Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday announced the start of Severe Weather Awareness Week in New York and is encouraging New Yorkers to take steps to prepare themselves and their households for severe weather.
In a news release, Hochul said one of the best ways to stay prepared is by taking a New York State Citizens Preparedness Corps course and hearing directly from emergency management experts on the steps individuals and families should take to stay safe during severe weather. She also said New Yorkers should sign up for NY-Alert, the state’s free emergency alert system, to receive weather and other timely emergency alerts.
“We hope for the best but prepare for the worst, and Severe Weather Awareness Week shines a light on how important that preparation is,” Hochul said. “I encourage all New Yorkers to review these safety tips and follow them as closely as possible. Being informed is key when it comes to saving lives.”
The New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps, administered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and the New York National Guard, 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. About 388,000 New Yorkers have taken CPC training in community settings throughout the state since 2014, according to the release.
During a CPC training, attendees learn about “the four steps to preparedness that each New Yorker should know and take action to complete before the next disaster strikes,” the release said:
1. Develop a plan for you and your family at home, school, work and outdoors. Identify a safe place to take shelter and know what actions to take when a warning is issued. Consider pets when planning for an emergency.
2. Build a kit of emergency supplies to last at least 10 days. Include flashlights, weather radio and extra batteries. You should have one kit each for your home and your vehicle. Plan for any medical needs your family may have. Keep emergency supplies for pets.
3. Stay tuned to TV and radio stations that broadcast Emergency Alert System messages and follow local emergency orders when issued. Receive emergency information direct to your computer or cell phone by subscribing to NY Alert at alert.ny.gov, a free service that provides you with critical emergency information when you need it most.
4. Visit your local emergency management office to learn more about how to protect you and your family. Consider volunteering with organizations such as the American Red Cross , New York Cares or the Salvation Army.
New York state also works closely with the National Weather Service (NWS) which provides weather, water and climate data, forecasts, warnings, and other support services to help protect life and property in New York State and across the country. The NWS Albany Forecast Office is the main office for New York State with additional supporting offices in Buffalo, Binghamton, Upton, and Burlington, Vermont.
For more information on personal preparedness and how to stay safe during severe weather, visit: www.dhses.gov/safety.