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***MEDIA ADVISORY***
FDNY HOLDS CITYWIDE DRILL ON
SIMULATED OUTBREAK OF BIOLOGICAL AGENT
The FDNY will hold its sixth annual BIOPOD exercise tomorrow, simulating the outbreak of a contagious biological agent that requires Department members to receive an inoculation.
The Department will set up nine stationary points of distribution (PODs) and deploy three mobile PODs throughout the five boroughs to administer the influenza vaccine for all on-duty fire, EMS and civilian personnel. This year’s drill also for the first time will include four satellite offices that will offer the vaccination to retired and off-duty members.
BIOPOD is part of FDNY’s continuing initiative to plan its response to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive incidents. The one-day drill is conducted by the FDNY Bureau of Health Services in conjunction with the FDNY Bureau of Operations and is part of the City’s overall emergency response plan that combines the efforts of the Fire Department with other city agencies, including the Police Department, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Office of Emergency Management.
WHO: |
Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kerry Kelly and other FDNY members |
WHAT: |
Sixth Annual BIOPOD exercise |
WHERE: |
FDNY Headquarters, 9 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, NY |
WHEN: |
Friday, November 14, 2008
2 p.m. - B-roll of FDNY members receiving vaccinations and the dispatch center
2:30 p.m. - Press conference to explain the scenario and answer questions |
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***Photo-Op***
Press Contact: Francis X. Gribbon & Emily Rahimi, (FDNY) (718) 999-2056
http://www.nyc.gov/fdny
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