Having a Plan Helps Save Lives During Emergencies and Disasters

OSWEGO COUNTY – Oswego County joined the rest of the country to celebrate National Preparedness Month in September with a proclamation and community safety event. The annual campaign focuses on helping individuals, families and communities get read to manage any disaster or emergency.

This year’s theme, “Americans Stand Ready,” focuses on individual readiness, family protection and community resilience.

“That theme reflects the spirit that makes our country – and our county – strong,” said Oswego County Legislature Chairman James Weatherup, District 9. “It motivates us to be prepared to help our neighbors, support first responders and share our time and expertise within our communities during moments of need.”

Oswego County Legislator Paul Connolly, District 20, chairman of the Legislature’s Public Safety Committee, seconded that sentiment.

“Preparedness is a shared responsibility among individuals, families and communities to take proactive, meaningful steps before disaster strikes,” he said. “I encourage everyone to sign up for emergency alerts, make a plan with their family and put together emergency supply kits.”

Oswego County Emergency Management Director Cathleen Palmitesso also stressed that emergencies can happen at any time, and being prepared makes a critical difference.

“Depending on the disaster, phones lines may not be accessible, your home may not be habitable, or you may have been stranded in your car,” she said. “It’s important to have a plan in place to know how your family will stay in contact, where you will meet up, and what you should do in the event of different types of disasters.”

Other preparedness actions people can take include putting together a family disaster supplies kit. It should contain necessary items such as prescription medications, flashlights, cell phone chargers, a battery-powered radio with extra batteries, non-perishable food and a first aid kit. Be sure to also create a separate kit for the car.

The Oswego County Emergency Management Office (EMO) also partnered with the county Sheriff’s Office and Health Department to connect people with information and resources to help them stay safe. Visitors had the opportunity to talk with public health and safety officials and view emergency services equipment, vehicles and demonstrations.

The event was hosted by the Scriba Volunteer Fire Department and featured other county departments, local organizations and federal agencies. They included the county’s Corrections Division of the Sheriff’s Office; Mobility Management Office; Probation Department and STOP-DWI Program. Other organizations in attendance were Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region II; NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Emergency Management Region IV; New York State Police; Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways; Oswego County Pioneer Search and Rescue Team; and Salvation Army of Oswego County.

Oswego County EMO also encourages residents to take an important step in preparedness by attending the free Citizen Preparedness Training presentation scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5 at the Schroeppel Town Hall, 69 County Rte. 57A, Phoenix.

In addition to learning how to prepare for both natural and man-made disasters, each family that attends will also receive a preparedness kit to help them get started; one bag per household.

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

The Legislature’s Public Safety Committee oversees the Oswego County Emergency Management Office. In addition to Legislator Connolly, committee members include Vice Chairman Herbert Yerdon, District 2; Dorothy Caldwell, District 17; Mary Ellen Chesbro, District 10; Patti Holst, District 4; Linda Lockwood, District 11; and Lee B. Walker, Jr., District. 15.