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 Kathy 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.
Two trainings will be held in our region this month:
-American Legion Post 787 | 5575 Legionnaire Drive, Cicero, 13039
- Sept. 20, 2023 | 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
-Lifespan of Greater Rochester | 1900 S Clinton Avenue, Rochester, 14618
- Sept. 21, 2023 | 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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.
