New York City Emergency Management Department

NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol talks to Good Day New York’s Rosanna Scotto and Curt Menefee about the importance of preparing a “go bag” in case of an emergency.

Today, NYCEM's Spanish Club celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the rich diversity that our staff brings to the agency and honoring the contributions, culture, and history of the Hispanic and Latinx communities. Staff enjoyed treats and got to hear from staff about different Hispanic cultures around the world.

NYC's emergency managers wore pink to raise awareness for breast cancer. We urge all New Yorkers to prioritize regular screenings, as early detection can save lives. To those facing breast cancer, we send our heartfelt support and hope. You are not alone. https://on.nyc.gov/3rz3Gjb #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth

This year, NYC was faced with a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions. Asylum seekers, fleeing violence and persecution, arrived on our doorstep. They found that refuge in the compassion of New Yorkers, embodied by city agencies like NYC Emergency Management. City workers, including those within NYCEM's Asylum Seeker Operations rose to the challenge. They worked tirelessly, providing shelter, food, and essential resources to those who had lost everything. This work is far from over. The needs are immense, and the challenges remain daunting. But as NYC Emergency Management has consistently shown, amidst crises and emergencies, the best of humanity emerges. To all members of the city's Asylum Seeker Operations and all the Excellence in Customer Service Award winners this year: your tireless efforts, your empathy, and your dedication inspire us all. First Deputy Commissioner Christina Farrell, Senior Advisor Emily Ashton, Director of Analysis and Evaluation Eric Stoessel pictured here representing members of NYC Emergency Management who played key roles in asylum seeker operations.

Leaders! Do you know what makes or breaks your organization? What’s your biggest asset? The answer should be obvious to you - your PEOPLE. How much do you invest in them? Time, money, resources, care. How high is your organization’s culture on your list of priorities? When people enjoy spending time together, grow constantly, trust their leadership and buy into the common purpose and vision, you hit the jackpot! One of the best examples is our New York City Emergency Management Department. Our amazing Coffee club is only one of the options to spend great time together. The opportunities are endless: continuous high-quality trainings, Birthday-baby celebrations, Yoga club, Running club, Donut club, Tea club, ets. Thank you all for being so awesome, my NYCEM friends!

Last week, NYCEM held a coastal storm exercise with agency partners New York City Fire Department and New York City Police Department on Staten Island. Six months in the making, this exercise was designed to simulate a coastal storm and test response capabilities using drones. Exercises like these keep New York City better prepared to keep New Yorkers safe if disaster strikes.

NYC demonstrated its cutting-edge disaster preparedness today with a groundbreaking exercise simulating a coastal storm's aftermath. This largest-ever UAS drill showcased the Drone Task Force using drones for real-time surveillance, search and rescue, and damage assessment, highlighting the incredible advancements in technology and interagency collaboration since Superstorm Sandy. A huge thank you to Jose J. Rolon, MPA, Citywide Interagency Coordinator, for leading this initiative as the director of the exercise! NYC is committed to staying ahead of the curve, and with drones and our dedicated first responders, we are better equipped than ever to protect our city from future storms.

Behind every fallen tree, there's a story. Behind every damage assessment and wellness check, there's a family. NYCEM coordinatED New York-Task Force 1’s #HurricaneHelene response efforts in Polk County, North Carolina. NY-Task Force 1 members, comprised of New York City Police Department, New York City Fire Department and NYCEM specially-trained and equipped personnel activated and deployed by FEMA removed downed trees & constructed a walkway to provide residents with access to their neighborhoods isolated by washed-out bridges and storm debris. Their mission continues today.

At 3AM this morning, 46 members of New York-Task Force 1 were activated and deployed by FEMA as a Type III Urban Search and Rescue team comprised of NYPD, FDNY and NYCEM personnel to support operations responding to Hurricane Helene. New York-Task Force 1 been driving through the night to reach Mill Spring, North Carolina by 6 PM today. ? These are the everyday heroes in the city of New York who sacrifice so much to keep people safe. As they leave their families behind to help our neighbors in the Southern states in need, let's show them our gratitude and support.

??Join us for an essential #NYCClimateWeek Waterfront Alliance webinar: This Year’s Hurricane Season — What Does it Mean and Why? Hear from Christina Farrell, NYCEM First Deputy Commissioner, as she shares insights into the record-breaking 2024 hurricane forecast and what it could mean for New York City. Learn about the weather patterns driving these predictions and how to stay prepared. Friday, Sep 27 at 3 PM. Register: on.nyc.gov/4gQ1cBV