Emergency Planning Exercise Evaluated by SCEMO and Other Participants

June 27, 2007                                                                     

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SCHOHARIE— Emergency response capabilities of key organizations in the Schoharie County area came into clear relief last Thursday, June 21, in a simulated response, led by the Schoharie County Emergency Management Office (SCEMO), to a drill scenario at the New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Project in Gilboa.

“The exercise contributed to our preparedness for responding to a hypothetical emergency, however unlikely,” said Judith Warner, SCEMO director. “All the participants—the Power Authority, local and state police, volunteer fire departments and emergency medical service personnel—took this very seriously, in demonstrating their ability to work together for an effective response. We’re pleased with how this turned out.”

SCEMO and other emergency organizations met Tuesday night at the Blenheim Hose Company, another participating organization, to go over the exercise, which tested mutual aid capabilities, communications, incident command structure, and overall coordinated response. Among the other participating organizations were the Conesville, Grand Gorge, Middleburgh and Jefferson Fire Departments and Rescue Squads; Schoharie County Fire Coordinator and County Hazardous Materials Team; the  Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office;  the Schoharie County Emergency Medical Service; Middleburgh Emergency Volunteer Ambulance Corps; New York State Police; New York State Emergency Management Office; and New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. 

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which regulates the nation’s hydroelectric projects, was on hand to observe the exercise.

The drill scenario involved an escalating emergency that included mobilization of a hazardous materials team by Schoharie County.

The Power Authority is planning to hold similar exercises at other facilities it operates around the state. “Drills such as these enhance the safety and security of our facilities and the surrounding communities and are in keeping with the close partnership we’ve always had with fire and rescue squads and other emergency response organizations in the areas we operate,” said Stephen Ramsey, community relations manager, Blenheim-Gilboa.

 

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