Emergency Preparedness & Response

Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response helps people plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies. These public health emergencies could be a disease outbreak, a weather emergency, an act of terrorism, or a chemical spill. Schuyler County Public Health works to ensure businesses, community organizations, and the public are prepared in case of an emergency. We plan, train for, and respond to potential emergencies that could strike the county and the surrounding area. 

Schuyler County Public Health collaborates with the Western Region Health Care Emergency Preparedness Coalition, Finger Lakes Public Health Alliance (FLPHA)  Emergency Planners, Watkins Glen International, local Emergency Management and emergency responders, Schuyler Hospital, local businesses, and law enforcement. We also rely on the support of community volunteers in the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) who help in case of an emergency. 

  1. 1 Image with a snow plow and a reminder to be prepared for winter storms
  2. 2 An image of a car in flood waters and the reminder to be prepared
  3. 3 An image thermometer showing a high temperature and the reminder to be prepared
  4. 4 An image of lightening and the reminder to be prepared
  5. 5 Image of a wildfire in the background with an Air Quality warning in the foreground

Stay Informed

Did you know that you can be alerted to various emergencies, public notices, and important announcements in NY? Visit https://alert.ny.gov/ to sign up!

Frequently Asked Questions 

What can I do to be prepared? 

You can take steps to be prepared for different types of emergencies. Check out the links below for tips on how to prepare for: 

During some types of public emergencies or natural disasters, some Schuyler County residents may have special needs that require special assistance during evacuations and sheltering.  Learn more about the Emergency Management Office's Voluntary Registry by visiting https://schuylercounty.us/815/Voluntary-Registry.

What is the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)? 

The Medical Reserve Corps is a national network of more than 300,000 volunteers nationwide, organized locally, that helps to improve the health and safety of their communities. MRC volunteers step up to keep their family, friends, and neighbors safe and healthy. Please click here for more information about the MRC. 

How can I join the MRC? 

Sign up to join the Schuyler County Public Health MRC via ServNY by clicking here or call our office at 607-535-8140 and ask for the MRC Coordinator. 

Do I have to be a nurse or other medical professional to join the MRC? 

No, our MRC is made up of both medical and non-medical community members who have a passion for community service. 

Would I have to volunteer for every event? 

As a volunteer, you can choose which events you want to help with based on your interests and your availability. 

What kinds of activities do MRC volunteers help with? 

MRC Volunteers are asked to help during both emergency and non-emergency situations.  MRC Volunteers get involved and help out in a variety of ways, such as: 

  • Helping with rabies clinics, 
  • Taking part in emergency drills, 
  • Helping with vaccination clinics, 
  • Helping with communicable disease case investigations and contact tracing, 
  • And more!

Looking for resources or to learn more about the program?

Call our office at 607-535-8140. 

You can also check out the following resources: 

  • Ready.gov 
    • This website provides information to help community members prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters. 
  • Emergency Preparedness | NYSDOH 
      • This website includes information from the New York State Department of Health on how to prepare for potential emergencies. 
  • Prepare Your Health | CDC 
    • This website provides information to help community members be prepared, including tips on how to gather essential supplies and learn practical skills to help in case of emergency.