Selectmen Applaud Irene Efforts

Amherst was ready for Irene, even though the storm mellowed out as she passed through New Hampshire.

Members of the Amherst Emergency Operations Center team presented their “After Action Report” on their preparation for Tropical Storm Irene.

Amherst Police Chief Peter Lyon, DPW Director Bruce Berry and EMS Director Brian Gleason explained the safety measures taken before, during and after the storm had passed through the area.

The team beefed up their staffing in anticipation of the storm and continually monitored the levels of the Souhegan River. Although damage was minimal, they also had their CERT team of citizen emergency response volunteers ready.

Gleason said they “planned for the worst and hoped for the best” and made the necessary preparations for the storm. The team visited areas that may have issues during the storm like Parkhurst Place and Amherst Gardens.

He said they used new communication methods, including Amherst Patch, to keep residents informed.

They used the CodeRed emergency notification system, which calls subscribers with information on emergency events, to reach 6,200 residents.

Amherst resident Liz Overholt suggested that the CodeRed emergency notification system, which calls subscribers with information on emergency events, include a date and time of the message for those who miss the calls.

The Board was pleased that the town was prepared for whatever Irene had to throw at them.

“You did a great job,” said Selectman Tom Grella.

“It was very professionally done,” said Selectman George Infanti. “I seem to find that each time something like this comes up, whether it is snow or something else, each time we get better.”