Public agencies and private organizations from around the region gathered Tuesday, June 17 to help assess Warren County's preparedness to respond to hazards and potential emergencies.
Led by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), the all-day session brings together county agencies, New York State partners and private organizations that are involved in emergency response to look at capabilities, strengths and weaknesses in responding to different scenarios to compile a County Emergency Preparedness Assessment. The assessment is completed every 3-4 years.
The reviews of assets and capabilities included looking at response to severe weather, utility outages, pandemic, mass casualty incidents and more.
County agencies' abilities to respond to scenarios are assessed and scored, assessments that are required to apply for federal grant funding to address perceived gaps, Warren County Emergency Services Director Ann Marie Mason said.
The information is used to updated elected officials, justify budget requests, guide grant applications, tailor programs, and inform future planning, training, and exercises. Counties can also use CEPA results to provide a framework for more detailed discussions with DHSES and other State agencies regarding support and resources that the State can offer to assist local governments during emergencies.
Participating in the training were Warren County Office of Emergency Services, Health Services, Sheriff's Office, Planning Department, Department of Social Services, Department of Public Works, Warren/Hamilton Counties Office for the Aging, Glens Falls Hospital and numerous New York State agencies.