From natural disasters to active shooter scenarios, staff at Bethel Homes and Services in Croton-on-Hudson recently learned how best to manage such emergencies, at home and in the workplace, during a presentation by Capt. Brett M. White, Division of Military and Naval Affairs at Camp Smith in Cortlandt Manor, NY.
Capt. White stressed that planning and preparation is key for more effectively responding to emergencies, whether it’s a natural disaster such as a flood or winter storm, a power outage or a terrorist attack.
He advised people to have an emergency plan in place as well as a designated stash of emergency supplies on hand (food, water, medicine, first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, etc.), should they need to remain in place for a period of time or if they must immediately evacuate.
He also reminded them to factor in their pets’ needs when making these plans.
And, for active shooter scenarios, Capt. White says the general advice offered is “Run, Hide, Fight.” That is: run, if it appears that a safe escape is possible; hide, if exiting the area is not a possibility; and fight, if that is the only option. Of course, depending upon the workplace, staff may have certain responsibilities for populations who are not able to flee or fend for themselves, be it children, the elderly, ill and/or disabled, and will need to assist them in staying safe.
The presentation included many additional practical tools and resources for responding to potential emergencies. Bethel Homes and Services recognizes the importance of emergency preparedness awareness to better protect its residents, staff and the community at large, and is providing emergency preparedness presentations for all staff on its three campuses in Croton-on-Hudson, Ossining and Valhalla.
(Photo cutline) Capt. Brett M. White, Division of Military and Naval Affairs at Camp Smith, spoke to staff at Bethel Homes and Services about Emergency Preparedness in the event of disasters, active shooters and other potential crisis.
