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September is National Preparedness Month at American Red Cross
Recent fires, heavy rain, flooding, a tornado and the possibility that a hurricane can run up the coast and hit the New York metropolitan area should alert residents of Putnam County and the West Point area that they need to do all they can to become prepared for all kinds of emergencies. September is National Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY), which responds to more than 3,000 local emergencies each year, continues to expand its programs and community outreach to help residents and businesses better understand the steps that can be taken to prepare for and respond to natural and man-made emergencies.
National Preparedness Month began in 2004 to encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies at home, at work and at school. The Red Cross is part of a coalition of corporations, organizations and government agencies that, through education and awareness, encourages people to become actively prepared and to volunteer to help others during local and regional emergencies.
"It is imperative that every household be Red Cross ready," said Michelle Strom, director, ARC/GNY - Putnam/West Point, "and there are three easy steps to follow. Get a kit, make a plan and be informed. We also ask that every person become involved by becoming a trained Red Cross volunteer and helping those in need when an emergency occurs."
Get a Kit: Have emergency supplies to shelter at home and a "go bag" filled with important items and papers to take with you should you evacuate. Maintain at least a three-day supply of food and water for every member of the household, including pets. Check supplies every six months and replace the items that have expired.
Make a Plan: Having a communications and evacuation plan is the best possible response to a disaster. During an emergency, a plan will help reduce stress, because everyone will know how to respond. Practice your plan several times each year.
Be Informed: Become knowledgeable about potential emergencies and know where to obtain vital information. Knowing what may happen and how you can help is an effective defense against a disaster.
For more information about emergency preparedness, assistance in assembling an emergency "go bag," schedules about safety and preparedness programs, readiness materials and supplies, and volunteer information, visit www.nyredcross.org .
September safety and preparedness classes offered by ARC/GNY - Putnam/West Point will be held at the organization's office at Building 2104, Visitors Center, West Point Highway (New South Post Road), West Point; at The Lawlor Building, Routes 311 and 164, Patterson, (Putnam County); and at Saint Basil's Academy, 79 Saint Basil Road, Route 9D, in Garrison (Putnam County).
Class dates and times are subject to change. For more information about these and other Red Cross classes in Putnam/West Point, including costs, along with details about emergency preparedness presentations and other programs during September, call ARC/ GNY-Putnam/West Point at 845-938-4100, or visit www.nyredcross.org .
Upcoming Red Cross classes at West Point include:
- Saturday, September 1, babysitter's training, 9am- 4:30pm.
-Saturday, September 29, first aid for cats and dogs, 10am- 2pm.
Upcoming Red Cross courses at the Lawlor Building (Routes 311 and 164, Patterson) include:
-Wednesday, September 19, CPR/AED (automated external defibrillator)- dult, Child and Infant, 3- 10pm.
-Sunday, September 23, babysitter's training, 9am- 4:30pm.
Upcoming Red Cross courses at St. Basil's Academy (79 Saint Basil Road, Route 9D, in Garrison, Putnam County) include:
- Thursday, September 6, CPR/AED (automated external defibrillator) - Child and CPR - Infant, 3- 10pm.
The American Red Cross in Greater New York is a key humanitarian partner and a vital participant in New York's plans and programs to help the nine million people in New York City and Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan counties prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. ARC/ GNY provides immediate aid to more than 100,000 people affected by 3,000 emergencies a year, including fires, floods, building collapses and blackouts. Given the uncertainties of today's world, the chapter is accelerating its collaboration with partner agencies to develop and implement readiness plans to respond to major natural and man-made disasters. The chapter also helps New York residents and businesses prepare for emergencies by offering hundreds of courses in first aid, CPR and aquatics and free emergency preparedness training programs and resources.
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