Prep Talk

In the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” hosts Omar Bourne and Allison Pennisi highlight the work of NYC Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers as the program celebrates its 15th anniversary. Bourne and Pennisi chat with Christina Farrell, deputy commissioner of external affairs at NYC Emergency Management, FDNY Deputy Chief Jim Brosi, and NYPD Inspector Phylis Byrne. The special guests discuss CERT training, CERT volunteers’ roles in helping first responders during emergencies, and the importance of helping the community through volunteering.

Read full transcript: https://on.nyc.gov/preptalk19

Coordination is the heartbeat of emergency management. That is the message emergency management leaders emphasized on the latest episode of “Prep Talk”. Hosts sat down with Barb Graff, director of the Seattle Office of Emergency Management, Thomas Sivak, deputy director for the City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications, and Joseph Esposito, commissioner of NYC Emergency Management, to discuss the importance of information sharing on the heels of the Big City Emergency Manager’s fall conference here in New York City. The episode’s special guests talked about the role emergency management plays in emergency preparedness education, in addition to disaster response and recovery, and emerging threats emergency managers may face. Find out what keeps these emergency managers up at night, and learn why emergency management is becoming a growing field.

Read full transcript: https://on.nyc.gov/preptalk18

The New York City Emergency Management Department and the FDNY remind you to “stand by your pan.” In honor of FDNY Fire Prevention Week, October 9 through 14, “Prep Talk” hosts sat down with FDNY’s Director of Community engagement Fabricio Caro, and FDNY Lieutenant Michael Kozo, to talk about the importance of educating New Yorkers about fire safety and prevention. In this episode, Lt. Kozo and Mr. Caro discuss FDNY’s range of programs to help people become “FDNY Smart,” from frequently changing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, to standing by your pan while cooking, and closing the door in the event of a fire.

Read full transcript: https://on.nyc.gov/preptalk17

Emergency management is made possible through coordination. In the latest “Prep Talk” episode, the New York City Emergency Management Department sat down with Michael Devulpillieres, communications officer for the American Red Cross’ Greater New York chapter. Topics discussed include NYC Emergency Management’s longstanding partnership with American Red Cross Greater New York ― working together before, during, and after emergencies ― as well as the American Red Cross Greater New York’s range of programs and services, including preparedness initiatives like “Sound the Alarm” and The Pillowcase Project, emergency response, and volunteer opportunities.

Read full transcript: https://on.nyc.gov/preptalk16

September is National Preparedness Month, and the New York City Emergency Management Department wants New Yorkers to take the opportunity to get prepared. In recognition of National Preparedness Month, “Prep Talk” hosts sat down with Iskra Killgore, director of community engagement and language access at NYC Emergency Management, to discuss the importance of preparing New Yorkers before emergencies, along with a number of preparedness events planned throughout the city during the month.

Read full transcript: https://on.nyc.gov/preptalk15

In 2015, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio declared July “Disability Pride Month” in NYC in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In the latest episode of “Prep Talk”, hosts Omar Bourne and Allison Pennisi chat with a team from the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) about the work the City is doing to make New York City more accessible. MOPD’s Commissioner Victor Calise, Walei Sabry, digital accessibility coordinator, and Jonathan Novick, outreach manager, discussed how the City is working to prepare the nearly one million New Yorkers who self-identify as living with a disability before an emergency.

Read full transcript: https://on.nyc.gov/preptalk14

The 2018 National Homeland Security Conference is under way in New York City. In the latest episode of “Prep Talk”, hosts Omar Bourne and Allison Pennisi chat with NYC Emergency Management’s Commissioner Joseph J. Esposito, and Branch Strickland, Executive Director of Finance and President of the National Homeland Security Association. Guests discuss what attendees can learn, including topics ranging from cyber and homeland security to emergency preparedness.

Read full transcript: https://on.nyc.gov/preptalk13

It’s summer time in the City. During this episode of ‘Prep Talk’ we sit down with Linda Whitaker from the NYC Department for the Aging and Johanna Conroy from NYC Emergency Management to discuss heat safety tips. During excessive heat, older adults and people with chronic medical or psychiatric conditions are at a higher risk for illness or even death. Listen in to learn about ways you, your friends, and neighbors can stay safe this summer.

Read full transcript: https://on.nyc.gov/preptalk12

Emergency plans aren’t just for humans; your furry friends need them too. June is National Pet Preparedness Month, and the New York City Emergency Management Department wants you to prepare your pets and service animals before the next emergency. In the latest episode of “Prep Talk”, hosts Omar Bourne and Allison Pennisi chat with NYC Emergency Management’s Matthew Puvogel, Community Engagement Coordinator, and Andrew Perlman, Human Services Specialist, about the key steps individuals can take to prepare their four-legged friends. From hurricanes and heat emergencies to winter storms, find out why a pet emergency plan is important, learn what you need to know about getting your pets and service animals ready for varying emergencies, and hear why “practice makes perfect” is key to your pet’s emergency plan.

Read full transcript: https://on.nyc.gov/preptalk11

When emergencies occur, businesses without a plan are more likely to suffer losses. In many cases, businesses never recover. In the latest “Prep Talk” episode, the New York City Emergency Management Department and the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) unlock the keys to building businesses that are more resilient. Listen as guests discuss the importance of preparedness and outline the resources available to build thriving businesses.

Read full transcript: https://on.nyc.gov/preptalk10