2007 News
March 15, 2007
For Bucks, Practice Makes Perfect
Bucks County Weather Exercise Presents 50-Mph Wind Gusts, Tornado Touch-Downs, Mass Destruction
The Bucks County Emergency Management Agency today rehearsed its response plans and sharpened coordination skills as it activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Ivyland during a state-wide weather exercise. With March 11-17 as Weather Emergency Preparedness Week throughout the commonwealth, the EOC activated in the morning and received 35 messages by 10:45 a.m.
These messages are exercise-based occurrences that are injected into the play to test different functional areas of the EMA and participating organizations. Those participating in today’s exercise under the leadership of EMA Director John Dougherty, included the American Red Cross, the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22, Doylestown Hospital, Frankford-Bucks Hospital, Neshaminy Manor (Bucks County’s state-of-the-art nursing home), as well as county departments such as Finance, Courts, HAZMAT, Emergency Health, and Fire Marshal.
Events unfolding during the exercise included a hail and heavy-wind storm, which produced tornadoes that hit several buildings throughout the county. In response, two shelters were established, triage centers were set up, and an information center was opened for victims. Participating organizations’ disaster plans were activated and tested throughout the play.
“Emergency preparedness is one of the most important issues we face,” commissioners’ Chairman Charles H. Martin noted. “The way we keep our skills sharp for real-world emergencies is by conducting realistic exercises that test and continually improve our systems.”
Bucks County is among Pennsylvania’s 67 counties observing Weather Emergency Preparedness Week, during which time commissioners Martin, James F. Cawley and Sandra A. Miller encourage families to review their emergency plans.
Families should follow the Ready Bucks guidelines on the county’s website.. Included in that information is advice on what to have in your head, in your home and in your hand.
What to have in your head – This refers to your family’s plan. Where will you meet your family members if you are separated during an emergency? Is there a number you will all call into? Have you rehearsed your fire escape routes in your home?
What to have in your home – If you have to stay at home for an extended period of time, also known as sheltering in place, what will you need? Some ideas are batteries, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, water, food that can be prepared and eaten in case of a power outage, medications.
What to have in your hand – If an evacuation order is given or you chose to leave your home, your family should have a “go bag” prepared in advance. Ideas for your go bag include toothbrushes and toothpaste, extra clothes, extra medications, glasses, baby food/formula, a map of the region incase familiar routes are closed off, and don’t forget things to keep kids occupies like games. Fido will have needs too – bring him extra food, water and blankets.