REGION — The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services published a comprehensive guide to disaster preparedness titled “Emergency Information Handbook.”

The handbook covers nearly everything you need to know about disasters, both natural and manmade, and lists the top 10 steps to safety .

“An emergency—be it a natural disaster such as a flood or winter storm, a power outage or a terrorist act—can occur quickly and without warning,” reads the introduction to the fact-filled manual. “Although we cannot prevent emergencies, there are some simple things we can do as individuals, families, and organizations to be better prepared.”

The booklet cites two actions of life-saving importance in personal and family protection: “develop an emergency plan, and prepare a portable cache of emergency supplies that can be used at home or at work.”

The Emergency Services Handbook stresses the importance of being prepared. “Pay attention to the news… your local radio and television stations can provide you with up-to-date information during an emergency.”

It also recommends that people know which local radio stations are part of the Emergency Alert System. One can also purchase a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio.”

On the topic of being prepared for terrorist attacks, the handbook notes in part, “the most effective homeland security strategy begins with the individual in these uncertain times.” If people see something unusual or suspicious, they should call local law enforcement, or call New York State’s Terrorism Tips line at 866/723-3697.

The publication covers a broad range of tips on how to prepare for and deal with natural disasters from earthquakes, fires, wildfires, floods, hurricanes, landslides, lightning, thunderstorms, tornadoes, as well as seasonal issues such as winter weather and extreme heat.

According to the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the state created an all-hazards alert and notification system, “a web-based portal that allows state agencies, county and local governments, emergency service agencies and institutions of higher learning to provide emergency alerting information and private notifications to a defined audience (local, county, regional or statewide).”

There is no charge for NY-ALERT. Interested people can sign up, and they will receive emergency information regarding major road closures and adverse weather events via email or by a telephone call at home or at work. Alerts are also available by text, or on the web through a Really Simple Syndicate (RSS) reader. People can also visit the NY-ALERT website at www.nyalert.gov. A mobile app is available at iAlertz.com.

If you do not have access to the internet, you can still sign up for NY-ALERT by calling 888/697-6972.

Source: New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

Learn more

More information regarding how to prepare for a broad range of emergencies can be obtained online.

In New York

Visit the New York State (NYS) Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services (www.dhses.ny.gov), NYS Prepare (www.prepare.ny.gov), the New York State Department of Health (www.nyhealth.gov), the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) and the NYS Office of Cyber Security (its.ny.gov/eiso).

In Pennsylvania

Visit the Department of Homeland Security (https://www.homelandsecurity.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx), ReadyPa (www.ready.pa.gov), the PA Department of Health (www.health.pa.gov), the Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region (www.redcross.org/local/pennsylvania/greater-pennsylvania.html) and for cybersecurity, check out ReadyPA’s cybersecurity posts at bit.ly/40bPGrs.