Albany and Madison County Achieve State Emergency Management Accreditation

Albany and Madison Counties have achieved accreditation as part of the Local Emergency Management Accreditation Program. First proposed in the Governor's 2017 State of the State, the accreditation program is the first of its kind at the state-level for local emergency management agencies in the nation. Albany and Madison Counties join New York City and Broome, Livingston, Montgomery, and Oneida Counties as those that have achieved state accreditation.

"The safety of New Yorkers is our number one priority, and this first-in-the-nation program ensures local emergency management offices can efficiently respond to any disaster and protect the public," Governor Cuomo said. "By putting procedures in place to respond to unpredictable emergency situations, we are creating a stronger, safer and more secure New York."

The program, developed in partnership with the New York State Emergency Management Association (NYSEMA), is designed to highlight and promote proactive local emergency management agencies in New York State. To become accredited, the locality must meet a series of standards and best practices that promote a coordinated and integrated approach to emergency management. The localities must engage "Whole Community" stakeholders, including government and private partners, and consider the needs of those that may require specific attention during an emergency or disaster, like the homeless, elderly, or disabled. The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) administers the program on behalf of the Local Emergency Management Accreditation Council, which serves as the governing body for the program. Accreditation is valid for five years, with an opportunity to obtain reaccreditation after the five-year period.

Click here for the full announcement.

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo