Preparedness In Action: NYC Marks National Preparedness Month With Citywide Events and Resources

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 2, 2025

PREPAREDNESS IN ACTION: NYC MARKS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH WITH CITYWIDE EVENTS AND RESOURCES

MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN BRINGS HANDS-ON TRAINING, EXPERT TIPS, AND FREE RESOURCES TO NEIGHBORHOODS ACROSS ALL FIVE BOROUGHS

NEW YORK - New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) is kicking off National Preparedness Month with a citywide push to help New Yorkers prepare for the emergencies that can affect their lives, homes, and communities. All September, the agency and its partners will host events across all five boroughs, combining hands-on training, live demonstrations, and free resources to make preparedness simple and accessible for everyone.

From hurricanes and flooding to heat waves, blackouts, and winter storms, New Yorkers face a range of hazards that can strike with little or no warning. This year's National Preparedness Month theme, "Preparedness Starts at Home: Back to Basics," will be woven into dozens of in-person and virtual events that connect residents with the skills and information they need to plan ahead.

"Emergencies in New York City can change everything in an instant," said NYCEM Commissioner Zach Iscol. "We live in one of the most dynamic cities in the world, and that means we face a wide range of threats including hurricanes, flash floods, heat waves, blackouts, and winter storms. This month is about reaching New Yorkers in their neighborhoods, at community events, online, and anywhere else we can connect. Preparedness is not complicated. It starts with knowing your risks, making a plan, and taking simple steps that can make the difference when it matters most. Our goal is for every New Yorker to leave these events with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to protect themselves, their families, and their communities. The more we prepare together, the stronger and more resilient our city becomes."

"Preparedness works best when it starts at the community level," said NYCEM Deputy Commissioner for Community Engagement Herman Schaffer. "National Preparedness Month gives us the opportunity to connect directly with residents, community leaders, and organizations that make a difference in their neighborhoods. Whether it is teaching someone how to build a go-bag, explaining how to sign up for emergency alerts, or walking through an evacuation plan, each conversation brings us closer to a safer, stronger New York City."

"With the effects of climate change being felt in every corner of the city, it pays for small businesses to be prepared, and to make a plan," said SBS Commissioner Dynishal Gross. "This National Preparedness Month, I invite every small business owner in the city to use SBS's free risk assessment tool, make a plan for an emergency, and learn about building a more resilient enterprise. Thank you, Commissioner Iscol, and everyone at NYCEM for putting New Yorkers' safety first. Small business preparedness creates resilient neighborhoods and a stronger city."

"Many families include dogs, cats, or other animals, and it's essential that all family members are included in emergency plans," said Mayor's Office of Animal Welfare Director Alexandra Silver. "We are grateful to NYCEM for hosting a dedicated Pets and Service Animals Preparedness Fair, and for recognizing that animal and human well-being are intertwined."

Visit nyc.gov/npm for more information on National Preparedness Month events in NYC and to register.

September Highlights Include:

September 9 - Weather the Storm: Flash Flood and Hurricane Preparedness for Every New Yorker Webinar starting at 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Join us for a webinar to learn essential tips on how to be prepared for flash floods and hurricanes in NYC. Register here.

September 10 - Far Rockaway Resilience and Preparedness Event for Faith Leaders at Rockaway Beach Amphitheater, Boardwalk between Beach 95 St & Beach 93 St, Far Rockaway from 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM. Join us for expert tips and essential resources to help you prepare your home and community for emergencies!

September 13 - Pets and Service Animals Preparedness Fair at Madison Square Park, Manhattan from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Join us for expert tips and essential resources to help you prepare your service animal or pet for emergencies.

September 19 - Strengthening Communities Information Session - Opportunity #1 (Virtual) 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. NYCEM's Strengthening Communities program provides grants to help local groups create emergency plans and strengthen community support systems. Join this information session to find out how your community and/or faith-based coalition can apply for Strengthening Communities Cohort #5. Register here.

September 20 - Immigrant Wellness Fair at Queens Public Library - Elmhurst Branch 86-07 Broadway, Queens from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Come celebrate our diverse neighbors on Immigrant Wellness Day! Bring the whole family to an exciting day full of resources, opportunities, and outdoor play, Flood Sensor Aunty, provides bite-size lessons and entertainment.

September 24 - Strengthening Communities Information Session - Opportunity #2 (Virtual) 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. NYCEM's Strengthening Communities program provides grants to help local groups create emergency plans and strengthen community support systems. Join this information session to find out how your community and/or faith-based coalition can apply for Strengthening Communities Cohort #5. Register here.

September 27 - Family Emergency Preparedness Day at the Staten Island Children's Museum at 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. This free event offers families the chance to gather essential preparedness information from a variety of community partners and city agencies. Children will have a blast with Cape Coloring by Ready Girl and can enjoy other activities like jumping in a bounce house, face painting, and a balloon artist!

September 30 - Considerations When Creating Communication Strategies for Emergencies (Virtual) 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Participants will learn how to develop a communication strategy with pre-scripted messages for emergencies. They will also understand how to establish roles to support effective messaging, ensuring that information is clear and accurate. This webinar is for community and faith-based organizations. Register here.

September 30 - Small Business Insurance Best Practices (Virtual) 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. SBS in partnership with NYCEM will guide small businesses through the start of a business continuity plan to be ready for the unexpected. Learn how to stay in business by identifying key functions, protect your investments, and navigate the insurance processes. Register here.

At each in-person event, residents will have the opportunity to sign up for Notify NYC, learn how to assemble an emergency supply kit, identify their evacuation zone, and connect with local Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT). Attendees can also pick up multilingual resources covering a wide range of hazards, from extreme heat to coastal storms.

NYCEM is working with community organizations, faith leaders, elected officials, and volunteer groups to reach residents in every corner of the city. These partnerships ensure that preparedness information is available in multiple languages and is relevant to New Yorkers of all backgrounds. For the full calendar of events, preparedness guides, and safety checklists, visit NYC.gov/NPM. Follow @nycemergencymgt on social media for live event coverage, daily safety tips, and updates throughout the month.

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MEDIA CONTACT: NYCEM Press Office (718) 422-4888

STAY CONNECTED: @NotifyNYC (emergency notifications), @nycemergencymgt (emergency preparedness info)