Carbon County emergency officials want to show the public what emergency responders do to prepare for disasters.

On Thursday, Commissioner Wayne Nothstein announced that an open house will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on May 9 at the Carbon County Emergency Operations and Training Center, 88 Public Safety Lane, Nesquehoning. The site is on the Broad Mountain, just beyond the county prison and Emergency Management Agency building.

“(The open house) gives some experience on what it’s like to pull hose line, flow water, climb ladders, etc.,” he said.

The event is open to all elected officials, nonprofit organizations and any county agency or emergency responder.

During the day, tours of the facility will take place, as well as several live scenarios and exercises that will show various firefighter and police response situations.

Nothstein said that this is an important event because it shows just how much goes into these volunteer emergency responder positions to make sure communities are best served.

He also pointed out that funding continues to decrease while costs for services continue to increase.

“It’s starting to get expensive trying to train our first responders,” he said. “I think this is a good opportunity to find out what we really do and what the cost of expenses are in operating a facility like this.

“The lack of volunteers we’re seeing every day ... how many are going to close before we wake up and smell the roses and start paying attention to what’s going on.”

Proper attire for the event is necessary with closed toe footwear, jeans and gloves being highly recommended.

The event is limited to 30 participants so those interested in attending are asked to register by May 4 by emailing ZachGilbert@carboncounty.net or waynenothstein@carboncounty.net.

Sign-ins on the day of the even begin at 8:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 9.