September 19, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW YORK, NY – At last week’s September 14th Stated meeting, Council Member Eric Dinowitz, along with Council Member Kevin Riley, introduced legislation that would require the Department of Emergency Management, in consultation with the Office of the Mayor and community boards, to identify and designate facilities within each community district to serve as rapid emergency response centers. Additionally, each center would be required to stock supplies for residents that have been displaced by a natural-human caused disaster.

“After an apartment building fire in Wakefield displaced 61 people earlier this year, New Yorkers were reminded of the destabilizing impact of displacement by disaster,” said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. “Luckily, in this case, a local school was able to provide shelter in the aftermath of the fire and luckily, local elected officials provided clothing, but we cannot rely on luck to provide for New Yorkers. With this bill, the city will have New Yorkers’ backs in times of emergency and that they will get the help that they need to get back on their feet.”

“I am proud to partner with my colleague, Council Member Dinowitz, to introduce legislation which further commits to serving New Yorkers in times of emergency. It is vital that our City be proactive in securing the necessary resources to provide essential relief promptly,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. “When Council Member Dinowitz and I responded to a building fire in the Wakefield section of the Bronx in January, 61 residents were displaced, leaving the community scrambling to pick up the pieces. The Rapid Emergency Response Centers will enable communities to receive efficient and effective aid from appropriately coordinated facilities within their neighborhood because once these disasters occur, relief efforts can’t afford to be delayed or difficult to navigate. As a result of this legislation, there will be space for greater efficiency citywide in providing New Yorkers with food, water, medical supplies and shelter during emergencies.”