Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) is encouraging residents to learn about a new statewide emergency tracking system to ensure the safety of patients and residents when health care and human services facilities are forced to evacuate as a result of a natural disaster. The New York State Evacuation of Facilities in Disasters System (NYS e-FINDS) will be a secure, confidential, fast and easy-to-use system to provide real-time access to patient locations during a disaster.

“Thanks to NYS e-FINDS, first responders will now be better equipped to quickly evacuate those with health care needs during a disaster,” said McDonough. “The past two years, our communities have been hit by devastating storms that have severely damaged our homes and roads. I hope that the implementation of this system will enable us to quickly relocate those in need of medical care during a severe storm.”

The system will be in place for the 2013 hurricane season, with training for providers beginning next week. If you would like to learn more about NYS e-FINDS visit: http://nysandyhelp.ny.gov/e-FINDS.