A new Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program aims to train New Yorkers to be ready for disasters and emergencies.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the goal is to train 100,000 New Yorkers in 2014. More than 600 people in Staten Island and 600 in Suffolk County participated in the first trainings on Saturday led by the New York National Guard.

Cuomo also announced the launch of a new website, www.prepare.ny.gov , to provide information about training sessions, disaster preparedness tips, and ways to volunteer in case of a disaster.

Participants in the training sessions receive a free Citizen Preparedness Corps Response Starter Kit. That includes a plastic drop cloth, first aid kit, face mask, safety goggles, pocket radio with batteries, flashlight, emergency blanket, duct tape, water, food bars, and work gloves.

(AP)