Excerpts from the ChicagoTribune.com:
The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) presented the Hanover Township Emergency Services Department with formal Emergency Agency Certification at the Hanover Township Board of Trustees meeting recently. Certification by DHSEM recognizes the department’s training program, disaster planning, and emergency response capabilities. The department is trained and equipped to assist public safety agencies serving Hanover Township residents on emergency scenes. Certification from the county is valid through 2018.
Hanover Township Emergency Services is the only entity to receive certification from Cook County DHSEM.
“During severe weather and emergency incidents, the unit is often requested to assist in one or more of the township’s six municipalities and unincorporated areas,” said William Burke, Hanover Township Director of Emergency Services.
Since April of 2015, Hanover Township Emergency Services members logged over 7,053 volunteer hours and were requested to respond to just over 70 emergency scenes. Throughout the year, the unit provided traffic control and scene security at 115 special events throughout Hanover Township and the surrounding area.
“Our volunteers come from all sorts of backgrounds, ages, and demographics,” said Brian P. McGuire, Hanover Township Supervisor. “The front line work they do in our communities allow for many police to go back on patrol and for fire personnel and equipment to return to their stations, prepared for the next emergency.”
Part of the re-certification process required the township staff and officials to work through an emergency scenario that could last for days; like severe flooding, a winter storm, or a tornado touchdown. Township personnel developed plans for evacuating residents to safe locations and disbursing supplies while keeping buildings open to serve as shelters.
