Legislation to Improve Preparation and Response for Disaster Emergencies Becomes Law

July 12, 2013

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi (D-Utica) announced legislation that he supported to help streamline emergency preparedness and response during disasters has been signed into law (Ch.101 of 2013). This new measure will improve our current emergency laws by helping coordinate resources, implement the NY-Text System, and allow the state to accept gifts and services for assistance.

“Unfortunately, storms and natural disasters are becoming a more common problem for New Yorkers and our region has seen its fair share lately,” said Assemblyman Brindisi. “Our families deserve the utmost protection and need to rest assured that the state is prepared and can respond quickly.”

Under this new law, the NYS Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) is removed from the Department of State and consolidated into the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES). Additionally, the new law permits fax or other electronic ways of communication as a method for sheriffs to notify the Governor when a state of special emergency is declared in a particular county.

“This past storm alone, we’ve seen over 150 Mohawk Valley homes flooded and severely damaged,” said Assemblyman Brindisi. “Throughout this process, we’ve learned that it’s important for local, state and federal efforts to be coordinated. This law is a step in the right direction in these efforts.”

The new law will also implement the NY-Text system, which will allow for mass text messages to be sent to all wireless telephones in a chosen area before, during or after an emergency. The law also allows the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to accept assistance, in the forms of gifts and services – excluding money – from a public or private source in order to prepare for, respond to, or recover from an emergency disaster.

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