Prep Talk

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.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk39

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.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk38

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.”

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk37

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.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk36

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

The New York City Emergency Management Department welcomes Commissioner Deanne Criswell. Commissioner Criswell brings a wealth of knowledge to the agency, with over 25 years of experience in federal, military and local government response to complex incidents and disasters, including six years at FEMA. Criswell is also a retired member of the Colorado Air National Guard, where she served 21 years as both a firefighter and Deputy Fire Chief. On the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” Commissioner Criswell discusses her experience, expectations, and goals in her new role.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk34

Providing timely and accurate information to the public is crucial during an emergency. In the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” special guests Lisa Fowlkes, chief of the Federal Communications Commission’s Public Safety Homeland Security Bureau, and Benjamin Krakauer, assistant commissioner of strategy and program development at New York City Emergency Management, discuss the importance of Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) in effectively communicating critical, public safety alerts to the public during an emergency. The guests also discuss some of the latest improvements to the system including geo-targeting and an increased character count from 90 to 360.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk33

Safety first. That is the message Principal Philip Carollo has for his staff and students at PS 56, The Louis DeSario School, in Staten Island. In the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” the hosts chat with Mr. Carollo and Keith Grossman, the director of emergency management at the DOE, about the importance of teaching kids how to prepare for emergencies. Find out what makes preparedness education a community approach, and hear Mr.Carollo’s blueprint for safety in schools.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk32

Mentorship is a priority at the New York City Emergency Management Department. In the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” special guests Robert Cohen and Jennifer Pearsall, both with NYC Emergency Management, discuss the benefits of mentorship in professional growth. Pearsall and Cohen outline the agency’s four-step mentorship program and provide insight about how emergency managers and other organizations can implement such an initiative.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk31

In recognition of Immigrant Heritage Week in New York City, April 15 through April 21, the latest “Prep Talk” episode features New York State Assembly Member Yuh-Line Niou and Pedro Garcia, manager for staff development for training and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at the Tenement Museum. The special guests discuss the importance of working with the NYC Emergency Management Department, elected officials, and community organizations to prepare immigrants for emergencies.

Read full transcript: on.nyc.gov/preptalk30