September 1, 2010
Governor Proclaims September As Preparedness Month

Governor David A. Paterson today proclaimed September as Preparedness Month across New York State, encouraging individuals, families, and communities to take this opportunity to review their plans and become better prepared for any emergency.

"On this very first day of Preparedness Month in the Empire State, and with Hurricane Earl working its way toward the Eastern Seaboard, it is especially important that New Yorkers be prepared," Governor Paterson said. "Earl is on a northeasterly track, and though it is not currently expected to hit New York directly we do expect high winds and rough seas in eastern coastal areas. I'd like to take this opportunity to encourage everyone to review their individual and family emergency plans – know what to do and when to do it – check their cache of emergency supplies and monitor reports from local media to be informed on the storm's progress and safety information for local officials."

Since Monday, under the Governor's direction, the New York State Office of Emergency Management (NYSOEM) has been tracking the storm's approach and having discussions with the National Weather Service, emergency management offices in the greater New York City metropolitan area, and federal counterparts.

This morning, Governor Paterson ordered the activation of the State Emergency Operations Center at NYSOEM's headquarters in Albany. Representatives from seven State agencies, including the National Guard, State Police, Department of Transportation, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, will monitor Earl's progress and coordinate the State response with local and federal governments.

"Hurricane Earl and Preparedness Month certainly raise awareness on why we should be prepared today, but New Yorkers know all to well that we need to be prepared and vigilant year round. One sterling example of being prepared was a street vendor's call to New York City police in May that helped to avert a tragedy in Times Square. In these challenging times, New Yorkers must know what to do and when to do it during an emergency," Governor Paterson added.

Governor Paterson also reminded residents of the State Office of Counter Terrorism's Operation Safeguard motto: If You See Something, Say Something." If residents see suspicious activity, they are advised to call the State Terrorism Tips Line at 1-866-SAFE-NYS (1-866-723-3697) or contact local law enforcement agencies.

Preparedness Month is a national effort, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Ad Council. It is designed to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities.

New York State activities include:

The third annual Preparedness Expo on Wednesday, September 15, on the Concourse of the Empire State Plaza. Eighteen State and local agencies are participating in this year's Expo to share preparedness-related information with the State workforce and the public. In addition to providing preparedness materials, agency representatives are available to explain their preparedness programs and engage individuals through hand-out materials, videos, and public service announcements. The Expo will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 2:00 p.m.
In conjunction with the September 15 Expo, the American Red Cross will be conducting a blood drive at its collection site on the Concourse. Walk-ins are welcome, but preference will be given to those that make an appointment by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or by visiting: http://www.donatebloodnow.org . 
A family-themed Preparedness Expo will be held Saturday, September 25, in Colonie Center mall. Twelve State and local agencies will be participating, providing preparedness information. Additionally, activities for children will include the State Police providing their child car seat display, a children's coloring table, and an appearance by "Sparky the Dog" and mechanical robots from the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC).
John R. Gibb, Acting Commissioner of the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, said: "Preparedness is everyone's responsibility, and I commend Governor Paterson for his ongoing efforts to improve and modernize New York State's ability to ensure all residents have access to our preparedness agencies, activities and infrastructure. While State agencies continue to hone their preparedness and response capabilities, it is crucial that New Yorkers follow these basic steps: have an emergency plan for themselves and their loved ones, stock up on emergency supplies, and stay informed."

Participating State agencies include Office of Counter Terrorism, Office of Emergency Management Office, Department of Health, Department of Labor, Department of Transportation, Department of Agriculture and Markets, Office of Fire and Prevention Control, Department of Insurance, State Police, Office of Children and Family Services, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Public Service Commission, State Education Department, and the State Office of National and Community Service. Also participating is the American Red Cross, the Albany County Medical Reserve Corps, the Albany County Sheriff's Department and the Salvation Army.

New York State has developed, and continues to enhance, an all-hazards preparedness website at http://www.nyprepare.gov/. This website serves as a clearinghouse of safety and preparedness information from the State agency websites of the Office of Emergency Management, Health, Office of Counter Terrorism, State Police, OFPC, Insurance, Agriculture and Markets, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.

To visit Governor Paterson's Preparedness Month Proclamation, please visit: http://www.ny.gov/governor/keydocs/proclamations/proc_sept_preparedness_month.html

For more information, please visit these websites:

New York State's Aware Prepare Campaign: http://www.nyprepare.gov/ 
Office of Emergency Management: http://www.semo.state.ny.us/ 
Office of Counter Terrorism: http://www.security.state.ny.us/ 
American Red Cross: http://www.donatebloodnow.org/ 

New York residents are also advised to learn about risks or hazards in their communities as well as emergency plans and how they will obtain information during an incident. An excellent way to received information is by subscribing to NY-ALERT, the State's alert and notification system. To subscribe, please visit: http://www.nyalert.gov/.

Additional information and guidance can be found at: http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html