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Dan Neaverth, Jr., Erie County's commissioner of emergency services, addresses the media on Monday, October 29 at the county's Emergency Operations Center in Cheektowaga.

Emergency commissioner calls Sandy 'a teachable moment'



Cheektowaga (WBEN) -- The man who leads Erie County's Department of Emergency Services says storms like Sandy can be treated as "a teachable moment."

Commissioner Dan Neaverth, Junior says it's a chance for the public to reexamine their plans in case they need to deal with a major issue.


"Could be as simpl as a disruption of power, or you could be asked at the last minute to pick up your family and move someplace else to higher ground.  The earth could start to shake or we could have something drop out of the sky," Neaverth said.

He joined Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and other officials for a media briefing Monday afternoon at the county's Emergency Operations Center in Cheektowaga.

Earlier in the day, the city of Buffalo held a similar briefing to address reporters on its response plans, saying the biggest concern would be the effects from the gusty winds late Monday and early Tuesday.

DPW Commissioner Steve Stepniak says his people are ready to handle the situation.

"We have two contractors on board who handle our emergency downed trees," Stepniak said.

If you see a downed tree or power line, you're asked to simply call 911, he said.


Filed Under :  
Topics : Disaster_AccidentEnvironment
Social :
Locations : BuffaloErie County
People : Dan NeaverthMark PoloncarzSteve Stepniak
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