2006 News
September 7 , 2006
Bucks County Commissioners Proclaim September "National Emergency Preparedness Month"
County's Initial "Bucks Family Preparedness Day" Scheduled for Saturday, September 16 at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Ivyland
During their Sept. 6 bi-monthly meeting at the Upper Bucks Senior Citizens Center, the Bucks County commissioners kicked off a month of emergency preparedness activities by declaring September “National Emergency Preparedness Month” throughout the county.
Acting in concert with the US Department of Homeland Security, which has established the theme of family preparedness as its 2006 message, the commissioners have planned a uniquely Bucks twist on National Emergency Preparedness Month.
On Saturday, Sept. 16, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Bucks County residents will be invited to the Emergency Operations Center, located at 911 Freedom Way in Ivyland. That event, which the commissioners have proclaimed “Bucks Family Preparedness Day,” will feature an inside glimpse of Bucks County’s Emergency Management community, as well as a wealth of family preparedness handouts.
Interactive exhibits will include opportunities to meet members of the Major Incident Response Team (MIRT), HAZMAT and SWAT units, among many others.
“We want to encourage all Bucks Countians to take steps to prepare themselves in the event of an emergency in their homes, businesses and schools,” said Chairman James F. Cawley, Esq. “T he goal of National Preparedness Month 2006 is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage families to take action.”
Other announcements included the upcoming “We Remember” ceremony for the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, including Bucks County’s 17 fallen residents. The 8:30 a.m. ceremony, scheduled at the courthouse lawn, will commemorate the fifth anniversary.
“There’s a red, white and blue line of defense out there,” said county Chief Operating Officer/Managing Director David Sanko, referring to fire, police and emergency medical services personnel also to be honored. “We often don’t spend enough time thanking them.”
While emergency preparedness occupied one portion of the meeting’s spotlight, the agenda included resolutions for 18 departments, all of which were approved by the commissioners.
For corrections, the commissioners enacted a three-year contract with Inmate Telephone, Inc. to provide phone vending services call monitoring for inmates. The contract was recommended after corrections director Harris Gubernick collaborated with representatives of the information services department.
“We have added local access to Quakertown and Yardley, in addition to segments of New Jersey,” Gubernick explained. “These calls to inmates’ families will help them build re-entry plans.”
The commissioners also approved a contract extension for Vitetta, Inc. to further explore temporary housing for inmates. Citing an 85-bed shortfall at county facilities, Gubernick said the extension will allow Vitetta to make a recommendation about either: 1) expanding existing policies; 2) expanding the Community Corrections Center, or; 3) building a temporary facility.”
Gubernick said additional housing should be in place within six months, barring municipal zoning delays.
Open Space continued to add to its inventory with the commissioners’ approval of a grant to acquire a conservation easement on the Covered Bridge Park property in New Britain. According to municipal open space and natural areas coordinator Kris Kern, the property has been volunteer- owned for several decades. It includes a pavilion, restrooms, play equipment and a soccer field.
The commissioners also authorized a planning commission contract with Edwards & Kelcey of Trevose, PA. The consulting contract will subsidize a one-year alternatives analysis of the Quakertown Rail Line, explained planning commission Executive Director Lynn Bush.
Additionally, the seniors attending the meeting saw the commissioners authorize 55 items totaling $3.5 million in expenditures dedicated to the county’s Area Agency on Aging.
The commissioners approved the receipt of grants for a Comprehensive Highway Safety Program and DUI Enforcement Program, as well as a $958,797 grant agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to provide funding for the upcoming pandemic flu exercise, a joint effort between the county health department and emergency management agency. Training and preparedness education for the county’s school superintendents, school nurses and teachers are included in the plans. Funds also will subsidize county health department staff in their efforts to coordinate the delivery and dispensing of medications and vaccines.
To maximize all aspects of emergency preparation, the commissioners urge residents to visit the website, www.ready.gov, which offers multiple tips for individuals, families, businesses, special-needs individuals and pets.
Other proclamations made at the meeting included September 4-8 as Suicide Awareness Week, and the month of September as Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.