The threat of Hurricane Sandy prompted Governor Andrew Cuomo to declare a state of emergency for New York.
Cuomo directed the Emergency Operations Center in Albany to begin operating 24 hours a day. State agencies have been in contact with local officials, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Weather Service.
"As we prepare for the possibility of Hurricane Sandy hitting New York State, I am activating all levels of state government to prepare for any potential impacts," Cuomo said. "We are working with federal and local partners to follow storm developments and organize a coordinated response plan. With unpredictable weather conditions, we are taking the greatest precautions - especially after our experience from last year's storms. I urge New Yorkers to plan for hurricane conditions and follow news reports to stay updated on the storm's progress."
Cuomo has requested a pre-landfall disaster declaration from President Barack Obama, which would give the state access to funds and FEMA resources that may be used in preparation.
The statewide declaration of a state of emergency allows local governments access to state funds they normally do not have access to and suspends regulations that can hamper a quick response.
The full text of Cuomo's declaration can be found here.
