Safety First

I am a member of the Town of Simsbury Emergency Management Team.  My first experience was during the smallpox emergency several years ago.  With a team of folks from Simsbury, our job was to devise a plan to safely and quickly provide smallpox vaccinations to our entire community. Simsbury's plan became a model for the State.

I was called upon once again during Storm Alfred to help the Town of Simsbury and Simsbury Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary to help manage the SHS shelter.  Since then I have been appointed as the Volunteer Coordinator for the SHS shelter.  My job will be to work with Social Services and Town emergency personnel to organize the volunteers for the SHS shelter if needed for a large scale emergency situation.

As I meet the folks in Simsbury during my campaign door knocking I am bringing the new Connecitcut Guide to Emergency Preparedness and information on Home Smoke and Fire Alarms and CO detectors to remind all of us, as I have learned from my involvement with the Emergency Management Team, that forsight and preparation go a long way to keep us safe.

I happend to see the interview this morning with Madonna Badger who tragically lost her three children and parents in the Stamford Christmas fire.  Remember as you BBQ this summer be mindful of coal ashes.  Or if you have backyard fires be careful of how wood ashes are disposed of.

A great tip - if you are having home construction make sure you have a working smoke/fire alarm in the portion of the house under construction.  Discuss this with your contractor to be sure your family is safe.  A simple, inexpensive portable smoke alarm will do the trick.

For more about my campaign, go to www.charityforsimsbury.com