Prep Talk

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.

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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.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk40