Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a sweeping set of emergency preparedness measures this week, responding to a surge in extreme weather that has battered the state with record heat, snow, and violent storms.

“New York State is no stranger to extreme weather, and New Yorkers must be prepared for the myriad of severe weather events that come our way,” Hochul said. “Keeping our state safe and protected is my top priority.”

From broken temperature and snowfall records to deadly tornadoes and major flooding, the state has recorded a dramatic uptick in climate-related emergencies. Since 2021, New York has faced eight Major Disaster Declarations, five Emergency Declarations, and one Fire Management Assistance Grant Declaration from the federal government. Governor Hochul has issued 19 separate State Disaster Emergencies.

The scope of recent events includes 38 tornadoes, 20 significant wildfires—including the state’s largest in more than 30 years—and impacts from tropical systems Beryl and Debby. Since 2024 alone, the state has broken 49 high-temperature records and 19 snowfall records.

In response, Hochul’s administration has launched the New York State Weather Risk Communication Center at the University at Albany. The center connects university researchers with emergency officials to provide real-time weather insights and improve how risks are communicated to the public.

“New York is leading the nation in building a strong connection between weather experts, emergency managers and the public,” said Center Director Nick Bassill. “I’d like to thank Governor Hochul and Commissioner Bray for their continued support and remain committed to making our communities safer and more resilient.”

To further strengthen response infrastructure, the state allocated $15 million in its enacted budget to supply counties with generators, flood barriers, and high-flow pumps. An additional $10.4 million will expand regional emergency management staff, boosting local support and response capabilities.

In total, the state has committed $90 million over two years to its “Resilient & Ready” initiative, which helps low- and moderate-income homeowners retrofit homes against flooding and rebuild after major storms.

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services coordinates these efforts, deploying thousands of personnel and equipment pieces during emergencies. Its State Watch Center operates around the clock to monitor threats and share information with state leaders. The agency also maintains nine stockpiles across New York to support fast emergency response.

“We are fortunate to have a Governor that not only understands this, but actively does something about it,” said Homeland Security Commissioner Jackie Bray. “The significant investments Governor Hochul has made in training, equipment, planning and staffing have prepared us to support our local partners and all New Yorkers when a severe weather emergency strikes.”

Over 54,000 first responders received training last year through online courses and programs at the Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls. Another 10,000 trained at the State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany.

Disaster recovery operations have also expanded, with the Division managing $12.36 billion in federal Public Assistance funds and $410.6 million in Hazard Mitigation funding since 2021.

Individual preparedness remains a critical pillar. The Citizen Preparedness Corps, which began in 2014, has trained nearly 433,000 residents to prepare for and recover from disasters. Free in-person and online courses are available in English and 12 other languages.

Earlier this year, the state launched a new emergency text alert system. New Yorkers can text their county or borough name to 333111 to receive real-time alerts and updates on severe weather.

Extreme heat also remains a priority. The state’s Extreme Heat Action Plan, launched in January, outlines nearly 50 initiatives ranging from cooling access to worker safety. Its first progress update was released in June.

Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts, follow @NYSDHSES on social media, and visit dhses.ny.gov for safety tips. The Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health continue to issue air quality advisories and provide public health guidance when conditions become hazardous.