By Chris Shott
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
People who live at Brooksby are safer and more secure in their homes than most people who live in the city of Peabody.
That was the general consensus of three city officials who, along with Brooksby’s chief of security, participated in an on-campus seminar devoted to preparedness for emergencies. The seminar, held in the McIntosh Clubhouse at Brooksby, was entitled “Disasters and Your Safety,” and was part of Brooksby’s ongoing “Know Your Government” series (A residentrun group that invites local government officials to speak on various issues).
Full range of topics
The seminar focused on proper responses to various emergency situations, including fires, floods, explosions, terrorism, civil disturbances, food poisoning, weather disasters, hazardous materials incidents, power outages, and health crises.
Christopher J. Tighe, Peabody’s director of veterans affairs and homeland security; Sharon A. Cameron, director of Peabody’s board of health and human services; and Fire Department Chief Steve Pasden each spoke about community resources available to handle emergency situations and stressed the need for effective communications between civic officials and city residents.
All three emphasized the need not only for sufficient public resources to mitigate disasters but also for individuals to assume responsibility for self-protection.
“We as public servants will do whatever we can do when disasters occur, but we can only do so much,” Pasden said. “It’s up to people to help themselves as much as possible to minimize damage and loss of life.”
Tighe, Cameron, and Pasden all commended Brooksby on its superior internal security and safety systems, which include a fully staffed Security Department, fire alarms, fire-suppression devices, and fire-retardant materials. All three said they regularly deal with Brooksby staffs in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of those who live and work there.