Emergency Management

On June 16, 2008, City Council adopted the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, providing all-hazards management guidance for City actions before, during and after an emergency.

Introduction

This plan results from the recognition on the part of local government and state officials that a comprehensive plan is needed to enhance the City of Newburgh's ability to manage emergency/ disaster situations. It was prepared by City officials working as a team in a planning process recommended by the New York State Emergency Management Office.

This plan constitutes an integral part of a statewide emergency management program and contributes to its effectiveness. Authority to undertake this effort is provided by both Article 2-B of State Executive Law and New York State Defense Emergency Act.

The development of this plan included an analysis of potential hazards that could affect the city and an assessment of the capabilities existing in the city to deal with potential hazards.

Comprehensive Approach

Dealing with disasters is an ongoing and complex undertaking. Through implementation of Risk Reduction measures before a disaster or emergency occurs, timely and effective Response during an actual occurrence, and provision of both short and long term Recovery assistance after the occurrence of a disaster, lives can be saved and property damage minimized. The process is called Comprehensive Emergency Management to emphasize the interrelationship of activities, functions, and expertise necessary to deal with emergencies. The plan contains three sections to deal separately with each part of this ongoing process.

Management Responsibilities

City departments' and agencies' emergency management responsibilities are outlined in this plan. Assignments are made within the framework of the present City capability and existing organizational responsibilities. The City Manager is designated to coordinate all emergency management activities of the City of Newburgh. The City of Newburgh intends to use the Incident Command System (ICS) to respond to emergencies. ICS is a management tool for the command, control, and coordination of resources and personnel in an emergency. Specific emergency management guidance for situations requiring special knowledge, technical expertise, and resources may be addressed in separate annexes attached to the plan. Examples of this type of situation are emergencies resulting from hazardous chemical releases, dam failures, or power outages.

Conclusion

The plan provides general all-hazards management guidance, using existing organizations, to allow the City to meet its responsibilities before, during and after an emergency.