September is National Preparedness Month and the Red Cross Northeastern New York Region (ARCNEY) is telling families to make a disaster plan so they can be ready for the next emergency. 

ARCNEY says plans should include designating elements such as a meeting place outside the home,  an out-of-area contact person and location where everyone can meet in case of a disaster.

"Disasters can strike at any time and being prepared is a family's best defense," said Colleen Dundas, ARCNENY Regional Preparedness Associate. "Making a plan is an important step in making sure all household members know what to do in an emergency."

Sporting licenses will be on sale beginning Aug. 13.

People will be able to purchase hunting, trapping and fishing licenses, apply for deer management permits (DMPs), register for recreational marine fishing, donate to habitat/access stamps and other donation sources.

Click here for more information.

ALBANY – Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation making it easier for New Yorkers to experience fishing for the first time. The legislation increases the number of free fishing clinics across the state.

The clinics, conducted by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, help introduce families to recreational angling. Participants are not required to have a fishing license in order to attend these clinics.

Previously, only four clinics could be held each year in each DEC region and required the instruction to be by DEC employees.

Today’s law not only allows for more clinics, it authorizes other entities to conduct fishing clinics with DEC authorization.

It is estimated that the sport fishing industry in New York generates $1.8 billion and over 17,000 jobs.