School group teams up with Genesee County corps

The Byron-Bergen Emergency Response Team (BBERT), a group of students who are trained to assist in a Red Cross emergency shelter, are teaming up with the newly formed Genesee Region Citizen Corps Council.

The mission of the Citizen Corps Council is to make communities safer, stronger places to live through education, training and volunteer service of residents. This goal aligns with the purpose of BBERT, which was formed last year, thanks to a state grant from Learn and Serve America.

With another western New York winter on the horizon, BBERT and the Citizen Corps Council remind residents that what you have on hand when a disaster strikes can make a difference. Every household should store enough supplies for each member of the family for at least three days. Parents and children can build an in-home emergency kit together, using the following information:

•Water - Have at least one gallon per person per day.

•Food - Pack non-perishable, high-protein items, like energy bars, ready-to-eat soup, peanut butter. Select foods that require no refrigeration, minimal preparation and little or no water.

•Flashlight and battery-operated radio - include extra batteries for both.

•First aid kit - Pack a reference guide with the supplies.

•Medications - Always have at least a three day supply (but watch expiration dates).

•Tools - You'll need a wrench to turn off gas, if necessary, a manual can opener, screwdriver, hammer, pliers, knife and garage bags with ties.

•Clothing - Provide a change of clothes (appropriate for the season) for everyone, including sturdy shoes and gloves.

•Portable bedding - In the event that you need to move to a basement or a room with a fireplace, keep blankets or quilts and pillows handy for your family's warmth and comfort.

•Personal items - Remember eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution, and copies of important papers (identification cards, insurance policies, birth certificates, passports, etc.).

•Sanitary supplies - You'll want toilet paper, towelettes, feminine hygiene supplies, personal hygiene items and bleach.

•Money - Have some cash (ATMs and credit cards may not work if power is interrupted).

•Contact information - Carry a current list of family phone numbers and email addresses, including someone out of the area who may be easier to reach if local phone lines are out of service or overloaded.

•Items to pass the time - Books, cards, games and crafts are good things to keep around, especially to entertain children when the power goes out.

•Pet supplies - Include food, water and bowl, a leash, litter box or plastic bags, tags, any medications and vaccination information.

•Map - Consider marking evacuation routes.

Store disaster supplies in a sturdy but easy-to-carry container. A large, covered trash bin, overnight backpack or duffel bag will work. Keep a smaller version of the kit in a vehicle in case inclement weather strands someone way from home.