A newly-renovated state-of-the-art Emergency Management Center was unveiled in Lakewood on Wednesday, and it was named after one of the longest-serving OEM members in Lakewood, Committeeman Mike J. D’Elia.

The new center, equipped with computers and radio communication equipment, now has the capabilities to serve as a centralized emergency dispatch center in the event of a large-scale emergency – such as Hurricane Sandy.

In the event of such an emergency, additional police dispatchers would be added to the center, joining other emergency services dispatchers and personnel located at police headquarters. In addition, should the systems at headquarters go down for any reason, this center would be used as a backup.

The center, which would also host the various volunteer emergency agencies in town – such as Hatzolah, LCSW, Bikur Cholim and others – would expedite services and provide more coordination between the various emergency agencies in Lakewood.

A large center conference table was equipped with retractable computer systems for use during emergency situations to help with the coordination between the various agencies.

The room was also fitted with multiple flat screens on which agencies will have the capability to live-stream scenes via cell phones or tablets, giving supervisors or department chiefs a better understanding of the emergency back at the center.

Also at the unveiling event, the emergency departments were introduced to a new app developed by Avaya that would allow for the public to provide crucial information – such as exact location – by texting their emergency to the 911 center. The representative for the company says Lakewood would be the first in the country to utilize this app. (Watch video for a description of the product.)

Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein, who also serves as the Police Commissioner, Deputy OEM Coordinator and Emergency Services Liaison, has been instrumental in the extensive planning of the new center, including securing the funding for it.

The ceremony today was attended by dignitaries and officials from around the Township, surrounding townships, county and state.

The event was addressed by Mayor Akerman, OEM Director Police Chief Rob Lawson, Committeeman and Deputy OEM Coordinator Meir Lichtenstein, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coranato, and a spokesman for the Avaya company.

[TLS]

—————————————-

This content, and any other content on TLS, may not be republished or reproduced without prior permission from TLS. To inquire about using content, email us at [email protected]

Stay up to date via our news alerts, by sending ‘follow LakewoodScoop’ to the number ‘40404’ or via Twitter @LakewoodScoop 

Got news? Email us at [email protected], text us 415-857-2667, tweet us @LakewoodScoop.

KPICASA_GALLERY(NewEmergencyCenterLakewood#)

VIDEO: