John E. Brennan Director
Town Hall, Room 106
(518) 439-4955, Ext. 1166
E-mail:
Responsibilities of Office
The Office of Emergency Management is responsible for
coordinating the town planning efforts for the preparation for, mitigation of,
response to and the recovery from a declared emergency affecting the Town of
Bethlehem, and for assisting in the activities of the local emergency
responders, town assets and assistance from other public, private, county, state
and federal organizations by:
coordinating the town's response organization and facilitating the town’s response activities
notifying and briefing town departments, agencies and other organizations
involved in an emergency response
maintenance and management of the Emergency Operations Center
facilitating the coordination between the town and:
the Incident Commander
response agencies
other towns, cities, and villages in the County
county government
local governments outside the County
NY State and Federal government agencies
public and private emergency support organizations
MISSION STATEMENT
It is the intention and the goal of the Town of Bethlehem, its elected
officials, departments and personnel in conjunction with the town-wide emergency
services responder network to provide for the protection of the life and
property of its residents by planning and preparing for, the mitigation of, the
response to, and the recovery from any natural or man-made disaster or
emergency, and to do so in a safe and orderly manner with as little a disruption
of essential town services as possible.
COMPREHENSIVE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN
The adoption of the Town of Bethlehem Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
(CEMP) results from the recognition on the part of town government that a wide
ranging and comprehensive plan is needed to enhance the Town of Bethlehem's
ability to manage and survive emergency and/or disaster situations.Town officials working in conjunction with Albany County Emergency
Management personnel, in a planning effort recommended by the New York State
Emergency Management Office (SEMO) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),
prepared the document.Authority to
undertake this effort is provided by both Article 2B of State Executive Law and
the New York State Defense Emergency Act.The
development of this plan included an analysis of potential hazards that could
affect the town and an assessment of the capabilities existing in the town to
deal with these potential problems.
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.
This process, called Comprehensive Emergency Management emphasizes the
interrelationship of activities, functions, and expertise necessary to deal with
emergencies. The role and responsibilities of town departments and related
agencies, both emergency and non-emergency management related, are outlined in
the town plan.Assignments are made
within the framework of the present Town of Bethlehem’s capability and
existing organizational structure and responsibilities.The Emergency Management Office is designated to coordinate all emergency
management activities of the Town.
The Town of Bethlehem intends to use the National Incident Management System
(NIMS) to coordinate responses to emergencies. NIMS is a core set of concepts,
principles, and terminology for incident command and multi-agency coordination.
Compliance with the components of NIMS as required by Presidential Declaration,
offers a system for incident management as promulgated through the Department of
Homeland Security for nationwide usage.The
plan provides a general all hazards management guide, using existing town
departments and related organizations to allow the Town of Bethlehem to meet its
responsibilities before, during and after an emergency.
DisasterAssistance.gov
Where citizens, emergency responders, and government officials can find the latest
disaster-related news, information and resources.
Information regarding animals, animal treatment and sheltering during disasters and emergencies
County
Special Needs Registry Program This
program is designed to assist the special needs community during an emergency
that requires an evacuation within Albany County. Registrants must be physically
unable to evacuate themselves from their residence without assistance. Applicant
information will be entered into the County's E-911 system for retrieval during
an emergency.
The File of Life – A Personal Medical History In An Emergency An in-home stored personal medical history for use by emergency responders during a
medical crisis at your home.
File of Life is a readily identified red plastic magnetized “pocket”,
which attaches to your refrigerator and is
easily recognized by emergency responders during an emergency. This file will
contain, after being completed by you, your family’s personal medical history,
including prescription drugs, allergies and other critical and pertinent medical
information which may very well be life-saving in an emergency.
The File of Life pockets are available through either the
Senior Services Office or Emergency Management Office at the Bethlehem Town
Hall, 445 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, NY 12054, or by calling 518-439-4955.
Hazard Information
Storm Ready Community
Bethlehem has been selected as one of only a small number of New York communities to be awarded a “Storm Ready” designation. This honor comes after an in-depth review of its emergency storm preparations by NOAA’s, National Weather Service. Go to the above link for more information.
National Grid Company - Life Support/Critical Care Program A listing of persons who would be at risk during extended power outages or evacuations.
Life Support/Critical Care is a program available to
National Grid customers who submit written documentation from their physician
confirming that they or another member of the household requires electrically
operated “life sustaining” medical equipment to maintain life. Examples of
such life support medical equipment are:
Apnea monitors
Kidney dialysis devices
Continuous ventilation devices
Suction/aspiration equipment
Once National Grid receives written medical certification
from the physician the company will conduct a home visit to verify the medical
status and contact information. Once completed, National Grid will then take
steps within its system to appropriately identify the customer’s meter, the
Customer Services System database and the company’s Storm Board Operations and
Regional Control Operations database, called NewLife. All Life Support customers
are notified on a regular basis to verify correct program information and
continued need.
For information and/or enrollment in National Grid Life Support program call: 1-800-932-0301
Be Prepared
The hurricane/coastal storm season in New York State
begins June 1 and runs through November 30.New Yorkers everywhere, including right here in the Town of Bethlehem,
need to begin taking steps to prepare themselves and their families for this
storm season because past history reveals that the entire state, from Montauk to
Buffalo, is vulnerable to the effect of hurricanes in Atlantic coastal areas and
from extensive flooding if a storm moves inland.
Here are some steps you should take now:
Know the hurricane risks in your area. Learn the storm surge history and elevation of your area.
Find out what emergency plans are in place in your community and how you will be notified
in the event of an emergency.
If living in a coastal area, learn the safe routes inland.
Learn about local sheltering plans.
Make sure that you have enough non-perishable food and water supplies on hand.
Have at least a week’s supply of medications on hand.
Obtain and store materials, such as plywood, necessary to properly secure your home.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Review your insurance policy.
Make plans now on what to do with your pets should you be required to evacuate your
home because public health regulations do not allow pets in public shelters and
most hotels/motels do not allow them.
Town of Bethlehem: 445 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, NY 12054 Ph: 518.439.4955
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