The Town of Ogden’s Emergency Preparedness Team recently took part in a tabletop emergency response exercise in partnership with the Monroe County Department of Public Health. The County presented a simulated disaster scenario, challenging the team and community partners to collaborate and respond in real time.
The scenario involved establishing a Point of Dispensing (POD) site in response to a public health crisis. The exercise emphasized the importance of setting up the site efficiently, defining roles and responsibilities, and ensuring that individuals with special needs in the community are contacted and supported appropriately.
“This exercise builds on the comprehensive work we’ve undertaken over the past two years to overhaul Ogden’s Emergency Preparedness Plan, now recognized as one of the leading models in Monroe County,” said Ogden Town Supervisor Mike Zale.
The hands-on exercise brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Town of Ogden, Village of Spencerport, Spencerport Central School District, Spencerport Fire District, Gates Volunteer Ambulance Service, Ogden Police Department, BOCES 2, adult care and special needs facilities, and others. The goal was to strengthen coordination and enhance collective readiness for real-world emergencies.
“I was very pleased with how this POD exercise was conducted,” Zale continued. “Collectively, we have a powerhouse team here in the Town of Ogden, and I’m confident our Emergency Preparedness Team is well-equipped and ready to respond if a community emergency arises.”
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