Commissioner Bray Announces Hurricane Response Tabletop Planning ...

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Commissioner Jackie Bray today announced that DHSES, in partnership with the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management and the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services held a hurricane preparedness tabletop exercise on June 27 in Melville. The exercise, that brought together representatives from State and local governments, utility companies and response agencies will help enhance emergency response readiness for the 2024 hurricane season.

Fifteen tropical storm systems have directly impacted New York State since 2012, and the frequency has doubled over the last six years. With the growing number of storms, the need to prepare for their impacts is critical.

Commissioner Bray said, "We know that the number and intensity of storms that could hit or impact Long Island this year is significant. The team at DHSES works closely with emergency managers, utility companies and first responders throughout the year to ensure our readiness for extreme weather that effects Long Island communities, and this year we are re-doubling our efforts based on the frequency and strength of projected storms."

The Atlantic hurricane forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts between 17 - 35 named storms including 8 - 13 hurricanes in 2024, with an 85% chance of an above normal season.

The discussion-based exercise simulated response activities that would be triggered when a major hurricane or tropical storm threatens or hits Long Island. The exercise focused on three primary timeframes for potential storm response including the three to four days pre-landfall, activities immediately following the storm, and those that would follow in the aftermath. The group identified organizational roles and responsibilities, assessed operational response coordination plans and discussed ways to refine response plans.

Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman said, "By coming together to prepare for hurricanes and other serious events, we will be able to best serve our residents should one of these dangerous weather events occur. Thank you to our local, state, and federal partners for their commitment to public safety, and for making this successful exercise possible."

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said, "We thank New York State for holding this critically important exercise. Only through partnership and teamwork can we keep our residents safe during dangerous weather events, and this training will play an instrumental role in our response."

Residents are encouraged to visit their county's websites to understand their risk and whether they live within an evacuation zone.

Since 2014, DHSES has issued more than $11 billion in federal and state funds to communities impacted by hurricane and tropical storms Irene, Lee, Sandy, Isaias, Ida and Fred. Funds were used for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure.

In December 2023, Governor Hochul announced the creation of the New York State Weather Risk Communication Center at the State University of New York at Albany. The Center is a first-of-its kind operational collaboration between university researchers and state emergency managers and serves as a clearinghouse for critical weather information. It also works to develop tools to help emergency managers make informed decisions to help protect communities and examines how communicating extreme weather risks to the public can be improved.

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism, natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit NYSDHSES on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and visit dhses.ny.gov.

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