As an 11th grade student at the Urban Assembly School for Emergency Management in New York, Jordy has learned about what a difference preparedness can make disasters. This unique public school prepares students for a variety of emergency management careers through internships, simulations, and student-led community training. Jordy has been involved in addressing safety concerns at his school by leading a school-based hazard assessment that identified risks in the school. This work highlighted the facts that not all exit signs had emergency illumination and that uncovered outlets increased the school’s risk for fires. As a result of his work, these hazards were immediately addressed by school administrators.
Jordy is most interested in fire safety and participates in the Fire Department of New York City’s Exploring Program. He is dedicated to helping make people aware that fire safety also includes monitoring for carbon monoxide. As part of the program’s Summer Leadership Academy, he helped develop a handbook for youth leaders about fire department values, such as preparedness, safety, and dedication. Through this work, Jordy has gained communication and leadership skills and wants to strengthen them during his term on the national YPC.
His school’s Hands to Heart CPR team found that the slowest ambulance response times are often in communities of color. Jordy helps teach CPR skills to people in these communities so they can assist while waiting for emergency response. He also volunteers with Meals on Wheels. Outside of his school and his volunteer work, Jordy enjoys boxing, the outdoors and catching up with friends and family.