8.6.3 – Care and Shelter Procedures
Standard: There shall be procedures to coordinate with agencies designated to provide care and shelter to those in need during disasters or emergencies.
Suggested Evidence of Compliance: Provide procedures to coordinate with agencies designated to provide care and shelter during emergencies.
Narrative:
PRC works through the Westchester County (WC) Department of Emergency Services (DES) who takes the lead in providing care and shelter to those in need during a disaster or situation. DES will coordinate with municipalities during events on shelter sites needed. This is outlined in their Office of Emergency Services (OEM) Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and can vary depending on the situation or threat.
An example of care and shelter regarding PRC facilities include during heatwaves when cooling centers are announced, pools and beaches generally have extended operating hours. During the pandemic Glen Island Park parking lot became the first drive thru Covid-19 testing center in New York State, and the Westchester County Center (WCC) in conjunction with NYS and the Army Core of Engineers was converted into a field hospital for Covid-19 patients. While never used as a hospital, the WCC was utilized as a vaccination and testing site. Nearly 400,000 vaccinations were administered.
Agency Evidence of Compliance:
8.6.3 – EOC 1 OEM Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan: Section D. Local State of Emergency
8.6.3 – EOC 2 OEM Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan: Section E. Public Warning and Emergency Information
8.6.3 – EOC 3 WC Shelter Locations – Facebook Post
8.6.3 – EOC 4 Cooling Centers and Extended Beach and Pool Hours – Press Release
8.6.3 – EOC 5 Drive-thru Covid-19 Testing Glen Island Park – New York Times Article
8.6.3 – EOC 6 Drive-thru Covid-19 Testing Glen Island Park – Photos
8.6.3 – EOC 7 WCC Opens as Vaccination Site – The Journal News Article
8.6.3 – EOC 8 WCC Indoor Testing and Outdoor Hospital Tents – Photos