Southwest Franklin County is in good arms as we proceed our disaster preparedness program.
Multiple businesses got here collectively to deal with a simulated extreme climate occasion May 5, requiring the mobilization of the Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) of Grove City and the South-Western City School District (SWCSD).
With seamless precision, 5 businesses, together with Jackson, Pleasant and Prairie townships, rapidly got here collectively and expertly managed each side of the disaster from onset and rescue to break evaluation and restoration.
Long earlier than the digital EF2 twister loomed over our beloved hometown, Grove City’s disaster preparedness staff, led by Deputy City Administrator William Vedra, was creating the coaching occasion as a part of our ongoing efforts to be ever prepared within the face of emergency.
Our companions at SWCSD had been in direct and fixed contact with town EOC and had been able to go, sending simulated messages to households using their Infinite Campus messaging system. The communication between the 2 EOCs is nothing in need of exemplary and spectacular to witness.
The purposeful train, centered on implementing plans, insurance policies and procedures, included injects of knowledge to create alternatives for practising particular roles or capabilities in an emergency. Every division of town is concerned, from police and public service to data companies and group relations.
This is the third large-scale, cross-agency purposeful train coordinated by town since we initiated our disaster preparedness program in 2016 and with every situation I’m more and more impressed by the extent of professionalism and coordination exhibited by all.
It’s pure for me to be happy with the efforts I witness from all businesses, but demonstrated by the feedback of third-party observers, I’m not alone in my awe. Dr. Donald Cooper, govt director for Event Safety Alliance, has noticed disaster coaching and security planning all through the U.S. and shared in his written follow-up feedback: “The collaboration between the school system and the city is among the best examples of collaboration in the state and perhaps the country.”
Jeffrey Young, director of the Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security, shared his ideas: “This is a great example of local jurisdictions working to tackle (potential disaster incidents) head on and create a more prepared and resilient community.”
Part of disaster preparedness is staying conscious of the sorts of hazards and disasters; the opposite half is perfecting the communication that gives seamless motion.
Observer Jeff Warren, battalion chief for Norwich Township Fire Department, acknowledged it greatest: “As the incident progressed, it was evident that their previous training had created a very clear and predictable flow of information. At times, it seemed effortless and automated.”
Disaster coaching workouts resembling these are the most effective methods we are able to put together. Residents are inspired to take proactive steps as properly, together with signing as much as obtain emergency and occasion textual content alerts from town of Grove City and Franklin County. Simply textual content the phrase GCALERT to 888777 to get began or go to alertfranklincounty.org for extra data.
Planning town’s response to future incidents requires important forethought and an organized effort to take proactive steps and decrease dangers. Future coaching workouts are already within the planning phases.
Richard L. “Ike” Stage is the mayor of Grove City.
