BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

CANTON -- St. Lawrence County has taken delivery of a portable morgue, which is a necessity in the event of a mass fatality event. 

County officials briefly discussed the plan with Public Health Director Erin Streiff during the Sept. 21 Services Committee meeting. 

Streiff told legislators the portable morgue was delivered in recent weeks, though it did take longer to arrive than expected. 

"It's here, it's put together, it works and runs," she said. 

Legislators issued a request for proposals earlier this year, with a bid opening date on April 6. 

At the time, legislators said they expected to take delivery by the end of summer, however minor delays led to the mobile unit being delivered last month.

Streiff said a viewing will be held on October 20 from 5-6 p.m. for those who wish to examine the equipment. 

With the delivery of the mobile morgue, Streiff said public health has also implemented updates to both the Mass Casualty and Mass Fatality plans. 

Streiff said the plans fall under the Public Health Preparedness Plan and includes support from the county coroner, who falls under the Public Health umbrella as well. 

She clarified the difference between the two plans as well, saying a mass casualty plan would include EMS to transport the injured to area hospitals, while a mass fatality plan would not due to decedents. 

Though viewed as a valuable piece of equipment that is necessary to carry out a Mass Fatality Plan, it's one legislators hope to never use. 

"I can honestly say this is one piece of equipment we never need to use. But better to have it and not need it," Legislator David Forsythe said. 

Streiff said the plans are reviewed and updated annually.