BULLETIN TEMPLATE (Mar 21, 2017)

Today's guest speakers representing the NY State Citizen Preparedness Corps, 1st Lt. Alex Wiedenbaum and Sgt. Syed Ahmed, gave an audio-visual presentation about Disaster Preparedness that was extremely detailed and thorough, given the short amount of time available to them for this significant topic. Alex pointed out the types of disasters we need to be ready for: Natural- those we have no control over- such as hurricanes, floods, thunder & lightening storms, earthquakes, etc.; Man-made- such as failure of structures and terrorism; and Technological- such as those caused by cyber crimes. She pointed out that metropolitan NY has a high risk level for each of these disasters, and that emergency resources might not be readily available, which is why we need to develop personal emergency plans- the sooner, the better. We need to have a family discussion about what to do in the event of a disaster and to plan together how to remain safe. Some of the things needing to be agreed on in advance: each family should pick 2 places to meet, 1 outside the home and 1 outside the neighborhood; an emergency communication plan must be established; and an out of town friend or relative should be selected as a "point of contact". Making preparedness plans includes learning what services or plans already exist for organizations each family member is involved in (schools, workplace, daycare or eldercare centers, etc.) and coordinating family plans with existing plans. We need to know where to get additional emergency information (ie., by registering with www.nyalert.gov), to become familiar with warning sirens, emergency alert systems (via radio,TV, etc.), and wireless emergency alerts. We must be aware of signs of terrorism (If you see something, Say something) and be able to safely pass on to the proper authorities in detail what we've seen or heard. Alex next presented ways to prepare for fire safety, and stressed the need for and proper placement of home fire extinguishers and alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and the like. She spoke of the need for us to know where and how to operate our home utilities (ie., to be able to turn them off if necessary)and which tools might be needed in an emergency. Our emergency plans need to include preparation of backup or digital copies of all important papers/documents and "go kit" items packed and ready for rapid evacuations (including such necessities as 1st aid items, medicines, a whistle, closed-toe foot-ware, nonperishable foods, water, hygiene supplies, garbage bags, paper, pencils, duct tape, cash) for each family member and pet. And these supplies, even if not used, must be replenished and restored periodically. Useful preparations would also include learning basic first aid. As their presentation time was running out, Alex and Syed asked for questions and handed out a brochure about safeguarding NY from terrorism, an Emergency Information Handbook prepared by Homeland Security & Emergency Services, an Emergency Supplies Kit Checklist, and a Certificate of Completion for attending this preparedness presentation.