Disasters do not make an appointment. Some are caused by nature and others by man. However, in whatever form it takes, a disaster must be dealt with swiftly and efficiently. In the recent past all have witnessed how local officials have or have not dealt with the aftermath of unprecedented calamities. In an effort to be prepared, five mayors of local villages have signed an agreement establishing a plan to facilitate and provide mutual assistance in the event that a disaster strikes locally.

Mayor Charles W. Weiss of Flower Hill, Mayor M. Lloyd Williams of Plandome, Mayor Marion Endrizzi of Plandome Heights, Mayor Tom O'Malley of Plandome Manor, and Mayor Harry Nicolaides of Munsey Park have drawn up and agreed to abide by a Village Mutual Aid Agreement. The pact "sets forth procedures and responsibilities of the parties whenever emergency personnel, equipment and facility assistance is provided from one party's village to the other."

Among the broad provisions of the agreement are the establishment of a coordinator from each village, an operational area for the coordination of public works, specific guidelines for the implementation of aid, and channels for securing further assistance from the county or the state should that be necessary. The agreement also has very specific measures that will ensure the prompt resolution of payment questions and personnel matters.

The pact was drawn up over the last year and adopted on Nov. 14. The Village of Plandome has been designated as the initial Agreement Coordinator of the program and as such can accept new members, annually circulate a list of participants and arrange for amendments to the agreement as may be necessary.

Let's hope this is one agreement that never has to be activated!