Free Emergency Preparedness Training Program at Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services on April 24

CARMEL, N.Y. (04/17/2018) (readMedia)-- New York National Guard troops, in cooperation with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, will be presenting a free disaster preparedness class at the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services in Carmel at 6;30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24.

The Bureau of Emergency Services is located at 112 Old Route 6 in Carmel.

The program lasts two hours and is part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's continuing Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program, which provides citizens with the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions.

The emergency preparedness starter kit includes a backpack, emergency food and water, a flashlight, water container, first aid kit, and transistor radio as well as work gloves, tape and plastic sheeting. All these items can be useful in an emergency.

Working with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and local emergency management personnel, troops are conducting these training events across the state.

Citizens must register for the event at http://www.nyprepare.gov/aware-prepare/nysprepare/

There are a number of events listed. residents should find the Putnam County event and follow the instructions to register.

Since the program's launch in early February 2014, troops have held more than 2,206 events statewide, and taught over 131,217 citizens how to be better prepared for emergencies and disasters.

The program has reached more than 180,000 New Yorkers instructed by the National Guard, Red Cross, and individuals taking the course on-line.

The program, designed by DHSES, covers a broad range of emergency-preparedness topics, like developing a family emergency plan, stocking up on emergency supplies, man-made emergencies such as active shooter and active violence, and registering for NY-Alert, the free statewide emergency alert system.

The Citizen Preparedness Corps has equipped tens of thousands of New Yorkers to respond better to emergencies and disasters, he stressed.

Emergency preparedness is part and parcel of the New York National Guard's mission and experience, according to 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 for emergencies," German said.

"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," German added.

Participants will receive a training certificate, a wallet-sized "Z-Card" with emergency preparedness information, and a free Citizen Preparedness 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.