Ready New York Nights

When disaster strikes, you're only helpless if you don't know what to do

During the first-ever National Preparedness Month in September 2004, ARC/GNY partnered with the New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to present Ready New York Nights, a series of five free events in each borough that helped New Yorkers learn more about how to prepare for fires, floods and other unexpected emergencies.

“The New York City Office of Emergency Management is happy to be associated with the American Red Cross, an agency dedicated to assisting New Yorkers,” said Joseph F. Bruno, Commissioner of the NYC Office of Emergency Management.

At each event, participants learned how to build a go bag, create a communications plan, register for First Aid, CPR and AED training classes, sign up to volunteer and much more. Each participant also received a new Together We Prepare New York interactive CD-ROM, which helps New Yorkers develop a disaster plan from the comfort of their home.  

“I had been totally unprepared when the blackout happened in 2003 and I knew I had to do something to get better prepared.  I’m so glad the Red Cross had this event – they gave me so many great preparedness tips and helped motivate me to put together a go bag,” said event participant Todd W. 

A web-based version of the interactive CD is available at http://www.nyredcross.org/prepareny/index.htm or by clicking on the above graphic.