On Tuesday, June 21, 2016 the Security Trade was provided with Citizen Preparedness training by 1LT Brett White and 1LT Thomas Frost from the NYS National Guard. Eugene Lucchese from the NY Division of Homeland Security Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management answered questions from students in regards to what to do during a disaster in their local area.
With severe weather events becoming more frequent and more extreme, it is more important than ever that New Yorkers are prepared for disasters. Governor Cuomo has launched the New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps so residents have the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions.
The trainers provided information on how organizations can provide additional support; how to register for NY-Alert, the free statewide emergency alert system; and how to be aware of notifications from such sources as the Emergency ALERT System (EAS). The students were encouraged to get more involved in existing community-based emergency activities that may be organized through local schools, businesses or community-based organizations.
As an individual, a family member, and member of their community, it is essential that citizens take a few basic steps to be prepared; their quality of life and their loved ones may depend on it. Often during an emergency, electricity, heat, air conditioning or telephone service may not work. Citizens should be prepared to make it on their own for at least 7-10 days, maybe longer.
As part of the training, participants will receive information about the other supplies and personal information that they should add to their Personal Response Kit.
The Security students enjoyed the presentation and had many questions for the presenters.