The state is ramping up its effort to provide local residents with the tools they need to help their family and neighbors during emergencies. A special training class is being held in Buffalo Saturday.
In the event of a disaster, residents should be prepared to make it on their own for at least seven to 10 days and maybe longer, according to state officials.
So, the Cuomo Administration is holding "Citizen Preparedness Training Programs" across New York. The goal is to teach residents how to be first responders in their own homes and how to help their neighbors if disaster strikes.
Erie County's Department of Emergency Services is coordinating the training session. Topics covered include how to properly respond to a natural or man-made disaster, developing a family emergency plan and practical supplies to stock up on before they're needed. Citizens are also made aware of community based emergency preparedness activities and how to get involved.
Program participants will also receive a free Citizen Response training kit with various emergency supplies.
The class runs Saturday from 10 a.m.until Noon. tomorrow at Buffalo's Waterfront Elementary School. Space is limited . Prior registration is required on-line at http://prepare.ny.gov/training-events