Oxford Participates in Statewide Emergency Preparedness

Note: The following news release was submitted by Joanne Pelton, administrative aide to First Selectman George Temple. 

The town of Oxford recently participated in a two-day statewide emergency preparedness exercise that simulated what could happen if a Category 3 hurricane hit the state. The exercise was coordinated by the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security to improve communication with cities and towns and utility companies in the event of a disaster. A liaison from Connecticut Light & Power was also on hand for the exercise as was First Selectman George R. Temple.

Fire Chief Scott Pelletier, who is also the town’s emergency operations center director, said the exercise showed strengths and weaknesses.

“This allows us to enhance our emergency operation plans and add to areas where we are weak,’’ he said.

Pelletier said one interesting area that the town will work toward is a requirement that the town have enough water and food on hand for 72 hours for 10 percent of the town’s population, or approximately 1,350 people.

“We will work toward that goal following this drill," he said.

Pelletier said the town’s emergency operations center, located in the fire marshal’s office in the Public Works garage, is too small. He said he will be looking to identify a larger area for the center, but it must be located in a building with a generator. He said the building is too small for the whole emergency command team made up of fire, EMS, police, public works, CL&P liaison, the first selectman and administrative assistant.