Concerned about the recent terrorist and anthrax attacks, Senator Kemp Hannon recently brought together local public health and emergency officials and state legislators for a briefing on emergency planning at North Shore/LIJ's System Emergency Operations Center in Syosset.

"In case of a large-scale emergency or disaster, we must work to ensure that our public health system can meet the needs of communities throughout the state," Senator Hannon, chair of the Senate Health Committee, said.

During the disaster preparedness program, moderated by Senator Hannon, North Shore/LIJ experts assured the legislators present that Long Island's hospital system is well prepared to deal with a public health threat.

According to Brian O'Neill, director of the health system Center for Emergency Medical Services (CEMS), the North Shore/LIJ's state-of-the-art emergency command center is the largest in the east with 50 EMS vehicles and a staff of more than 270 emergency medical technicians and other rescue personnel. O'Neill says the center is capable of integrating with other regional hospital systems to provide a fast, centralized and organized response to any threat.

Infectious diseases such as anthrax and smallpox were also discussed at the briefing. Dr. Bruce Farber, the North Shore University Hospital chief of infectious diseases, reported that the hospital system could recognize symptoms of anthrax and distinguish them from ailments associated with influenza and the common cold.

Furthermore, Dr. David Ackman, the commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Public Health, said the public health system is avidly working with hospitals, labs and private physicians to communicate all possible biological threats and solutions.

Nassau County's director of emergency management, Dr. Ackman was also on hand to discuss safety measures. He reported that since Sept. 11, local police have assisted New York City in security details around Manhattan and simultaneously increased security operations in Nassau County.

"I am pleased to hear that there are many resources available to local residents in the event of various emergency situations, such as bio-terrorist attacks," Senator Hannon said. "I will continue to work closely with area hospitals as well as health, law enforcement and emergency management officials at all levels of government to ensure there is a mobilized and coordinated response in place in the case of a terrorist act or large disaster." For more information on emergency preparedness, visit Senator Hannon's web site at www.kemphannon.com.