Free Citizen Preparedness Training Helps Residents Stay Safe

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Emergency Management Office encourages residents to take an important step toward protecting themselves and their families by attending a free Citizen Preparedness Training presentation. The event runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5 at the Schroeppel Town Hall, 69 County Route 57A, Phoenix.

“Emergencies can happen at any time, and being prepared can make a critical difference,” said Oswego County Legislator Paul Connolly, District 20, chairman of the Legislature’s Public Safety Committee. “This training gives residents the knowledge and resources to respond effectively during a variety of situations, such as severe weather, power outages and other unexpected events. The goal is to help them feel more confident, reduce panic during emergencies and recover more quickly when situations arise.”

Local officials agreed, adding:

“As a community, we all have a responsibility to be prepared when an emergency happens,” Town of Schroeppel Supervisor JoAnn Nazarian said. “Whether it is severe weather, a natural disaster, or another unexpected event. Having a plan and knowing what resources are available can make a tremendous difference. I encourage our residents to take advantage of this free preparedness training and learn how they can better protect themselves, their families and their neighbors. We are pleased to partner with the Village of Phoenix to bring this valuable program to our community.”

Phoenix Village Mayor Brian Borchik said, “Being prepared for an emergency is essential to responding effectively and protecting yourself and your family. Here in Oswego County, severe winter weather, summer storms and other unexpected emergencies are always a possibility. We invite you to attend this free class, where you will learn practical skills to help you prepare for and respond to an emergency. Participants will also have the chance to ask questions and gain valuable information that will help keep their families safe when an emergency happens.”

Training participants will learn how to build a practical emergency plan, organize essential supplies and better understand how to stay informed and make smart decisions under pressure.

In addition to learning how to prepare for both natural and man-made disasters, attendees will walk away with tools they can immediately put into action at home. Each family that attends will also receive a preparedness kit to help them get started; one bag per household.

Officials encourage residents not to wait until disaster strikes and to take proactive steps now to stay safe, informed and prepared.

Registration is required by clicking on Citizen Preparedness Corps – User Registration and providing contact information.

To learn more about citizen preparedness, go to www.prepare.ny.gov.