Clarkson University will host a session of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo's Citizen Emergency Preparedness Training Program on Saturday, September 27, at 10 a.m. in the Student Center (#15 on the map at http://www.clarkson.edu/about/clarkson_map.pdf ).

Governor Cuomo's Citizen Preparedness Training Program provides residents with the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions.

Each participant will receive a free Citizen Preparedness Starter Kit (one per family), containing emergency supplies as the start of their own emergency preparedness kit. The backpack is stocked with a first-aid kit, pocket radio with batteries, food bars, emergency blanket, flashlight and other key items to help citizens in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. In addition, everyone who attends will receive a wallet-sized "Z-Card" with emergency preparedness information and a certificate of completion.

Anyone who is interested in attending must pre-register for the course online at http://www.nyprepare.gov/aware-prepare/nysprepare/registration .

The program was designed by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and covers a broad range of emergency preparedness topics, like developing a family emergency plan, stocking up on emergency supplies, and registering for NY-Alert, the free statewide emergency alert system.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, State Senator Joseph A. Griffo, State Senator Patty A. Ritchie, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators Chair Jonathan Putney and Potsdam Town Supervisor Marie Regan are cosponsoring the training.

New York National Guard troops, working with experts from the New York State DHSES and local emergency management personnel, are holding these classes across the state.

For more information about the event, call the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs at 518-786-6186, or Master Sgt. Ray Drumsta at 607-592-2070.