In Case Of Emergency, Read Blog

Yesterday, I participated in several Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) activities as part of New York City’s kickoff of National Preparedness Month activities.

First, I handed out preparedness ‘goody bags’ to passersby in Manhattan’s Columbus Circle after stuffing the packages with other members in an impromptu assembly line. In each bag was a READY New York pen, hand santizer and info pamphlets. Most folks walking by our tent were interested in getting the bags maybe in part because of the increased awareness related to Hurricane Earl heading up the Eastern Seaboard.

Putting together preparedness bags.

Then, handing out the READY New York ‘goody’ bags in Columbus Circle.

After assembling and handing out the bags for a couple hours in Manhattan, I went to downtown Brooklyn where the City’s Office of Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Bruno was announcing some new initiatives for National Preparedness Month, including a Facebook application to help New Yorkers locate family in an emergency. I was asked to stand with Bruno, the Fire Commissioner and officials from the Police Department, Red Cross and the Ad Council to represent CERT during the event.

Participating in a National Preparedness Month press conference in downtown Brooklyn.

After the press conference, I went over to a camera tent where OEM was interviewing/auditioning citizens for a preparedness public service announcement. In all, a full CERT day.

Auditioning for a READY New York public service announcement.