This summer has been a hard one for New York. Multiple heatwaves, and the resulting storms, have been hitting the state relentlessly since mid-June.
This past Tuesday, thunderstorms hit several areas of the state, leaving over 170,000 Upstate New Yorkers without power, Governor Hochul said. Knowing New York is in a crisis, Governor Hochul has declared a state of emergency.
Considering that the state has seen weather conditions that aren’t usual for New York, Governor Hochul’s actions are not shocking.
“With possible tornado touchdowns across the state, we are standing ready to assist localities however necessary as severe weather continues to move across the state…New Yorkers should…monitor their local forecasts…prepare for hazardous travels and other impacts from these storms” Governor Hochul says.
Governor Hochul wasn’t kidding when she said the government was “ready to assist”. Organizations and offices in New York have been busy, planning nonstop to ensure they are ready to help New Yorkers in these difficult times.
The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services activated the State Emergency Operations Center to Enhanced Monitoring Mode. As the Governor’s website explains, this involves tracking storms in real-time and assisting local governments.
The State Office of Fire Prevention and Control is also taking precautions. Activating its Fire Operations Center, the State’s water rescue teams are expected to be prepared to respond.
For Oneida County, cleanup crews have been put together by the New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation. The State Incident Management Team, responsible for providing answers to disasters, has also been deployed recently. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and Emergency Management experts will also assist in response efforts.
According to the Governor’s website, utility companies are working hard to minimize and repair impacts on energy sector infrastructure, helping those who lost power in the recent storm. The utility companies are working directly with the Department of Public Service to accomplish this.
Meanwhile, New York State’s Department of Transportation is working on cleanup to ensure water runoff continues. The New York State Police, in addition to assisting local law enforcement, will provide support to the Oriskany State Preparedness Center and other areas as necessary.
While a state of emergency is and will always be unnerving to some extent, rest assured that the state is doing everything possible to keep its citizens safe.
