Prep Talk

The winter season is officially here, and with it, the threat of snowfall and colder weather. Winter also heightens the risk of fire-related incidents, as individuals are finding ways to stay warm, while others may be decorating for the holidays. ‘Tis the season for fire safety. That is the message you will hear from New York City Fire Department’s (FDNY) Capt. Michael Kozo on the latest episode o...

With the official start of the winter season just weeks away, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is gearing up to battle the elements. Between challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and Mother Nature, the men and women of DSNY ― known as the heroes behind the plows ― are prepared for the unexpected. On the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” Acting DSNY Commissioner Edward Grayson...

If you connect it, protect it. That is one of the messages you will hear during this year’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. On the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” Toney Lewis, director for information technology at NYC Emergency Management, shares important information to help listeners reduce cybersecurity risks and protect themselves online. Lewis provides tips that can help you create st...

You will gain more than you give. That’s the message guests on the latest episode of “Prep Talk” want you to know about NYC Emergency Management’s John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service. Founded in 2012 in honor of the late John D. Solomon, an accomplished journalist who dedicated much of his time to helping his community through volunteerism, the program provides 10 graduate students in th...

This year’s unprecedented challenges have not stopped New Yorkers from helping their communities in times of emergency. In fact, many are stepping up to join the New York City Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer program. On the latest episode of “Prep Talk,” Herman Schaffer, acting deputy commissioner for community preparedness, and Joseph Pupello, director of volunteer programs at...

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 weat...

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...

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...

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...

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 tip...

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)...

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 busines...

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. Bahamon...

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. Durin...

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, oper...

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,...

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...

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-scene...

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...

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 incl...

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 Secret...

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 a...

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 eme...

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