Beckley’s emergency preparedness efforts still ongoing
By Wendy Holdren, The Register-Herald, Beckley, W.Va. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Taylor began the
The SWVPP lives on, as members hosted the first meeting Tuesday at its new location at the
EOC Director
She said she is happy to have the meetings at the 911 Center and she wants to continue supporting the progress already made locally in better emergency preparedness.
Attendees at the meeting included representatives from Lowe's Home Improvement,
"It's also about educating the public," said
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After the introductions and overview of the SWVPP's responsibilities, DeLaRosa asked for suggestions on how to get young people involved in emergency preparedness.
"That's an issue in all aspects of what we do."
Beckley Renaissance Director
"Many of the volunteers are in their mid-20s and -30s," Cochran said, and he said they often bring their families to training sessions.
"We could take advantage of that audience."
Other suggestions included contacting local youth groups and Generation Beckley.
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Capt.
He said the next class will be hosted
Beckley CERT recently received a grant, which Thompson said will go toward the purchase of backpacks, as well as radio and shelter training.
"We're hoping to incorporate CERT members in with events, such as the Auto Fair, Chili Night and the Rocket Boys Festival."
Beckley Common Councilwoman
"I learned new skills, I met new people. It built a great camaraderie."
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Another one of Taylor's projects, the implementation of the Heads Up smartphone app, is also being directed by a new face.
This area is the second community in the state to participate in the Heads Up program;
Heads Up is an emergency notification application for smartphones and is customizable to each user's preferences.
"It's a good way to get a lot of notifications out to a lot of people in a short amount of time," Kelly said.
He said unlike Nixle, another notification service, Heads Up does not depend on a single source for information; all agencies involved can push out notices to users.
Kelly said a training for contributors will be held
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Members also discussed revitalizing the LEPC, the Local
Agee said it originated many years ago because of hazardous materials, but over the years, it grew to cover all types of hazards for the county.
"Many years ago it had a great following, but we're hoping to liven it up once again."
Kelly also noted that businesses need training on how to survive during emergency situations, like having a back-up plan for records.
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