Contact: Casey McNulty, Casey.McNulty@dhses.ny.gov, (518) 402-6472
April 27, 2015
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GOVERNOR CUOMO PROCLAIMS SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK IN NEW YORK STATEAwareness week brings preparedness to the forefront so families, businesses, and communities can prepare for disasters and emergencies |
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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today proclaimed April 26 to May 2, 2015 to be Severe Weather Awareness Week in New York State, encouraging citizens statewide to prepare and practice for severe weather events that could strike during any season. 1. Make a plan. Develop a plan for you and your family at home, school, work, and outdoors. The plan should include escape routes from your home and a meeting place nearby and outside your neighborhood in case you are asked to evacuate. Also have an emergency contact outside the immediate area if your household is separated or unable to communicate with each other. 2. Prepare a kit. Emergency supplies should last seven to ten days and should include a gallon of water per family member per day along with plenty of food for each family member. Good choices are canned, ready-to-eat foods, and high-energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, nuts, dried meat (for example, jerky), granola, trail mix, and energy bars. Kits should include a serviceable flashlight with extra batteries, first aid supplies, medications, and a radio to reach the local stations and the National Weather Service. A weather radio is one of the best ways to be aware of dangerous weather. 3. Be informed. Stay tuned to local television and radio stations that broadcast Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages and follow local emergency orders when issued. You can also receive emergency information via your computer or cell phone by subscribing to NY Alert, a free service that provides critical emergency information. Download the NY-Alert smartphone App at www.ialertz.com for Android or Apple devices. In addition, make copies of important papers and credit cards in case you must evacuate your home. 4. Get involved. Sign up for online or in-person Citizen Preparedness Corps training at prepare.ny.gov. Contact your county emergency management office to learn more about how to protect you and your family. Consider volunteering with organizations such as the American Red Cross, New York Cares, or the Salvation Army. Most importantly, keep yourself informed, and learn more about preparedness on the DHSES website. About DHSES |
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