September is National Preparedness Month, and Livingston County officials are using the occasion to remind residents to plan ahead before disaster strikes.
From weather emergencies to power outages, County Emergency Management Director Will Gall says the time to prepare is now — not after an emergency begins.
“Preparedness saves lives,” Gall said. “Having a plan, building a supply kit, and checking in on neighbors helps ensure our families and communities are ready when the unexpected happens.”
Four key steps to get prepared
This year’s theme, “Preparedness Starts at Home,” focuses on small actions that can make a big difference in a crisis:
- Know your risk – Understand the hazards specific to your area.
- Make a family emergency plan – Plan ahead to reduce stress during emergencies.
- Build an emergency kit – Stock essentials like food, water, medicine, and pet supplies.
- Get involved – Learn first aid and help prepare your community.
The County also encourages residents to sign up for NY-ALERT, a free notification system that delivers real-time updates on severe weather, road closures, evacuations, and other emergencies.
Help wanted: Medical Reserve Corps volunteers
As part of its disaster response planning, the Livingston County Department of Health is actively recruiting volunteers for its Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) — a group trained to assist during public health emergencies and other disasters.
For more information about becoming an MRC volunteer, or for general preparedness tips, visit the County’s Emergency Preparedness page or call (585) 243-7299.
“Emergencies can happen at any time,” Gall said. “The more prepared we are, the faster we can recover — and the less we strain our emergency systems.”
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