Disasters can strike when you least expect them, too. But, with the how big zombies are featured in pop culture, Franklin County will turn to a zombie attack to help train those involved with the Department of Emergency Services.
"Basically, if you're prepared for a zombie apocalypse, you're prepared for anything," said Dave Donohue, Director of Franklin County's Department of Emergency Services.
On Saturday afternoon, the department will host a 'Zombie Apocalypse' on the Shippensburg Fairgrounds from 4-5:30p.m.
The makeshift medical facility will parallel a real emergency scene. The victims will be those who already dealt with zombies and are coming to seek treatment. Emergency responders will simulate the exercise between zombies, who have a desire for human flesh, and regular humans. They'll be asked questions about what they're experiencing and divided into two lines, one for zombies and then those who haven't fell ill. The emergency simulation will make sure the teams being trained are asking the right questions and distributing medicine, in form of M&Ms, correctly.
"It allows us to plan for the future, it allows us to prepare," said Donohue. "It allows us to be ready for emergencies when they happen, because they will happen."
With the threat of Hurricane Sandy heading up the East Coast and it's effects on the Susquehanna Valley, Donohue suggests getting prepared now.
"Basically, if you're prepared for a zombie apocalypse, you're prepared for anything," said Dave Donohue, Director of Franklin County's Department of Emergency Services.
On Saturday afternoon, the department will host a 'Zombie Apocalypse' on the Shippensburg Fairgrounds from 4-5:30p.m.
The makeshift medical facility will parallel a real emergency scene. The victims will be those who already dealt with zombies and are coming to seek treatment. Emergency responders will simulate the exercise between zombies, who have a desire for human flesh, and regular humans. They'll be asked questions about what they're experiencing and divided into two lines, one for zombies and then those who haven't fell ill. The emergency simulation will make sure the teams being trained are asking the right questions and distributing medicine, in form of M&Ms, correctly.
"It allows us to plan for the future, it allows us to prepare," said Donohue. "It allows us to be ready for emergencies when they happen, because they will happen."
With the threat of Hurricane Sandy heading up the East Coast and it's effects on the Susquehanna Valley, Donohue suggests getting prepared now.
- Know what can happen
- Figure out a way to have contact with your family
- Figure out a way to have contact with your family
- Have a kit ready
- Store enough food and water for 5 days
- Keep essential insurance and medical documents
The Franklin County Emergency Responders need your help during the simulation. They want people to show up as zombies -- or dressed like normal -- to take part. For those who dress up, there will be contests based on several categories and prizes handed out.
Donohue said while the simulation and disaster preparedness is a serious issue, this twist on a basic drill will help add to importance of preparing for a real emergency.
For more information on the Zombie Apocalypse, click on http://www.franklindes.us/Documents/zombie_poster.pdf.