Q: How can I become a member of the NYC Citizen Corps?

A: The NYC Citizen Corps Council is comprised of private sector businesses, federal, State and City agencies, as well as non-profit organizations that have a vested interest in disaster readiness, response and recovery. Agency representatives interested in having their agencies join the Council should e-mail the NYC Citizen Corps Council Chair.

If you are a New Yorker not affiliated with such an organization, we encourage you to volunteer with any Citizen Corps Council member, including The Medical Reserve Corps, The Salvation Army, NY Cares, The American Red Cross, or Neighborhood Housing Services. In doing so, you will be factored into the agency’s disaster volunteer planning.

Q: How is NYC Citizen Corps Council different from the national Citizen Corps Council?

A: The mission of The New York City Citizen Corps Council is to use New York City residents’ volunteerism to create a culture of preparedness among the city’s most vulnerable populations, and to enable individuals throughout the city to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Q: How does the NYC Citizen Corps Council help our communities?

A: The NYC Citizen Corps Council promotes and strengthens its programs at the community level through CERTs, Medical Reserve Corps units, and the Volunteers in Police Service. The Council engages the city in preparedness efforts through presentations, information-sharing, and events. In the event of an emergency, all of the Council members will step up to offer disaster assistance during the response and/or recovery phases.

Council members also offer volunteer and training opportunities to residents. These disaster preparedness tools help households, families, businesses, and communities become more resilient after an emergency.

Q: Why are the NYC Citizen Corps partners different from the national partners?

A: New York City has a variety of specific needs and a wealth of resources that are not always present in other American cities and states. NYC Citizen Corps has adapted its partnerships to use the resources and meet the challenges.

To learn more about these members and partners, visit the Members page.

Q: What is the relationship between the NYC Office of Emergency Management and NYC Citizen Corps Council?

A: In New York City, the NYC Citizen Corps Council is under leadership of OEM. Each member agency has its own preparedness materials.  Because the Citizen Corps Council is one of OEM’s programs, all official NYC Citizen Corps Council initiatives and publications are in compliance with OEM’s Ready New York program.

Q: How can I learn more about NYC Citizen Corps Council initiatives?

A: The best way to learn more about activities is to check our website for updates. To find Council-sponsored events, as well as the events and trainings hosted by our members, visit the Citizen Corps Calendar.

Q: How can I learn more about preparing my family and friends from disasters?

A: OEM's Ready New York guides provide information on hazards that New Yorkers may face and how they can best prepare for them. The guides are available either by calling 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115) or by downloading them online.

Q: How can I learn more about preparing my business, employees, and colleagues for disasters and emergencies?

A: Ready New York for Business outlines the five basic steps all business owners should take to prepare for emergencies and position themselves for recovery. The guides are available either by calling 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115) or by downloading them online.