DHSES Encourages New Yorkers to Prepare for Severe Weather

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Ahead of Severe Weather Awareness Week, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services is encouraging New Yorkers to take steps to prepare themselves and their households for severe weather before it occurs. DHSES reminded New Yorkers that one of the best ways to begin preparations is to take a New York State Citizens Preparedness Corps course and learning directly from emergency management experts about the steps individuals and families should take to stay safe during severe weather. New Yorkers should sign up for NY-Alert, the State’s free emergency alert system, to receive weather and other timely emergency alerts on their phones. Severe Weather Awareness Week begins April 20.

“Being prepared is key when it comes to severe weather,” Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said. “In New York, where we experience everything from tornadoes and floods to ice and snowstorms, having a plan for you and your family, a packed emergency kit and potential evacuation route can make precious seconds count. This week, take inventory of what you have and what you need to stay safe in the event of a severe weather emergency.”

The New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps (CPC), administered by DHSES and the New York National Guard (DMNA), was established in 2014 to train everyday New Yorkers how to prepare for emergencies and disasters. More than 420,000 New Yorkers have taken CPC training in community settings throughout the State since 2014.

During a CPC training, attendees learn about the four steps to preparedness and how to take action before the next disaster strikes:

• Develop a plan for you, your family and your pets at home, school, work and outdoors. Identify a safe place to take shelter and know what actions to take when a warning is issued.
• Build a kit of emergency supplies to last at least 10 days. Include flashlights, weather radio, and extra batteries. You should have one kit each for your home and your vehicle. Plan for any medical needs your family may have. Keep emergency supplies for pets.
• Stay tuned to TV and radio stations that broadcast Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages and follow local emergency orders when issued. Receive emergency information direct to your computer or cell phone by subscribing to NY Alert at alert.ny.gov, a free service that provides you with critical emergency information when you need it most.
• Visit your local emergency management office to learn more about how to protect you and your family. Consider volunteering with organizations such as the American Red Cross, New York Cares or the Salvation Army.

Director of the New York State Weather Risk Communication Center Dr. Nick Bassill, “Here in New York, we have some of the most diverse weather in the country. Because the weather can change in a heartbeat, it's important to stay weather-aware. When the seasons change, it's a good time to take stock of your level of preparedness by examining your emergency kit and checking your weather radio's batteries. Be sure to rely on trusted weather news sources such as the National Weather Service when impactful weather is on the horizon. Take heed of weather alerts in your area, and do not be afraid of altering plans if needed."

The National Weather Service said, "Severe weather happens across New York State every year and summer is the most active period for severe weather. As we approach the warm season, prepare now by creating a severe weather plan so you know what to do when severe weather threatens."

In 2024, New York State responded to multiple severe weather-related emergencies including 32 tornados, five lake effect snow and winter weather events, eight days of extreme heat, an earthquake, flooding, a drought and fall wildfires that burned in the eastern part of the state for several weeks. As extreme weather events like these become more frequent, New York State continues to work hand-in-glove with critical partners not only closely monitor weather patterns, but to help protect communities and infrastructure against the impacts of future storms and other extreme weather events.

New York State also works closely with the National Weather Service (NWS) which provides weather, water and climate data, forecasts, warnings, and other support services to help protect life and property in New York State and across the country. The NWS Albany Forecast Office is the main office for New York State with additional supporting offices in Buffalo, Binghamton, Upton, and Burlington, VT.

The New York State Office of Emergency Management and its Watch Center is staffed year-round to monitor weather and other emergency or disaster-related events across the state. They work with local, state, and federal government entities, including the NWS and the State Weather Risk Communication Center, established by Governor Hochul in 2023, to provide accurate and timely information to emergency responders and the public regarding potentially severe weather and how to prepare.

Severe Weather Safety Tips

Flash Flooding

• Never attempt to drive on a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.
• If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately.
• Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car, and water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.

Thunderstorm

• Know the difference between a Watch and a Warning: A Watch means storms are possible but a Warning means that a severe storm was spotted and is expected to move through your area soon.
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately like a sturdy building. If sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep windows up.
• Get out of boats and away from water.
• Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using landline phones or any electrical appliances.
• Do not take a bath or shower.
• Turn off air conditioners — power surges from lightning can overload compressors.
• Get to higher ground if flooding is possible.
• Do not attempt to drive to safety — most flash flooding deaths occur in automobiles.
• If outdoors, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles.
• If you are in the woods, take shelter under short trees.
• If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stands on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet; place your hands on your knees with your head between them; make yourself the smallest target possible; and minimize your contact with the ground.

Lightning

• Follow the 30-30 rule: If the time between when you see a flash of lightning and hear thunder is 30 seconds or less, the lightning is close enough to hit you. Seek shelter immediately. After the last flash of lightning, wait 30 minutes before leaving your shelter.
• Lightning hits the tallest object. If you are above a tree line, quickly get below it and crouch down if you are in an exposed area.
• If you can't get to a shelter, stay away from trees. If there is no shelter, crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from a tree as it is tall.

Tornado

If outdoors and a Tornado Warning is issued:

• Seek shelter immediately.
• If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head.

If at home or in a small building:

• Go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of the building.
• Stay away from windows. Closets, bathrooms, and other interior rooms offer the best protection.
• Get under something sturdy or cover yourself with a mattress.

If in a school, hospital, or shopping center:

• Go to a pre-designated shelter area.
• Stay away from large open areas and windows.
• Do not go outside to your car.

If in a high-rise building:

• Go to an interior small room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
• Do not use elevators - use stairs instead.

Disaster Supplies

Have disaster supplies on hand, including:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First aid kit and manual
• Emergency food and water
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medicines
• Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards

For more information on personal preparedness and how to stay safe during severe weather, visit the DHSES website. Follow @NYSDHSES on its social media channels, including X, Facebook, and Instagram.

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