September is National Preparedness Month

Senator Farley notes September is National Preparedness Month, which encourages people to take steps to prepare themselves and their families for any potential natural disasters or other types of emergencies. 

New York State will be sponsoring two Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Programs in our region in the coming week.  One will be held on Friday, Sept. 30th,  from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Fulton Montgomery Community College.  All participants must register in advance and can do so by visiting www.prepare.ny.gov and clicking on either “Training Events” or “Sign up.”  This website lists recommended preparedness steps and has information on the free starter preparation kit that participants will receive at the event (one per family).

Senator Farley also offers the following tips:

* Prepare a disaster supply kit that would keep you and your family self-sufficient for at least three days, including: one gallon of water per person per day, stored in clean plastic containers; non-perishable food; first aid kit, including information on prescription medications and eyeglasses; battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries; extra clothing; blankets or sleeping bags; and important papers such as identification, credit cards and cash.

* Discuss a family escape plan if it becomes necessary to leave your home during a disaster, and practice these plans periodically. Be informed of the disaster plans at your children's school and your workplace.

* Install smoke detectors in your home, and regularly check them for proper operation and change the battery.  Please note that, beginning January 1st, stores will no longer be allowed to sell smoke detectors that have changeable batteries.  Instead, these new devices must have a battery life of at least 10 years.  It will therefore be more crucial than ever to keep track of older devices that require new batteries, and fire officials continue to recommend replacing the battery when you change your clocks in the spring and fall.

* During an emergency, stay tuned to local radio or television stations to receive instructions and the latest information about the progress of the situation.