Don Colarusso
Author's posts
Neptune Special Operations Team does Collapse Training at vacant house
On March 15, members of the Neptune Special Operations Team conducted a training drill at a vacant building on Division Street.
The two story private dwelling, scheduled for demolition, was a simulated “compromised” structure. Team members were divided into groups – a reconnaissance group to identify the damage and life hazard; and, logistics group to stage the equipment, staff the cut station and equipment movement as needed.
The incident action plan was to first placed a strut at the front door and struts to the objective area. Then wood shoring would be built around the struts to fortify the structure.
The shoring that were constructed by the team included a door shore and a double vertical shore.
“It’s a great opportunity to be able to train at a vacant building because for the most part it is not simulated”, said Donald Colarusso, Neptune Special Operations Team Leader. “This type of building, it’s real construction as opposed to a simulator or pre-build structure specifically for training.”
The drill started at 8:30 am and lasted for approximately two hours.
Units on scene included OEM unit 34-9-85, Special Operations Collapse Trailer, Unexcelled Ladder 34-4-90 and Shark River Hills EMS unit 34-3-56.
The Neptune Special Operations Team is comprised of members from Neptune Township’s Emergency Service organizations including the Neptune Township Office of Emergency Management, Neptune Fire Department’s Unexcelled Fire Company and Shark River Hills Fire Company, and Neptune Emergency Medical Services.
For more information about Neptune’s Special Operations Team, please contact Donald Colarusso at dcolarusso@neptunetownship.org.
Neptune OEM offers Cold Weather Tips
A message from Neptune Township Office of Emergency Management:
It has been an incredibly cold winter. Today, February 20, temperatures are below 0 degrees.
When it comes to winter storms, you should know the different levels and potential impact that a storm will have. Here are the various levels that are provided by media and weather organizations.
- Winter Storm Outlook – Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.
- Winter Weather Advisory – Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.
- Winter Storm Watch – Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.
- Winter Storm Warning – Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.
In addition, here are some Winter Safety Tips for dealing with below freezing temperatures. This information is shown courtesy of the American Red Cross.
- Wear layers of clothing to stay warm, along with a hat, mittens and waterproof, insulated boots.
- Avoid frozen pipes – run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent them from freezing.
- Be extremely careful if you have to shovel snow. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.
- Be aware of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Make sure that your home has working Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors.
- Do not use stove/oven for heat.
- Watch for hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia symptoms include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Frostbite symptoms include numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.
- Don’t forget your pets – bring them indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.
- Check on your neighbors, especially elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.
- Avoid driving on snow-covered roads if possible. If travel is necessary, keep safety kit in your vehicle.
- If your car breaks down, do not try to walk to safety. Tie a bright cloth to the antenna. Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour, making sure the exhaust pipe is clear. Keep one window away from the wind slightly open.
For additional information on Winter Weather Preparedness, please visit these informative websites.
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Special Ops Team at Car Into Building Accident
On February 11, 2015 at approximately 9 PM the Neptune Office of Emergency Management was dispatched to a reported car into a building accident.
The location was at the dead end section of Tenth Avenue near 1110 Tenth Avenue.
Neptune Police were the first to arrive. Officers discovered a small SUV had struck a single family home, damaging the front porch. The vehicle then proceeded a short distance and struck a neighboring commercial building, making contact and damaging a masonry wall.
The Neptune Special Operations Team – Station 34-8 – was dispatched. Special Operations Team units, including 34-9-85 with the Collapse Trailer and Tower Ladder 34-4-90, responded.
Once the scene, the team assessed the damages and secured the scene. The Neptune Township Building Department was requested and responded.
Neptune’s emergency services operated on scene for approximately an hour.
The driver was treated by Neptune Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Special Operations Team is comprised of members from – Neptune Office of Emergency Management, Unexcelled Fire Company, Neptune Emergency Medical Services and Shark River Hills Fire Company.
In addition to Special Operations Team (34-8) units, the Mobile Ambulance Bus (MAB), Field Com and Neptune’s EMS were also on scene.
Photo provided by Neptune Special Operations Team
Neptune OEM app is now available!
Neptune Township Office of Emergency Management is please to announce our new app for the iPhone and Android.
The application offers some great resources and information to assist both before an emergency happens and during emergencies.
This easy to use and easy to navigate app is FREE, and is recommended for all residents and people who work in and around Neptune Township.
Here are some key features:
- News
- Events
- Alerts
- Weather
- Emergency Checklist
- Social Media links
- and more
To access the Neptune OEM app, please go to iTunes or Google Play.
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