2026 Risk and Crisis Communications for Flood Readiness trainings
Participants in the Risk and Crisis Communication for Flood Readiness Training in White Plains on October 6.
On October 6 and 7, the Hudson Valley Flood Resilience Network hosted two one-day trainings on Risk and Crisis Communications for Flood Readiness in White Plains (in partnership with Westchester County Planning Department) and Ghent (in partnership with Columbia County Office of Emergency Management). The training covered techniques in risk and crisis communication, strategies for communicating in a crisis, knowing your audience, message design, establishing partnerships, and controlling misinformation.
The training was led by Dr. Danielle Eiseman of Cornell University, a risk communication researcher, and included a mix of presentations, activities, and small group discussions to practice the skills learned. Dr. Eiseman specifically designed the training for representatives of municipalities that are tasked with making complex decisions around communication in the days leading up to, during, and after a major flood event or natural disaster.
This program was a partnership between New York Sea Grant, Cornell Health Impacts Core, Westchester County Planning Department and Columbia County Office of Emergency Management, and sponsored by the NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program and the NYS Water Resources Institute at Cornell University, and funded by the NYS Environmental Protection Fund.
Participants in the Risk and Crisis Communication for Flood Readiness Training in Ghent on October 7.
The Hudson Valley Flood Resilience Network connects local governments committed to taking actionable steps to manage current and future flood risks. The Flood Resilience Network is co-facilitated by New York Sea Grant and the Hudson River Watershed Alliance.
Hudson Valley Flood Resilience Network programs and trainings are open to Members and Partners. Members are representatives from municipal and county governments in the Hudson River estuary watershed. This includes elected and appointed officials, staff, and volunteers. Partners are staff from agencies, regional organizations, or private-sector consulting firms working in the Hudson River estuary watershed that support Members’ flood resilience goals.
To join the Network and gain access to upcoming programs, visit https://www.hvfloodresiliencenetwork.org/join and complete the Member or Partner form based on your role. The Network is free to join.