Emergency Management Director Discusses Emergency Response & Recovery with Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association

LongIsland.com

Long Island water district commissioners recently learned about the latest developments in emergency response and recovery from Emergency Management’s Region 1 Regional Director Patrick Beckley during a Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association.

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Franklin Square, NY- March 10th, 2015 - 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) 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, Mr. 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,” Mr. Beckley stated.  “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.” 
 
 With Governor Cuomo’s program emphasizing proactive citizenship, local control and proper planning, Mr. Beckley stressed the implementation of preparation so that a solid foundation for proper response is established before incident.
 
Recognizing the importance of effective emergency management, NSWCA President Thomas P. Hand of 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 its website.
 
Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association is comprised of water commissioners from 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County water districts.  NSWCA is dedicated to communication, efficiency and best practices among Long Island’s water districts. As part of its mission, the association holds monthly educational meetings sponsoring experts on topics that include law, cost efficiencies, rules and regulations and issues germane to water utilities.  
 
For further information, please contact Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association President Mr. Thomas P. Hand via phone, 516-798-5269, or email.
 
Pictured from left to right a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting addressing latesy developments in emergency management and disaster recovery are: NSWCA Member and Commissioner Howard Abbondondelo of Albertson WD Commissioner; NSWCA First Vice President Raymond Averna of Massapequa Water District; NSWCA President Thomas P. Hand of Massapequa Water District; Guest Speaker and Regional Director of Office of Emergency Management’s Region 1 Patrick Beckley, and NSWCA 2nd Vice President Andrew N. Bader of Plainview Water District.
 

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