New York City Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta announced the release of the first-ever FDNY Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness Strategy, which outlines the department’s innovative vision toward enhancing its critical response to terrorist attacks and large-scale emergencies throughout the City. Stemming from recommendations made in the McKinsey & Company report, the strategy defines the mission of the FDNY; identifies the operational adjustments made since the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001; and explains how the department can evolve to meet the demands of the future.

“The strategy gives a clear and concise road map on how the FDNY can best protect millions of New Yorkers and our courageous firefighters and EMS members in the event of a major disaster," Scoppetta said. “In this ever-changing world, our members must be ready for anything, and this plan is an essential tool.”

The strategy focuses on areas such as:

• Organizational adaptability, which includes using advanced technology to expand internal communications and maintaining a tiered response system, which allows a scaled mix of specialty units to respond to an emergency while others are ready to handle additional incidents.
• Response capability, which includes increasing training for firefighters and EMS members to recognize and respond to hazardous materials incidents across the City and 560 miles of shoreline.
• Prevention and protection, which includes enhancing information-sharing networks among city, state and federal agencies and conducting risk assessments of specific locations around the city.
• Coordination, collaboration and evaluation, which includes examining various incident scenarios and the resources needed for such, increasing cardiopulmonary resuscitation training for residents and working with building owners to develop and execute safety plans.

Led by Deputy Asst. Chief Joseph Pfeifer, head of the FDNY Center for Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness, uniformed and civilian staff developed the strategy to help implement a more streamlined, Department-wide approach in terms of emergency responding, training, supplying equipment and long-term planning. To view or download the Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness Strategy in full, visit www.nyc.gov/fdny.