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Home My WebLink AboutHuron Expositor, 2009-12-09, Page 21av—.►-r-..�s....� .a+1►«-..::. w.w.-..rF..w.w ......�.�.—.�:r�,,,.3�.7c�.i z 8' News The Huron Expositor • October 21, 2009 Page 21 How to respond to an ice storm emergency Susan Hupdertmark Whether or not to declare an emergency can be the biggest chal- lenge during simulated emergency exercises, municipal leaders found out while discussing how to re- spond to a 24-hour ice storm re- cently. In a table top simulation held Nov 13, a control group consisting of local councillors, municipal staff and emergency workers dealt with the scenario of a major freezing rain event which closed highways, took down trees and power lines, stranded travellers and caused the need for warming shelters and generators. In a written report to council, Huron East fire chief and emer- gency measures coordinator Marty Bedard said the exercise was suc- cessful and created great discus- sions. . "As with all emergency exercises, this proved to be a great learning experience for all involved," said the report. Deputy -Mayor Bernie MacLellan remarked that both times he had the op- portunity to fill in as head of council during a similar exercise, he found it very benefi- cial. "It's a great learn- ing experience and I'm glad (Seaforth) Coun. (Joe) Steffler got the opportunity to run it. The whole idea is to have us prepared," he said. MacLellan added that both times he was involved, it was very difficult to decide the moment when an emergency needed to be declared. "I see you had the same problem. I think it would be very beneficial if Marty presented a report on the pros and cons of declaring an emergency," he said. Sterner told council that because the scenario was a 24-hour ice storm, he couldn't see the need to declare an emergency. "Highway 21 is closed most of the time during the winter and I The who id e a is to have us prepared,' --- ,y: Huron East Deputy Mayor Bernie MacLellan couldn't see the dif- ference from a nor- mal Huron County storm," he said, add- ing that it would be wrong • to "cry wolf" too often. Clerk -Administra- tor Jack McLachlan agreed saying, "We have had worse things we never declared. In real life, we wouldn't have done anything different." MacLellan pointed out that declaring an emergency can lead to pro- vincial or fed- eral funding to help pay for the costs of the emergency. "That's one of the main jus- tifications," he said. Tuckersmith Coun. Larry McGrath sug- gested that it might be prudent to find out from the province what it considers an emergency. "Twenty-four hours is nothing in Huron County," he said. McKillop Coun. Bill Siemon won- dered if funding was the reason Toronto called in the army once to help with a winter storm. Mayor Joe Seili said he had no trouble deciding the simulated sit- uation he had to deal with was an emergency. "We had a tornado that took out half of the town, there was flood- ing and bodies all over the place," he said. Direct: 519-525-9788 • www.sandradale.com "Still serving my home town 10 years later" COLDWSLL BANKeR CO All Points Festival City Realty Brokerage Seaforth & Area Listings www.coldwellbankerfc.com (519) 527-21031 Main St., Seaforth *Sales Representatives f • ..,.0 win. ..w 113 BRENDA CAMPBELL Cell: 519-525-9154 brenda-campbell.com STACY REEVES Cell: 519-525-1177 sreevesetcc.on.ca MARY VANDENHENGEL TONY VANDENHENGEL CeII: 519-525-6191 Home: 519-233-3168 hengeletcc.on.ca hengeletcc.on.ca 1 _ STUNNING_ I BUILDING LOTS 31 Sperling Street, Seaforth MLS 092748 $224,900 APPLIANCES INCLUDED FrARTYOUROWN BUSINESSI L1J E BUILT CoIdw@II Banker All Points FCR has joined forces with the United Way of Huron County to accept donations on behalf of the Big Broth- ers/Sisters and Womans Shelter of Huron County. Feel free to drop off your donation to our office by December 10th. Thank you for your support. AFFORDABLE 162 Erie Street, Clinton MLS 092991 $69,000 [NCOME OPPORTUNITY 1 STOREFRONT 384 Victoria Street, Clinton MLS 092897 $93,000 AFFORDABLE 53 Main Street, Seaforth MLS 090796 $109,000 FAMILY HOME 33 Stornoway Cres., Seaforth MLS 092105 $324,990 NEW PRICE 11 Quebec Road, Vanastra MLS 092051 $94,900 UNIQUE 18 Joseph Street, Clinton MLS 093301 $144,900 409 Queen Street, Blyth MLS 092842 $79,000 82 Goderich Street, Seaforth MLS 092638 .$109,900 81 William St., Egmondville MLS 091923 $314,900 27 King St. Crediton MLS 093125 $76,000 25 Sarnia Street, Bayfield MLS 091670 $259,900