National Preparedness Month, '24 Starting the Conversation:

Talking about bad things that could happen like a disaster or emergency isn’t always easy. We may think we’re protecting the people we love by avoiding these conversations, but they are important to start taking steps to get ready and stay safe. 

Starting a conversation today can help you and your family to take more actions to prepare. By taking simple steps, you can build your preparedness at your own pace:

Set aside a time when everyone is calm and relaxed. 
It may help to hold the discussions over a set time period, so decisions aren’t rushed, and people feel more comfortable talking about the topic. 
Talk about steps you’ve taken to prepare and encourage others to ask questions about preparedness actions that might work for them.

Weather Emergency Preparedness and Recovery

• Weather Emergencies: Storms, Floods, and Power Outages
• NYS Cooling Centers

Are You Aware and Prepared?

Think about what you would do if a bad storm, chemical spill, outbreak of flu, or an act of terrorism put you in danger. Would you know how to help yourself and your family?

Each of us can take steps to reduce our risk in any kind of emergency. Plan to be prepared so you can stay safe.

• Roll Up Your Sleeves and ServNY
• Sign up for NY-Alert and receive emergency alerts for your area.
• Citizen Preparedness Corps Tools and Resources

For Families and Individuals

The Information for Families, Individuals, and Caregivers section provides information for parents, people with special needs, pregnant women and others. You can also find fact sheets about natural disasters, like floods or ice storms. You can find out what you need to know about man-made emergencies like a chemical spill or terrorist attack, too.

• Keep Kids Out of Hot Cars! (PDF)
• Health and Safety Recalls

For Health Care Providers

If you are a health care provider the Information for Health Care Providers site has tools and resources to help guide your response to a health emergency. This includes information you can share with your patients as well as materials to help your practice or facility be ready for an emergency.

Together we can take steps to be more aware and better prepared. Make sure New Yorkers are ready when the next disaster happens. Take time to make a plan now!

- PREPAREDNESS ARCHIVES -

National Preparedness Month, 2023

• Take Control in 1, 2, 3  -The Journey Begins Here-
• Older Adult Preparedness
• Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilities
• Guide for Caregivers

Public Health Resources - Winter 2024

• Aware Prepare Information
• Cold Weather Tips
• Don't be Left in the Dark
• Weathering the Storm

Total Solar Eclipse (4/8/24)

The Cattaraugus County Health Department urged anyone who planned to view the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 to avoid looking directly at the sun unless they were wearing special eye protection.  Without proper protection, viewers run the risk of damaging their retinas, which could cause an inability to see colors, the loss of central vision or even permanent blindness. 

• Solar Eclipse Safety

In cooperation with StarNet, a limited supply of eclipse viewing glasses were also available at several of the 35 networked Cattaraugus-Chautauqua public libraries.  Eclipse viewing glasses can also be returned there for recycling.

Extreme Heat Event/Olean Rain Storm Incident (6/19/24)

• Extreme Heat Safety
• First Responder Safety
• Heat Related Illness
• Storm Damage Reporting

Severe Storms (7/10/24)

• Severe Storms Expected Today...
• Severe Weather Tips

Severe Storms (7/15/24 - 7/17/24)

• Slight Risk of Severe Weather this Afternoon (7/15/24)
• State of Emergency Declaration
• Update on State Response to Severe Weather Impacts