Tedisco is calling the proposal the State Emergency Assistance Database, or S.E.A.D. program, and said the proposal addresses the current power outage that has hit a large swath of upstate New York. More than 300,000 New Yorkers lost power initially and up to 100,000 were still without power after more than a day. Thousands still remain without power but should have it restored by Wednesday at the latest.

"The reality of this storm is that we were lucky. Not every elderly or disabled New Yorker has a family member or friend that can check in on them in a timely manner, and many live alone," said Tedisco. "For those who may be in fragile physical condition, had these storms knocked out phone lines as well, it could have spelled disaster for the most vulnerable of our citizens. With the potential for future storms we can't count on luck.

"For these folks, we want to allow them the opportunity to sign-up for the S.E.A.D. registry so they can have peace of mind knowing that the knock at the door from a friendly face is only moments away.

Tedisco said it has long been New York government's top priority to assist the most vulnerable New Yorkers when they cannot assist themselves and when they have no family to immediately turn to.

He added, "Thankfully, most of us have many capabilities to weather a disaster. Good health, family, friends, vehicles and several communication devices to name a few, but again, think of the elderly and the shut-ins or someone who is on a ventilator or who needs dialysis. We are creating this registry for them if they decide to participate and again, it's entirely up to them if they want to do so."

Tedisco said S.E.A.D. would fall under SEMO and would become part of their response plans to disasters. During a sustained power outage or major snowstorm, SEMO would coordinate with county first responders to contact S.E.A.D. registrants bringing water, blankets, generators and other essentials, and medical assistance and evacuation if necessary.

Tedisco said he would introduce legislation within the next week.