NYCEM RINGS NYSE OPENING BELL IN RECOGNITION OF CITYWIDE PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Ceremony Highlights NYCEM’s Leadership in Public Safety, Response to Recent Flash Flooding, and Role in Keeping the Nation’s Largest City Ready and Resilient

 

NEW YORK — New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) rang The Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) this morning, honoring the frontline work that keeps the nation’s largest city prepared, responsive, and resilient. The ceremony recognized NYCEM’s leadership in coordinating complex emergency responses, delivering critical public messaging, and helping safeguard New York’s people, infrastructure, and economy.

First Deputy Commissioner Christina Farrell led the NYCEM delegation, representing the hundreds of professionals and volunteers who work each day to protect the safety and continuity of the city. Farrell was joined by agency staff, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members, Strengthening Communities partners, and NYCEM interns. The ceremony highlighted the vital connection between emergency management and the systems that keep New York’s economy and infrastructure moving.

“I’m grateful to represent the team at NYCEM and to stand with our staff, volunteers, and partners for this recognition,” said First Deputy Commissioner Christina Farrell. “Thank you to the NYSE for honoring the work that keeps this city ready. NYCEM is the premier local emergency management agency in the country. We lead complex operations, coordinate across government, and help ensure that a city at the heart of the global economy can keep moving. The bell marks the start of the trading day, but it also reflects resilience, focus, and progress. Today, it rang for the people who make that possible and who will continue to deliver for New York in the days ahead.”

This was NYCEM's first appearance at the NYSE bell ceremony since 2013. The agency was invited back in recognition of its leadership during this week’s flash flooding and its continued work to strengthen citywide preparedness and response.

Well in advance of the July 14 storm, NYCEM activated the city’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan. This triggered coordination with the National Weather Service, interagency briefings, and alignment of emergency operations across public and private partners. NYCEM opened the Emergency Operations Center, mobilized field teams, and issued real-time public messaging. When Central Park recorded 2.07 inches of rain in one hour, the second highest ever documented at that location, the city had already taken action. NYCEM continued to respond as conditions evolved, supporting agencies across the five boroughs and helping to restore critical operations.

Today’s ceremony highlighted NYCEM’s leadership and the essential role of planning, communication, and coordination in keeping New York safe and moving. The event was broadcast live on financial networks and digital platforms, offering the public a rare look at the professionals who help maintain the city’s resilience and readiness every day.

The Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange is an internationally recognized tradition that dates back to the 1870s. The large brass bell, electrically operated and mounted above the trading floor, marks the official start of the trading day at 9:30 AM. Its sound is broadcast live around the world and serves as a powerful symbol of global financial activity. Since 1956, the NYSE has invited distinguished guests to ring the bell as a way to highlight milestones, celebrate achievements, and honor individuals and organizations that contribute to society, public service, innovation, and economic growth. The ceremony is viewed by millions and has become a signature platform for raising public awareness about critical issues, from disaster response to community resilience and corporate responsibility.

NYCEM continues to serve as a national model for local emergency management, setting standards for coordination, public communication, and operational response.

NYC Emergency Management works closely with the private sector through its Partners in Preparedness program. This initiative helps businesses, nonprofits, and service providers strengthen continuity planning and prepare for a wide range of emergencies. It offers clear guidance on risk assessment, crisis communication, emergency planning, and employee safety. These efforts help organizations remain operational during disruptions and recover more quickly afterward.

CorpNet is a free email alert service that provides businesses with timely, verified information about planned events and emergencies to enhance awareness and aid decision making. CorpNet complements Notify NYC, the city’s official emergency communications program. NYCEM encourages people responsible for business continuity, health and safety, and security at their organizations to register for CorpNet.

NYCEM provides a full Emergency Planning Toolkit, available in English and Spanish. The toolkit walks organizations through five key steps and includes worksheets to develop a customized plan. Additional resources help organizations prepare communications in advance, so they are ready to respond clearly during an incident. Small businesses can apply for the Small Business Services Business Preparedness and Resiliency Program (PREP) Risk Assessment and Grant Program, which helps reduce vulnerability by supporting physical improvements, continuity planning, and emergency procedures. 

All New Yorkers are encouraged to take an active role in emergency preparedness. NYC Emergency Management’s Ready New York program offers step-by-step guidance on how to create an emergency plan, build a Go Bag, and understand the hazards most likely to impact your home, workplace, and community. The resources are available in multiple languages and designed to support individuals, families, caregivers, and community-based organizations. To learn more and get started, visit the Be Ready tab on NYCEM's website.

All New Yorkers are encouraged to take an active role in emergency preparedness. NYCEM’s Ready New York program offers step-by-step guidance on how to create an emergency plan, build a Go Bag, and understand the hazards most likely to impact your home, workplace, and community. The resources are available in multiple languages and designed to support individuals, families, caregivers, and community-based organizations. To learn more and get started, visit the Be Ready tab on NYCEM's website.

To stay informed before, during, and after an emergency, New Yorkers should enroll in Notify NYC, the city’s free, official emergency notification system. Notify NYC delivers verified updates on weather emergencies, transit disruptions, major incidents, and more — across all five boroughs and in real time. Messages are available in 14 languages, including American Sign Language. To sign up, visit the Notify NYC website, call 311, or download the free Notify NYC mobile app for Apple or Android devices. You can also enroll instantly by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692. For multilingual access, text NOTIFYNYCESP (Spanish) or NOTIFYFRE (French) to 692-692. For updates and alerts, follow @NotifyNYC on social media. 

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