Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Citizen Preparedness Corps training sessions across New York State and also proclaimed September as Preparedness Month. The Citizen Preparedness Corps program, administered by the New York National Guard, aims to provide approximately 100,000 New Yorkers with the tools and resources to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions.

“In less than a year, the Citizen Preparedness Corps has equipped thousands of New Yorkers with the skills and tools needed to act in the event of a disaster in their community,” Governor Cuomo said. “Severe storms are the new normal and we must continue to raise awareness of the importance of a rapid and efficient response when disaster strikes. With these additional courses in their communities and online, New Yorkers will be more prepared now than ever before.”

Those interested in attending a Citizen Preparedness Corps training session can visit www.prepare.ny.gov. New Yorkers can also sign up for the Skilled Volunteers Registry where those with a skill or trade can volunteer to help their communities overcome and recover quickly after a disaster or other type of emergency.

Preparedness Month is a national effort, now in its tenth year, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps. It is designed to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. Governor Cuomo’s Preparedness Month Proclamation, signed today, can be viewed HERE.

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jerome M. Hauer said, “It is imperative that all New Yorkers have a basic understanding of what hazards can affect them when disaster strikes. Sometimes, in a severe event, help might not be able to get to people right away and these courses, whether they are taken online or in person, will give the basic tools to make sure families and communities have the basic knowledge to make sure they are prepared to meet the challenges during a severe weather or man-made event.”

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, the Adjutant General NYS Division of Military and Naval Affairs said, “I am proud that the men and women of the New York Army and Air National Guard are part of Governor Cuomo’s effort to help New Yorkers prepare to cope with natural disasters. Our Soldiers and Airmen bring real life experiences to the instruction and welcome this opportunity to help their communities become better prepared.”

Since its launch in February, about 13,600 people have been trained at about 90 events, which were offered in the English, Chinese and Spanish languages. The training course provides an introduction to responding to a natural or man-made disaster. Participants are advised on how to properly prepare for any disaster, including developing a family emergency plan and stocking up on emergency supplies. Proper preparation in the home is emphasized with encouragement to ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, along with fire extinguishers, are all available and in proper working order.

Participants will receive a training certificate, a wallet-sized "Z-Card" with emergency preparedness information and a free Citizen Preparedness Starter Kit (one per family). The kit includes a first-aid kit, face mask, pocket radio with batteries, food bars, emergency blanket and other key items to help citizens in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. The classes include information about what other supplies and personal information citizens should add to their kits. Click HERE for a photo of the kit.

The trainings are led by the New York National Guard who work with experts from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control, and local county emergency management personnel. A condensed version of the in-person course has recently been made available online for those who might not be able to take the in person class and is available HERE. Communities, non-profits and businesses can request to host their own Citizen Preparedness Course in their area by submitting their information HERE.

Classes held in September include:

Wednesday, September 10 – Bronx

6:30 p.m.

The Lola Rodriguez de Tio/JHS162

600 St. Ann’s Avenue

Bronx, NY 10455

Monday, September 15 – Turin

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

South Lewis Central School Auditorium

4264 Co Rd 43

Turin, NY 13473

Tuesday, September 16 – New York City

2:00 p.m.

Greenwich House Senior Center at Our Lady of Pompeii

25 Carmine Street

New York, NY 10014

Wednesday, September 17 – Margaretville

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Margaretville Central School

415 Main St

Margaretville, NY 12455

Wednesday, September 17 – New York City Training in Spanish

6:00 p.m.

P.S. 15

333 East 4th Street

New York, NY 10009

Wednesday, September 17 – Morrisville

6:00 p.m.

SUNY Morrisville

80 Eaton Street

Student Activities Building Theater

Morrisville, NY 13408

Saturday, September 20 – Alfred

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Alfred State College

Student Leadership Center

10 Upper College Drive

Alfred, NY 14802

Monday, September 29 – Erie County

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Hilbert College

5200 South Park Ave

Hamburg, NY 14075

Tuesday, September 30 – New York City

7:00 p.m.

Battery Park City School

55 Battery Place

New York, NY 10004

Tuesday, September 30 – Syracuse

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

East Syracuse-Minoa Central High School Auditorium

6400 Fremont Road

East Syracuse, NY 13057

New Yorkers can register for classes HERE. More classes are being added, so prospective registrants are encouraged to check back.