Tag: oes

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – The Broome County Office of Emergency Services has officially launched the new “Ready Broome” mobile app, now available for download on both Apple and Android devices.

The Ready Broome app was developed to provide residents with quick, reliable access to emergency alerts, preparedness resources, public safety information, and critical updates during emergencies and severe weather events – all in one convenient location.

The app includes emergency push notifications from the Broome County Office of Emergency Services, National Weather Service alerts, preparedness and safety resources, information related to power outages and damage reporting, traffic and roadway information, and additional emergency services updates and tools.

“Having accurate and timely information during an emergency is critical,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “The Ready Broome app gives residents direct access to important alerts, preparedness information, and emergency resources right from their phones. This is about making information easier to access and helping our community stay informed and prepared.”

Neal Haight, Director of the Office of Emergency Services said, “As we know, Broome County has a long history of natural disasters and emergencies. It is imperative for us to be able to reach out to residents with timely and accurate information as quickly as possible during these situations. The Ready Broome app will allow us to do just that while providing the public with many other valuable tools such as personal/household emergency planning, power outage information and Health Department information, all at your fingertips.”

Residents are encouraged to download the Ready Broome app and enable notifications to receive important emergency alerts and updates.

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Following this weekend’s severe weather and power outages, NYSEG is providing dry ice and bottled water for customers who remain without power.

Distribution sites will open at 12:00 p.m. today, Monday, July 20, and supplies will be available until they run out or the listed site closing time.

Residents in need of dry ice and bottled water can visit the following locations:

Lisle Fire Station
9090 Main St.

Lisle, NY 13797
Open until 7:30 p.m.

Northern Broome Senior Center
12 Strongs Place
Whitney Point, NY 13862
Open until 3:00 p.m.

Deposit Fire Station
130 Second St.
Deposit, NY 13754
Open until 7:00 p.m.

For the latest information on power outages and recovery efforts, residents should continue to

Residents Urged to Avoid Unnecessary Travel as Significant Snowfall is Expected

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County Executive Jason Garnar has issued a travel advisory for Broome County, effective Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 7 a.m., urging residents to avoid all unnecessary travel as a significant winter storm is expected to impact the region.

According to the National Weather Service, Broome County is forecast to receive 12 to 18 inches of snowfall between 1 a.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday, with hazardous travel conditions expected throughout the duration of the storm.

The Broome County Office of Emergency Services will activate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Sunday to continue closely monitoring the storm and be prepared to coordinate countywide response efforts as conditions evolve.

Residents are strongly encouraged to prepare in advance, including planning for potential power outages, and ensuring they have essential supplies on hand. Additional information including safety tips, and a full list of warming centers and emergency shelters can be found in Broome County’s “What to Know” press release at www.broomecountyny.gov/broomestormjan2026.

Residents are also encouraged to follow the Broome County Office of Emergency Services on Facebook for real-time updates and safety information.

Warming Centers, Emergency Shelters, Free Transportation, and Safety Tips Available

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – The Broome County Office of Emergency Services continues to monitor the latest weather reports from the National Weather Service in Binghamton, and county officials are urging residents to take precautions as dangerously cold temperatures, extreme wind chills, and snowfall are expected from today through the weekend.

Forecasts call for wind chills as low as -25 degrees through Saturday, with snow beginning Sunday morning and continuing into Monday, with possible rates of up to one inch per hour at times.

To improve access to safe, warm locations during this weather event, BC Transit is offering free rides through Monday for anyone traveling to a warming center or emergency shelter.

Safety Tips

The Broome County Office of Emergency Services reminds residents to take extra precautions during extreme cold:

• Pack an emergency kit with essential supplies, for example: non-perishable food items, bottled water, blankets and warm clothing, first aid kit, flashlights and extra batteries, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, medications, and personal hygiene items.
• Prepare for a power outage: Have a flashlight for everyone in the household, make a power outage plan for medical devices and medicines that might need refrigeration, stock up on food and water, keep phones and electronics fully charged, and gas tanks full.
• Protect pets and livestock: Bring pets indoors during the storm. Provide adequate shelter and food for outdoor animals. Ensure livestock have access to shelter and water.
• Limit travel: Avoid unnecessary travel during a winter storm. If you must travel, inform someone of your plans and expected arrival time.

The Broome County Health Department advises that anyone who must go outdoors should take steps to stay dry and warm to protect their health. Wear a hat, scarf or face covering, mittens, water-resistant outerwear, and several loose-fitting layers to trap body heat. Warning signs of hypothermia include confusion, intense shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness, and stiff muscles.

Residents are urged to use caution at home as well. Extreme cold can lead to frozen pipes, and open flames should never be used to thaw pipes, as this can cause serious fires. Improper use of alternative heat sources may also lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Broome County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting frequent wellness checks throughout the community during this extreme weather event.

Additional tips for older adults and individuals with mobility needs:

• Charge electric wheelchairs, power scooters, and other mobility equipment ahead of the storm
• Check on older neighbors, families members, and anyone who may need extra assistance
• For older adults, do not attempt to shovel heavy snow – have a plan for snow removal after the storm so your home is accessible.

Warming Centers & Emergency Shelters

Broome County has identified daytime warming centers and overnight emergency shelters across the community. Hours may vary by location, and residents are encouraged to confirm hours of operation before visiting.

Daytime Warming Centers:

• Broome County Health Dept – 225 Front Street, Binghamton, NY

Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Broome County Public Library -185 Court Street, Binghamton, NY

Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Fri & Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Broome West Senior Center -2801 Wayne Street, Endicott, NY

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Chenango Bridge Senior Center -740 River Road, Binghamton, NY

Mon, Wed & Fri: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Deposit Senior Center – 14 Monument Street, Deposit, NY 13754

Tues & Thurs: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Eastern Broome Senior Center – 27 Golden Lane, Harpursville, NY

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM

• Fenton Free Library -1062 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY 13901

Mon-Fri: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• First Ward Senior Center – 226 Clinton Street, Binghamton, NY

Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

• George F. Johnson Mem. Library -1001 Park Street, Endicott, NY

Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Fri & Sat: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Johnson City Senior Center – 30 Brocton Street, Johnson City, NY

Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Fri: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Mary L. Wilcox Library – 2630 Main Street, Whitney Point, NY 13862

Mon & Fri: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tues: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Wed & Thurs: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Northern Broome Senior Center – 12 Strongs Place, Whitney Point, NY

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Vestal Public Library – 320 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY

Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Vestal Senior Center – 201 Main Street, Vestal, NY 13850

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Your Home Public Library – 107 Main Street, Johnson City, NY

Mon-Thurs: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Overnight Emergency Shelters:

• Broome County Department of Social Services – 36-42 Main Street, Binghamton NY

8:00 AM-4:00 PM

• UPComfort/Warming Center – 42 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY

Sun – Thurs 6:30PM – 9:00PM

**Can be accessed after 9 PM via DSS emergency after hours phone number, 607-778-3885

• YWCA (for single women)

80 Hawley Street, Binghamton, NY

76 Conklin Avenue, Binghamton, NY

• YMCA (for single men)

61 Susquehanna Street, Binghamton, NY

• Volunteers of America (for single men)

320 Chenango Street, Binghamton, NY

 

Office of Emergency Services Utilizes New Command Vehicle

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – The Broome County Office of Emergency Services (OES) has led the purchase and installation of a new public safety radio system for county dispatch services. The radio system enables first responders to be notified of emergencies in the community and to request information or resources to mitigate, providing critical communication for all operations to take place.

In 2012, OES commissioned a comprehensive study of the existing public safety radio system, finding patchwork of 12 different systems, some dating back to the 1970s, with 55 primary agencies using them. Upgrades were made to the 911 center phones, radio consoles, and workstations. In 2017, eight new radio towers had been installed, followed by eight more towers (along with a new radio infrastructure at each site) in 2021.

The new setup is a UHF Digital Trunked P25 system, which will meet the counties needs for the next 20 years. This system connects to the needs of the public safety agencies, DPW, all county government agencies, and can incorporate schools and hospitals. Paging infrastructure has been improved for fire and EMS services, allowing the previous seven-system paging to be combined to one, countywide. The total project cost is approximately $35 million.

The OES purchased a new Mobile Command and Communications vehicle earlier this year, set to be utilized at several planned events each year (for example, the Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally, Greater Binghamton Airshow, Dick’s Sporting Goods Open, LUMA, Bridge Run, and more). The vehicle will also be deployed any time the OES’s special teams are active, such as HAZMAT, Water Rescue, and Wildland Search. It can also function as a backup 911 call center, if needed.

The price of the Mobile Command unit was $939,000, purchased in part with funding from the Broome County Interoperable Radio Project. Roughly 50% of the total cost was funded through grants from Assemblywoman Lupardo and former senator Akshar.

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, “Public safety is a top priority in Broome County and making sure that first responders have the best communications system is crucial. Our Emergency Services team is doing incredible work to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. Thank you to Chairman Dan Reynolds and the Broome County Legislature, for their support in this important project, as well as Assemblywoman Lupardo, Sheriff Akshar, and Senator Webb for their efforts in securing funds for the entire system and new Mobile Command unit.”

Sheriff Fred Akshar said, “Modernized emergency response communication technology is an essential tool for our first responders to quickly and effectively serve, protect and aid our community’s families in situations where every second counts. I was proud to help move this project forward when I served as State Senator, and it’s exciting to see the fruits of our collective efforts as Sheriff. I’d like to applaud the work of the County Executive and the Broome County Legislature for partnering with us every step of the way to help create a safer, stronger Broome County.”

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, “It’s imperative that our first responders have the resources and systems in place to function smoothly when emergencies arise. Now that the county-wide public safety radio system and new Mobile Command unit are in place, our network of first responders are better positioned to work together to keep our community safe. I’d like to thank my colleagues in the State Legislature for their support of this project as well as County Executive Garnar, the Office of Emergency Services, and the Broome County Legislature for leading the effort.”

State Senator Lea Webb said, “The new emergency radio system and OES command vehicle in Broome County is a game changer for our community. This investment is a testament to our commitment to keeping Broome County safe and prepared for any situation. These advanced tools ensure our first responders can communicate seamlessly and coordinate effectively during emergencies, ultimately saving lives and enhancing public safety.”

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – To assist residents with continued power outages, four water distribution centers will be open today. Those affected can pick up bottled water at the following locations:

Conklin Fire Station 1 (1034 Conklin Road, Conklin, NY 13748)

12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Lisle Fire Department (9090 Main Street, Lisle, NY 13797)

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Fenton Town Hall (44 Park Street, Port Crane, NY, 13833)

12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Endicott Fire Department (1101 Park Street, Endicott, NY 13760)

12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – In an effort to improve the ongoing health and safety of our local firefighters, the Broome County Office of Emergency Services purchased 193 5-gallon pails of firefighting foam to disperse to local fire departments in need.

Firefighting foam, officially known as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), is used to create a blanket that cuts off the fuel from the oxygen it needs to burn. Per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. Studies have revealed exposure to PFAS can result in health effects including altered immune and thyroid function, kidney disease, liver disease, and cancer. PFAS also causes damage to the environment during runoff.

The “Green Plus” foam delivered to Emergency Services does not contain PFAS, meaning it is not only safe for the environment, but more importantly, first responders in the field. The previous firefighting foam used is being disposed of.
The new foam was offered to all Broome County fire departments. Below is a list of participating departments receiving the “Green Plus” foam.

• Binghamton
• Johnson City
• West Corners
• Endwell
• Vestal
• Harpursville
• Conklin
• Sanitaria Springs
• West Windsor
• Choconut Center
• Five Mile Point