Pocono News Section

Storm Means Busy Day for Emergency Dispatchers

Storm Means Busy Day for Emergency Dispatchers - Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 5:55PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Wednesday, Feb 10, 2010 @ 05:55pm EST
SNYDERSVILLE, MONROE COUNTY -- Snowstorms can lead to all sorts of road problems and accidents. But someone has to help the victims. Emergency dispatchers have to go to work no matter what the weather. If they don't go--- there's no one to answer phone calls to 9-1-1.

Angelinza Zarcone worked a double shift at Monroe County's 9-1-1 Dispatch Center. "It's important that I be here. Somebody has to answer the phone," she said.

The center brought in at least three extra people for each shift during the storm. Director of Communications Gary Hoffman said, "We're here for the public and we're here to help when we can."

While the 9-1-1 staff is glad to help. There are some calls they'd rather not take. "What are the skiing conditions?" was one example Hoffman cited.

Emergency operators cannot help you find ski conditions. Or road conditions. "It takes away from the actual emergencies," said Zarcone.

Even with real emergencies the dispatch center wasn't extremely busy during the storm. "The road guys and gals are doing a great job and they're doing the best they can with the storm that we have," said Hoffman.

"I think a lot of people were well prepared for this storm. They seem to be staying inside today which is a good thing," added Zarcone.

A snow day for many - but just another day at work for these folks who help keep us safe. "People need police, they need fire and EMS. I mean the emergencies don't stop because of the weather," said Zarcone.

Dispatchers say they may get busier tonight as even more snow accumulates - trees and power lines could fall.

They say be sure to have a charged cell phone or a phone that doesn't need a power source in case you need to call them.