Local Disaster Response Improves
Teams from Larchmont/ Mamaroneck, Westchester County and the Red Cross have made substantial progress in disaster response capabilities since the spring flood disaster hit three years ago,
speakers told a meeting of the Local Summit on May 18th. The meeting was chaired by Mariana Boneo, a 2007 flood disaster assistance coordinator.
Key areas of progress cited were: close working relationships and better service delivery among participating governments and agencies, more effective communications systems, and better emergency shelter capabilities.
Details of the improvements were related by Michael Liverzani, Emergency Management Coordinator, Town of Mamaroneck and head of the Tri-Municipal Community Response Team (CERT); Noah Goldberg, Emergency Program Specialist, Westchester County Emergency Services and Ed Merians, Chairman of the Westchester County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
NEW EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
Mr. Liverzani said that under a new Emergency Notification System (Larchmont has a similar system) his group can dispense immediate disaster information by land phone, cell phone and e-mail to all residents in the Town of Mamaroneck. Also, when needed, the information can be directed solely to specific neighborhoods affected. Further, during an emergency notification, residents will be given the phone number for special phone lines recently obtained. At that point residents will be able to call the Emergency Management Team for help or additional information and be able to count on a human response. Residents in Mamaroneck Village have similar services through an arrangement with the County’s Emergency Operating Center.
Mr. Merians said that having fast information is vital in such cases as a toxic spill on Route # 95. A nearby resident may have five minutes or less to learn whether to evacuate. He also reminded the audience that in an extended emergency a telephone land line is particularly useful as cell phone and cell tower operations will be limited by
IMPROVED EMERGENCY SHELTER OPERATIONS
During the 2007 floods many families which had to evacuate sought shelter in the high school. Since that time the ability to operate this and a second shelter has been improved. The Red Cross has parked a trailer full of blankets, cots, food, water and other necessities in Mamaroneck, sufficient to accommodate 300 victims. The school does not have a large emergency generator but the County has newly purchased generators that may be available. Similarly, the school shelter, and other locations, may be able to use large sump pumps purchased by the County to alleviate possible flooding.
Mr. Liverzani said his group has trained 60 volunteers in shelter operations and is seeking to train more.
Mr. Merians noted that one of the problems in handling emergencies is the lack of local affordable workforce housing. When he was a youngster growing up in town, he recollected, many of the firemen and policemen lived in town. Now many of these people and others key to efficient emergency response live in Rockland and other distant places. The extra time it takes for them to travel here could be a critical shortcoming under certain circumstances.
PLANNING AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
The County has been responsible for intercommunity resource management and broad planning, Mr. Goldberg said. It keeps track of emergency capabilities and assets in every Westchester community and assists communities in getting needed help from one another on a reciprocal basis. The County stockpiles shelter equipment, food and water in various locations and holds multi-community and multi-agency emergency drills and training. It has set up five weather stations in Westchester to monitor hazardous weather and distribute information before, during and after weather related emergencies. It is in the process of buying a mobile hospital and radiological testing equipment. It also is responsible for evacuation planning.
Mr. Goldberg said that one of the County’s jobs was to seek Federal compensation after major disasters. The County applied for funds for homeowner compensation after the last major storm, but was turned down because there were fewer than the required 100 badly damaged and uninsured houses in the County. However, the County applied to the Federal Government for municipal reimbursement for services during that storm and believes this will be approved.
OTHER COMMENTS
- Most residents should plan to be self-reliant in terms of food, water and medicine for at least 5 days after an emergency because official aid will go to the most stricken victims first.
- Mr. Merians said the likelihood of toxic contamination coming from highway #95 is many times more probable than from the Indian Point nuclear operation.
- As part of packing your emergency “Go Bag” stock substantial cash because when power goes out credit cards and cash machines won’t work.
- After a Category #3 hurricane local hospitals will be jammed with victims from nearby Bronx as well as Westchester. Hospital downsizing is a problem.
- To the degree possible, plan so you can remain in your own home during an emergency. But if you can’t, seek safety with family or friends out of the area —shelters are a lifeboat, not a cruiseship.
- Home electric power generators require special care. Improper wiring can cause a fire. Running one in the garage or near an open window can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
- A good source of emergency information is: www.ready.gov An “Emergency Information Handbook” produced by New York State can be obtained through the Westchester County Office of Emergency Management, 914-864-5450.
The above program was hosted by the Local Summit, an informal community council that seeks to make the community a better place for everyone. Its monthly meetings are held at 7:45 a.m. on the third Tuesday of the month at the Nautilus Diner in Mamaroneck.
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