Senator Bonacic Announces That September Is National Preparedness Month

(Middletown, NY)-Senator Bonacic announced today that September is Preparedness Month in New York State. Preparedness Month is a national effort sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The 2015 National Preparedness Month theme is – Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today. FEMA encourages Americans to create a family emergency communications plan that includes up-to-date contact information for individuals that may need to be reached during a disaster.

 “Just in the past few years we’ve seen the devastating effects that natural disasters can have on our communities in New York State,” said Senator Bonacic. “It is vitally important to have an emergency plan in place to help deal with unpredictable weather conditions. By planning ahead, families can help minimize the devastating effects of natural disasters and can be ready to respond when the time comes.”

 To help New Yorkers prepare for an emergency, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), in partnership with the New York National Guard, are offering free Citizens Preparedness Corps training courses throughout the state. To date, more than 64,000 New Yorkers have completed a preparedness training course. Through this program, more citizens have received emergency training than at any other time in the state’s history. To register for a training course, or to volunteer, visit the State’s Citizen Preparedness Corps website.

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