Are you prepared if an emergency strikes? Residents throughout the 46th Senate District - and all of New York - have been devastated by natural disasters, including flooding from Irene and Lee and extreme winter conditions.

The two-hour training session, presented by the New York National Guard, along with officials from the Division of Homeland Security and the New York State Office of Emergency Management, is designed to give New Yorkers the resources to prepare for and respond to natural or man-made disasters. The program prepares citizens for situations where they may be without power or telephone for several days, or longer.

Each participant will be given an emergency kit, which includes a first aid kit, emergency blanket, flashlight, a pocket radio, batteries, food, water, and other emergency supplies.

Preparedness training is free and open to the public, but attendees must register in advance at www.prepare.ny.gov.

This training is a great resource to ensure your family and loved ones are prepared in case of an emergency, and I encourage everyone to attend.