Homeland Security and Emergency Services

Poor Air Quality Impacting New York

Protect yourself from unhealthy air conditions

News Release

Current Air Quality

Air Quality Safety Tips Resources to Stay Safe from Unhealthy Air Conditions

Wildfire smoke and high temperatures are creating unhealthy air conditions for New Yorkers. See below for resources to help keep you and others safe.

Air Quality Index - Forecast and Current Observations (NYS Department of Environmental Conservation)
Extreme Weather Guidance for Outdoor Workers (NYS Department of Labor)

Overview DHSES

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services - DHSES - works to protect New Yorkers, their property, and the State's economic well-being from natural and human-caused emergencies and disasters.

DHSES strives to improve readiness and response across the Empire State through planning, training and a multitude of programs and partnerships with government, private sector, and other organizations.

DHSES also coordinates response and recovery efforts of State agencies during emergencies and disasters in support of local government and its constituents.

Save the Date: September 15-17, 2026 2026 Disaster Preparedness Conference

The New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission (DPC) brings together experts from the emergency management field with state and county emergency managers to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and advance promising practices across all phases of emergency management.

Click here for more information

Be Prepared and Stay Safe

Citizen Preparedness Corps

Giving residents tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible.

Learn More About the CPC

Safety and Prevention

Stock up on emergency supplies and knowledge before disaster strikes.

Learn About and Plan for Emergencies

Cancer Prevention Efforts to Protect Firefighters & Families

Governor Hochul recently announced efforts to protect firefighters and their families against cancer.

More Information About Firefighter Cancer Prevention

Training Training Programs and Registration

DHSES delivers and supports training and exercises to ensure first-responder disciplines receive the highest level of attention. Find course information through training program pages or the Learning Management System (LMS) Portal.

DHSES Training Programs

Learning Management System

Photos DHSES At Work

Two exercise participants stand outside the State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany.

June 2025: At the SPTC’s 7th Annual Tactical Week event, law enforcement teams competed by responding to a series of incidents modeled after real-world SWAT responses.

Canine animal holds leash in its mouth outside the State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany

May 2025: 57 explosive detection canine teams from across the state gathered for Canine Week at the State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany.

Responders gather near a subway train with the words "Grand Central" prominently displayed on left side of image.

April 2025: DHSES partnered with MTA Police Department and Long Island Rail Road for a full-scale exercise in Grand Central Madison, New York City.

Division staff member outside wearing winter clothing and observing skier jumping from high platform

February 2025: OEM Regional Staff supported the NYS Olympic Regional Development Authority at the FIS Skiing World Cup in Lake Placid to create a safe event for athletes and thousands...

Communications technician works on communications equipment

November 2024: The NYS Office of Interoperable and Emergency Communications supported Ulster County for wildfires, allowing responders to keep in communication over great distances.

State staff work with county officials to assess damages in the field after a flood event

July 2023: State Office of Emergency Management and Disaster Recovery staff work with Hamilton County officials on damage assessments following flooding in the hard-hit communities of Blue Mountain Lake and...

Fire protection specialist demonstrating decontamination procedures to firefighters donning gear

New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control's Fire Protection Specialist Tim Graves demonstrates decontamination procedures to Albany County firefighters as part of DHSES' statewide firefighter cancer prevention initiative.

Staff take part in annual safety tower climbing training in Queensbury, NY

NYS Office of Interoperable and Emergency Communications staff take part in annual safety tower climbing training in Queensbury to prepare for routine equipment maintenance and potential emergencies.

Office of Fire Prevention and Control staff in Western New York on Christmas Eve conducting checks of stranded vehicles along the NYS Thruway in Erie County.

Office of Fire Prevention and Control staff in Western New York on Christmas Eve 2022 conduct checks of stranded vehicles along the NYS Thruway in Erie County.

State Fire personnel work with local emergency responders to conduct swiftwater rescue training in a large, simulated environment.

July 2023: New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control hosted the Swiftwater Technician training course for members of the New York City Fire Department rescue units.