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Fearing flooding, governor activates Emergency Managment Plan throughout state

Posted 3/11/11

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has activated the state's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and directed key state agencies to ready personnel and resources in response to potential flooding in parts …

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Fearing flooding, governor activates Emergency Managment Plan throughout state

Posted

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has activated the state's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and directed key state agencies to ready personnel and resources in response to potential flooding in parts of the state, including the North Country.

"Due to heavy rain and melting snow, there is a real possibility of significant flooding in parts of the State," Cuomo said. "That is why we are putting state agencies on alert, to plan for the worst while we hope for the best.”

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for St. Lawrence County and the rest of northern New York through Saturday evening.

For current forecasts, visit the NorthCountryNow.com Weather Page.

Among state agency preparedness activities undertaken since Cuomo activated the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan:

•The New York State Police has readied boats in addition to helicopters equipped with rescue harnesses in its Aviation Unit.

•The Department of Environmental Conservation has prepared rescue boats.

•The Department of Transportation has transferred an emergency response equipment trailer to Broome County, where a significant amount of flooding is possible.

•The State Office of Emergency Management is prepositioning sandbagging equipment in Poughkeepsie, Queensbury and various parts of Orange County.

Additionally, the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Albany was activated last night and staffed full time with representatives of 12 agencies to coordinate the State's response until the threat has passed.

Represented: at the meeting were the Department of Transportation, Thruway Authority, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, State Office of Emergency Management, Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Police, Department of Health, American Red Cross, Department of Public Service, Division of Military and Naval Affairs, Department of Correctional Services and the Office of Temporary and Disability Services.

Motorists have been advised not to attempt to drive over a flooded road. As little as six inches of water moving at 2 miles an hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge. A major concern during these late winter-early spring events is travel. Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related.

Travelers are reminded to check the newly upgraded 511NY system, which includes a new free mobile device application that provides New Yorkers with up-to-the-minute information regarding traffic, transit and emergency service notifications as well as weather advisories. The new 511NY Mobile Web for use on smart mobile devices is available at http://m.511ny.org, www.511ny.mobi or www.511ny.org/511NYMobile.