September: National Preparedness Month
(Binghamton, NY) September is the 6th Annual National Preparedness Month dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of emergency response planning and preparedness. Throughout September, the Broome County Emergency Management Office will host displays at community events promoting preparedness efforts and enrollment in NY-ALERT, the county’s free public notification system. Launched in 2007, NY-ALERT contains the county’s reverse 911 database and also provides residents with the ability register and receive emergency information sent directly to them by email and or text messages.
“As we have learned from past events, advanced planning and preparation improves public safety and response during an emergency,” said Broome County Executive Barbara J. Fiala. “I encourage all residents to register for the NY-ALERT system to receive immediate notification during an event or emergency.”
Over 8,000 have registered for the advanced NY-ALERT applications tailored to individual preferences. Those registered can receive information regarding severe weather, road closures, accidents and emergency events. There are approximately 130,000 land line phone numbers from 9-1-1 data programmed into the NY-ALERT system. NY-ALERT was utilized during the ACA tragedy to inform community members about what had occurred, road closures and to limit mobile phone use.
“Emergency Preparedness starts at the individual level. When you sign-up for NY-ALERT you give yourself the power of information about emergency events and steps you can take to protect you and your family,” said Brett Chellis, Director of Emergency Services for Broome County. “During National Preparedness Month I urge all residents to be prepared and stay informed by registering for the NY-ALERT System.”
John R. Gibb, Director of the New York State Emergency Management Office, said, “I applaud Broome County and County Executive Fiala for taking the initiative of integrating NY-ALERT into its emergency plans. National Preparedness Month is an excellent reminder that New Yorkers need to be prepared for emergencies 365 days a year and in New York State, NY-ALERT is an integral part of being prepared.”
For more information or to register for NY-Alert, visit: www.nyalert.gov. Those without internet access can register over the phone by calling 1-888-697-6972 from 8am-5pm on weekdays. Or, individuals can register with assistance from personnel of the Broome County Office of Emergency Services at the following events:
- August 29 & 30th Chris Thater Memorial Races (post-date)
- September 4th Downtown Binghamton First Friday @ the Forum Open House
- September 6th Binghamton Mets vs. Altoona @ NYSEG Stadium
- September 11th Communiversity Fest @ downtown Binghamton Washington Street
- September 13thBlues on the Bridge @ downtown Binghamton Washington Street
- September 19th Apple Festival @ Endicott Washington Ave.
- October 3rd Binghamton Senators vs. Wolf Pack – season opener @ Arena
For more information about national preparedness efforts visit: http://www.ready.gov/
Posted: 9/1/2009 2:14 pm
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