General Info

The New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) protects the lives and properties of the citizens of the state of New York from threats posed by natural and manmade events. The office coordinates emergency management services with other federal and state agencies to support county and local governments. The New York State Emergency Management Office routinely assists local government, volunteer organizations and private industries through a variety of emergency management programs. Its programs include hazard identification, loss prevention, planning, training, operational response to emergencies, technical support and disaster recovery assistance. During disasters, the New York State Emergency Management Office coordinates the emergency response of all state agencies to ensure that the most appropriate resources are dispatched to impacted areas. Since 1954, the office has received more than 50 federal emergency and disaster declarations. Its legal foundations are in the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950 and the New York State Defense Emergency Act of 1951.