PreparednessThe State of New York launches disaster preparedness initiatives

The state of New York is implementing a proactive strategy to deal with the threat of terrorism and natural disasters like Superstorm Sandy. Governor Andrew Cuomo is leading several initiatives that grant local municipalities state support for emergency preparedness projects. The state’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), led by commissioner Jerome Hauer, has expanded its regional footprint from five planning/response regions to ten, each led by a regional director, regional coordinator, and a lieutenant from the state police force. These representatives will work with members of other state agencies including the DHSES Office of Fire Prevention and Control to serve as the state’s primary liaison with local emergency managers. With this structure, resources can be deployed quickly to help cities and counties during emergency situations.

New York has also developed a state-funded interoperable communications program to allow local and state public safety agencies and first responders to communicate during disasters. To date, $215 million has been awarded to all fifty-seven counties and New York City through thirteen regional partnerships. Counties must deploy proprietary communications technology to be eligible for state reimbursement for project expenses.

As part of its new preparedness plan, DHSES has improved its regional stockpile program which holds a variety of resources, including generators, large-scale pumps, cots, blankets, and water, along with specialty emergency items such as mass casualty equipment and other resources often needed during a disaster. Emergency Management reports that officials have developed a strategic fuel reserve and a program to issue backup generators to gas stations along evacuation routes.

New York State also offers an emergency management training program for elected officials so they are prepared to serve their communities during disasters. The governor’s office requires county chief executives and emergency managers to complete emergency training courses for their counties to remain eligible for grants administered by DHSES. The State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC), housed in a former airport in Oriskany, New York with more than 700 acres, includes several courses to train emergency managers for all levels of disasters. In 2013, more than 13,000 individuals were trained at the SPTC, including 4,500 teachers and school officials. Officials plan to train at least 18,000 individuals this year in courses including active shooter events.

Often in large-scale emergencies, residents are asked to remain in safe zones until public safety officers arrive, but the state now wants the public to be readily available to respond to disasters, “as a member of (the) public will often be the first to the scene of an emergency.” The newly launched Citizen Preparedness Corps will train residents to be ready for any type of disaster. Response kits that contain key items to assist in the aftermath of a disaster will be distributed to trainees. The training provided by the New York National Guard, and experts from DHSES aims to enroll 100,000 residents this year.

The state’s proactive approach to emergency management is expected to adapt as new risks emerge. “Mother Nature has become much more aggressive, so we too must adopt a similar posture to ensure we are ready to respond effectively when the next disaster strikes, Hauer writes.