If you want to stay informed about the latest emergency occurring in New York City, look no further than Notify NYC. On the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” Rebecca Baudendistel, director of public warning at NYC Emergency Management, discusses the importance of using the messaging platform to provide accurate, timely information to the public before, during, and after an emergency. From severe weather to health emergencies like COVID-19, we take a deep dive into the protocols implemented to ensure the public stays up-to-date and takes appropriate actions when disaster strikes. It is the information New Yorkers need, the way they want to consume it.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk54

As New York City heads into peak hurricane season, New York City Emergency Management’s podcast, “Prep Talk,” takes a closer look at hurricane preparedness in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the latest episode, Jacob Cooper, NYC Emergency Management’s deputy commissioner for readiness, shares important tips to help New Yorkers prepare for a coastal storm and highlights key changes to the City’s sheltering plans as hurricane season converges with COVID-19.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk53

The COVID-19 pandemic is not stopping community organizations from what they do best: help those who need it the most. On the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” Rev. Karen Jackson, director of recovery and community initiatives at Project Hospitality, and Erum Hanif, chief executive officer of APNA Community Center in Brooklyn, discuss the initiatives their organizations have implemented to help their communities during this difficult time.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk52

As the weather warms up and the potential risk for heat waves increases, New York City is taking a number of steps to ensure New Yorkers are safe this summer. On the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” Kizzy Charles-Guzman, deputy director at the Mayor’s Office of Resiliency, and Carolyn (Cari) Olson, assistant commissioner of the Bureau of Environmental Surveillance and Policy at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, discuss initiatives to help vulnerable populations beat the heat, specifically in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Charles-Guzman and Olson highlight strategies to ensure vulnerable New Yorkers stay cool and safe at home, create safe summer cooling options, and conserve energy. They also discuss measures neighborhoods can implement to stay cool, along with tips people can use to stay safe at home.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk51

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the latest episode of “Prep Talk” features Ali Gheith, certified emergency manager (CEM) and professional disaster mental health counselor. Gheith discusses steps individuals can take to cope with stress related to these difficult, unprecedented times, identifies the signs and symptoms of stress and anxiety, describes their effects, and outlines tips for stress management. New York City’s NYC Well is available for anyone who may have trouble coping with problems like stress, depression, anxiety, or drug and alcohol use.

Any New Yorker in need of mental health support can call 1-888-NYC-WELL or text “Well” to 65173. If an individual is in danger or needs immediate medical attention, call 911. NYC Well is your connection to free, confidential mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services, in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk50

As New York City, New York State, the nation, and the world continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, Commissioner Criswell takes a moment to reflect on actions NYC Emergency Management took leading up to this crisis, as well as the ongoing challenges the agency continues to adapt to as this global emergency continues.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk49

In recognition of Women’s History Month, the latest episode of “Prep Talk” features Dana Golub, vice president of programs management at the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Golub discusses her current role representing PBS and its member stations in all public safety initiatives, and overseeing the PBS-WARN system. PBS-WARN provides an alternate source of inbound Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) messages in the event of an internet disruption or cyberattack. Listen as Golub also reflects on the importance of Women’s History Month, and mentions specific women who inspired her throughout her career.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk48

Equity of opportunity is key to building a strong economy. In recognition of Black History Month, the latest episode of “Prep Talk” features Gregg Bishop, commissioner for the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS). Commissioner Bishop discusses his role in creating a more vibrant, inclusive economy and his dedication to forging opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses (M/WBEs). In addition to business development, Commissioner Bishop highlights his agency’s commitment to equipping New Yorkers with contemporary technical skills to compete in today’s evolving workforce. He also emphasizes the importance of forging relationships with businesses to help them prepare for, respond to, and quickly recover from, an emergency.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk47

Leadership empowers people. That is the message Marty Bahamonde shares on the latest episode of Prep Talk. Bahamonde, who serves as director of the disaster operations division for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) office of external affairs, outlines the key steps to effective leadership and provides the tools leaders can use to inspire colleagues with a vision for success. Bahamonde, who has been directly involved in more than 100 disaster responses ranging from hurricanes and tornadoes to earthquakes, reveals his biggest challenges as a leader, discusses the importance of timeliness in crisis communications, and emphasizes the significance of meeting the needs of survivors during an emergency response. He also offers words of encouragement for anyone doubtful about their leadership abilities.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk46

Our neighbors, our friends, and our community will get us through an emergency. On the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” hosts Allison Pennisi and Justin Bennett sit down with Dr. Daniel P. Aldrich, director of security and resilience studies at Northeastern University, and the keynote speaker for NYC Emergency Management’s 2020 Community Preparedness Symposium: Bridging the Gap to Communities. During the episode, Dr. Aldrich discusses how social ties within neighborhoods increase resilience in the face of disaster. How a connected community can help everyone, regardless of ability or available resources, survive and recover from an emergency.

NYC Emergency Management hosts an annual community preparedness symposium to provide information, share best practices and gather input about how communities can support those with disabilities and others with access and functional needs before, during, and after an emergency.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk45