First drill using an emergency support point at De Boschbloem
What happens if there is a prolonged power outage and communication is no longer possible? To be prepared for such a situation, the municipality of Voorschoten and the Hollands Midden Safety Region (VRHM) conducted their first drill on Tuesday evening, setting up an emergency support center at the De Boschbloem community center and activity center.
An emergency support center is a recognizable location in the neighborhood where residents can go during a crisis or prolonged disruption to get information, support, and contact with government agencies. Emergency support centers strengthen community resilience and ensure that residents receive assistance even under exceptional circumstances.
Real-world situations
The participants simulated real-life situations that an emergency response center might encounter. For example, the emergency generator failed, residents came to ask for information, and some began to panic. Reports also came in of people trapped in an elevator and a fire in a house. Medical situations were also simulated, such as a woman who was about to give birth. Finally, the team practiced handling residents who came to offer their help: how do yo Health e that the assistance offered goes to the right place and is used effectively?
Bravely fended off
“It was an exciting evening, during which we practiced responding to an emergency situation together for the first time,” says Mayor Nadine Stemerdink. “We were able to experience firsthand what it’s like when all means of communication have failed and rapid emergency response is no longer a given. A huge compliment to the volunteers at the emergency response center for their dedication! They handled themselves admirably this evening. Seeing how they worked together and calmly handled the reports gives me a lot of confidence for the next drill.”
Valuable insights
“While we were here practicing for a potential crisis situation with construction lights and a generator, people in the room next door were just playing klaverjass,” the mayor continued. “It’s that small-town character that makes this location so suitable. An emergency support center is right in the heart of the community and is all about people helping each other when needed. The evening also yielded valuable insights. For example, we’re going to look at how we can further improve our information dissemination and how we can more clearly distinguish between the various types of questions.”
Everyone Has Their Own Role
Staff and volunteers from De Boschbloem, the Dutch Red Cross, the Leidseweg 95 Family Practice, VRHM, and the municipalities of Oegstgeest, Zoeterwoude, and Voorschoten participated in the drill. Everyone had a specific role, such as emergency call handler, walkie-talkie operator, or courier. At the same time, the regional coordination center at the fire station in Warmond was also active. Reports from the local emergency response center at De Boschbloem were relayed from there to the emergency services.
Want to know more?
Developing a nationwide network of emergency support centers takes time. Once emergency support centers are available in Voorschoten, the municipality will provide information about them. Visit www.voorschoten.nl/voorbereid to find out what you can do right now to prepare for an emergency. There you’ll also find the booklet “Prepare for an Emergency” from the Dutch Civil Protection Agency ( Rijksoverheid). The brochure and booklet are also still available for pickup at the “ town hall.”