FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Health Department, in conjunction with the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management, will be participating in two exercises this spring to test the county’s reaction to a state of emergency following a bio-terrorism attack.
The objective of these exercises is to test the ability to move medical supplies using alternate means of transportation. The first exercise will take place Thursday and will involve the following municipalities: Howell, Farmingdale, Middletown, Keyport and Union Beach. The second exercise will take place June 1 and will involve Neptune, Oceanport, Wall, Manalapan, Englishtown and Long Branch. Residents and visitors to Monmouth County will see an increased level of participation of county and local agencies coordinating their efforts in these exercises.
“It is important that the public not be alarmed, and to understand that while this exercise may cause some level of inconvenience, the drill is a necessary to help prepare us for a biological terrorist attack,” Freeholder Director William C. Barham said.
According to Lester W. Jargowsky, the Monmouth County health officer and bio-terrorism coordinator, “The preparations for these exercises have been taking place for months. This intense, real-life preparation has given the overall Office of Emergency Management team members an opportunity to sharpen their skills and revisit operational plans. Teamwork and coordination of resources is the key to a successful emergency management response.”
The Monmouth County Health Department is asking the public for their cooperation while these exercises are in progress. While the scenario is simulated, the risk is real.