Somerset Co. severe weather exercise held coincidentally on first heavy snowfall of season

SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — It was a coincidence that the Somerset County Department of Emergency Services hosted a severe weather drill on the same day heavy snow fell for the first time this season.

Tuesday morning, first responders and safety officials in Somerset County gathered to practice how they'd respond to a winter weather-related emergency.

"Fortunately, we don't have to use the Emergency Operations Center a lot, but we definitely want to bring everybody in at least two times a year to do it."

That's what Joel Landis, the Director of Emergency Services for Somerset County, told 6 News about the drill held in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).

"Each time we do these exercises, we have new people to meet. You want to do that on a day like today for an exercise," said Landis.

In addition to the Emergency Operations Center, there were also boots on the ground in a second location for the exercise.

The Conemaugh Township Senior Center in Hollsopple was transformed into a shelter for the day, the first time it was done in a drill like this.

"We have simulated opening shelters up during multiple exercises in previous years, but this is the first time we're actually going to deploy people to the shelter to set up actual cots," Landis told 6 News.

Officials with the American Red Cross went as far as to set up cots, bring bottled water, and set up equipment in the makeshift shelter that would be used during a real emergency.

They didn't just work to protect humans -- but also animals -- with help from the Somerset County Animal Response Team.

"One of the things that we learned nationwide in Florida with the recent hurricane is that people bring pets when they come to the shelter. So, that's why we have the animal rescue team to shelter the pets, and the American Red Cross to shelter the humans as they come," said Landis.

Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) representatives were also present during this full-scale exercise to help.

Local amateur radio operators from the Somerset County Amateur Radio Club also assisted in the operation to be communications staff.

While first responders are there to help, officials say make sure you're doing your part to stay safe.

"Head to the weather warnings and stay in touch with the current conditions, so you can be safe and be in a safe position, especially before you travel during adverse weather."

Click here to follow the Somerset County Department of Emergency Services on their Facebook Page.

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