For Immediate Release – Monday, February 14, 2011
(HUGUENOT, NY) – The New York State Association of Towns, Cities, and Villages considers the Town of Deerpark as a “model community” for Emergency Management Operations and they have asked a few local officials to make a presentation at their annual conference held in New York City. Specifically, the Association would like the presenters to focus on the details of a recent Deerpark Local Law passed in 2010 on Emergency Preparedness. The presenters will be Supervisor Karl Brabenec, Councilman David Hoovler, Joyce Cirulli from the Deerpark Emergency Management Committee, and Town Engineer Alfred Fusco, Jr.
“It is an absolute honor to have been selected by the Association to make this presentation,” said Supervisor Karl A. Brabenec. “We intend to show the communities of New York State how to properly organize and manage operations for any major emergency.”
The Emergency Preparedness Act was drafted by Councilman David Hoovler last year to improve local communications, organization and operations between the town, Orange County, and state and federal agencies. The town has been prone to many emergency situations and disasters in recent years, such as the flooding of 2004 and 2005 and major snow and ice storms. The law was also passed to ensure that any mistakes from past disasters did not occur again. In 2007, the Town lost over $300,000 in FEMA grant funding because it didn’t follow the correct procedures. The new law provides for a step by step process for any present or future leaders to follow.
“The law that was drafted is perhaps one of the most comprehensive in New York State,” said Councilman David Hoovler. “It is deemed as a ‘best practice’ and it was adopted to prevent us from making any of the mistakes that happened in the past.”
In addition, when any potential for danger is anticipated, the town activates the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to provide an outlet for local residents to report any emergencies or seek help. The EOC also has direct communication with the Emergency Management Center in Goshen to obtain assistance.
The Association of Towns Conference will be held from Sunday, February 20 until Tuesday, February 22 in New York City, with Deerpark’s presentation scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
“The law that was drafted is perhaps one of the most comprehensive in New York State,” said Councilman David Hoovler. “It is deemed as a ‘best practice’ and it was adopted to prevent us from making any of the mistakes that happened in the past.”
In addition, when any potential for danger is anticipated, the town activates the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to provide an outlet for local residents to report any emergencies or seek help. The EOC also has direct communication with the Emergency Management Center in Goshen to obtain assistance.
The Association of Towns Conference will be held from Sunday, February 20 until Tuesday, February 22 in New York City, with Deerpark’s presentation scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
