Emergency Preparedness
News Alerts
NYS EP Alert 5.19.2026 | High Heat, Severe Weather Expected Across New York
High Heat, Severe Weather Expected Across New York
Home care provider agencies should prepare for a period of high heat and potentially severe weather expected across New York State beginning today, May 19, through Wednesday, May 20.
NYC EP Alert 5.18.2026 | LIRR Strike Creates Transportation Disruptions for Home Care Workforce
LIRR Strike Creates Transportation Disruptions for Home Care Workforce
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has suspended service due to an ongoing strike, creating transportation challenges that may affect home care agencies and staff across the New York City region. MTA officials have indicated that negotiations with union representatives are continuing; however, transportation disruptions and significant travel delays are expected while service remains suspended.
NYS EP Alert 5.15.2026 | Andes Strain Hantavirus Associated with the Cruise Ship MV Hondius
Andes Strain Hantavirus Associated with the Cruise Ship MV Hondius
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) has issued a health advisory regarding a cluster of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome cases associated with the cruise ship MV Hondius.
NYC EP Alert 5.11.2026 | DOHMH Issues Advisory on Andes Strain Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to Cruise Ship
DOHMH Issues Advisory on Andes Strain Hantavirus Outbreak Linked to Cruise Ship
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has released a health advisory regarding an international outbreak of the Andes strain of hantavirus associated with the MV Hondius cruise ship. As of May 7, 2026, eight cases, including three deaths, have been identified among passengers and crew.
NYS EP Alert 4.30.2026 | HCS Security Update: Action Required by April 30, 2026
HCS Security Update: Action Required by April 30, 2026
To enhance security on the Health Commerce System (HCS), all users must have a populated and verified “Security Email Address” to access the system’s Self Password Reset and Forgotten User ID functions, effective April 30, 2026.
NYS EP Alert 4.7.2026 | Heat-related Illness
Heat-related Illness
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released 2026 Health Advisory #6 today, April 7, to remind health care providers about the threat of heat-related illnesses and death as we move into the spring and summer months. The information and resources are valuable for providers throughout the state.
NYS EP Alert 2.22.2026 | Major Winter Storm Event
Major Winter Storm Event
The Department of Health (DOH / the Department) has issued a Major Winter Storm Alert for February 22-23, 2026. A significant winter storm is forecast to impact the Capital District and Metropolitan Area Regions beginning Sunday, February 22, 2026, and continuing into Monday. Snowfall totals exceeding 12 inches are expected in several regions. Blizzard Warnings have been issued for New York City and Long Island, with Winter Storm Warnings and Watches in effect for the Lower Hudson Valley.
NYC EP Alert 2.19.2026 | North Country Severe Winter Weather
North Country Severe Winter Weather
The Department of Health (DOH/the Department is warning home care and other health care providers to be prepared for severe weather Friday, February 20,2026 into the morning of Saturday, February 21. Heavy snow and up to ¼ inch of ice is possible.
NYC EP Alert 2.5.2026 | Extreme Cold
Extreme Cold
On February 4, 2026, the acting New York City Commissioner of Health issued 2026 Health Alert #3: Protect People at Risk of Cold-Related Death During Prolonged Cold Temperatures.
NYC EP Alert 1.22.2026 | Widespread Severe Winter Weather
Widespread Severe Winter Weather
Governor Hochul is urging New Yorkers to prepare for extreme winter weather in the coming days. Conditions will vary widely by region, but nearly every corner of the state will feel some effects of the approaching system.
