the NYC CERT and Ready NY programs. This episode features interviews with key stakeholders, experts, and longtime volunteers, offering listeners an in-depth look at the evolution, impact, and future of these crucial community programs.

Reaching its 20th milestone year, the NYC Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) program has evolved from a modest group of committed volunteers to an expansive, well-trained network that operates across all five boroughs. These volunteers have become an invaluable asset to New York City’s emergency response infrastructure, providing critical support during various crises ranging from local power outages to significant events like Hurricane Sandy.

Similarly, the Ready NY program has undergone its own transformation, starting as a public awareness initiative and growing into an indispensable toolkit for emergency preparedness. Through targeted workshops, educational materials, and community outreach, Ready NY has provided New Yorkers with the resources they need to prepare for a host of emergency situations.

As part of our enduring commitment to community preparedness, both NYC CERT and Ready NY will be featured in a variety of activities during this year's National Preparedness Month. These initiatives aim to provide valuable resources, training, and information to New Yorkers, amplifying our collective readiness for whatever challenges lie ahead. For those interested in contributing to our city’s resilience, these programs offer a path for meaningful involvement. For more information or to get involved, please visit nyc.gov/ready and nyc.gov/cert.

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.

New York City Emergency Management is hosting the following events throughout September to help New Yorkers get prepared, while also collaborating with other agencies and community organizations. More information and further event updates at NYC.gov/NPM.

September 6: Virtual ReadyFest. 10 AM. Join NYCEM in a fun game of Name That Tune! to test your music and emergency preparedness knowledge. Register using this link.

September 14: National Preparedness Webinar: Flood Preparedness + Awareness (Virtual), 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Join NYC Emergency Management and The Center for New York City Neighborhoods for NYC for information on flooding resources and steps you can take to prepare. Register using this link.

September 24: Family Emergency Preparedness Day at the Staten Island Children’s Museum, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island. Free.

September 28: Pet and Service Animal Preparedness Fair, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Union Square, Manhattan. NYC Emergency Management will host a A Pet and Service Animal Preparedness Fair at Union Square Park to help New Yorkers prepare their pets and service animals for emergencies.

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

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