Carbon County is purchasing several safety-related items to help employees in the workforce, as well as several departments train to better help the public during emergency situations.

On Thursday, the board of commissioners approved an application to the Housing and Redevelopment Insurance Exchange for $15,000 in safety improvement grant funds. The exchange is the county’s workman’s compensation insurance carrier.

The money is being used to purchase 26 small EMT first responder bags, two infant manikins, two adult manikins with CPR monitors, six sked basic rescue systems, one adult water rescue manikin, four two-story fire escape ladders, three three-story fire escape ladders, two sets of bite gloves, two ketch all poles and four multipurpose anti-slip mats.

Commissioner Rocky Ahner said that the items will be distributed in various departments and county-operated buildings.

“There’s going to be something that’s going to every building,” he said, noting that the purchase was a result of recommendations by the county safety committee.

He pointed out that one item, a water rescue manikin, is in preparation of an upcoming full-scale exercise at Mauch Chunk Lake next month.

The exercise, which will take place on Aug. 14, will allow lifeguards, park staff, emergency responders and other agencies to work together in a drowning scenario.

Commissioner Chris Lukasevich said that the exercise will help the county better prepare for responding to water rescues and working with various agencies.

Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein added that when something like this happens, being prepared for it and knowing who you are working with helps cut down on the already chaotic situation.