Statement Of U.S. Attorney Damian Williams On The Guilty Plea Of Ryan Salame, Former CEO Of FTX

 

Ryan Salame Pled Guilty to Conspiracy to Make Unlawful Political Contributions and Defraud the Federal Election Commission and Conspiracy to Operate an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business

Ryan Salame agreed to advance the interests of FTX, Alameda Research, and his co-conspirators through an unlawful political influence campaign and through an unlicensed money transmitting business, which helped FTX grow faster and larger by operating outside of the law.  Today’s guilty plea reflects the commitment I made in December that my Office would continue to pursue swift justice against individuals at FTX and its affiliates who engaged in criminal conduct.” 

Dozens Arrested as Part of Houston Violent Crime Initiative

 

The charges brought against 39 individuals are the newest brought in the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Houston Violent Crime Initiative, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and local, state, and federal law enforcement.

The arrests were made after a federal grand jury returned seven separate indictments, with additional arrests made under four court-issued complaints. The defendants are each alleged to be part of larger organizations involved in large-scale drug trafficking or violent robberies. Many of the charged crimes involved the illegal possession or use of firearms.

The joint effort, first announced a year ago in September 2022, addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute gang members and associates in the southwest and southeast areas of Houston. As part of the initiative, the Criminal Division has dedicated attorneys and other resources to prosecuting violent offenders and assisting intervention, prevention, and reentry efforts to address the root causes of violent crime.

Among the charges are possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, meth, and other drugs; possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes; conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery; and felon in possession of a firearm and carjacking.

During the investigations and arrests, law enforcement seized 79 firearms, including three machineguns made by attaching a machine conversion device (MCD) to a semi-automatic firearm and three stand-alone machinegun conversion devices not attached to firearms. Also seized were a silencer, three ghost guns, an inert hand grenade, and body armor. Drugs and related items seized included approximately 248 kilograms of meth, including meth pills some of which laced with fentanyl; over 1.7 kilograms of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and PCP, as well as four pill presses and over $110,000 in cash.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas, Acting Special Agent in Charge David Martinez of the FBI Houston Field Office, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, Principal Deputy Administrator George Papadopoulos of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Special Agent in Charge Mark Dawson of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston, and Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Houston Division made the announcement.

The FBI, Houston Police Department, DEA, HSI, and ATF investigated the cases with the assistance of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Harris County Constable’s Office (Precincts 3, 4, and 5), Montgomery County Constable’s Office (Precinct 4), U.S. Marshals Service, Waller County Sheriff’s Office, the Cy-Fair Independent School District Police Department, and the Texas Anti-Gang Center (TAG).

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

FINAL 67 DRUG CASES CONNECTED TO EX-NYPD DETECTIVE DISMISSED

 

Action Brings to 324 the Convictions Reliant on Joseph Franco That Have Been Dismissed After Review by Bronx DA’s Conviction Integrity Bureau 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx judge has dismissed the last of 324 Bronx cases connected to former NYPD Detective Joseph Franco, whose termination from the force over making false statements about narcotics arrests spurred a longterm investigation by the Conviction Integrity Bureau.

  District Attorney Clark said, “This is Justice with Integrity. After the detective was fired by the NYPD in April 2020, my Conviction Integrity Bureau did an exhaustive review of Bronx cases hinging on the former detective’s testimony and sworn statements. Prosecutors had relied on evidence from someone with compromised credibility, and the District Attorney cannot stand behind these convictions.” 

 Bronx Supreme Court Justice Margaret Martin on September 6, 2023 granted the motion by defense attorneys and joined by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office to dismiss 67 cases against defendants who were charged between 2011 and 2015, when Franco was an undercover narcotics detective in the Bronx. Thirty-three of those convictions were for fourth-degree Criminal Facilitation, 24 were for seventh- degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, nine were for marijuana offenses that are no longer considered crimes, and one conviction was for second-degree Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia.   

  Franco was indicted in New York County in 2019 on perjury and other charges. That case was dismissed.

 The review of Franco’s cases was conducted by Assistant District Attorney Risa Gerson, Chief of the Conviction Integrity Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Russell of the Conviction Integrity Bureau. District Attorney Clark thanked Trial Preparation Assistant Kayla Santiago of the Conviction Integrity Bureau for her assistance in the case.

Governor Hochul Highlights School Bus Safety With New York State Students Returning to School

 

Governor Kathy Hochul today released a new video to underscore the importance of keeping New York State’s children safe as the school year gets underway. According to the New York Association for Pupil Transportation, an estimated 50,000 motorists pass stopped school buses with red lights flashing statewide each school day.

“As a parent and grandparent, there is nothing more important to me than the safety of New York’s children,” Governor Hochul said. “The fact remains that way too many motorists are still passing stopped school buses, in the process endangering children and other drivers. As New Yorkers, let’s collectively make it our goal to make this school year a safe one for all.”

The safest way to transport children to and from school is by school bus. Students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely when taking a school bus instead of traveling by car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, when walking to the bus, and while buses are loading and unloading students, kids become vulnerable to injury. This is largely due to an increasingly high frequency of motorists illegally passing stopped school buses.

In New York, it is illegal to pass a stopped school bus when the large red visual sign is in operation. Flashing lights mean the bus is picking up or discharging students. All motorists are required to stop whether approaching a stopped school bus from the front or overtaking it from the rear. This applies whenever their visual signal is in operation on any public highway, street, or private road. The Department of Motor Vehicles has also proposed changes to DMV regulations to increase driver violation points for passing a stopped school bus, as part of its efforts to address dangerous driving and take dangerous drivers off the road.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “With school back in session, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that all kids arrive at school and return home safely each and every day. Every driver should stay alert and look out for kids - especially in neighborhoods and around school buildings. I encourage all New Yorkers to heed the rules of the road to protect our children – the future of the Empire State.”

New York State DMV Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “Every driver has a responsibility to our children to ensure they arrive safely at school each day. We count on drivers to do the right thing and come to a complete stop when approaching a school bus stopped with red lights flashing. Knowing that school buses are on the roads once again, building a few extra minutes into your commute each day and eliminating distractions inside your vehicle are just a few ways we can help keep students safe.”

Here are some other helpful tips for drivers:

• School buses make frequent stops, including at all railroad crossings. Be patient, slow down, and be prepared to stop for them.
• Yellow lights mean the bus is going to stop, so slow down.
• Look for children at bus stops and those walking to bus stops. Stay alert for children arriving late for the bus as they may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
• Look before you back out of your driveway or garage and watch for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks.
• Watch carefully for children in the morning and afternoon, especially when in the vicinity of school buildings.
• Stay alert. Never use electronic devices while driving and be sure to actively focus on the road and your surroundings.

It is also important for students to be prepared, whether it’s before they get on the bus, while they’re riding to school, or when they’re getting ready to get off the bus back at home.

Here are some tips for parents to go over with their kids:

• Be an early bird. Aim to be at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is schedule to arrive.
• Look carefully to the left, right, and left again if you must cross the street. When school is opening in the morning and closing in the afternoon, the area around the school is very busy and crowded.
• When waiting for the school bus, maintain a safe distance by standing at least six feet away from the curb when the bus approaches and away from the street.
• Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it’s okay to step onto the bus.
• When exiting the bus, look to the rear of the bus to ensure no cars are coming. Take five giant steps straight out the bus door and out of the danger zone (areas around buses where the driver can’t see you).

Remain visible to the bus driver at all times and never walk behind the bus. If you need to cross in front of the bus, make sure you make eye contact with the driver and wait for the driver to signal you before you cross. For more information on school bus safety, click here.

MAYOR ADAMS, DCP DIRECTOR GARODNICK UNVEIL PLAN FOR NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING, OPEN SPACE IN CENTRAL BROOKLYN

 

“Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan” Could Bring 4,000 New Homes to Area, Delivers on Decade of Community Engagement

 

Will Create More Vibrant Neighborhood With $23.9 Million Investment in St. Andrew’s Playground, Additional Investment in Affordable Senior Housing

 

Milestone Advances Mayor Adams’ “Get Stuff Built” Plan to Tackle City’s Affordable Housing Shortage, Reach “Moonshot” Goal of 500,000 New Homes in a Decade

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) Director and City Planning Commission Chair Dan Garodnick today took a major step forward with the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan (AAMUP), releasing a draft zoning framework and committing to significant investments in affordable homes for seniors and St. Andrew’s Playground in Central Brooklyn. The draft framework is a critical milestone towards delivering approximately 4,000 new homes — including up to 1,550 income-restricted homes — to a roughly 13-block stretch of Atlantic Avenue and the surrounding area, where restrictive zoning regulations have prevented the creation of new homes and job opportunities.

 

Along with the draft zoning framework, the Adams administration is making a significant investment of $23.5 million in St. Andrew’s Playground, a popular open space and valuable community asset adjacent to Atlantic Avenue. These steps follow the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s (HPD) designation last month of a minority- and women-owned business-led development team to convert a city-owned parking lot at 542 Dean Street into 154 affordable homes for low-income seniors and those who formerly experienced homelessness with a new entrance to Dean Playground. This progress also delivers on commitments in Mayor Adams’ “Get Stuff Built” plan to speed up the process of creating new housing and his “City of Yes” plan for citywide zoning changes to create new housing in all five boroughs.

 

“In the midst of a severe housing shortage, New York City must use every inch of space it can to create new homes and invest in communities across the city,” said Mayor Adams. “I represented this community for more than a decade as a state senator and as Brooklyn borough president, and now as mayor, and I’ve fought for these kinds of investments throughout my career. I’m proud to be the mayor advancing this neighborhood plan for Atlantic Avenue to create thousands of new homes, deliver long-overdue investments in St. Andrew’s Playground, and advance the community’s vision for a more vibrant neighborhood in Central Brooklyn.”

 

“This framework highlights our administration’s ‘Build Everywhere’ strategy that aims to unlock housing opportunity across New York City. The proposed zoning along the Atlantic Avenue corridor will create over 4,000 homes, including affordable homes, in an area that currently does not permit any housing,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “I want to thank Director Garodnick, the City Planning team, and the thousands of community members that have shaped this framework. I look forward to kicking off the environmental and land use approvals process next month.”

 

“With this zoning framework and investments in affordable housing, open space, and more, we are delivering the improvements that our neighbors who participated in the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan engagement process have been asking for,” said DCP Director Garodnick. “For too long, outdated zoning has restricted housing opportunity and reinforced a car-and truck-centric streetscape on Atlantic Avenue. This is an important step forward to create a more vibrant Central Brooklyn.”

 

“Housing and public space go hand-in-hand. We’re so grateful that alongside the Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan’s goal of adding approximately 4,000 new homes in Central Brooklyn, Mayor Adams has made the critical investment needed to completely renovate St. Andrew’s Playground for the first time in 20 years,” said New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “With new play areas for kids, revamped sports facilities, additional seating and shade, storm resiliency infrastructure, and more, we are investing in a community space that the neighborhood can cherish for generations. I can’t wait to see the park’s transformation begin!”

 

“New York City isn’t just building new housing — we’re investing in communities. We’re proud to play an important role in the holistic plans coming to Atlantic Avenue through the mixed-use zoning framework, allowing us to maximize our potential for new affordable housing and community resources while creating the jobs and open space that makes Brooklyn a wonderful place to live,” said HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión, Jr. “Together with Mayor Adams, DCP, NYC Parks, and our partners across the city, we’re pairing affordable housing with the businesses, playgrounds, and open spaces that create thriving and walkable communities.”

 

“This plan represents an exciting opportunity to improve housing, public space, and mobility in Central Brooklyn, and DOT was proud to participate in the robust community engagement process,” said New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “We look forward to continuing to work with Councilmember Hudson, our sister agencies, and the community to build on the public spaces and street safety work DOT has done in the area — like the new plazas on Underhill and Gates avenues, permanent Open Street upgrades, and planned safety enhancements to Flatbush Avenue.”

 

The draft zoning framework and new investments follow more than eight months of public engagement on AAMUP conducted by DCP, Councilmember Crystal Hudson, and WXY Studio — the results of which were shared in the AAMUP Community Vision and Priorities report released in August 2023. That report built on engagement work started by local leaders and Brooklyn Community Board 8 under the “M-CROWN” process, which Mayor Adams supported as borough president.

 

The draft zoning framework was presented at a community discussion yesterday evening. A second community discussion and scoping meeting to kick off environmental review will take place this October. Over the coming months, DCP will continue to partner with local stakeholders and city agencies to hold community outreach meetings, identify additional investments, and prepare a draft environmental impact statement. The AAMUP proposal is expected to be certified and begin the Uniform Land Use Reform Procedure (ULURP) in spring 2024.

 

The draft zoning framework proposes a high-density mix of housing and commercial uses with active ground floor uses along Atlantic Avenue. In mid-blocks south of Atlantic Avenue between Grand Avenue and Franklin Avenue, and north of Atlantic Avenue along Herkimer Place, the draft framework proposes a special incentive to promote mixed-use development with one to two floors of non-residential uses. Along the north-south avenues of Grand, Classon, Franklin, and Bedford avenues, the framework proposes moderate density mixed-use districts with higher density along the avenues. At city-owned sites at 516 Bergen Street and 542 Dean Street, and at a nonprofit-owned site at 1134 Pacific Street, the framework proposes maximizing affordable housing opportunities. And at the Bedford-Atlantic Armory, the framework proposes bringing the armory into greater compliance with current zoning to allow flexibility for potential renovations, while allowing future community uses and exploring the possibility of affordable housing.

 

The Adams administration’s $23.5 million investment in St. Andrew’s Playground includes $13 million allocated through the New York City Strategy for Equity and Economic Development (NYC SEED) Fund, managed by DCP, and $10.9 million allocated through NYC Parks’ Community Parks Initiative to improve amenities including the playground, sports courts, restrooms, and turf field and running track. These improvements demonstrate the Adams administration’s commitment to the area and will be complemented by additional programmatic investments that will be developed throughout the neighborhood plan process.

 

Justice Department Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Ohio Landlord

 

The Justice Department announced that it has filed a lawsuit against Joseph Pedaline, an owner and manager of residential rental properties, in Youngstown, Ohio, for engaging in sexual harassment in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, alleges that Joseph Pedaline sexually harassed female tenants at properties that he owned or managed in Youngstown since at least 2009. According to the complaint, Pedaline subjected tenants to repeated and unwelcome sexual comments, touched them without their consent, entered their homes without permission and offered to overlook late rent payments, waive rent or perform repairs in exchange for sexual contact. The lawsuit also alleges that Pedaline initiated evictions or threatened to evict tenants who refused his sexual advances.

“No tenant should have to endure sexual propositions, sexual comments or unwelcome physical contact from their landlord,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Sexual harassment in housing is wrong, immoral and illegal. The Justice Department will continue to hold landlords accountable when they violate federal civil rights laws.”

“Too often tenants with limited housing options are preyed upon by landlords, maintenance staff and others who have control over where they live,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “This lawsuit sends a message that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will not tolerate the exploitation of our vulnerable community members.”

The lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate persons harmed by the alleged harassment, a civil penalty to vindicate the public interest and a court order barring future discrimination.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or other types of housing discrimination at rental dwellings owned or managed by Joseph Pedaline or YLP LLC, or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, may contact the Housing Discrimination Hotline at 1-833-591-0291, press 1 for English, press 2 for sexual harassment and then press 01 for United States v. Joseph Pedaline to leave a message. Individuals may also send an email to Youngstown.Community@usdoj.gov or submit a report online. Reports also may be made by contacting the Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or by filing a complaint online.

The Justice Department launched its Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative in October 2017. The department’s initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The initiative seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the department has filed 36 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $10.8 million for victims of such harassment.

During National Preparedness Month, Governor Hochul Highlights Expansion of New York State’s Citizen Preparedness Training Program

 

National Preparedness Month Campaign Focused on Preparing Individuals and Communities for Emergencies, 2023 Theme Focuses on Older Adults

State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, New York National Guard and Office for the Aging Partnering to Provide Citizen Preparedness Training Programs for Older Adults Throughout September

Citizen Preparedness Corps Also Expanding to Areas Across the State Where Courses Have Not Been Previously Offered

New Yorkers Encouraged to Attend a Citizens Preparedness Course in September and Beyond and Sign Up for NY-Alert, the State’s Free Emergency Alert System

  Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State is expanding its Citizen Preparedness Corps trainings during the month of September, as part of National Preparedness Month, to place an emphasis on preparedness for older adults. The annual preparedness campaign takes place every September to highlight the steps individuals, families and businesses should take before an emergency to stay safe and help others in need. This year’s preparedness campaign focuses on older adults and specific concerns when planning for an emergency. Governor Hochul encouraged New Yorkers to take time during the month of September to enroll in the State’s Citizen Preparedness Corps training and sign up for NY-Alert, the State’s free emergency alert system, to receive weather and other timely emergency alerts.

“When it comes to being prepared for an emergency, New York State has your back, this National Preparedness Month and every month,” Governor Hochul said. “If you are an older adult or if you take care of older adults, emergency preparedness planning is especially important and I encourage all New Yorkers to attend an upcoming Citizen Preparedness Corps training near you.”

The New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps (CPC), administered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and the New York National Guard (DMNA), was established in 2014 to train everyday New Yorkers how to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond immediately and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. Approximately 365,000 New Yorkers have taken CPC training in community settings throughout the State over the past nine years.

This year, DHSES partnered with the New York State Office for Aging and community stakeholders to host CPC trainings geared towards older adults to provide timely information about staying safe before, during and after a disaster. On top of these offerings, the program will expand beginning this month to reach communities throughout the state who may not have previously been able to attend a CPC course.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “When disaster strikes, it’s important for all New Yorkers to have a plan. Make it a priority this month to develop your family’s emergency plan and remember to take extra measures to ensure your kids, older family members and pets are prepared for any type of emergency that requires an evacuation.”

Below is a list of trainings being offered for the month of September that older adults are encouraged to attend:

• Sept. 9, 2023 | 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

-Nepperhan Cultural Center | 342 Warburton Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701

• Sept. 11, 2023 | 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

-Congregation Beth Emeth | 100 Academy Road, Albany, NY 12208

• Sept. 14, 2023 | 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

-City Island AARP – Chapter 318 | 17 Bay Street, City Island, NY 10464

• Sept. 16, 2023 | 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

-Perfecting Faith Church | 311 N Main St, Freeport, NY 11520

• Sept. 16, 2023 | 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

-Grand Island Memorial Library | 1715 Beddell Road, Grand Island, NY 14072

• Sept. 16, 2023 | 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

-Shops at Ithaca Mall | 40 Catherwood Road, Ithaca, NY 14850

• Sept. 17, 2023 | 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

-Long Beach Public Library – Auditorium | 111 West Park Avenue, Long Beach, NY 11561

• Sept. 18, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

-Long Island Cares | 75 Davids Drive, Hauppauge, NY 11788

• Sept. 19, 2023 | 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

-American Legion Post 787 | 5575 Legionnaire Drive, Cicero, NY 13039

• Sept. 20, 2023 | 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

-Lifespan of Greater Rochester | 1900 S Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618

• Sept. 21, 2023 | 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

-Tosh Collins Senior Center | 25 Cazenovia Street, Buffalo, NY 14220

• Sept. 22, 2023 | 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

-Jamestown Community College – Hultquist Library Building, Lenna Theater–HULT 148 |

-525 Falconer Street, Jamestown, NY 14701

• Sept. 23, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

-Community Memorial Baptist Church | 132 Waverly Street, Yonkers, NY 10701

• Sept. 26, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

-Borinquen Court Mitchel Older Adult Center | 295 East 138th Street, Bronx, NY 10454

• Sept. 26, 2023 | 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

-Hoag Library | 134 South Main Street, Albion, NY 14411

• Sept. 30, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

-The Lodge at Woodlawn Beach State Park | 3580 Lakeshore Road, Blasdell, NY 14219

For the full Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Calendar, please visit: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/citizen-preparedness-training-calendar.

CPC are now also available online in English and with subtitles for 12 additional languages:

• Arabic
• Bengali
• Chinese
• English
• French
• Haitian Creole
• Italian
• Korean
• Polish
• Russian
• Spanish
• Urdu
• Yiddish

For those who cannot participate in the in-person or online trainings, it is recommended to learn the four steps to effective preparedness:

1. Develop a Plan: Have a plan for what to do at home and learn about plans at work, school, and anywhere you and your family spend time. Create an emergency contact list for friends and family members, both local and out-of-town, and identify places where you can go besides home in an emergency.

2. Make an Emergency Supplies Kit: You should be prepared to make it on your own for at least 10 days after a disaster. In an emergency, everyday services such as electricity, heat, air conditioning or phones may not work. Learn about and gather tools and supplies for your kit.

3. Be Aware: Pay attention to the news and know your surroundings. Learn about resources that can provide you with updated information during an emergency, such as NY-Alert, the state’s free, all-hazards alert and notification system.

4. Get Involved: Before an emergency, receiving training from recognized disaster volunteer organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army may increase your own ability to help others when most needed. In a disaster, it is always best to wait for instructions from local officials or check with specific organizations before going directly to volunteer.

For more information, go to https://dhses.ny.gov/safety.

About the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) or visit dhses.ny.gov.

New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce & Berkeley College MBA scholarship opportunity