New EMA program to help identify specific needs during times of disaster
POMEROY, Ohio – In an effort to be proactive, the Meigs County Emergency Management Agency is creating a program to help ensure individuals with specific needs to address in times of an disaster emergencies.
Meigs County EMA Director, Jamie Jones, presented the program to the Meigs County Commissioners during their regular weekly meeting April 27, 2017. Jones explained the program is an effort to recognize individuals that may have needs such as oxygen or dialysis in a time of emergency. Jones said the information will be used in time of a disaster emergency so firefighters or EMS can quickly and efficiently identify those individuals that may need assistance evacuating for example.
With safety as the focus and priority, Jones said in a statement that the program is “designed to assist people with specific needs in times of disaster by pre-registering so local energy personnel can assist residence from their homes to appropriate facilities such as shelters, nursing facilities, hospitals, or a family member’s residence, if a disaster should occur.”
He added that, “The registration form will outline any specific needs a resident may need in time of disaster such as oxygen, dialysis, or special assistance.”
Jones said that following the completion of an application form, “a representative of the Meigs County EMA Office will contact the resident to further plan what assistance can be provided and the best way to evacuate the resident.”
It was noted that all the forms would be kept at the Meigs County EMA Office and with the 911 Center. Director Jones said the information will be updated on a yearly basis.
He advised that all those that would like to participant each in the program can receive an Evacuation Assistance and Specific Needs Registration Form by emailing [email protected] or via the Meigs County EMA Facebook page. A hard copy of the form may be obtained at: the Robert E. Byer Emergency Operations Center located at 41859 Pomeroy Pike; the Meigs County Auditor’s Office and the Meigs County Commissioners’ Office located at the Meigs County Courthouse on East Second Street in Pomeroy; the Meigs County Health Department located at 112 E. Memorial Drive in Pomeroy; and at the Meigs County Department of Job and Family Services located at 175 Race Street in Middleport.
Anyone unable to obtain a copy and/or needs assistance with the forms with a specific need may call 740-992-4740. Other form pick up locations will be added on the Facebook page. If companies or organizations would like to assist in disturbing forms they are asked to contact Director Jones at 740-992-4541.
