Current Warnings/Watches/Advisories
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posted Apr 17, 2012 12:45 PM by Brian Melcer
Anniston, Ala- The week of April 2nd to April 6th, Emergency Responders from Lawrence County recently completed Healthcare Leadership for Mass Casualty Incidents training offered by the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP), in Anniston, Ala. The CDP is operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Federal emergency Management Agency and is the only federally-chartered Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) training facility in the nation.
The week long training consisted of classroom lectures followed by hands-on exercises testing the participant’s ability to manage multiple Mass Casualty Incidents utilizing the Incident Command System. Participants were put to the test with a number of incidents taking place simultaneously, with staff from FEMA providing the scenarios and guidance throughout the process.
Participants were assigned to different aspects of emergency management including Hospital, Pre-Hospital, Public Health, and Facilities and Security. Each sector initiated an Incident Command Structure to manage the incidents as they occurred pertaining to their individual department, then, ultimately collaborated as a group in the overall Incident Command System. Information sharing and critical thinking were essential for success.
There were 57 total class participants, 44 from Region 13 in southwestern Pennsylvania. The 9 representatives from Lawrence County were: Barbara Bernardi and Donna Cochran from Jameson Hospital; Luke DeRosa from Noga Ambulance Service; David DiDesiderio, from the Lawrence County Department of Public Safety EOC Staff and Noga Ambulance Service; Dr. Greg Hellier from the Lawrence County Department of Public Safety EOC Staff, Emergency Medical Director and Jameson Hospital; Warren Hosack, Medevac Ambulance Service; Diane Mackrell, The Ellwood City Hospital; Tina Marshall, Lawrence County Department of Public Safety; and Michele Miller from the Lawrence County Department of Public Safety EOC Staff and Jameson Hospital.
"The training will not only benefit Lawrence County, but all 13 counties in our region," says Tina Marshall. "We are able to offer a unified response to a large incident in any county in our region. In turn, those counties will be available to offer assistance in Lawrence County."
Counties included in Region 13 are: Lawrence, Mercer, Beaver, Butler, Allegheny, Armstrong, Washington, Westmoreland, Indiana, Greene, Fayette, Somerset and Cambria.
The CDP develops and delivers advanced training for emergency response providers, emergency managers, and other government officials from state, local, and tribal governments. The CDP offers more than 50 training courses focusing on incident management, mass casualty response, and emergency response to a catastrophic natural disaster or terrorist act. Training at the CDP campus is federally funded at no cost to state, local and tribal emergency response professionals or their agency.
Resident training at the CDP included healthcare and public health courses at the Noble Training Facility, the nation’s only hospital dedicated to training healthcare professionals in disaster preparedness and response.
A number of resident training courses culminate at the CDP’s Chemical, Ordnance, Biological and Radiological Training Facility (COBRA). The COBRA is the nation’s only facility featuring civilian training exercises in a true toxic environment using chemical agents. The advanced hands-on training enables responders to effectively prevent, respond to, and recover from real-world incidents involving acts of terrorism and other hazardous materials.
Responders participating in CDP training programs gain critical skills and confidence to respond effectively to local incidents or potential WMD events.
Information about CDP training programs can be found at http://dcp.dhs.gov. Visit the "News & Media" tab at the top of the site to download images, share, CDP training articles, and find out what others are saying about CDP training. For more information about the CDP, contact the CDP External Affairs Office, at (256) 847-2212/2316 or e-mail pao@cdpemail.dhs.gov.
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FEMA’s mission is to support its citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards
Contact: David DiDesiderio, Deputy Public Information Officer
Day Phone: (724) 652-6228 ext. 128 |
posted Jan 12, 2012 11:57 AM by Brian Melcer
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updated Jan 12, 2012 12:05 PM
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Continuing the efforts to reduce the number of firefighter injuries and Line of Duty Deaths, State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann and the Marcellus Shale Coalition and the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association have combined forces in presenting this informative program to fire departments and municipal officials throughout the Commonwealth.
The Office of the State Fire Commissioner-Pennsylvania State Fire Academy is offering this very popular 4 hour class. The program describes the activities that are normally a part of a Marcellus Shale Gas Field project and some of the emergencies that could occur at or near the site.
Subjects included in the “Well-Site Emergency First Responders” program include well site selection and preparation, rigging up and well construction, completing the well and rigging down, the production phase, and the role of the emergency responder. This exciting program will be offered locally on:
Thursday March 1, 2012
at the
New Beaver Borough Vol. Fire Department
898 Wampum New Galilee Road
New Galilee, PA 16141
Class is from 6 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Class was requested by the Lawrence County Department of Public Safety
To register please fill out an application and return it to Pat Pauly at the
PA State Fire Academy or fax it to (717)248-3580.
Registration Deadline is noon on February 9, 2012
PRE-REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY, NO WALK-INS WILL BE PERMITTED! The application is attached.
For additional information or applications you can contact Tina Marshall at the Lawrence County Depart. of Public Safety at 724-656-4927 ext. 3705 or at tmarshall@co.lawrence.pa.us
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posted Dec 20, 2011 1:06 PM by System Administrator
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updated Dec 20, 2011 1:11 PM
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Continuing the efforts to reduce the number of firefighter injuries and Line of Duty Deaths, State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann and the Marcellus Shale Coalition and the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association have combined forces in presenting this informative program to fire departments and municipal officials throughout the Commonwealth.
The Office of the State Fire Commissioner-Pennsylvania State Fire Academy is offering this very popular 4 hour class. The program describes the activities that are normally a part of a Marcellus Shale Gas Field project and some of the emergencies that could occur at or near the site.
Subjects included in the “Well-Site Emergency First Responders” program include well site selection and preparation, rigging up and well construction, completing the well and rigging down, the production phase, and the role of the emergency responder. This exciting program will be offered locally on:
Tuesday January 31, 2012
at the
Scott Township Volunteer Fire Department
3712 Harlansburg Road
New Castle, PA 16101
Class is from 6 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Class was requested by the Lawrence County Department of Public Safety
To register please fill out an application and return it to Pat Pauly at the
PA State Fire Academy or fax it to (717)248-3580.
Registration Deadline is noon on January 10, 2012
PRE-REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY, NO WALK-INS WILL BE PERMITTED! The application is attached.
For additional information or applications you can contact Tina Marshall at the Lawrence County Depart. of Public Safety at 724-656-4927 ext. 3705 or at tmarshall@co.lawrence.pa.us
A second course is being coordinated with the OSFC, tentatively to be held at the New Beaver Borough Fire Department on 3/1/2012. Separate details will be posted once the course is confirmed. |
posted Oct 20, 2011 12:08 PM by System Administrator
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updated Oct 20, 2011 12:22 PM by Brian Melcer
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In June 2011, Lawrence County performed extensive accuracy testing of all wireless (cellular) phone carriers that operate in Lawrence County. We sought to ensure that they deliver your 9-1-1 calls to our system as accurately as possible. We have released the findings of this report in an effort to better educate the community on each carriers' compliance to the Federal Communications Commission's requirements. The details of the project are available here, including the full report.
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posted Aug 23, 2011 1:30 PM by Brian Melcer
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updated Aug 23, 2011 1:35 PM
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THE LAWRENCE COUNTY EMT PROGRAM WILL START SEPTEMBER 7, 2011 AND END JANUARY 9, 2012.
CLASS WILL BE HELD AT THE LAWRENCE COUNTY CAREER AND TECHNICAL CENTER. (VO-TEC)
MONDAY AND WEDNESDAYS FROM 1800 TO 2200 HRS
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posted Aug 23, 2011 1:27 PM by Brian Melcer
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updated Aug 23, 2011 1:29 PM
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At approximately 13:55 hrs this date, much of the East Coast (including Lawrence County) felt the tremors from an earthquake. There are no reports of damage in Lawrence County. Please tune to local radio or television for further information on the earthquake. The earthquake appears to have been centered in Mineral, VA according to the USGS. If you felt or were impact by the earthquake, you can report the information on their web site here :
If you have experienced any damage, contact 9-1-1. Remember, 9-1-1 is for emergency situations only. |
posted Jul 21, 2011 6:59 AM by Brian Melcer
A significant heat wave will impact the Commonwealth, including Lawrence County from Thursday, July 21 through Saturday, July 23, 2011. Heat index values will approach a maximum of near 105F statewide on Thursday to a near maximum of 110F on Friday and again on Saturday. The highest values will be experienced in urbanized areas. Overnight low temperatures will be in the 70's and may not drop below 80 in urbanized areas.
Two cooling centers are available in Lawrence County -- elderly citizens who need to seek refuge from the heat can go to Challenges Options on Aging, 2706 Mercer Rd, New Castle, PA between 7am and 4:30 today (Thursday) and tomorrow. Another cooling center is available at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 110 E Lincoln Ave during daylight hours. Residents who need assistance regarding the heat are encouraged to call the Emergency Management Office at 724-658-7485.
Here are some tips for dealing with the heat:
Heat Wave Safety Tips:
•Slow Down–Limit strenuous activity, or reschedule for cooler times of the day
•Dress for Summer–Wear light-colored clothing
•Limit some types of Foods–Foods (like proteins) increase metabolic heat production and increase water loss
•Drink plenty of Water or other Non-alcoholic Fluids–Your body needs water to stay cool
•Do Not drink Alcoholic Beverages
•Do Not take Salt Tablets–Unless specified by a physician
•Spend more time in air-conditioned places
•Never leave your child or pet unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down
•Always make sure all children have left the car when you reach your destination
•Make sure your child’s safety seat and safety belts aren’t too hot
•Don’t get too much sun
Heat Disorder Symptoms:
• SUNBURN: Redness and pain. In severe cases swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches. First Aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.
• HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating. First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.
• HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. First Aid: Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.
• HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke): High body temperature (106°F. or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. First Aid: HEAT STROKE IS A SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY. SUMMON EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GET THE VICTIM TO A HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. DELAY CAN BE FATAL. Move the victim to a cooler environment Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.
Web Links:
NOAA's Heat Wave Brochure
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/
NOAA's Heat Page
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/index.shtml |
posted Apr 7, 2011 8:15 PM by Brian Melcer
A dive team has been formed under the Department of Public Safety. For more information, check out their page! They have also received some recognition in the media:
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posted Mar 15, 2011 6:38 AM by Brian Melcer
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All roads have been reopened from last weeks' flooding events. |
posted Mar 10, 2011 8:28 PM by Brian Melcer
Current Alert Status :Lawrence County is under a flood warning until 1100 AM EST FRIDAY.
Current Road Closures: Hickory Twp - 2 Little Beaver Twp - 3 Mahoning Twp - 3 Neshannock Twp - 1 New Castle City - 1 Pulaski Twp - 1 Shenango Twp - 2 (SEE ATTACHMENT) |
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