By Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera
As we enjoy a beautiful summer in Erie County, it is hard to imagine that in a few months, snow will be flying. Winter weather is a fact of life in Western New York, but last year we faced two major storms, including the devastating December blizzard.
In the days immediately following the Blizzard of ’22, our Erie County team began working to assess our response and readiness for future storms. In early January, outside agencies were brought in to these important conversations. We are actively working to establish a protocol for future emergencies of any kind.
Through a partnership with United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, 5,000 emergency care kits were assembled during the Day of Caring. These kits contain tools like a hand-crank emergency flashlight/radio with cellphone charger, whistle, foldable water jug and first aid kit, along with resources and important phone numbers. Kits will be distributed at churches, libraries and community events throughout the month of September.
In the spring, three public libraries offered a citizen preparedness training course, during which participants also received a backpack full of preparedness tools. The same course will be offered Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Grand Island Library. To register, go to www.survey monkey.com/r/GIML91623. For older adults, the Department of Senior Services partners with FeedMore WNY to offer home-delivered meals throughout the year. Prior to a winter weather event, those enrolled receive a three- to five-day food supply, providing peace of mind to seniors, loved ones and caregivers.
If you or someone you know is unable to take care of meal preparation, call the Department of Senior Services at 716-858-8526. Residents in Amherst, Eggertsville, Snyder and Williamsville should call Amherst Meals on Wheels directly at 716-636-3065. Those in Kenmore and the Town of Tonawanda are asked to call Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels at 716-874-3595.
Throughout the month of September, Erie County will share valuable 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 phone app. This multipurpose 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-ready-erie-preparedness-app. I also want to share two additional resources to help your household. Our office of health equity publishes newsletters, available in several languages. The “Let’s Get Ready for Winter” edition is full of incredibly useful information, including how to monitor for cold-related health conditions and definitions of important terminology used in alerts. All editions are accessible online at www .erie.gov/health/health-equity.
Another great resource was produced by our Buffalo and Erie County Food Policy Council with information on how to prepare your pantry. The brochure and more information are online at www.erie.gov/fpc. We hope to never face a challenge on the level we encountered in 2022, but we must make sure that we are prepared in government to assist our residents in any type of emergency situation. I am proud of the collaboration between Erie County and our partner agencies. Please take the time during Emergency Preparedness Month to access these important resources.