FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
#28-23

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING WILL BE LIT GREEN AND YELLOW TO COMMEMORATE 20TH ANNIVERSARY FOUNDING OF NYC CERT AND READY NY

September 1, 2023 — NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol today announced that the Empire State Building, the iconic New York City landmark, will be illuminated green and yellow tonight, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the founding of NYC Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and the Ready NY program, and to celebrate the beginning of National Preparedness Month. The color green specifically represents NYC CERT, while yellow stands for the Ready NY initiative, each highlighting their unique roles in enhancing the city's resilience and emergency preparedness.

“Illuminating the Empire State Building in green and yellow shines a light on the extraordinary dedication of countless volunteers and city personnel,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “For two decades, their service as members of NYC Community Response Teams and the Ready NY program have served as the lifesaving cornerstone of our city’s preparedness.”

“We’re thrilled to shine our tower lights to celebrate NYC Emergency Management’s milestone anniversary,” said Jean-Yves Ghazi, President, Empire State Building Observatory. “Our world-famous tower lights will shine as a thank you and a tribute to the personnel responsible for this organization’s and its team’s critical work before, during and after emergencies.”

The timing of this commemorative lighting is particularly significant, as it takes place during National Preparedness Month, a nationwide campaign that emphasizes the importance of being ready for various types of emergencies. NYC Emergency Management is marking the occasion with events and programming designed to educate and engage the public in emergency preparedness. From workshops and informational sessions to community outreach initiatives, the City of New York is empowering New Yorkers to be more resilient in the face of unexpected challenges.

NYC CERT, a volunteer-based program, equips community members with crucial skills to navigate various emergencies. Members receive training in a range of areas, from fire safety to disaster first aid, as well as techniques for safe evacuation and effective communication with emergency responders.

Since its inception 20 years ago, NYC CERT has grown from a small group of dedicated volunteers to an expansive network of trained individuals across the five boroughs. The program was initiated to harness the power of community involvement, turning everyday New Yorkers into well-equipped emergency responders in their own neighborhoods. Through countless hours of specialized training, NYC CERT volunteers have played a pivotal role in various emergencies, from localized incidents like power outages and severe weather events to citywide crises such as Hurricane Sandy. Their dedication and skills have made them an integral part of New York City's emergency response ecosystem.

Similarly, the Ready NY program has had its own evolutionary journey. Launched as a public awareness campaign, Ready NY has grown into a comprehensive resource for emergency preparedness. Through workshops, informational materials, and community outreach, the program has educated countless New Yorkers on a wide array of topics from basic emergency planning and assembling disaster supplies to understanding complex evacuation routes and shelter-in-place procedures. This public education initiative has become an indispensable tool in ensuring that our city's residents are equipped to handle a range of emergencies.

For those who are interested in taking an active role in the city's emergency preparedness efforts, both NYC CERT and Ready NY offer an opportunity to make a tangible difference. Whether it's acquiring life-saving skills or gaining essential knowledge, participation in these programs empowers you to become an asset to your community during times of crisis. For more information or to join, please visit nyc.gov/ready and nyc.gov/cert

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