Politics & Government
In the Name of Sandy, Local Agencies Prepare for Worst
An emergency drill set up to practice real-world reaction to a huge disaster.
Just like the name Katrina has a whole different meaning to us these days, now it is Sandy that triggers a reminder to be as ready as you can for a natural disaster or human-caused calamity.
Staff members from the city of Novato participated in a Red Cross‐organized emergency shelter drill on Thursday at the Hill Gym along with several other agencies that would be called upon in a worst-case scenario.
Marin County Health and Human Services, the Novato Unified School District, the Marin Center for Independent Living, the Marin Medical Reserve Corps, the Canal Alliance and the Marin Humane Society went through the practice routine. Mayor Denise Athas greeted the group and Councilmember Jeanne MacLeamy was also in attendance.
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The goal was to prepare responding agencies, employees and volunteers on how to set up an emergency shelter with such stations as administration, feeding, dormitory and mental health. Participants role‐played both the provider and client roles. Integral to the drill was the inclusion of people with disabilities, families and pets to make it as close to a real-life situation as possible.
Participating agencies
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Core planning group:
- American Red Cross
- Health and Human Services
- City of Novato
- Marin Humane Society
- Marin Center for Independent Living
Additional Agencies Represented:
- Novato Unified
- Canal Alliance
- Marin Medical Reserve Corp
- Novato Fire
If you'd like to participate the next time such a drill is scheduled, contact these agencies and volunteer.
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