Today, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) joined with state Sen. Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) and Corning Mayor Rich Negri (R-Corning) to inform area residents about an upcoming “Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program.”

The statewide, state-sponsored initiative seeks to prepare 100,000 New Yorkers with special training in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.

The training will take place December 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Corning-Painted Post High School. It is free of charge. Prospective attendees must register online for the event. According to the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, registration is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

To register, visit http://prepare.ny.gov/training-events.

“You can never be too prepared in the face of an emergency situation,” said the public officials in a joint statement. “This training will provide area residents with valuable insight and skills. Floods and extreme winter weather are just two of the natural forces that can cause residents of the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions great distress. We encourage all interested parties to register for this useful training.”

Participants will be advised about how to properly prepare for natural and man-made emergencies. They will be encouraged to formulate a family emergency plan and ensure that their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are properly functioning. Additionally, emergency kits equipped with life-saving materials will be distributed to all participants.