As a mid-April snow storm covered roads everywhere from the Southern Tier to Central New York and the Capital Region, staff at the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services were working to make sure the state’s resources were being sent where they were needed most.

“We’re in our Emergency Operations Center,” agency commissioner Jackie Bray said as she walked into the large room lined by large weather maps and other screens. “It’s really the nerve center for the entire state, we get to coordinate any and all response activities.”

Bray says with such a wide array of severe weather impacting the state over the course of the year, the response often looks different event-to-event.

“If a county needs help setting up shelters, we’re there,” Bray said. “If a county needs generators, we’re there. If a county needs food and water, we’re there.”

From April 25-29, the division is urging New Yorkers to prepare themselves for the upcoming season as part of Severe Weather Awareness Week.

“Most of our severe weather here in New York happens between May and September, so folks have time to learn what you need to do if you see a thunderstorm watch or warning or even a potential tornado,” she said.

While many New Yorkers associate the state mostly with snow, Bray says flash floods claim more American lives each year than any other type of natural disaster.

“Almost half of our flooding deaths are people in vehicles,” Bray said. “Six inches of water is enough to be really hazardous; six inches of water can sweep you away.”

Bray says some of the keys are to pack a bag with emergency supplies and have a flood plan ahead of time.

“So many people get caught in a flood and they’re not sure what to do,” she said. “The first thing is if you’re in your home, know where to go, know where high ground is.”

While officials are urging individuals and local communities to do their part, Bray says the state will be ready and able to respond no matter what.

“Whether or not you have your power, whether or not your heat is on, whether or not you feel safe traveling the roads, those are all things we take incredibly seriously at the Division and here at the Emergency Operations Center, and we’re really ultimately responsible for delivering that,” she said.