Don't Miss This Free Event Series Across Five Unique Locations! Get Prepared for Winter and Connect with Your Community. Registration for Emergency Bags has closed, but all are welcome to attend this event series with over 40 vendors, contests, and resources!
About This Series
After the historic December 2022 blizzard, we are all keenly aware of the challenges winter can bring our city. The Buffalo Common Council is focused on ensuring everyone is prepared for potential future emergencies by offering useful tools and resources.
We invite you to join this special event series aimed at winter readiness. This series is in collaboration with trusted local organizations and will provide key tips and resources, from energy-saving measures to emergency kits.
This event is free and open to all community members. It's a practical way to access important information that can benefit you and your neighbors.
We hope to see you there!
Locations & Dates
Equip Yourself for Winter Challenges
- "Build Your Own" Winter Weather Care Kits
- Hands-on trainings and educational opportunities
- Food & Shelter Resources: Information on local shelters and food resources.
- Register for Assistance Programs: Sign up for crucial support programs.
- Community Engagement: Foster a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Door Prizes At Each Event!
At every event in this series, we have exciting door prizes up for grabs, including a chance to win a $100 Tops Markets Gift Card! The best part? Everyone who registers for the event is automatically entered into these fantastic prize drawings. So, mark your calendars because these special drawings will take place at each event. Join us for a chance to walk away with some fantastic prizes and valuable information!
Thank you to Tops Markets for their generous partership!
Build Your Own Emergency Preparedness Bag
Each registered participant at our event will have the opportunity to build their own emergency preparedness bag. Supplies included in the bag are as follows:
- ✓Totes
- ✓Winter gloves and/or neck warmers
- ✓Can opener
- ✓Flashlight & batteries
- ✓Emergency Blankets
- ✓First aid kit
- ✓Matches
- ✓Hand warmers
- ✓Winter Ride Guides
- ✓National Fuel Bags
- ✓COVID tests
- ✓Candles
- ✓Notepad
- ✓Tissues
And more! Only registered guests will be guaranteed bags, so register today!
Get Your Free Flu Shot!
We're pleased to announce that Wegmans Pharmacy will be at select locations, where they'll be administering free flu and COVID shots! To ensure you receive your flu and/or COVID shot, it's important to register in advance. If you plan to attend the event at the Northwest Buffalo Community Center or Central Library, please indicate this when signing up. We'll provide you with information on the nearest location where you can conveniently get your free flu and/or COVID shot. Your health and well-being are our priorities, and we want to make it easy for you to stay protected during the winter season. Register today to secure your spot and access this valuable service!
Thank you to Wegmans for their generous partership!
Sponsors, Partners, and Participants
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is dedicated to preventing and alleviating human suffering in emergencies through volunteer efforts.
What They Will Be Providing:
Disaster preparedness training, including first aid and emergency response, as well as an information table filled with important brochures and resources.
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Board of Block Club
The Board of Block Club aims to empower local communities through neighborhood involvement and awareness.
What They Will Be Providing:
Offering crucial information about local happenings, crime reports, and community improvement initiatives.
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211
211 serves as a comprehensive hub for community, social, health, and disaster services.
What They Will Be Providing:
Information on various community services, including emergency food, housing, and mental health support.
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National Fuel
National Fuel is a diversified energy company focused on the distribution of natural gas.
What They Will Be Providing:
Winter Kits containing essentials like blankets, hand warmers, and tips on conserving energy.
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Buffalo City Mission
Buffalo City Mission aims to provide essential services to Buffalo homeless and impoverished population.
What They Will Be Providing:
Tabling at events, connecting with Project Homeless and Homeless Alliance, and distributing printouts that detail shelter locations and services offered.
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National Grid
National Grid is one of the largest investor-owned energy companies, focused on electric and gas utility.
What They Will Be Providing:
Resources and information about power outages, including how to prepare and what to do when an outage occurs.
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Buffalo Police
The Buffalo Police Department is committed to maintaining public order and enhancing the quality of life for all Buffalo citizens.
What They Will Be Providing:
A meet-and-greet session with constituents to discuss concerns and engage with the community.
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311
311 is the go-to service for Buffalo residents to report non-emergency issues and get information.
What They Will Be Providing:
Providing residents with information about city services, local ordinances, and reporting mechanisms.
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Erie County Department of Social Services
The Erie County Department of Social Services provides various assistance programs and services to support the well-being of residents.
What They Will Be Providing:
The department will offer guidance on HEAP, SNAP, and STAR for warmth and food security, as well as emergency home repair services for a safe winter.
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Border Community SERVICE of Niagara University
Border Community SERVICE of Niagara University is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing assistance and support to communities along the border region.
What They Will Be Providing:
They will be offering emergency blankets and great resources on how to handle weather emergencies.
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Buffalo Public Schools
BBuffalo Public Schools is an educational institution committed to fostering the growth and development of students in Western New York.
What They Will Be Providing:
They offer tabling services to share valuable family resources and provide information about local food banks, contributing to the well-being of the community.
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Mental Health Advocates of WNY
Mental Health Advocates of Western New York is an organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for mental health issues in the region.
What They Will Be Providing:
They offer information and resources about seasonal depression, helping individuals understand and cope with this common mental health challenge.
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Care Management Coalition of WNY
The Care Management Coalition is a group committed to improving healthcare coordination and management in Western New York.
What They Will Be Providing:
They will supply COVID-19 prevention materials, contributing to the safety and well-being of event attendees.
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Highmark Western New York
Highmark Western New York is a healthcare organization dedicated to providing quality health services and support in the region.
What They Will Be Providing:
They provide tote bags, glove warmers, neck warmers, and valuable information resources, enhancing the event experience.
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Wegmans
Wegmans is a grocery store chain and pharmacy that cares about community health.
What They Will Be Providing:
They offer on-site flu shots, promoting community wellness.
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NFTA
NFTA is committed to providing reliable transportation services in the region.
What They Will Be Providing:
They offer a winter rider fact sheet with resources and information to ensure safe transportation during winter.
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Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service
Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service focuses on serving residents with hearing impairments and disabilities.
What They Will Be Providing:
They offer services for residents who are hard of hearing, hearing impaired, and deaf, along with resources to support individuals with disabilities.
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Tops Friendly Market
Tops Friendly Market is a grocery store chain and pharmacy that cares about community health.
What They Will Be Providing:
Tops Friendly Market is generously offering $100 gift cards as door prizes at all five events.
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Erie County Department of Health
Erie County Department of Health is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its residents by prioritizing public health, safety, and well-being, and by continuously striving to meet the evolving needs of the community it serves
What They Will Be Providing:
The Erie County Department of Health is actively promoting winter preparedness through "Let’s Get Ready for Winter” newsletters, offering $20 TOPS gift cards as raffle prizes to incentivize participation in a winter preparedness survey aimed at better serving the community.
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Elderwood Health Plan
Elderwood Health Plan has a dedication to enhancing the health and well-being of individuals in their care is evident in their comprehensive healthcare services, community engagement, and commitment to person-centered care.
What They Will Be Providing:
Elderwood Health Plan is contributing to the event by providing essential supplies, including tissues and notepads, along with valuable informational resources.
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DiVal Safety Equipment
DiVal Safety Equipment is a reputable and trusted provider of safety and protective equipment, services, and solutions.
What They Will Be Providing:
DiVal Safety is generously contributing to the event by providing a significant donation of essential winter items to help attendees stay warm and safe during the colder months, including 304 Pairs of Insulated Gloves, 160 Individual Hand Warmers, and 20 Knit Winter Hats
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