County holds joint information exercise

HAMBURG — The New Jersey Department of Health, in conjunction with the Sussex County Department of Environmental and Public Health Services Emergency Preparedness Program, held a Joint Information Exercise.

A joint information system is the method for, organizing, combining and coordinating the delivery of public messaging and is often used during a public health emergency.

The exercise was held at the new Sussex County Emergency Operations Center located in Augusta. Participants and observers included members from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Emergency Management, Department of Environmental and Public Health Services, Atlantic Health System – Newton Medical Center, New Jersey Department of Education, Vernon Township Police Dept., Fredon Township Mayor, Hardyston Township Manager, and Emergency Management Coordinators from Sandyston and Green Township.

The purpose of the exercise was to test the county’s emergency response using public information and crisis communications plans during a mock public health emergency involving a potential bioterrorism threat. The exercise also focused on training participants to use risk communication fundamentals, develop messages and press releases, prepare a spokesperson and the use of social media to keep the public informed.

Sussex County governmental and non-governmental agencies partner together on many preparedness activities to maintain the safety of our residents and visitors alike. For more information about the Sussex County Department of Environmental and Public Health Services Emergency Preparedness Program, please visit, www.sussex.nj.us/health.