Rochester residents encouraged to attend free disaster preparedness training on May 1 to learn how to stay safe and recover quickly

Rochester, New York – As extreme weather events and unexpected emergencies become more common, Rochester residents are being urged to take action before disaster strikes. A free training session on disaster preparedness will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 at the David F. Gantt R-Center, located at 700 North Street, offering families practical steps to stay safe, protect loved ones, and recover more quickly when facing crisis situations.

Hosted as part of the New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps program, the event is designed to arm citizens with the knowledge, tools, and mindset needed to respond effectively in the face of both natural and manmade disasters. From power outages and floods to fires and hazardous spills, the training covers a wide range of emergency scenarios.

Read also: Governor Hochul launches a $5 million statewide effort to boost wireless coverage through innovative technology solutions

“Disasters can strike unexpectedly, so it’s important to be proactive in learning how to stay safe, safeguard your loved ones, reduce potential damage, and recover quickly,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “I want to thank our partners at the New York State Division of Homeland Security for developing this valuable program and making it available to our citizens. I encourage all our residents to register for this course and get ready to respond and recover if disaster strikes.”

The deadline to register online is Tuesday, April 29. Interested residents can sign up at www.cityofrochester.gov/citizenpreparednesstraining.

The Citizen Preparedness Corps was created in 2014 by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, in collaboration with the New York National Guard. Since then, thousands of residents across the state have benefited from the program, which focuses on empowering individuals with strategies that can save lives and minimize property damage when disaster hits.

The course is led by trained personnel from the New York National Guard in coordination with professionals from the Division’s Office of Emergency Management and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control. The presentation is practical, straightforward, and designed for people of all backgrounds—whether they’re homeowners, renters, or even newcomers to the area.

Topics covered during the training include how to sign up for emergency alert systems, how to create a family emergency plan, and what types of supplies are essential to have on hand in an emergency kit. One of the key features of the event is the distribution of a free New York State Disaster Preparedness Kit to each participating family. These kits include critical sample items that residents might need during the first hours or days following a major disaster.

Read also: City announces $2 million investment to help restore and redevelop vacant properties along downtown Main Street

Officials note that being prepared ahead of time is one of the most effective ways to reduce panic, ensure safety, and support faster recovery. And while many assume they’ll know what to do when the time comes, experts stress that training makes a significant difference in how people respond during real-life emergencies.

The City of Rochester, along with state and emergency service partners, hopes to see strong community participation. The goal is not just to educate, but to foster a more resilient city—one where families are equipped to face the unexpected and bounce back stronger.

This free session is open to all, and city leaders are urging as many households as possible to take advantage of the opportunity. For those looking to protect their families and be part of a more prepared Rochester, May 1 might be one of the most important dates on the calendar this year.