New Yorkers are urged to stay informed on the current influenza outbreak and follow the evolving guidance from national, state and local public health authorities.
Governor Paterson has activated New York State’s health emergency preparedness plan, and put the State on high alert to quickly identify and respond to any cases of H1N1 flu. For the latest information, visit New York State's H1N1 Influenza Update Page.
The New York State Emergency Management Office joins the New York State Department of Health in encouraging New Yorkers to practice good health hygiene and follow these tips to help reduce the spread of influenza:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
- Avoid contact with people who are ill.
- Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
For questions on H1N1 influenza, call the New York State Health Department’s hotline at 1-800-808-1987. New York City residents should call 311.
Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Learn more from the World Health Organization.
All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. Lightning kills more people in the United States each year than tornadoes. Outdoors is the most dangerous place to be during a severe thunderstorm. When severe weather is forecast, see safe shelter.
A house or other substantial building offers the best protection from lightning. For a shelter to provide protection, it must contain a mechanism for conducting the electrical current from the point of contact to the ground. These mechanisms may be on the outside of the structure, contained within the walls of the structure, or a combination of both. On the outside, lightning can travel along the outer shell of the building or may follow metal gutters and downspouts to the ground. Inside a structure, lightning can follow conductors such as the electrical wiring, plumbing, and telephone lines to the ground.
The New York State Homeland Security Strategy is the State’s approach to building the necessary capabilities to address terrorism and other man-made and natural catastrophes. It also will help guide strategic planning and investment to ensure the effective use of the federal homeland security grants and other funding sources to support local and State homeland security initiatives.
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.
The New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) is accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) related to the major disaster declaration FEMA-1827-DR-NY, “New York Severe Winter Storm.” Eligible sub-applicants include local and state governments, Native American tribes or tribal organizations, and eligible private non-profit (PNP) organizations. Click here for more details. For the LOI form, click here.
