Submitted by C.T.D.P. – Tuesday, 04/13/2021

ReadyFDNY debuted as a new feature on DiamondPlate in May 2020. Conceptualized before the coronavirus pandemic, ReadyFDNY was designed in anticipation of the Greater New York area suffering another catastrophic event on the scale of 9/11 or Superstorm Sandy. Following FEMA’s Ready.gov format, ReadyFDNY shapes its recommendations to meet the needs of the responder community. As essential workers during a crisis, FDNY members are always first to respond, always willing and able, but often leave our loved ones facing the same challenging times at home. By providing preparedness guidelines for the entire FDNY workforce and our families — EMS, Fire, and non-uniformed (civilian) employees — ReadyFDNY acknowledges the unique challenges faced by essential workers and how these challenges impact family preparedness:

Long hours and shift work often keep First Responders physically away from their families when catastrophic events occur.
Work demands often leave First Responders unable to communicate readily with family members in times of crisis.
The anticipated hazards faced by First Responders create added stress for family members, especially during times of crisis.
Having family preparedness plans in place before catastrophic events helps reduce stress and reassure that family members will be safe, allowing First Responders to focus on crisis mitigation.

ReadyFDNY does not presume employees already have a family preparedness toolkit in place. Therefore, ReadyFDNY offers family preparedness guidelines for various emergencies, including extreme weather, terrorist attacks, pandemics, family medical crises, and work-related emergencies. New content incorporates the latest policies and procedures as preparedness is evolving. Past ReadyFDNY content is available on DiamondPlate in the Regular Features column:
Hurricane Sheltering Guidelines During a Pandemic (May 2020)
How to Build Your Disaster Supply Kit (June 2020)
Financial Preparedness for the Next Disaster or Emergency (July 2020)
What is Your Crisis Communications Plan? (August 2020)
Time to Review Your Family Emergency Plan (September 2020)
The Atlantic Storm Season Is Not Over – Secure Your Home and Vehicle to Keep Your Family Safe (October 2020)
What Is in Your Medical Closet? (November 2020)
Stamina and Mental Exercises for Pandemic Fatigue This Winter (December 2020)
How Will the Fire Department Notify Your Loved Ones in an Emergency – Is Your Personal Contact Information Up-to-Date? (January 2021)
Are You Prepared for a Family Medical Emergency? (February 2021)
Winter Storm Preparedness (March 2021)

If there is a topic you would like ReadyFDNY to cover, please let us know. Send comments to Anna.Schermerhorn-Collins@fdny.nyc.gov. ❦

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About the Author

Anna Schermerhorn-Collins has over 27 years of service in the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). After joining the FDNY in 1996, Anna served as a firefighter in Ladder Company 9 in lower Manhattan until her promotion to lieutenant in 2005. As a lieutenant, Anna served in Engine 93 in the densely populated Washington Heights neighborhood of upper Manhattan. For the past four years, Anna has worked at the FDNY Center for Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness (CTDP) to push forth emergency preparedness initiatives and higher educational opportunities for the FDNY workforce. Anna graduated from the University of Minnesota/Twin Cities, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology in 1988. In March 2017, Anna graduated from the Center of Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, with a Master of Arts in Security Studies. Her studies at CHDS provided a foundation for Anna’s work at CTDP, including ReadyFDNY – emergency action planning for family members of the FDNY workforce.

Being a member of FDNY during the attacks on September 11, Superstorm Sandy, and the Covid-19 pandemic, I became acutely aware of the additional challenges first responders and our families face when confronted with large-scale emergencies and disasters. Long hours and shift work keep first responders physically away from or unable to communicate with their families for extended periods, adding to the stress felt by both first responders and our families in anticipation of the hazards each may encounter during times of separation. Having family preparedness plans in place before catastrophic events helps reduce stress and reassurance that family members will be safe, allowing first responders to focus on crisis mitigation and support community resiliency.

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