SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — The South Berwick Emergency Management Agency has had a relatively quiet past year despite Hurricane Sandy.
But how will York County be prepared for this summer’s upcoming unpredictable weather?
According to Blain Cote, the Director of Emergency Management, New England is overdue for a natural disaster, as the official hurricane season starts on June 1.
“We have been on the watch now for the last five years. If you look at recent history with Hurricane Irene and Sandy, you cannot for a moment let your guard down,” Cote said last week.
The Emergency Operations Center has worked for the past six years to bring up its current level of functionality. To increase efficiencies and keep costs down, much of the work and new technology installations have been completed by town volunteer firefighters.
Cell phone boosters and wireless routers have been installed, and radios are used in emergency situations if utility towers go down. “I have backups for backups. It never hurts to be prepared,” Cote said.
The recently formed EOC, located at 77 Norton Street, serves as a center of operations for medical assistance and is staffed for the duration of an emergency. “It has provided a place for Police, Fire, Rescue and Town officials to get together and come out with a plan of action in an emergency situation.”
Marshwood High School on Route 236 serves as a designated shelter destination for York County for all non-emergency medical services, according to Cote.
“During the ice storm of 2008, I used MHS as a shelter location. People commuting that were stalled on the side of the road were directed there for a meal and a warm place to stay,” Cote said. ” We recommend using it when necessary.”
One of the required tasks for an Emergency Management Director is to continue with education and certification, according to Cote, who has recently completed the application process and awaits the Maine Certified Emergency Manager Status. Cote said his next step is to begin working toward obtaining the National CEM Certificate.
“I look forward to continuing my role as the EMA director for the citizens of South Berwick through the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery,” Cote concluded.