The New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is excited to invite your agency to be part of our special needs outreach initiative, the Advance Warning System (AWS). Any agency in the City that serves populations with special needs can participate in AWS.
Emergency Messaging for People with Special Needs
The Advance Warning System is designed to alert individuals with special needs to various types of hazards and emergencies in New York City that may affect their independence and their daily lives. Participating agencies will receive public preparedness and emergency information designed for used by individuals with special needs. Agencies can relay this information to their clients and contracted agencies:
- Targeted and specific emergency information during an actual event for populations with special needs.
- Information on assistance and services available to populations with special needs during emergencies and periods of recovery.
Resources for Agencies that Serve People with Special Needs
This website, developed in partnership with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), provides a range of tools including:
- The ability of special needs service providers to receive real-time emergency notifications and alerts designed for their clients.
- A user interface to collect detailed contact and operational information from special needs service providers.
- A database of documents that assist in emergency preparedness for people with special needs and agencies serving people with special needs.
- A survey tool with the ability to collect information about client population and resources to enhance emergency planning efforts.
- A database of other special needs providers in New York City participating in AWS.
AWS Membership
Any service provider in New York City that serves clients with special needs can receive access to the Advance Warning System. Contact NYC OEM for more information.
Notify NYC
The Advance Warning System is for agencies that serve people with special needs. Emergency messaging for individuals is available through Notify NYC.