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Local emergency planners discuss reaching out to those near hazards

Warren County’s Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) works to prepare government agencies, businesses, and individuals for emergencies.

At its regular meeting on Thursday, members of the LEPC heard updates on emergency responses and other items related to its efforts.

The county’s all-hazards team responded to a minor fuel spill in Conewango Township in December and a major tank fire in Forest County in January.

Vesta Alert software recently installed at the Warren County 911 Center allowed officials to contact 26 residences in the county after a large propane tank caught fire in northern Forest County.

According to Deputy Director of Public Safety Scott Rose, officials were able to draw a circle of the size requested by the tank’s owner, and automatically contact residents. “It worked very well,” Rose said. “It’s the first time we have used it.” The four-mile-radius circle reached into southern Warren County.

Pennsylvania State Police and Warren County sheriff’s deputies followed up the calls with visits to each of the 26 residences, Rose said.

The group plans to hold a “roles and responsibilities” meeting following its regular meeting in May, inviting other LEPCs in the region, and hopefully having some member agencies bring and display their response equipment.

Agencies that will be invited to present include the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Department of Environmental Protection, and the Department of Labor and Industry.

The group’s leadership also hopes to gather the county’s fire chiefs to talk about services and protocols, including when to contact the All-Hazards Team and how to properly request assistance so that the responding agency receives any reimbursements.

The organizations top officers switched places. Gail Anderson will take over as chairman while Brandon Deppen moved to vice-chairman. Wanda Smith remains secretary.

The LEPC will meet next on Thursday, March 23, at the Rouse Annex, Dillon Drive, Youngsville.

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