By Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera
This summer we have experienced many beautiful, blue-sky days, but also saw several instances of extreme weather, including three confirmed tornados in Erie County. Winter weather is a fact of life in Western New York, but it is important to stay prepared for any type of emergency situation year-round. As we head into National Preparedness Month, I want to share initiatives and resources from the county to help keep residents prepared.
As part of the county’s emergency planning efforts, we have coordinated human services agencies and representatives from other sectors to form a COAD – Community Organizations Active in Disaster. The Erie County COAD meets regularly, but during activation, participants engage in continuous communication, to ensure prompt coordination of supplies, services and staff.
While our governmental agencies are working hard to service vital infrastructure, COAD groups will begin recovery efforts, providing services and care for our residents. I am proud of the important work being done, and thank our community partners, the City of Buffalo and New York State for their collaboration.
Last year, through partnership with United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, 5,000 Emergency Care Kits were assembled during the Day of Caring. These were distributed across the county at libraries, community centers and churches.
I’m glad to share that once again, volunteers and county staff were able to pack an additional 5,000 of these kits on this year’s Day of Caring. Kits contain tools like a hand crank emergency flashlight/radio with cell-phone charger, whistle, foldable water jug and first aid kit, along with resources and important phone numbers. These will be distributed by our Office of Health Equity at community events throughout the fall.
Participants in New York State Citizen Preparedness Trainings are also given a backpack with similar tools. In these classes, experts with the state’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, teach residents how to prepare, respond and recover from an emergency.
Classes will be held at the following locations in Erie County through the month of September: Tosh Collins Senior Center, Orchard Park Senior Community Center, Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Branch Library, Cheektowaga Senior Center and Grand Island Age Center. To register, or to find additional course locations go to www.dhses.ny.gov/citizen-preparedness-corps.
In September, Erie County will share valuable preparedness information from our departments and staff via social media. Please follow us on Facebook at “Erie County, NY” and on X (formerly Twitter) @ErieCountyNY.
I also encourage all residents to download the free ReadyErie Preparedness smartphone app. The multi-purpose app shares critical information and emergency alerts, as well as tools to create your own preparedness plan. For more information go to www.erie.gov/dhses/get-readyerie-preparedness-app.
Useful winter weather tips are also available in the Office of Health Equity’s “Let’s Get Ready for Winter” newsletter. You can find this resource, in addition to all 13 Health Equity newsletters (available in multiple languages) at www.erie.gov/health/health-equity. Another great resource is the “Prepare Your Pantry” flyer, produced by our Buffalo and Erie County Food Policy Council. The brochure and more information are online at www.erie.gov/fpc.
I hope that everyone takes the opportunity next month to prepare themselves and their household. Additional preparedness tips can be found at www.ready.gov.