| WASHINGTON, NJ [March 17, 2005] – The Warren County Health Department is conducting an emergency preparedness and response exercise in collaboration with the United States Department of Homeland Security, the Sate of New Jersey and other county agencies on April 7, 2005, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Oxford, New Jersey.
The exercise, known as TOPOFF 3, is a congressionally mandated terrorism preparedness exercise that will take place in New Jersey during the period of April 4 through April 8. TOPOFF 3 will involve the federal government, New Jersey, Connecticut, the United Kingdom and Canada. The focus of the exercise in New Jersey will be on the release of a biological agent and will simulate the opening of points of dispensing, commonly referred to as PODs. The function of a POD is to provide necessary antibiotics or vaccinations to affected members of the public to prevent or contain the spread of disease.
In order to simulate a real world event and test our capabilities, volunteers are needed to play the role of “victims” who will walk through the POD. At least 250 volunteer “victims” are needed in Warren County to effectively simulate the operation of the POD.
Volunteers of all ages are being recruited from schools and colleges, scout troops, 4-H clubs, community service organizations, business organizations, fraternal organizations, church groups and numerous other clubs and organizations. Individual residents are encouraged to volunteer as well.
All volunteers are invited to arrive early at 5 p.m. for a free dinner prior to the beginning of the exercise. In addition to a dinner, volunteers will receive a T-shirt, a gift and a community service award certificate. An important benefit for residents volunteering in the exercise is that they will gain a greater awareness and understanding of the county’s response to a public health emergency.
Pre-registration is required to participate in this exercise. Since this is a strictly controlled federally sponsored exercise, all volunteer victims over the age of eighteen must go through a criminal background check (felony only). The deadline for registration is March 28. To register as a volunteer or to ask questions about the exercise, call Sheila Risley at (908) 689-6693.
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