Learn About Emergency Preparedness at Community Safety Day Sept. 13

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Emergency Management Office (EMO), Oswego County Sheriff’s Office and Oswego County Health Department join forces with other county agencies and community partners to host a Community Safety Day event in recognition of National Preparedness Month and New York State Sheriff’s Week. It runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13 at the Scriba Fire Department, 5618 NYS Rte. 104, Oswego.

“Community Safety Day is a great opportunity for residents to connect with the people and resources dedicated to keeping our communities safe,” said Oswego County Legislator Paul Connolly, District 20, chairman of the Legislature’s Public Safety Committee. “Emergencies can happen at any time, and being informed and prepared for them can make all the difference in the outcome. This event will provide residents with the knowledge and resources they need to be ready when it matters most.”

Oswego County EMO Director Cathleen Palmitesso added, “September is National Preparedness Month and, to mark the occasion, we are hosting this event to highlight some of the practical steps residents can take to strengthen their response to emergencies. They’ll learn how to make or update an emergency plan, get guidance on what to include in a disaster supplies kit, and sign up for weather and emergency alerts. They can also explore other safety topics and services to help them better understand what risks may affect their community and how to respond.”

Several county departments and regional agencies will also be at the event with information and activities. They include the county’s Corrections Division of the Sheriff’s Office; Office for the Aging (OFA); Mobility Management Office; Probation Department and STOP-DWI Program. Other organizations include 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; American Red Cross; Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways; Oswego County Pioneer Search and Rescue Team; and Salvation Army of Oswego County.

Throughout the day, visitors can meet and talk to local emergency preparedness and public safety partners and view emergency services equipment, vehicles and demonstrations.

People can tour special use vehicles from the county Sheriff’s Office, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), and meet its K-9 Unit. Its Corrections Division will talk to visitors about recruitment, and information will be available about other Sheriff’s Office programs.

Staff from the county’s STOP-DWI Program will be at the event to help attendees learn about the dangers of impaired driving – safely, and first-hand. Visitors will drive a pedal cart through a closed course while wearing vision impairment goggles.

The county’s Mobility Management Office brings its photo booth for fun snaps along with brochures about public transportation.

Information about weather preparedness, respiratory illnesses, and environmental hazards such as mosquitoes and ticks will be provided by the county’s health department. There will also be a game wheel which people can spin for a chance to win prizes.

The host location, the Scriba Volunteer Fire Department, will have chicken barbeque dinners available for purchase beginning at 11 a.m. while supplies last. The dinner includes a half chicken, salt potatoes, macaroni salad, baked beans and a roll for $12.

National Preparedness Month was launched to raise awareness about being ready for any emergency. Residents are encouraged to create a plan; a disaster supplies kit (including items for pets and people with special needs) and to help others in their community prepare and respond.

The third week of September is New York State Sheriff’s Week, which recognizes the services and contributions of local sheriffs’ offices, and their dedication to preserving and protecting the safety of their communities and residents.

For more information about the event, call the Oswego County Emergency Management Office at 315-591-9150. Information on preparing for emergencies is available at www.oswegocountyny.gov/emo and at www.ready.gov.