Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Westchester) helped sponsor one of New York State’s most recently signed laws (Chapter 101 of 2013). This law improves the state’s ability to streamline emergency communications and protocols between the state, local governments and emergency departments, while also strengthening the NY-Text message alert system to warn families of potential storms and emergencies.
“This is the next step in a series of measures the Assembly and Governor have addressed in storm preparedness, making sure lessons learned from Sandy are taken seriously,” Assemblyman Buchwald said. “Ensuring lines of communication between emergency response teams and local governments are crisp and clear can make all the difference in preventing loss of life. These updated measures improve the state’s efficiency and capabilities to prepare and respond to future natural disasters.”
The new law will also expedite the implementation of the NY-Text emergency alert system, which will relay important emergency information to families’ cell phones before, during or after an emergency. The law provides immunity from liability to cell phone companies for their participation in the alert system.
Individuals and organizations will also be able to donate goods and services, excluding money, to the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) in order to help prepare or recover from natural disasters. A public database of donors and recipients and any value of assistance will be maintained to ensure transparency.
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