Irwin Redlener

As of 7:15 Thursday evening, the NYPD reports that eight people died as a result of the massive explosion on 116th St. in East Harlem. WNYC reporter Stephen Nessen updates the news about yesterday's fatal gas explosion that leveled two buildings on Park Avenue. Also, Robert Rodriguez, New York State Assembly Member (D-68th) representing East Harlem, talks about the emergency response and resources available to those affected by the explosion in his district, and any policy response that may be proposed. Plus, Irwin Redlener, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at the Earth Institute at Columbia University, offers advice for preparing for and responding to disasters like yesterday's gas explosion.

Later, Jonathan Bowles, executive director of the Center for an Urban Future returns to discuss their report on NYC's aging infrastructure and the role it might have played in the explosion.

It’s Public Safety Week on the Brian Lehrer Show’s election series “30 issues in 30 Days.” See the full 30 Issues schedule and archive here.

30 Issues Public Safety Week wraps up with a look at disaster response and the next mayor with Irwin Redlener, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia School of Public Health.

Irwin Redlener, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia School of Public Health and founder of the Children's Health Fund talks about his work as the co-chair of the post-Sandy New York State Ready commission. He is also the author of Americans at Risk: Why We Are Not Prepared for Megadisasters and What We Can Do. 

Dr. Irwin Redlener, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness with Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and founder of the Children's Health Fund, looks at the disaster relief operation underway and talks about the roles of the various organizations, from FEMA to ad hoc grassroots groups.

Irwin Redlener, president and co-founder of the Children's Health Fund and director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, and Geoffrey Canada, founder of Harlem Children’s Zone, talk about their concern that children living in poverty has not gotten attention during the presidential campaign.

Hurricane season begins today and experts are expecting a larger than normal season, with 12 to 18 named hurricanes, three to six of which could turn into major hurricanes. With many parts of the country still reeling from tornadoes, and cuts to the disaster preparedness budget, how prepared are we as we begin hurricane season? Dr. Irwin Redlener, director of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, and co-founder and president of Children's Health Fund, has the answer.