Local health workers train to handle disasters

The local health department is better prepared to respond to emergency situations after taking part in training exercises earlier this month.

The training exercise was held at the Franklin County Emergency Operations Center as a way to test how well the Health department could continue its operations if it had to open a special needs shelter during an emergency.

Special needs shelters are designed to help people who might need more services than are provided at a general population shelter – that could include people with specialized medical equipment or mobility issues.

Workers were timed on how quickly they could set up workstations with internet and printing capabilities among other things.

The program also gave the health department a chance to update its special needs shelter registry so they know which county residents might need their help during a major storm or other disaster.

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