Students from Sewanhaka High School participated in a Students in Government Day 2016, on Monday, May 23, an event sponsored by the offices of Hempstead Town Supervisor Anthony Santino.
The purpose of the day was to have students participate in a mock hurricane drill, an exercise that town officials deemed to have taken on extra significance in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.
“Well over three years has passed since Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on communities throughout the Town of Hempstead, but the path of destruction is still evident with homes being repaired and beaches opening for the summer season,” said Santino. “As hurricane season is about to commence yet again, this program is a great opportunity for students to experience first-hand how government responds during times of crisis.”
By working through a mock hurricane scenario, the students learned how closely all town departments have to work together in order to best service the residents in an emergency. The scenario featured a hurricane headed straight for Long Island. Students interacted in their various roles to protect the safety and well-being of town residents in the midst of the weather crisis. The real department heads guided them throughout the day.
Students reconvened for a final emergency management meeting where they each provided a brief update of what transpired within their departments. Afterward, they had a question and answer session with Santino and council members.
