On Saturday, October 28, 2023, Schuylkill County Emergency Management joined forces with several key partners, including the American Red Cross PA Rivers Chapter, American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, Schuylkill County Animal Response Team, and the North Schuylkill School District, to conduct an emergency shelter exercise.
This exercise served as an opportunity for Schuylkill County to evaluate its emergency preparedness capabilities and to equip Red Cross and other dedicated volunteers with the necessary skills in the event that an emergency shelter becomes necessary within the county's borders.
Such shelters are essential in a wide range of scenarios, including power outages, floods, severe storms, or even evacuations prompted by incidents involving the Berwick nuclear power plant.
John W. Blickley, Director of Schuylkill County Office of Emergency Management said the emergency shelter exercise was designed to allow volunteers to practice and hone their shelter operation skills and procedures within a low-stress environment where they could seek guidance and support.
During this exercise, the American Red Cross provided authentic shelter supplies and equipment to facilitate hands-on training.
The American Red Cross, in particular, leveraged this opportunity to deliver comprehensive training to its volunteers, covering aspects such as how to interact with victims, the setup and dismantling of emergency shelters, assistance for individuals with disabilities, traffic control measures, and the provision of food for affected individuals.
In addition to the American Red Cross's active participation, the Schuylkill County Animal Response Team showcased their services they can offer to family pets during emergency situations.
The successful partnership between multiple agencies in this emergency shelter exercise demonstrates the commitment of Schuylkill County to the safety and well-being of its residents. As natural and man-made disasters remain a persistent threat, these proactive measures are essential for safeguarding the community and its inhabitants in times of crisis.
The American Red Cross, in particular, leveraged this opportunity to deliver comprehensive training to its volunteers, covering aspects such as how to interact with victims, the setup and dismantling of emergency shelters, assistance for individuals with disabilities, traffic control measures, and the provision of food for affected individuals.
In addition to the American Red Cross's active participation, the Schuylkill County Animal Response Team showcased their services they can offer to family pets during emergency situations.
The successful partnership between multiple agencies in this emergency shelter exercise demonstrates the commitment of Schuylkill County to the safety and well-being of its residents. As natural and man-made disasters remain a persistent threat, these proactive measures are essential for safeguarding the community and its inhabitants in times of crisis.
Photos and Story by J. Reed / Skook News
