Baltimore County Expects the Unexpected in Disaster Drill

Eastern Baltimore County has dealt with its fair share of disasters in recent years, from Tropical Storm Isabel flooding Bowleys Quarters in 2003 to a . Baltimore County emergency management officials know tragedy can strike at any time.

That is why county emergency responders held their annual shelter-activation drill Wednesday at in Essex.

About 35 volunteers participated in the drill, including workers from the Baltimore County Fire Department, the Red Cross, the state Department of Social Services, along with the county’s departments of aging, health and animal control.

“It’s so important to have an emergency plan and try to prepare for every scenario,” said Lt. Mark Demski of the Baltimore County Office of Emergency Management.

Demski said that while the county can use any local middle school, high school, recreation center or senior center as a shelter, Eastern Tech is ideal for large-scale emergencies because of several factors: The school is pre-wired for a generator, and it has a separate ventilation system in its woodshop area, which allows the school to house many types of pets.

Demski said having shelters like Eastern Tech available is important in an emergency, but stressed to residents that it should be considered a last resort if no other options are available, like heading to a family member or friend’s house.

He added that families should prepare an emergency supply kit that includes a three-day supply of food, medicine and water (one gallon per person, per day). Demski also recommends purchasing a weather alert radio.

“We always say a shelter is a life boat, not a cruise ship,” Demski said. “We provide the absolute basics, including food and a cot. But don’t expect a lot of comforts of home. We offer a roof and a place to remain safe, but you should always explore other options first.”

Those participating in Wednesday’s drill learned how to manage people who were evacuated from their homes. Much like they would in an actual disaster, workers had several scenarios placed in front of them, including having the power in the school shut down to testing how long it took to get the generator up and running.

Among the "victims" to register were a heroin addict, a woman screaming hysterically due to fear, a young girl too traumatized to speak and an actual deaf woman who showed up with her service dog.

Along with dogs, workers also had to make decisions on how to deal with victims that brought animals ranging from cats to snakes and even exotic spiders. The shelter offered an emergency supply of food and medical necessities for pets.

“We don’t want people to stay in a home that’s unsafe simply because they don’t want to leave their animals behind,” said Charlotte Crenson-Murrow, the supervisor of the Department of Health Animal Control Division for Baltimore County.

“Still, it’s important that when people develop an emergency plan for them and their family that they remember to think about their pets. Even if they can't house their animals at this shelter, we will work with the animal's safety somewhere."

Among the volunteers participating in the drill was a group from Girl Scout Troop 242. The seven girls are all students at Hereford High.

“This is a real educational experience and seemed like a fun way to volunteer and help our community learn how to deal with a disaster,” said Jennifer Luckin, 14.

Troop leader Kim Schmitt said a drill like this is just as valuable for the general public as it is for the workers.

“You really learn about the difficult decisions you have to make when you are in a disaster,” Schmitt said. “It really makes you think about what your priorities are when it’s a matter of safety.”