Rochester Reporter

Rochester residents have an opportunity to enhance their disaster preparedness through a course scheduled for May 1 at the David F. Gantt R-Center. The training, part of the New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps program, is designed to teach participants about essential steps and supplies needed during natural or human-made disasters. Registration is available online until April 29.

Mayor Malik D. Evans expressed the importance of being prepared: “Disasters can strike unexpectedly, so it's important to be proactive in learning how to stay safe, safeguard your loved ones, reduce potential damage, and recover quickly.” He acknowledged the New York State Division of Homeland Security for creating and offering this program, encouraging residents to take the course and become capable of responding and recovering swiftly in the face of a disaster.

Initiated by the New York Division of Homeland Security in 2014, the Citizen Preparedness Corps training is intended to equip residents with the necessary tools and resources to tackle disasters and emergencies effectively. The sessions are led by the New York National Guard in collaboration with specialists from the Division’s Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

The course covers responding to both natural and human-caused disasters, including registering for emergency alerts, devising family emergency plans, and assembling emergency supply kits. Participating families will receive a complimentary New York State Disaster Preparedness Kit containing essential items for use in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.