MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y., Sept. 30, 2024 – September marks National Preparedness Month across the country.
This year’s theme, “Start a Conversation,” encourages citizens to discuss their disaster and emergency planning with family, friends and neighbors to spread awareness. In Livingston County, emergency management officials are calling on residents to also make a plan for dealing with disasters and emergencies, starting with a simple emergency supply checklist. When residents take proactive steps to ensure their own safety, the benefits are felt throughout the community, said Office of Emergency Management Director Andrew Brodell.
“Preparedness is a responsibility we should all share,” explained Brodell. “By simply planning ahead, we can keep our families safe in the face of unexpected emergencies, and reduce stress on our emergency response system during times of county-wide crisis. If you haven’t already, I encourage everyone reading this to start developing your own emergency preparedness plan with your family today.”
After developing an emergency plan and supply checklist, Brodell also recommended residents take steps to stay informed during an emergency by signing up for NY-ALERT. A free service from NYS, NY-ALERT provides real-time critical information and emergency alerts for residents throughout the state. Users can customize their alerts by selecting specific geographic areas and the types of alerts they wish to receive, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, building evacuations, and more.
According to the NYS Citizens Preparedness Corps, electricity, heat, air conditioning or telephone service may not work reliably following an emergency. Using their emergency preparations, families should plan to survive on their own for at least 10 days following a natural or man-made disaster event.
As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen the community’s health and safety, the Livingston County Department of Health continues to actively recruit volunteers for its Medical Reserve Corps. This initiative aims to bolster the county’s emergency response capabilities and ensure trained personnel are available to assist during crises. For more information, including how to become an MRC volunteer, visit the Department of Health’s MRC volunteer page.
More information is available at the county’s emergency preparedness page or by calling the Livingston County Department of Health at (585) 243-7299 or the Office of Emergency Management at (585) 243-7160.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, events and more by following Livingston County on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.