National Preparedness Month

This September's 2024 National Preparedness Month theme focuses on empowering Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities to act today to prepare for future risks and disasters. This annual initiative is a time for New Yorkers to turn preparedness into action!

New Yorkers face unique challenges living in basement and below-grade apartments, particularly the heightened risk of flooding. Which is why we are working hard to sign New Yorkers speaking another language up for Notify NYC, to provide information on response and guidance on preparedness. The Atlantic hurricane season is at its peak and New York is most at risk of coastal storms and rain flooding during August - October. We'll guide you through hurricane preparedness, including finding the zone you live in, what shelter is nearby and what resources you might need.

Preparedness is about empowering yourself to be ready for anything, from planning ahead to effectively responding to any crisis or disaster. From understanding the risks associated with basement apartments, to preparing for hurricanes and heat waves, NYC Emergency Management is committed to equipping New Yorkers with the knowledge and resources.

Visit our Ready New York Webpage for practical tips and clear steps you can take to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. And don't miss our exciting lineup of in-person and online events throughout National Preparedness Month! We'll be sharing even more valuable information and resources to help you and your loved ones stay safe.

Visit National Preparedness Month 2024 NYC Messaging Toolkit page to coordinate you and your organization’s message. For more info on the theme for this month , visit FEMA's website for more information on this month's theme

Events

NYC Emergency Management and its partners hosts in-person and virtual preparedness events throughout the month for New Yorkers, their communities, and their businesses.

In-Person

Family Emergency Preparedness Day at the Staten Island Children’s Museum
Sunday, September 08, 2024
11 AM - 3 PM
1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island
*Admission to the museum is free.

This engaging event offers families the chance to gather essential preparedness information from a variety of community partners and city agencies. Children will have a blast with Cape Coloring by Ready Girl and can enjoy other activities like jumping in a bounce house, face painting, and a balloon artist! We will also be giving away 50 Flood alarms.

Pet and Service Animal Preparedness Fair
Thursday, September 12, 2024
11 AM - 2 PM
Union Square, Manhattan

NYC Emergency Management is hosting an event to show the significance of service animals, how to prepare our pets and service animals for emergencies and honoring two remarkable service animals for their dedication. We will also have a free resource fair for pets including emergency preparedness information including accessibility and sheltering, dog licensing, portable water bowls, and information on adoptions.

ReadyFest for Older Adults
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Morris Senior Center

Join NYCEM at the Morris Senior Center for a game of bingo, giveaways, and helpful information on how to be prepared for coastal storms and hurricanes.

ReadNY Event: House of Worship in Partnership with NYPD
Thursday, September 26, 2024
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Medgar Evers College, 1650 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11225

Join us for an engaging and informative community safety event! Doors open at 5:30 PM for an hour of networking and access to resource tables featuring the NYPD, FDNY, NYC Emergency Management and more. We'll be covering critical topics such as life-saving techniques, fire prevention & extinguishing methods, flood prevention strategies and the key steps to organizing your safety plan. Participation in this event will give you a chance to win a Go Bag!

ReadNY Event: Emergency Preparedness Day at SkyView Mall
Saturday, September 28, 2024
11 AM - 2 PM
Medgar Evers College, 1650 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11225
*40-24 College Point Blvd, Flushing, NY 1135.

Join us for an engaging and informative community safety event!

Flood Sensor Aunty
Saturday 9/21 at 3 pm in Lt. Frank McConnel Park  (Atlantic Ave &, Lefferts Blvd, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419)
Sunday, 9/22 at 2 pm at the 34th Avenue Open Streets (69th st. to Junction, Blvd, Jackson Heights, NY)
Saturday, 9/28 at 7 pm at Qawah House (2237 31st St, Astoria, NY 11105)

"Flood Sensor Aunty is comedic public theater project about disaster preparedness, starring an anthropomorphic flood sensor who really wants to be a movie star, designed for brown aunties and communities." All are welcome! 

Virtual

NYCEM Presents the National Preparedness KICK-OFF Webinar
Thursday, September 4, 2024
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
This webinar will provide New Yorkers the opportunity to learn about NYC Emergency Management’s Community Engagement programming. Participants will also learn about National Preparedness Month and learn how they can engage in programming with NYC Emergency Management.
Register using this link.

Preparing Families and Communities for Coastal Storms Webinar
Thursday, September 5, 2024
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
This webinar will provide community and faith leaders with best practices, resources and outline what the City’s actions are along with what the City needs from community during coastal storm + flooding emergencies.
Register using this link.

Strengthening Communities Information Session – Opportunity #1
Wednesday, September 18
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Join this information session to learn about the Strengthening Communities program, the benefits of prospective applicants and considerations for community and/or faith-based coalitions interested in applying for Strengthening Communities Cohort #4. Emergencies affect every community differently, but you can help your community be prepared and resilient. For the NYC Emergency Management's Strengthening Communities program, it pays to be prepared: The program offers grants to community networks to build their emergency preparedness plan and support local community resources. For more information, visit our Strengthening Communities Page.
Register with this link.

Strengthening Communities Information Session – Opportunity #2
Thursday, September 19
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Join this information session to learn about the Strengthening Communities program, the benefits of prospective applicants and considerations for community and/or faith-based coalitions interested in applying for Strengthening Communities Cohort #4. Emergencies affect every community differently, but you can help your community be prepared and resilient. For the NYC Emergency Management's Strengthening Communities program, it pays to be prepared: The program offers grants to community networks to build their emergency preparedness plan and support local community resources. For more information, visit our Strengthening Communities Page.
Register with this link.

Quick Links

• Be Ready
• Prepare Your Community
• Take Action to Prepare Your Business
• Volunteer & Be Involved
• Plan for Hazards
• News