East Cooper communities plan mutual aid agreement in response to H1N1

The City of Isle of Palms, Town of Sullivan’s Island, and the Town of Mount Pleasant will hold a news conference Wednesday to lay out plans for a coordinate response to the Swine Flu Pandemic.

Since the H1N1 virus first emerged, the three East Cooper communities started working together to formulate a coordinated response in the event of an outbreak. According to a news release, the three mayors will execute a mutual resolution committing each to help the others should the pandemic affect staffing availability and the provision of services. This would allow for the cross-over of personnel (i.e. police, fire, etc.) to the other if H1N1 puts a strain on resources.

Sullivan’s Island Mayor Carl Smith said “The East Cooper municipalities have worked together for many years through mutual aid agreements with our Fire and Police Departments. A pledge of agreement to work together in the event of a pandemic event reaffirms our commitment to help one another in all manner of potential emergencies or disasters.”

Mount Pleasant Mayor Kruger Smith said, “Every resident from the Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, and Mount Pleasant should feel a great deal more confident after the actions taken by our respective councils.“

Wednesday’s news conference starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Mount Pleasant Town Hall.  News 2 will be there, and have coverage right here at counton2.com first.