SEMO has joined Twitter! To increase our outreach efforts and help New Yorkers become better prepared for emergencies, we will be “tweeting” daily to provide situational awareness and general preparedness information. So follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NYSEMO.
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 can use to be prepared for the winter months ahead.
New Yorkers can check to see if they may be eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), and a host of other benefits, by answering a few, simple questions quickly and anonymously online at: www.mybenefits.ny.gov
Additional information on the Home Energy Assistance Program can be found at: http://www.otda.state.ny.us/main/heap/
The NYS Aware Prepare Training Portal provides access to training opportunities and information from participating New York State agencies and partner organizations.
The Lake Champlain Bridge that spanned the state line between New York State and Vermont has been demolished. A free, 24-hour temporary ferry between Crown Point, NY and Addison, VT is now open to the public. Please visit www.lcbclosure.org or www.ferries.com for the most current information about the ferry and progress on the new Lake Champlain Bridge.
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.
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.
