As spectators anticipate the countdown to a new year, the eyes of the world turn to the crossroads of the world. On the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” officials from Times Square Alliance and NYC Emergency Management provide exclusive, behind-the-scenes insight into the organization of this special event. Guests Tom Harris, senior vice president for the Times Square Alliance, and Kevin Clark, operations manager at NYC Emergency Management, discuss why comprehensive planning and coordination, including robust security measures, are paramount to a successful night.

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Are the older adults in your family prepared for an emergency? On the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” special guests Edward Powell, community engagement coordinator at NYC Emergency Management, and Benjamin Strong, senior director of the office of emergency preparedness at the Department for the Aging, discuss the importance of older adults establishing emergency support networks with their family, friends, neighbors, and caretakers. Mayer Waxman, the managing director for SelfHelp Community Services – this year's 2019 Ready Senior Center of the Year award recipient – also joined the show to highlight his center’s work connecting older adults with City resources.

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Family. Friends. Food. Floats. Thanksgiving is around the corner, and New York City is home to one of the nation’s biggest holiday celebrations: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. On the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” officials from Macy’s and NYC Emergency Management provide exclusive, behind-the-scenes insight into the organization of this special event. Tune in for information about new floats, the best spots to view the parade, and the big performers that headline this year’s event. Special guests Christopher Bannon, senior director of event operations for Macy’s Branded Entertainment, and Frank McCarton, deputy commissioner at NYC Emergency Management, discuss why comprehensive planning and coordination, including robust security measures, are paramount to a successful parade.

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Winter is coming, and with it, the threat of snowfall and other hazards. In recognition of Winter Weather Awareness Week, November 3 through November 9, the latest episode of “Prep Talk” features ranking uniformed four-star chief Edward Grayson, director of the bureau of cleaning and collection at the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Chief Grayson provides exclusive, behind-the-scenes insight into the City’s snow operations, including a new chemical that will be used this season to pretreat roads.

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Runners take your mark – the TCS New York City Marathon is quickly approaching. The annual event, organized by the New York Road Runners, is a 26-mile run tracking through all five boroughs. On November 3, organizers expect more than 52,000 runners to participate with millions more spectating around the city. On the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” guests from New York City Emergency Management and the New York Road Runners discuss the importance of local, state, and federal coordination in ensuring a successful event.

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Are you secure online? On the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” guests from New York City Emergency Management and the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT) raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. The episode is in recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, held every October. This year’s theme — Own It, Secure It, Protect It — focuses on key areas including citizen privacy, consumer devices, and e-commerce security. Eric Smalls, assistant commissioner of technology at NYC Emergency Management, Lois Last, senior director of the NYC Gov Lab & Studio at DoITT, and Toney Lewis, security engineer at NYC Emergency Management provide tips and resources to help individuals become safer online.

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The 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly is underway, and on the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” Patrick Freaney, assistant special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s New York Field Office, discusses the comprehensive security measures implemented to protect world leaders and dignitaries during the annual session. Designated a National Special Security Event (NSSE) by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, the Secret Service assumes the mandated role as the lead agency for the design and implementation of the UN General Assembly security plan.

The United Nations General Assembly is one of the six main organs of the United Nations, and gives it Member States a forum to discuss and work together on a range of international issues including peace, security, and admission of new members. During the episode, Special Agent Freaney highlights the efficacy of coordination amongst public safety agencies, emphasizing the importance of a robust unified public messaging system for high-level events.

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Effective communication is the key to staying safe during an emergency. In the latest episode of ‘Prep Talk,’ Amy Gibson-Grant, vice president and group campaign director at the Ad Council, and Bill Oberlander, executive creative director and co-founder of Oberland, discuss the role creative marketing and advertising can have in raising public awareness and inspiring change. The guests also talk about their partnership with New York City Emergency Management and the new public service announcements, “Communicate When It Counts.”

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Not sure where your hurricane evacuation zone is located? There’s a map for that. On the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” Josh Friedman, executive director of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at NYC Emergency Management, discusses the utility of GIS mapping in the emergency management field. He shared his insight into how experts use mapping for situational awareness before, during and after emergencies, as well as how everyday New Yorkers utilize mapping during their daily lives.

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It only takes one storm. That is the reminder Nelson Vaz, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service, emphasizes on the latest episode of “Prep Talk.” As the Atlantic hurricane season moves into its peak, Vaz reminds listeners of important steps to prepare, make a plan, know your risks, and stay informed.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk35