Environment DEC
From the October 2005 issue
NY Disaster Relief Specialists Helping Hurricane Recovery Efforts
Early last month Governor George E. Pataki deployed 12 disaster management specialists to assist in the recovery efforts in Mississippi following the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina. The specialists, from Albany, Buffalo, New York City, and Syracuse, were deployed on September 2 and 3.
Vehicles stranded and partially
submerged along the main
highway near Waveland, MS
"We are proud to be able to send these teams of experienced disaster management specialists to help our friends in Mississippi who have felt the wrath and experienced the devastation of Katrina," Governor Pataki said. "The thoughts and prayers of New Yorkers go out to Katrina's victims in Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama and we want them to know that they are not alone in their hour of need-New York stands ready to do more."
Two Teams; 14-day Tour
The Governor dispatched specially trained state and local employees who are specialists in managing various aspects of response and recovery, including command, operations, planning and logistics. The specialists will serve a 14-day tour of duty in two teams, with one working in Pearl River County and the other in Stone County Mississippi.
Agencies providing personnel include the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO), the State Department of Environmental Conservation, the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, the Division of State Police, the New York City Office of Emergency Management and the City of Oneonta. Additionally, SEMO has one specialist assigned to coordinate the effort at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) national Emergency Operations Center in Washington, D.C.
Under Auspices of EMAC
The deployment is the result of New York State's membership in the national Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). Approved by Congress in 1996, 48 states, the District of Columbia, and 2 territories have ratified the compact. EMAC establishes a mutual partnership with other states to provide aid and assistance in times of emergency. It facilitates member states sending personnel and equipment to help disaster relief efforts, augmenting the assistance already provided by the affected state and the federal government.
Governor Pataki signed legislation six days after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York City that enabled New York State to immediately enter into EMAC. Twenty-four states sent 37 emergency management specialists to assist in the response and recovery following the WTC attack. Those experts were directly involved in helping the Emergency Operations Center in New York City and the State's Emergency Coordination Center at the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) in Albany.
EMAC provides for clear, predictable and standardized operating procedures for member states. Officers of the state offering assistance are considered agents of the state requesting assistance for purposes of tort liability and immunity. Thus, states offering assistance, their employees and officers cannot be held liable with respect to good faith acts or omissions committed while providing assistance within another member state.
The Katrina response is not the first deployment of New York State personnel under EMAC. The state provided a team of nine disaster management specialists to Florida in July in response to hurricane Dennis. Last year 20 disaster management and relief specialists assisted Florida when it was struck by four hurricanes in late August and September. New York dispatched those specialists while at the same time continuing to coordinate the national effort under the compact.
Guard and Port Authority Also Helping
On August 31, 2005, the Governor announced that New York launched support for hurricane Katrina recovery operations. The New York National Guard led the initial effort with aviation assets from both the Air and Army National Guard through EMAC. The Guard identified approximately 1,000 soldiers and military aviators to assist in hurricane rescue efforts. It also deployed a total of 20 Blackhawk, medevac and other rescue helicopters.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is working with FEMA and the governors offices in the three states to determine the long-term needs for staff expertise, equipment and material in rebuilding the hurricane-ravaged region's transportation infrastructure. The Port Authority, which operates world-class transportation facilities, has committed to provide engineering, architectural and operations staff as needed to assist with the long-term rebuilding process. The Port Authority is also collaborating with the airlines that operate out of New York-New Jersey's three major airports to provide assistance for the shipment of supplies to the affected areas.
The Governor said that in addition to current efforts, New York will continue to work with the governors of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi to provide follow-up support and resources as requested.
If You Want to Help
The Governor urged New Yorkers who want to help victims of hurricane Katrina to make cash donations to a number of voluntary relief organizations:
"New Yorkers are generous, compassionate people who stand ready to help our friends and neighbors in the Gulf Coast. And the best way to do that is by making a cash donation," the Governor said.
