Carlucci’s Column: Be Prepared

BY STATE SENATOR DAVID CARLUCCI
Disaster can strike at any time, and being prepared with the necessary tools could mean the difference between life and death. Across the country every year we see hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and snowstorms. Weather disasters injure and displace thousands and can even turn deadly.

A 2015 survey done by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) found that nearly 60 percent of Americans have not practiced what to do in a disaster by participating in a disaster drill or preparedness exercise. More alarming the same study found only 39 percent of respondents have developed an emergency plan and discussed it with their household. This is why I am sponsoring a free Citizen Preparedness Corps Training course in partnership with the Governor’s Office.

Severe weather and terror-related events have become much more frequent, and this course teaches residents how to prepare for these types of events. From learning how to have an evacuation plan and emergency to go kit to identifying and reporting suspicious activity, it is all about saving lives when seconds could be precious.

If you attend the course you will be taught by the best. New York National Guard troops, experts from the New York State Division of Homeland Security, and local emergency management personnel lead you through the 2-hour training. They will make sure you have the tools and resources to prepare for emergencies and disasters and respond accordingly as quickly as possible.

Its my hope people leave the course feeling more confident in their skills so if disaster strikes they can provide crucial and critical assistance in their own home or communities. Our Citizen Preparedness Corps training will be held on Thursday, June 21 at 6:00 p.m. at the Ramapo Town Hall at 237 Route 59, Suffern, NY 10901.

To RSVP, please call my office at 845-623-3627.

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