Westport Takes Part in State Ice Storm Drill

Westport’s emergency management team participated in a statewide drill simulating an ice storm in western Connecticut Thursday. 

At the request of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, First Selectman Gordon Joseloff activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at Westport Fire Headquarters with the participation of fire, police, and several other town departments as well as the Westport-Weston Health District.

“Our role this time was to support the hard hit northwest region,” Joseloff said. “But whether it’s an ice storm, hurricane, or other disaster, going through these steps helps us better prepare for the real thing, regardless of whether we are directly impacted.”

Participants reviewed the elements of the Incident Command System (ICS), the nationally mandated organizational structure used during emergency events, and simulated the kinds of aid Westport could provide during an ice storm in the northwest region.

At mid-morning, Westport participated in a conference call with Malloy and state emergency managers gathered at the state EOC in Hartford.

“I think it went very well,” Joseloff said. “We have some new players involved, and it was a good chance for them to see what’s involved and be better prepared for the real thing.”

Do you think Westport is prepared for future major storms? Tell us in the comments.