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NYCEM's basement apartment emergency notification system

2:38:52

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First Deputy Commissioner Farrell explains NYCEM's newly implemented basement apartment notification system, which aims to alert residents in vulnerable areas during emergencies. This system addresses the evolving needs for emergency communication in the digital age.

The notification system uses phone calls to ensure residents receive alerts, even during sleep hours
It is designed to be intentionally disruptive to effectively warn people in emergency situations
The system is part of NYCEM's efforts to adapt its communication strategies for various emergency scenarios, including coastal storms and heat waves

Christina Farrell

2:38:52

Yeah.

2:38:53

I would, just say, and I know that you're aware of this, but we also, after hurricane I just set up a basement apartment notification group.

2:39:02

And, you know, one thing as technology has evolved, Notify first came to be in 02/2009.

2:39:07

You know, people have gotten away from phone calls, and they've gotten into texts and emails and notifications on social media, but for most people that isn't going to wake you up in the middle of the night.

2:39:17

That's not going to get your attention in the way that may be needed.

2:39:21

So this basement group that we are working on in very specific districts, it's phone calls.

2:39:30

So it can be a landline, it can be your cell phone, it can be however you would get a phone call, but that's a difference.

2:39:35

So it will be intentionally disruptive to wake people up because, as Zach said, it could be a couple hours or it could be a lot quicker.

2:39:45

But as we get into coastal storm season and looking at other heat season and things, we do continue to push and look at different ways to use Notify to the best of our ability.

Joann Ariola

2:39:58

Thank you.

Zachary Iscol

2:39:58

And just one thing to add.

2:39:59

I think as we're going into our coastal storm season prep, one of the issues that you've just flagged in regards to the MTA and the subway shutdown out on the Rockaways, that is something that we'll be working very closely with to make sure that we have contingencies in place.

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