In September, our nation observes National Preparedness Month. This is a time for us to think about how we, as a community, can better equip ourselves with home and business emergency plans, municipal and school disaster plans, and assess what resources our communities need to stay safe and secure.

Certainly, the chief concerns of the people in the flood-affected regions of Oneida County are to recover and rebuild even stronger than before. Additionally, first responders in the region are already thinking about the future and how to be better prepared should another catastrophic event like the flash flooding occur.

Emergency personnel throughout my Assembly District have told me they need more volunteers. It is truly heartening that thousands of selfless individuals here in upstate New York devote so much of their time to help protect and save lives throughout our communities. Although we have many fine volunteers here in the Mohawk Valley and North Country, more still are needed.

EMT groups are eager to expand volunteer participation during the 9-to-5 workday. Volunteering as a first responder can be tremendously rewarding, as it involves saving lives and serving our hometown communities.

After witnessing the aftermath of the Oneida County flash floods and hearing stories about how firefighters and EMTs saved so many lives, I can’t encourage people in my district enough to explore the idea of becoming a first responder.

So, as we observe National Disaster Preparedness Month, I encourage you to call your local EMT squad or fire department now and sign-up to volunteer. To those who already serve our communities, thank you for all that you do.

If you have ideas about disaster preparedness or first responder issues, please call my office at (315) 493-3909 or email me at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us.