DHS Buys Mobile Mortuaries for Mississippi

[LuvNewcastle]

http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=11914396

GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) - Harrison County is now better prepared for any future disasters with mass casualties.

Coroner Gary Hargrove showed supervisors a new "mortuary response trailer" on Monday. It's one of three such trailers in Mississippi, paid for with a grant from the Department of Homeland Security.

"That's an inflatable tent, 14 by 18 foot," said Hargrove, as he showed county supervisors the new equipment and mobile trailer.

It's filled with special equipment designed to assist coroners in responding to any disaster with many deaths.

"It's got a lot of equipment in it. Inflatable tents. Air conditioning and heating for the tent. Sinks. Refrigerator. All the tools we need to get up and going after a disaster occurs and the loss of life is very high," said Hargrove.

The single trailer carries enough gear to help the coroner and his team handle up to 100 bodies. The Department of Homeland Security paid the $50,000 cost for this one and two others.