Albany, NY - August 19, 2014 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the Citizen Preparedness Corps training is now available in a condensed version online. This training takes the basics of the in-person Citizen Preparedness Corps training course and allows people to view a shortened version on their computer or mobile device.
“Over the past few years, extreme weather patterns have made one thing perfectly clear in New York – we must do everything we can to prepare our communities to respond in the event of a disaster,” Governor Cuomo said. “The Citizen Preparedness Corps gives New Yorkers the tools and knowledge they need to serve as first responders in their own homes, and by offering training sessions online we are greatly expanding the reach of this important resource and protecting communities across the state. I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of this training and learn about how they can become better prepared in the event of an emergency.”
The online training is available at www.prepare.ny.gov/training-events. Users will click on the button that says “Launch Online Training,” then will be directed to a twelve minute video and a short quiz to demonstrate what they have learned.
The New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps training was launched in February of this year with the goal of training New Yorkers on how to prepare themselves, their family and their communities for disasters and emergencies. This training has been created by experts at the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control and led by instructors from the Division of Military and Naval Affairs. To date, more than 75 in-person events have been held throughout New York State.
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jerome M. Hauer said, “This condensed training of the Citizen Preparedness Corps training classes is another avenue to reach more people and to make them aware of the importance of having a plan if they are forced into an emergency. Giving citizens a basic understanding of emergency preparedness saves lives and helps first responders and other emergency personnel respond when disaster strikes.”
For more information on the New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps training, visit the website at www.prepare.ny.gov.