Overview
The responsibilities of the Disaster Preparedness Commission (DPC) include the preparation of State disaster plans, the direction of State disaster operations and coordinating those with local government operations, and the coordination of federal, State, and private recovery efforts. The DPC is comprised of the commissioners, directors, or chairpersons of 30 State agencies and two volunteer organizations, the American Red Cross and 211 NYS.
2026 Disaster Preparedness Commission Conference
The 2026 Disaster Preparedness Commission Conference will be held from September 15-17, 2026, in the Hudson Valley.
This year's conference will bring national experts from the emergency management field together with New York State and County Emergency Managers to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and advance promising practices across all phases of emergency management.
Session topics may include disaster preparedness planning, response operations, intergovernmental coordination at the State, county, and local levels, and strategies for effective mitigation and recovery.
SPEAKERS
The New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission (DPC) is pleased to invite subject matter experts, partners, and practitioners to submit a presentation proposal for the 2026 DPC Conference. Speakers who completed the form will be notified of any decision in early July.
Please email ([email protected]) with any questions or points of clarification.
Member Agencies
Addiction Services and Supports, Office of
Agriculture and Markets, Department of
Children and Family Services, Office of
Corrections and Community Supervision, Department of
Criminal Justice Services, Division of
Empire State Development Corporation
Energy Research and Development Authority
Environmental Conservation, Department of
Financial Services, Department of
Fire Prevention and Control, Office of
Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Division of
Homes and Community Renewal, Division of
Information Technology Services, Office of
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Military and Naval Affairs, Division of
Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation, Office of
Article 2-B
New York State Executive Law, Article 2-B, enacted in 1978, shifted emphasis from Civil Defense to all-hazards preparedness activities and missions, created the Disaster Preparedness Commission, and assigned responsibility for off-site radiological emergency preparedness for commercial nuclear power plants.
In 2010, the New York State Legislature enacted changes in Article 2-B.
Declaring a State of Local Emergency
The following information can be used by local Chief Executives and Emergency Managers on matters pertaining to declaring a "local state of emergency" and issuing emergency orders pursuant to Article 2-B of State Executive Law. This document addresses the most commonly asked questions regarding a local state of emergency.
Determination of Essential Workers
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DPC Determination of Essential Workers
The New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission determined categories of workers who may be deemed essential personnel when directed by employers to assist in providing emergency services in a declared disaster area.
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Annual Reports
Annual reports of the NYS Disaster Preparedness Commission.
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2025 Annual Report: Disaster Preparedness Commission
This report is produced pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 21(3)(i) and provides an overview of the New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission's efforts to enhance New York State’s preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities.
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Recent Meetings
The New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission (DPC) met in New York City on May 27, 2026 to discuss topics related to preparation of State disaster plans, direction of State disaster operations and coordinating those with local government operations, and coordination of federal, State, and private recovery efforts. The DPC is comprised of the commissioners, directors, or chairpersons of 30 State agencies and two volunteer organizations, the American Red Cross and 211 NYS.