Winter Preparedness 2008

Winter weather can be unforgiving at times, delivering lake-effect snows and ice storms, blizzard-like conditions and subzero temperatures. New Yorkers everywhere – from New York City to Buffalo, from Jamestown to Plattsburgh and all points in between -- need to be prepared to safely enjoy the winter season. Visit our Winter Preparedness page for information you should know in order to be prepared for the winter months ahead.


Safety Tip of the Week of Nov. 3

Many people may turn to using kerosene heaters, and wood or pellet stoves or fire up the fireplace that hasn’t been used in years to cut down on heating costs. When it comes to heaters and stoves, people should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure these devices are properly installed.  They should be properly vented.  They also should have their fireplace examined by a professional, including their chimney flues to ensure there is no build-up of creosote which is a common cause of chimney fires.


Citizen Corps Grant Program - 2008

The FFY08 Citizen Corps Grant application period began on September 16, 2008. The grant program, part of the FFY08 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) and made available through the Department of Homeland Security, makes available $532,253.60 to local units of governments. The grant program is being administered by the New York State Emergency Management Office (NYSEMO).

The Request for Assistance (RFA) / Grant Guidance and Application (PDF) for the grant is available here.  The FFY08 Citizen Corps Grant is a competitive reimbursement grant.  Applications must be postmarked no later than November 1, 2008.

The Grant Application and Narrative Workplan (MS Word document) is posted for convenience in applying.  Also, the Appendix  A, Standard Clauses for NYS Contract, a required document for application, is also available in MS Word format. 


Emergency Management Times Online

SEMO's monthly newsletter, the Emergency Management Times, is now available online.


Be Prepared

Every community's level of preparedness begins with its individual families and businesses.  Take time to learn how you can be better prepared to protect yourself and your loved ones.  Develop emergency plans and make certain that proper emergency supplies are readily available at home, at work or anywhere else that you and your family spend time.

It pays to Be Prepared!

For more information, visit the Office of Homeland Security's Aware/Prepare web site.


FEMA Grants and Assistance Program

FEMA’s Grants and Assistance Programs web page lists multiple funding sources to assist emergency management officials with programs such as training, food and sheltering programs, and hazard mitigation funding.

Visit SEMO’s Related Links web page (under the Information tab above) to view, or click the following link:

www.fema.gov/government/grant/index.shtm


News
NY-ALERT

NY-ALERT, the New York State All-Hazards Alert and Notification web-based system, went online June 1.  The website – www.nyalert.gov – offers one-stop shopping through which State and local governments can provide emergency information to a defined audience (local, county, regional or statewide). It is part of New York State's ongoing commitment to provide New Yorkers with information so that they will understand risks and threats they may face on a daily basis and know how to respond accordingly.

The public can use RSS (Real Simple Syndicate) reader technology to begin receiving automatic updates from NY-ALERT for events statewide, or for just their community.  People have the abilty to subscribe on the NY-ALERT website to receive emergency information via email, phone call (traditional, VOIP, or cell), fax, or via cell phone or pager text messages.

A video overview of NY-ALERT is available. 


The New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission is responsible for the preparation of State disaster plans ... (more)

New York State Executive Law, Article 2-B, is the 1978 enacting legislation that created the DPC ... (more)


NYS Terrorism Tips Hotline

If You See Something, Say Something.

1-866-SAFE NYS

NYS Terrorism Tips Hotline