Dutchess County Emergency Management

‼️The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for western Dutchess County from 11am through 7pm today.‼️

High temperatures plus moderate humidity will make it feel like 95 degrees this afternoon. Prolonged exposure can result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Stay hydrated and in air-conditioned spaces, if possible. Check on those most vulnerable to heat illness, including elderly friends and neighbors, young children, and those with chronic health conditions.

NEVER leave pets or children unattended in vehicles for any reason or amount of time!!

If you or someone you know needs a place to stay cool, visit one of many cooling centers throughout Dutchess County: https://dutchessny.gov/coolingcenters

National EMS Week, May 17-23, is a time to show our gratitude to the EMTs and paramedics who provide lifesaving care across Dutchess County every day. These professionals show up—no matter what time of day—to help those in distress, who are scared, possibly in pain, and often having the worst day of their lives.

These moments seldom make headlines, yet they greatly influence outcomes and change lives. EMTs and paramedics help more people return home, families remain united, and more communities feel safer because someone was there when it mattered most.

We sincerely thank the many dedicated EMTs and paramedics who are Improving Outcomes, Together throughout Dutchess County!

🚩Dutchess County is at an elevated risk for fire spread today with a RED FLAG WARNING issued for tomorrow, Tues. May 5, from noon until 7 pm. 🚩

Due to very low humidity and high/gusty winds, any fires that start will have the potential to spread rapidly. Please remember that open burning is PROHIBITED and extreme caution should be taken when discarding smoking materials.

Another early morning deployment for Dutchess County Emergency Management on site at today’s this Hudson Valley Marathon, which begins in Ulster County and traverses the Walkway Over the Hudson continuing on to the Dutchess County Rail Trail and back.

With approximately 2,000 runners, the Dutchess County Mobile Command Unit is serving as the event’s Command Post, responsible for coordination between all agencies involved, including Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Services, Dutchess 911 and the Race Director. 🏃‍♀️ 🏃 🏃‍♂️

🌩️ ⚡️A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING has been issued for northeastern Dutchess County until 8:45pm

Heavy rain, damaging winds, quarter-sized hail, and dangerous lightning are expected. Wind gusts could result in trees and wires coming down. NEVER approach downed wires. If storms impact your area, remain indoors, if possible.

Emergencies and disasters can happen at any time, so it's important to be prepared! Join us next Wed. April 22 at 6pm for our popular Citizen's Preparedness training, right here at the County Department of Emergency Response in Poughkeepsie.

In just 90 minutes, you'll learn simple ways you can become more prepared, and each family attending will receive a FREE emergency preparedness starter backpack. To register, visit www.dutchessny.gov/citizenpreparedness

Thank you for all that you do!

It's National Public Safety Telecommunicator's Week! My personal thanks to our dedicated Public Safety Dispatchers, who answer Dutchess County's 911 calls 24/7/365! These incredibly skilled and talented professionals are the critical first link in the chain of survival for those in life or death situations - and they have saved countless lives. Thank You, Dutchess 911!

🚩 A RED FLAG WARNING has been issued for Dutchess County until Thurs. April 9 at 6 pm. 🚩

Due to very low humidity and high/gusty winds, any fires that start will have the potential to spread rapidly. Open Burning is prohibited and extreme caution should be taken when discarding smoking materials.

The National Weather Service and the United States Coast Guard are partnering this week for Cold Water Safety Awareness Week.

As air temperatures rise throughout the spring, more people enjoy water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and more. And while these are great ways to enjoy time on the water, it’s important to know that water temperatures in our area remain dangerously cold until summertime.

REMEMBER: Cold water can kill in just minutes….even if you are an experienced swimmer. Always:

🛟 Wear a life jacket at all times
🛟 Dress for the water temperature, not the air (like a wetsuit or dry suit)
🛟 Avoid rough surf and strong currents
🛟 Stay off rocks, jetties, and unstable docks

Learn more at: weather.gov/safety/coldwater

Please join us on Wednesday, April 22 for an important discussion about emergency preparedness. Find out how you and your family can be more prepared for any type of emergency. Each family will receive a FREE emergency preparedness starter kit. See below for details.

The Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response and the MRC are hosting a Citizen Preparedness Training on Wednesday, April 22, at 6pm, at their office on Creek Road in Poughkeepsie. Attendees will learn how to be prepared for emergencies including how to make an evacuation and communication plan, what to include in your emergency kit, and the importance of planning for both your family and your pets. Each family in attendance will receive a starter Go Bag at the end of the class. Registration is required, as seating is limited. To register visit www.dutchessny.gov/CitizenPreparedness