NYS Division of Homeland Security – Office of Emergency Management

NYS Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

The New York State Office of Emergency Management (OEM), a key division of the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), operates from the W. Averell Harriman State Office Campus at 1220 Washington Avenue. This facility serves as the nerve center for the state’s disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. It is the home of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), a command hub that activates during major emergencies—such as severe weather events, terrorist threats, or health crises—to coordinate resources across all 62 counties.

Strategic Operations

From this location, OEM staff manage a wide array of critical functions designed to protect New York’s communities:

• Disaster Planning: Developing comprehensive plans for potential hazards, from hurricanes and floods to cyber-attacks.
• Response Coordination: Mobilizing state assets, such as the National Guard, stockpiles of supplies, and specialized response teams, to assist local governments when their resources are overwhelmed.
• Training and Exercises: Conducting large-scale drills to ensure that first responders and government officials are ready for any scenario.
• Recovery: Administering federal and state disaster aid to help communities rebuild after a catastrophe.

The State Watch Center

The facility houses the State Watch Center, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This unit monitors weather conditions, news feeds, and communications from local agencies to detect emerging threats in real-time. They act as the primary point of contact for county emergency managers needing immediate state assistance.

Access and Location

Building 22 on the State Office Campus is a secure government facility. It is not open to the general public for walk-in services. Access is strictly controlled and limited to authorized personnel and official visitors. The campus itself is located off Washington Avenue and Western Avenue, easily accessible from I-90 and I-87, allowing for rapid deployment of mobile command vehicles and personnel.