Preparedness Guide
Due to the forecasted winter storm, Ulster County government will be operating on a delayed schedule, opening at 1:00 pm on Monday, January 26, 2026. *This does not apply to the County’s 24/7 operations or facilities*
We will assess conditions Monday morning and, if necessary, issue additional updates via email and on the home page of the County website.
Please note that UCAT will not be running on Sunday, January 25. Service will resume on Monday, January 26, at 12 noon.
Published on January 23, 2026.
On display until
January 27, 2026
Welcome
Disasters don't plan ahead, but you can! They often occur with little notice and have devastating consequences for individuals and communities. In these situations, it is crucial to have a plan in place to minimize the impact and recover as quickly as possible.
Ulster County, in conjunction with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Ulster County, has developed a bank of resources to help you, your family, and your community prepare for potential weather-related disasters.
Explore the resources below and take the necessary steps to prepare yourself for the unexpected.
This project was made possible by a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension Ulster County in partnership with the NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program, NY Water Resources Institute and Cornell University with support from the NYS Environmental Protection Fund. For more information, visit the Climate Resilience Partnership (CRP) webpage.
Volunteer
Volunteering before, during, and after an emergency is an essential act of compassion, unity, and resilience. The importance of volunteering lies in its power to uplift, restore, and heal communities, fostering resilience and reminding us of the strength we possess when we come together. It is through volunteering that we demonstrate the best of humanity, showing that kindness, empathy, and solidarity can conquer any challenge that comes our way. Consider getting involved in the following opportunities or contact local organizations to find out how you can help.
Remember to inquire about any necessary training or certifications required before volunteering in disaster-affected areas. It's also important to be patient and flexible, as volunteer needs may vary depending on the stage of the disaster response and recovery process.
Post-Emergency Resources
For post-emergency assistance services, visit the Hudson Valley Red Cross webpage to learn more.
For general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting your home, your community, and your life back to normal, visit Ready.gov.
For up-to-date information on county-operated and organized resources, visit the Ulster County Emergency Services webpage or check the Ulster County Facebook page for updates.
Mental Health
After a natural disaster, several mental health resources are available to help individuals and communities cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the event.
- Disaster Distress Helpline: The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 crisis counseling and support for individuals experiencing emotional distress related to a disaster. The helpline is free, confidential, and available to everyone. You can call 1-800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746 to connect with a trained counselor.
- Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program: The Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) is a federal program that provides short-term counseling and support to individuals and communities affected by a disaster. The program is designed to help people cope with the immediate emotional and psychological effects of the disaster and can provide referrals to longer-term mental health services if needed.
- Mental Health America: Mental Health America is a national organization that provides resources and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues, including those related to a disaster. Their website offers a variety of resources, including fact sheets, guides, and tips for coping with disaster-related stress and trauma.
- Ulster County Department of Mental Health After a disaster, local mental health services may be available to provide counseling and support to those affected. Visit the Ulster County Department of Mental Health page to learn about available resources.
It's essential to prioritize mental health and seek support if needed after a disaster. Remember, it's okay to ask for help, and there are resources available to support you.
New York City Watershed Mitigation Assistance
Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program
The Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program (AWSMP) is a joint effort between Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County, the Ulster County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. The three agencies work collaboratively to maintain the health of streams in the Ashokan Reservoir Watershed. The program aims to improve stream stability and reduce erosion threats to water quality and infrastructure, mitigate potential damage from flooding, and enhance aquatic and riparian habitat. AWSMP staff can work with Ashokan watershed landowners to determine flood risk and provide guidance on ways to reduce future damages. Streamside landowners are also eligible to participate in the Catskills Stream Buffers Initiative program offered to reduce erosion.
Following a flood, staff can provide guidance on safe debris and large wood removal and assist municipalities with the recovery effort. Visit www.ashokanstreams.org for more information.
Rondout Neversink Stream Management Program
Similar to the AWSMP, the Rondout Neversink Stream Management Program (RNSP) aims to protect and restore stream system stability and ecological integrity by providing for the long-term stewardship of streams and floodplains. Programs and grants focus on municipalities and private lands at the headwaters of the New York City Watershed supply in Town of Denning/Ulster County and Town of Neversink/Sullivan County. The rivers in this watershed include Upper Rondout Creek, Upper Neversink River, Chestnut Creek and their tributaries which feed Rondout and Neversink Reservoirs. RNSP has worked with streamside landowners to design and install streamside plantings that improve the health of local waterways and protect properties from hazardous erosion. This service is free to landowners, funded by NYC DEP to improve water quality.
Catskill Watershed Corporation
For landowners in the New York City Watershed, the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC) offers a variety of flood mitigation programs to prevent flood damage to homes and businesses. Post-flood, the CWC may also make funding available for significant debris and large wood removal.