MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — According to Chief and Emergency Management Director Todd Fitzgerald, the Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department has collaborated with the Fire Department and Town to create a public service video spotlighting the town’s emergency shelter operations.
The PSA highlights the necessary collaboration among town and regional crisis responders to plan for emergency responses of all sizes and types, and best protect the health and safety of all residents.
In the video, Chief Fitzgerald, Fire Chief Jake McNeilly, Public Health Director Wendy Hansbury, Emergency Preparedness Manager Beth Robert, Emergency Preparedness Specialist Dan Witts, and Medical Reserve Corps Director Liisa Jackson explain different features and stress the importance of planning in advance.
The Town opens the shelter at Manchester Essex Regional Middle High School as needed. The video describes practices and procedures used in the event of a natural or manmade disaster.
The video details the procedures for dropping off belongings, registering patrons and pets, and obtaining medical assistance. It also provides an explanation of the dormitory and bathroom arrangements for single adults and families.
Community members are urged to assist preparedness efforts as an Emergency Reserve Corps Volunteer. Interested community members can register at maresponds.org or contact the Manchester-by-the-Sea Board of Health or the North Shore Medical Reserve Corps for information.
“We hope that people watch this video and know what to expect if they need shelter assistance,” Chief Fitzgerald said. “The safety of our community holds the utmost importance, so we encourage anyone interested in helping to sign up as a volunteer.”
The video was created by John Guilfoil Public Relations.
