More than 100,000 New Yorkers have taken the Citizen Preparedness Corps training since its inception in 2014. The program seeks to provide citizens with the tools and resources to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions.

“Through the Citizen Preparedness Corps, we have provided New Yorkers with the critical assistance and resources necessary to properly respond whenever a disaster strikes,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “This program uses a proven approach that has helped prepare our citizens for this new normal, and we will continue working with our first response teams to build a stronger and safer New York.”

Launched in 2014, Citizen Preparedness training provides individuals with information to better respond to any type of natural or man-made disaster. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control, the New York National Guard, and the American Red Cross provide the training courses across the state every week. To date, instructors have conducted almost 2,000 courses across the state in several languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Haitian Creole, Burmese, Karan and Cantonese. Additionally, instructors have conducted customized courses to address specific needs for the elderly, the blind and the deaf.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said, “Through the efforts of DHSES, the National Guard and the American Red Cross, New York State has led the way in becoming the most prepared state in the country. There are now tens of thousands of New Yorkers who are better prepared for a disaster, thanks to the hard work of the men and woman who provide this training.”

NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner John P. Melville said, “DHSES and its agencies are proud lead the efforts to build the Citizen Preparedness Corps program and, along with the New York National Guard, we will continue to support its goal, which is to prepare all New Yorkers for any type of disaster or emergency.”

Citizens Preparedness training courses are also available online to individuals who cannot attend a training course in person. Online course are available at http://prepare.ny.gov/online-citizen-preparedness-training. To find a list of upcoming Citizens Preparedness courses, visit http://prepare.ny.gov/.