It’s important for the city to be prepared for any possible emergency scenario.

 

“Whether that’s a car accident or a terrorist attack, we have policies and procedure we need to follow,” said Director of Bridgeport Emergency Services Laura Pysz.

 

Pysz provided Bridgeport City Council with an overview of this year’s emergency operational plan at Monday night’s meeting.

 

“Every couple of years, we need to update it and submit it to the state, so they know our policies and procedures,” Pysz said.

 

There were very few changes made to the plan this year. Among those changes, Pysz said, is the location of the EOC – emergency operation center. The EOC is set up and established during times of emergency, such as the 2015 derecho. Traditionally, it works out of Bridgeport City Hall, but under the city’s newest emergency operational plan, that location can change, depending upon the situation.

“We can set it up wherever we may deem necessary at that point in time,” Pysz said.

 

For example, in the case of a potential train derailment, it would be best not to set up the EOC at City Hall, but possibly at the substation at White Oaks, Pysz said.

 

The only other change in the plan is that the city would accept monetary donations in the event of a disaster.

 

Councilman John Wilson mentioned the preparedness workshop being offered Saturday, March 17, during which time Pysz will teach residents how to assemble a 72-hour emergency kit. That workshop will be offered, free of charge, from 10 a.m. to noon at City Hall.