All Hazards Training Teaches New Yorkers to Take Steps to Prepare for Disasters and Emergencies
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced more than 300,000 New Yorkers have received training through the Citizen Preparedness Corps. Established in 2014 under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, the Citizen’s Preparedness Corps provides the tools and resources necessary for preparing New Yorkers for any type of disaster so they respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions.
«Through this comprehensive training, New Yorkers across the state can learn to respond effectively in a crisis,» Governor Cuomo said. «No one can predict when the next disaster may happen, but with this training, we can ensure families and communities are prepared for any emergency.»
«Thanks to our innovative Citizen Preparedness Corps, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers are ready to help their communities respond when disaster hits,» said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. «Once again, we are leading the nation with this essential training program, and we look forward to continued milestones as more and more of our citizens step up to participate.»
Trainings are conducted by the New York National Guard, working with experts from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Volunteers from the American Red Cross also teach courses.
During each class, New Yorkers are taught an all-hazards approach to preparedness, giving them skills that can be utilized in any life-threatening situation, as opposed to developing individualized plans for each type of disaster or emergency. This includes information on how to develop family emergency plans and the importance of stocking up on emergency supplies. Additionally, trainers supply information on what organizations can provide additional support; how to register for NY-Alert, the free statewide emergency alert system; and how to be aware of notifications from such sources as the Emergency ALERT System. Participants are also encouraged to get more involved in existing community-based emergency activities that may be organized through local schools, businesses or community-based organizations.
In recent years, the program has been further adapted to include training on the «See Something, Say Something» mantra, as well as an active shooter/active violence component which focuses on situational awareness and incorporates the «Run, Hide, Fight» concept for active shooter training.
New York State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Patrick A. Murphy said, «From extreme weather to terrorism, the threat landscape in New York has changed drastically over the past two decades, making it all the more critical we ensure our citizens know what to do when faced with an emergency. Thanks to the leadership of Governor Cuomo, New York’s Citizen’s Preparedness Corps has equipped more than 300,000 New Yorkers with the tools and information they need to keep themselves and their families safe during the worst of times.»
Major General Ray Shields, the Adjutant General of New York said, «The men and women of the New York National Guard understand the importance of being prepared for emergencies. The Soldiers and Airmen who conduct Citizens Preparedness training are proud to be partners in this effort with other state agencies in providing preparedness information to our fellow New Yorkers in more than 3,270 classes since the program was launched.»
Gary Striar, Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross Eastern New York region, said, «This is the time of year when hurricanes, floods, wildfires and other large disasters can happen. New Yorkers are not immune to such threats and families are safer and can recover faster from when they plan ahead, stay informed and maintain a disaster kit with essential supplies. Governor Cuomo’s Citizen Preparedness Corps program is a critical part of the effort to make our communities safer and the American Red Cross is proud to have helped train more than 300,000 people through the program so far. The Red Cross encourages everyone to prepare their household so they are ready when the time comes.»
To check for new courses, request a course for your organization, or to take the online version, visit prepare.ny.gov. During June and July, courses will be held at the below locations. Check back often as new courses are being added every day.