Phase One of 'NY Responds' is Now Complete

 

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Office of Emergency Management has completed the Phase One rollout of NY Responds, the State's new approach to disaster response and recovery. With the completion of Phase One, county emergency management agencies can now connect with the New York State Emergency Operations Center in Albany to improve coordination and cooperation during a disaster or emergency.

"NY Responds is transforming and strengthening the way this state responds to disasters and other emergency situations,” Governor Cuomo said. "This new approach is key in executing a coordinated response which helps communities stay better informed when an emergency situation occurs and recover more quickly."

The enhanced incident management system, provided at no cost to localities, will enable both local governments and state agencies to submit and share vital disaster-related information ranging from incident reporting and resource requests to real-time tracking of assets and weather conditions. The new system has already been successfully utilized in Herkimer and Seneca Counties for recent incidents that have occurred since its implementation.

Additionally as part of NY Responds, the Division continues to train and provide state agencies and counties access to Mutualink, a new technology solution that integrates telephone, radio, video and file sharing into one, interoperable application. This system enables local emergency staff to share seamless, real-time information with the state and other counties. The rollout and integration of Mutualink into the NY Responds common operating picture will begin in 2016.

During Phase Two, the Division will make additional upgrades to the incident management system adding improved geographic information systems, weather forecasting and modeling, additional Mutualink features, asset and inventory management, and notifications and alerting. Phase Two is expected to start in 2016.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner John P. Melville said, "NY Responds supports the Governor's vision of building a world-class emergency management and response network. Once fully implemented within all counties, NY Responds will give emergency managers and elected officials a better way to work with the state and with other local governments during a crisis."

New York State Emergency Managers Association President and Livingston County Office of Emergency Management Director Kevin Niedermaier said, "New York Responds provides the local emergency manager with a tool that will enhance their situational awareness not only at the local level but at the state level as well. Right tool at the right time." 

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo