WALTON - As severe storms and flooding events grow more frequent across New York, a local civic group is hosting an emergency preparedness training aimed at helping Delaware County residents better respond when disaster strikes.
Western Catskills Indivisible has arranged for the New York Citizen Preparedness Training Program to be held March 14 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Walton Theatre, 30 Gardiner Place. The session is free and open to the public.
The training will be conducted by the New York National Guard as part of a statewide initiative sponsored by Gov. Kathy Hochul and administered through the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
The program follows a standardized curriculum designed to help residents prepare for natural disasters and other emergencies. Participants will receive guidance on developing a family emergency plan, assembling disaster supply kits and responding safely in the immediate aftermath of a crisis. Each attending household will receive a preparedness kit.
The training comes as communities in the western Catskills face increasing climate risks. Walton experienced major flooding in 2006, and nearby Margaretville and other towns were heavily damaged during Hurricane Irene in 2011. State environmental officials have warned that rising temperatures, heavier precipitation and more frequent extreme weather events are expected to intensify across New York in the coming decades.
Advance registration is required. To register visit: https://pspapps.dhses.ny.gov/CitizenPreparednessCorps/views/registrant/add.xhtml?lang=en&eventId=523
