Public Safety team proactively working to keep community safe
Town of Newstead and Village of Akron Emergency Services Coordinator Dan Kowalik is leading a public safety team made up of critical local government, school, and first responder representatives as the community navigates the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joining Kowalik are Deputy Emergency Services Coordinators Mike Mutter and Joe Hawes. Mutter, working closely with first responders, and Hawes, handling resource procurement. The Emergency Service Coordinators handle the coordination of services in the event of an emergency in the Akron-Newstead area. They work closely with local officials and County, State and Federal officials to set up any necessary command centers and shelters. They are highly trained local volunteer firemen who are cross trained in incident command management able to handle a Federal level 1 incident under the National Incident Management System [ NIMS ] which this Emergency has been declared.
Regularly scheduled meetings and communication is making sure all are aware of the most current information relative to keeping everyone safe during the COVID-19 situation. Members of the team received updates Sunday on what resources are available and how to obtain them, as well as protocols which will provide continuity of services as we move through this unprecedented situation.
Residents seeking first aid will find expanded safety protocols in place, with all calls for assistance treated as potential infectious disease situations. Questions relative to recent travel, exposure to anyone who may have the virus, symptoms of the person requesting assistance, are all the new normal. First responders will interact with those needing help on a one-to-one basis, as much as possible, to minimize risk of the patient or first responder exposure and additional precautions will be evident to protect all present.
Protocols in place are being updated and coordinated across agencies to ensure there are healthy responders available to assist in emergency situations and that essential services continue without interruption. Also being updated are continuity of operations plans and safety protocol for village and town employees whose jobs require contact with the general population.
Government buildings which are still open for staff are practicing disinfection of surfaces, staying 6 feet from each other, and taking other precautions.
The team is tracking and documenting all aspects of the situation locally and planning for potential needs 30 to 45 days out, trying to stay ahead of needs.
Local Industry falls under OSHA and NYS Labor Laws & ECT requirements which include incident action plans which address employee safety. The Team will check in with local businesses along with meeting with Leisurewood, which is set to open in April, to coordinate community safety plans.
As of press time:
The Akron Village Hall is closed to the public effective Tuesday, March 17. Staff will be working, however transactions will be by phone, mail, online banking, or drop box. More information will be shared as available.
The Newstead Town Hall, Clarence Center, Rd. will be open by appointment only beginning Wednesday, March 18, until further notice. Call 716-542-4573 to make an appointment. (see related story this issue).
The Newstead Town Court is closed for two weeks.
Newstead Public Library is closed Tuesday, March 17, and may close for an indefinite period of time. Updates will be posted as we have them.
The Senior Center is closed through March 28.
Akron Central School is closed until April 20.
For assistance:
Kowalik has announced that if any Akron-Newstead residents need anything they can call him at the Town Hall 716-542-4573 Ext 213.