The NYS Ready Commission's job is to ensure that critical systems and services—including state health care, energy, transportation, communications and other systems—are prepared for future emergencies. This includes ensuring that new, modified and existing construction is resilient; that food, water, fuel, equipment and other emergency supplies are adequate; that first responders and other critical personnel are able to communicate efficiently; that decision makers have reliable access to real-time information; and that lines of authority are clear and that officials have the authority to react rapidly to emergency situations.

Ira M. Millstein, senior partner at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, and Irwin Redlener, National Center for Disaster Preparedness director at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, will chair the NYS Respond Commission. Other Columbia University faculty and staff will also contribute to this group.