National Preparedness Month

September 2025 — Back to Basics

September in New York City is about more than back-to-school and the end of summer: it is about getting real about the risks we face and making sure we are ready when the next emergency hits. Hurricanes, flash floods, heat waves, blackouts, and winter storms are all part of life here. This city has seen it all, and it will happen again.

This month is your chance to get ahead. Live in a basement or below-ground apartment? Flooding can turn dangerous in minutes. Work outdoors? Heat can take you down fast. Winter storm? You could be without heat or power for days. Knowing your risks means you are not caught off guard and can act before things get critical.

Preparedness is not extra. It is essential. It is the alerts on your phone, the bag by the door, and the plan you can put into action without hesitation. It is checking in on your neighbors and making sure your family knows what to do in any situation.

All month long, NYC Emergency Management and our partners are bringing preparedness directly to you. We are setting up in streets and community spaces in every borough and online. You will find workshops that teach you what to do in the first moments of an emergency. Live safety demonstrations that show exactly what works. Free resources you can use immediately. Opportunities to talk with the people who respond when the city is in crisis and hear their best tips for staying safe.

Check below for the full event schedule. Use our National Preparedness Month NYC Messaging Toolkit  to help share the word with your community. Visit our Ready New York Webpage for practical tips and clear steps you can take to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community. And don't miss our exciting lineup of in-person and online events throughout National Preparedness Month! We'll be sharing even more valuable information and resources to help you and your loved ones stay safe.

Events

NYC Emergency Management and its partners hosts in-person and virtual preparedness events throughout the month for New Yorkers, their communities, and their businesses.

In-Person

Family Emergency Preparedness Day at the Staten Island Children’s Museum
Saturday, September 27
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island
*Admission to the museum is free.

This engaging 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! We will also be giving away 50 Flood alarms.

Virtual

Weather the Storm: Flash Flood and Hurricane Preparedness for Every New Yorker

Strengthening Communities Information Session – Opportunity #1
Friday, September 19
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Emergencies affect each community in different ways—but with the right preparation, your coalition can play a key role in helping your community prepare and respond more effectively. NYC Emergency Management’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. We’ll discuss the benefits for participants and the requirements to apply.

For more information, visit our Strengthening Communities Page.
Registration link:  https://nycem-nyc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dOI-1BR9S023eiQ6Q7XNmw

Strengthening Communities Information Session – Opportunity #2
Wednesday, September 24
12 PM – 1 PM

Emergencies affect each community in different ways—but with the right preparation, your coalition can play a key role in helping your community prepare and respond more effectively. NYC Emergency Management’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. We’ll discuss the benefits for participants and the requirements to apply.

For more information, visit our Strengthening Communities Page.
Registration link:  https://nycem-nyc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NUMef3abQWegJTCYOBR3kA 

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