Public Safety
At times, environmental conditions can threaten the health and safety of New Yorkers. DEC's press bulletins and website carry warnings when hazardous conditions threaten, and provide further information if an emergency develops. DEC's Environmental Conservation Officers and Forest Rangers play key roles in assisting citizens during certain types of health and safety emergencies.
Forest Fire Risk
During fire season, the Fire Danger Map , which shows the risk of forest fires in all areas of the state, is posted daily.
NY-ALERT Emergency Notification Service
Also, the New York State Emergency Management Office has a free web subscription service (NY-ALERT) that provides subscribers with automatic notification of emergency situations from floods and hurricanes to incidents of public violence. Subscribers will be able to receive this information via e-mail, telephone, cellular device text messages, fax, pager or on the web through a Really Simple Syndicate (RSS) reader. NY-ALERT is short for New York State's All Hazards Alert and Notification System and can be accessed by the link in the right column.
Be Safe Outdoors
If you are going hiking or planning on being outdoors for hunting, fishing skiing or other forms of recreation, please look at our Outdoor Safety page before you head out. It could save your life.
More about Public Safety:
- Storm Information - emergency general permit, pumpout permit, closures, damage guidance
- DEC Hurricane Response / Hudson Valley Damage Photos - Photos of damage to Long Island from Hurricane Sandy and what DEC is doing to help residents and respond to damage.
- NYC Damage and DEC Response Photos - Photos of damage from Hurricane Sandy to New York City and what DEC is doing to help.
- LI Damage and DEC Response Photos - Photos of damage to Long Island from Hurricane Sandy and DEC staff responding.
- Dry Weather and Fire Danger Conditions - Learn about the current drought conditions and what you can do
- Avalanche - Avalanches in the Adirondacks, when, where and how they form and how to be prepared for and avoid them
