Free disaster preparedness training at Schenectady County Community College on May 25

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and The New York National Guard Offer free training on how to prepare for emergencies. The topics covered will include dealing with flooding

SCHENECTADY , N.Y. (04/12/2018) (readMedia)-- The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), in partnership with the New York National Guard will be presenting a free disaster preparedness class at Schenectady County Community College on Friday, May 25 at 9:30 a.m. in the Carl B. Taylor Auditorium located at 78 Washington Avenue in Schenectady. This courseis part of Governor Cuomo's Citizen Preparedness Corps Training and provides tools and information needed by the public to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a natural disaster or emergency.

The program, designed by experts from DHSES' Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control is conducted by personnel from the New York National Guard and local Emergency Management officials at locations across New York State.

"With warmer temperatures and rain, comes the potential for flooding on rivers and streams throughout the state, and the Mohawk River is always prone to this type of emergency,"said Roger Parrino, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. "People need to know the risks associated with where they live, work or travel, they need to have an emergency plan and it needs to be practiced. This course allows attendees to prepare in advance for emergencies before they hit, so they can weather the storm better and recover more quickly"

"Emergency preparedness is part and parcel of the New York National Guard's mission and experience and our Soldiers and Airmen are proud to be part of Governor Cuomo's effort to help our fellow citizens prepare to cope with disasters and emergencies," said New York State Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Anthony German. The men and women of the New York Army and Air National Guard, who have responded to help their fellow New Yorkers during floods, hurricanes, and snow storms, know first-hand the value of being prepared."

The program covers a broad range of emergency-preparedness topics, like knowing the risks in your region, such as flooding along rivers and streams prone to seasonal flooding, developing a family emergency plan, stocking up on emergency supplies, man-made emergencies such as active shooter and active violence situations, and registering for NY-Alert, the free statewide emergency alert system. Since the program's launch in early February 2014, over 222,000 people have taken this course statewide through the efforts of DHSES and the National Guard and through a partnership with the American Red Cross.

Participants will receive a training certificate, literature with emergency preparedness information, and a free "go bag" 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 items citizens should add to their kits.

For more information on the program and emergency preparedness, visit www.nyprepare.gov <Those wishing to attend must register in advance at http://www.nyprepare.gov/aware-prepare/nysprepare/