Terry O'Leary | Acting Commissioner

Last week, @DHSESCommish and @GovKathyHochul's team met with @ConsulMexNuy to discuss important preparations ahead of the numerous events this summer, including the @FIFAWorldCup. Together, we're ensuring New York is ready.

Those who choose a life as a firefighter know the dangers of this work and walk toward it anyway, ready to make their communities safer. Today, we reflect on their dedication, their strength, and their service. We will never forget their sacrifice.

NYS' public safety canines & their handlers work in ever-evolving landscapes – training is key to keeping themselves and their communities safe. DHSES is proud to host Canine Week for the sixth time & we thank our law enforcement partners for their participation & their service.

New York’s volunteer firefighters are critical parts of communities statewide. Thanks to the leadership & support of @GovKathyHochul, this stipend program expansion will continue to help volunteer departments recruit & retain members, keeping themselves & their communities safe.

During a severe weather emergency, every second counts. You can’t prepare for an emergency during the emergency, which makes planning ahead key to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. Have a plan, build a kit, and sign up for emergency alerts to stay informed.

Today, @DHSESCommish & OIEC staff had the honor of visiting the Columbia County 9-1-1 Center! We wanted to thank the staff for their tireless work & dedication. This center is the critical first response for all 911 calls in Columbia County, guaranteeing help during emergencies.

Approximately 240 million 9-1-1 calls are made across the country every year. ☎️ This #NationalPublicSafetyTelecommunicatorsWeek, join us in thanking our 911 dispatchers and telecommunicators for their hard work and dedication to keeping New Yorkers safe.

Congratulations to Megan Abel from OEM and the Admin & Finance Fleet and Facilities team for being named DHSES Employee & Team of Quarter 4! These employees have gone above and beyond to support our mission, and we recognize them for their amazing work!

The February blizzard was the latest severe weather event to impact the downstate region, and it is a priority of @GovKathyHochul to ensure New York has the resources it needs to respond to and recover from every storm. governor.ny.gov/news/governor-…

SCAM ALERT: We’ve been notified that scammers are contacting New Yorkers via phone & text claiming to be from DHSES, requesting payment & personal info. If you receive such a text or call it is a scam. Do not share your personal info & report the text through the proper channel.

Our first responders must receive the support they need to take care of themselves the way that they take care of others. This new training will provide mental health professionals with the insight they need to work with first responders and expand treatment options.

Thousands of people put their lives on the line during the attacks on September 11th and during the days immediately after. It is of the utmost importance that the World Trade Center Health Program remains fully staffed and accessible. governor.ny.gov/news/governor-…

Cyber attacks are increasingly used by bad actors to threaten our communities, and it’s essential we do all we can to strengthen the cyber defenses of critical infrastructure. Thank you @GovKathyHochul, for these cybersecurity regulations and grants. governor.ny.gov/news/governor-…

Since taking office, @GovKathyHochul has placed a clear focus on strengthening our state’s public safety and emergency management postures and I am honored that she has asked me to lead the Division in carrying this vision forward. governor.ny.gov/news/governor-…

When this week’s historic storm sped up the East Coast, Massachusetts was hit even harder than New York. While we are still digging out in some places, we are happy to have team members bring extra resources to help our Bay State neighbors. governor.ny.gov/news/governor-…

A major winter storm is impacting New York now. If you live on Long Island, New York City, or the Hudson Valley, avoid travel today into Monday. Sign up for emergency alerts by texting your county or borough name to 333111. New York is ready. We’ll get through this together.

Heavy snow and strong winds will impact the state this afternoon through Monday. Blizzard conditions are expected in NYC, LI & portions of the Mid-Hudson. Snowfall rates of 2-3"/hour are expected. Gusty winds up to 65 mph may cause power outages. Coastal flooding is possible.

In support of the nor’easter downstate, the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated. The Division’s staff are working closely with local, state, and federal partners to monitor the situation and support local requests for assistance.

Our new all-terrain rescue vehicle is on Long Island supporting our storm response. It can carry more than 20 people and will assist local crews with search and rescue operations. We’re ready for whatever this storm brings.

I am declaring a State of Emergency in New York City, Long Island, parts of the Hudson Valley and Capital Region ahead of tomorrow’s winter storm. 100 members of the National Guard members & 25 vehicles are being deployed to assist local partners. Text your county to 333111 for forecast updates.