Thursday, April 12, 2001
The health information will help emergency personnel if there is a crisis.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Walter Duzzny is making a list, but it's not to find out who's naughty and nice.
It's to find out which people in Mahoning County have special needs in an emergency.
"We know these people are out there; we just don't know who they are or where they are," said Duzzny, director of the Emergency Management Agency.
The agency has launched a registration program for people with special health-related needs. The information will be shared with fire and emergency personnel in their home area and kept on file.
Duzzny's concerned about the elderly, people with mobility problems and those who require some sort of medical device, such as oxygen or help in taking medicines.
Those who are blind or deaf should also register.
Here's why: That way, if there is an emergency that requires evacuation, officials will have information on hand about which residents need closer attention and what sort of accommodations they will need.
"It's just part of looking out for our people so we can do our best to help them in a crisis," Duzzny said. The program was developed in cooperation with the Mahoning Valley Fire Chiefs Association.
Cards are available at local fire departments or by calling the EMA office at 740-2200.
Duzzny said information on the cards will remain confidential.