Free emergency training in Niagara County

readMedia: New York National Guard troops, in cooperation with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), will present a free disaster preparedness class at the Niagara County Crossfire Community and Emergency Services Training Academy in Ransomville on Wednesday, Aug. 14.

The two-hour program begins at 6 p.m. The academy is located at 3745 Ransomville Road in Ransomville.

The event is part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's continuing Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program, which provides citizens with the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions.

Working with DHSES and local emergency management personnel, troops are conducting these training events across the state.

Citizens must register for the event in advance at http://www.nyprepare.gov/aware-prepare/nysprepare/

Since the program's launch in early February 2014, troops have held more than 3,335 events statewide, and taught over 181,330 citizens how to be better prepared for emergencies and disasters.

The program, designed by DHSES, covers a broad range of emergency-preparedness topics, like developing a family emergency plan, stocking up on emergency supplies, manmade emergencies such as active shooter and active violence, and registering for NY-Alert, the free statewide emergency alert system.

The Citizen Preparedness Corps has equipped tens of thousands of New Yorkers to respond better to emergencies and disasters.

Emergency preparedness is part and parcel of the New York National Guard's mission and experience, according to New York State Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Ray Shields.

"The men and women of the New York Army and Air National Guard, who have responded to help their fellow New Yorkers during floods, hurricanes, and snow storms, know first-hand the value of being prepared for emergencies," Shields said. "Our soldiers and airmen are proud to be part of Gov. Cuomo's effort to help our fellow citizens prepare to cope with disasters and emergencies.”

Participants will receive a training certificate, a wallet-sized "Z-Card" with emergency preparedness information, and a free citizen preparedness starter Kit (one per family).

The kit includes a first-aid kit, face mask, pocket radio with batteries, food bars, emergency blanket and other key items to help citizens in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. The classes include information about what other supplies and items citizens should add to their kits.

For more information on the program and emergency preparedness, visit www.nyprepare.gov.