Patrick Beckley, Regional Director of Office of Emergency Management’s Region 1, based on Long Island, recently addressed Long Island water district commissioners serving on Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), including Massapequa Water District Commissioners Thomas P. Hand and Raymond Averna, who serve as NSWCA President and NSCWA First Vice President, respectively, regarding the latest developments in emergency management and strategies as part of the Association’s Continuing Education Series. The meeting was hosted by Franklin Square Water District Commissioners Salvatore Intagliata, Joseph Ra and Ralph Pugliese, a past NSWCA President.
Created by an act of the State Legislature in 2010, the Office of Emergency Management’s Region 1 is part of the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and dedicated to the protection of New Yorkers in a state of crisis. During the meeting, Beckley discussed how the increase in weather-related crises has escalated the legislative importance of emergency management.
“A top priority in Governor Andrew Cuomo’s agenda is the preparedness of our citizens for weather events and other natural and man-made emergencies,” said Beckley. “The Governor has appointed regional directors to assist in developing regional strategies designed to promote beneficial relationships between public and private sectors for mutual benefit.”
Recognizing the importance of effective emergency management, Hand of the Massapequa Water District commented, “Understanding what each area needs on a hyperlocal level is key to successful emergency response. Long Island’s diverse landscape translates to different response strategies, so liaison and connection with local municipalities is key to successful response and recovery.”
A Citizen Training Program is offered through New York State both online and in person. As part of the NSWCA program, empowering water emergency and seasonal preparedness tips are available throughout the year at www.nswcawater.org.
