Northampton Supervisors adopt new annex for Emergency Operations plan

Northampton County Supervisors voted last night to adopt a revised annex to the county’s Emergency Operations Plan, formally incorporating shelter and evacuation procedures for the first time.

Emergency Management Coordinator Ed Leonard explained that the update was made possible after the opening of a shelter at the former Northampton Middle School, now the community center. Prior to that, the county had no official sheltering plan in place.

The new annex requires that supervisors be notified whenever an emergency shelter is activated or evacuation plans are implemented.

“Clearly, we ought to know about it if something like that’s going on,” said Board Chairman John Coker.

Leonard noted that when construction on the new gym is completed, both the high school and the community center will be available as shelter sites, with the high school expected to serve as the primary facility in a major event. Discussion also touched on the school’s reinforced construction, with estimates suggesting it can withstand winds of up to 150 miles per hour.

Supervisors unanimously approved the adoption of the annex, which strengthens the county’s preparedness and ensures clearer communication during emergencies.