Adults and children learn to be ready before, during and after a disaster
September is National Preparedness Month, and with Hurricane Lane recently flooding Hawaii with more than 50 inches of rain, we are reminded that an emergency can happen at any moment. Since its launch in 2016, BeReadyLI.org, a collaboration between United Way of Long Island, PSEG Foundation, PSEG Long Island and 2-1-1 Long Island, has worked to help tens of thousands of Long Islanders prepare before, during and after disasters by encouraging families to take simple steps that help ensure their safety.
United Way’s 2-1-1 Long Island, a comprehensive resource database, bolsters local disaster efforts of organizations like the American Red Cross on Long Island, the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island and Island Harvest by helping to mobilize and assist disaster-affected families, as well as inform residents on how to help their neighbors by enlisting as a volunteer. Expanding on those services, BeReadyLI.org enhances access to Long Islanders with timely and accurate information to improve emergency readiness, as well as recovery resources including transportation updates, town and village contact information and government websites.
“Long Island is subject to a number of weather conditions that could be cause for concern, but it’s not always the rain and snow that could be dangerous,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island. “Something as simple as a heatwave or heavy winds could be cause for concern, which is why it is crucial that we are prepared year-round for any emergency that could come our way. BeReadyLI has all the information that Long Islanders need, in one place, so that they are ready and safe.”
“When it comes to emergencies, big or small, PSEG Long Island urges all families to take the steps necessary to be ready to handle a situation at a moment’s notice,” added Daniel Eichhorn, president and COO, PSEG Long Island. “Oftentimes, there are special precautions that need to be considered - particular health concerns, young children, or pets - that can all be found on BeReadyLI.org, including the BeReadyLI Children’s Workshop – a tremendous asset for parents and schools in learning how children can be prepared.”
In an effort to educate family members of all ages, BeReadyLI offers a Children’s Workshop, an interactive lesson offered to students in preschool through second grade teaching them the basics of emergency preparedness in a fun and approachable way. The BeReadyLI Children’s Workshop has helped more than 20,000 young children learn the importance of knowing their full names, and the whole names of their caregivers, how to recognize who can help them in an emergency and what they should put in their emergency ‘go packs’. Children are sent home with an activity booklet and flyer so that their caregivers can continue educating the entire family about the importance of preparedness.
BeReadyLI encourages everyone to take the first step in protecting themselves. Take the Pledge to be Prepared, test your preparedness knowledge by taking the Quiz, and learn more on how you can prepare for an emergency - visit BeReadyLI.org or 211li.org. For more information on the Children’s Workshop, and how to request it at your school visit bereadyli.org/bereadyli-childrens-workshop.
About United Way of Long Island
United Way of Long Island advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, financial stability and health. We recruit people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change. United Way of Long Island is part of a worldwide network spanning across 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. For more information about United Way of Long Island, please visit www.UnitedWayLI.org, Facebook or Twitter.
About PSEG Long Island
PSEG Long Island operates the Long Island Power Authority’s transmission and distribution system under a 12-year contract. PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (NYSE:PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company with annual revenues of $9.1 billion.
About 2-1-1 Long Island
2-1-1 Long Island, a project of United Way of Long Island and Middle Country Public Library, is an easy to remember telephone number to connect to a 24/7 call center staffed by Certified Call Specialists who confidentially analyze each caller’s needs and provide referrals to an inventory of 10,000+ unique community resources. Since 2010, 2-1-1 Long Island has received more than 75,000 calls, with nearly 1 million visitors to 211LongIsland.com. 2-1-1 Long Island is a comprehensive model in which several organizations work together to improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.