The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services today announced its County Emergency Preparedness Assessment (CEPA) data visualization tool has been honored with a “Best of New York 2019 Award” from Government Technology magazine. The CEPA tool helps map and visualize data captured during the Division’s county preparedness assessments to better inform statewide decision-making. Division officials received the award at Government Technology’s New York Digital Government Summit held on September 13 at the Albany Capital Center.

“We are constantly working to identify and leverage new technology to enhance our decision making,” said Patrick Murphy, Commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “The CEPA Data Visualization project is an excellent example of this, and the insights we have gained from the tool will help us become better prepared for all types of threats and hazards.”

Presented by e.Republic’s Center for Digital Government, in partnership with the state of New York, the ‘Best of New York Awards’ recognize state and local government organizations for their standout contributions, best practices and innovations in information technology which improve citizen services and internal operations.

The Division was recognized along with the State Office of Information Technology Services for their collaboration on the CEPA data visualization tool. The tool helps to map and visualize the data points the Division captures as part of the CEPA process.  Every three years, the Division meets with county emergency managers and other stakeholders to gather information regarding the likelihood and potential consequences associated with various threats and hazards facing the county. During these meetings, the Division also obtains information on counties’ emergency preparedness capabilities and demographic data. This collaborative effort helps strengthen New York’s disaster readiness.

The CEPA data visualization tool also includes publicly available census data, and disaster history information provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The tool allows for all the data to be sorted, mapped and analyzed in a way which enables Division officials to visualize the information so the agency can make more informed preparedness and response decisions.

 
About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other man-made and natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter, or Instagram, or visit dhses.ny.gov.