2008 News
March 13, 2008
Bucks Emergency Management Hones Skills during Severe Weather Awareness Week
The Bucks County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) 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 9-15 as Severe Weather Awareness Week throughout the commonwealth, the EOC activated in the morning and received 25 messages during the exercise.
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 were Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22 and Doylestown Hospital. Dougherty also serves as the chairman of the PA Southeastern Region Counterterrorism Task Force.
Events unfolding during the exercise included a hail and heavy-wind storm, which caused power outages, an overturned passenger bus and train derailment. Participating organizations’ disaster plans were activated and tested throughout the play.
“By keeping our skills sharpened during exercises, we continue to prepare for real-world emergencies,” noted Commissioner Chairman Jim Cawley.
Bucks County is among Pennsylvania’s 67 counties observing Severe Weather Preparedness Week, during which time the Commissioners Cawley, Charles H. Martin and Diane M. Ellis- Marseglia encourage families to review their emergency plans.
Families should follow the Ready Bucks guidelines on the county’s website, www.buckscounty.org/readybucks. Included 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. Don’t forget baby formula and items to keep the kids occupied.
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 in case familiar routes are closed off, and don’t forget games or other activities for the kids. Fido will have needs too – bring him extra food, water and blankets.