By Ken Willette, Concord's Emergency Manager, and Chief of the Concord Fire Department.
Reach him at kwillette@concordnet.org.
Editor's Note: Be sure to read this issue's companion piece here, about Concord's efforts to prepares for emergencies during the days of Civil Defense, 50 years ago. Through the lens of history, some Civil Defense information may seem amusing. But there's nothing
amusing about a nuclear war, and there's nothing amusing about preparing for any potentially
devasting disaster. As we prepare now for new emergencies, let's hope that in another 50 years
we can look back in relief that our worst fears were not realized.
When you watched the evening news and saw the residents of Louisiana and Mississippi trying to survive under the most terrible conditions imagined, did you question if this was happening in America? Did you wonder where the help was, who was responsible for the safety of these people?
I have over 30 years service as a firefighter and nearly 15 years experience in emergency management, and I was stunned by those images.
The images of those folks who were ravaged by Katrina and Rita have moved me to look at Concord and our preparation. In the past months, I have worked to read every news item and journal article to develop a better understanding of what went wrong. This has instilled in me an urgent need to reach out to Concord and improve our emergency preparedness.
Hurricane Katrina illustrated the limitations of government to respond to our needs during times of major crisis. Katrina did not disrupt our federal government, and it did not devastate the state capital. The same localities which bore the brunt of nature's wrath had to immediately pick themselves up and respond to the needs of their people.
Local Response is Sometimes the Best Response
In spite of this, many communities provided a response and saved lives at a time when the federal and state agencies were still deciding how to respond. What stands out is those communities that took care of their own, either by an organized plan or just neighbor to neighbor kindness, were the ones that exemplified how government is supposed to act.
So how would Concord fare if we had a major snow or ice storm, flood, or hazardous materials accident? We can mount a good emergency response, but our ability to care for others needs improvement. First, we need to educate the community to be prepared to shelter ourselves at home for several days, with no outside assistance. Secondly, we need to develop the ability to provide a safe and secure shelter for folks who are displaced from their homes during a major event. Finally, we need to create a network of volunteers to support these activities.
Local Partnerships Take the Lead
To start chipping away at these goals, a partnership has developed between the Local Emergency Planning Committee, the Concord Emergency Management Agency, and the Community Education Department of the Concord Carlisle School District. This partnership is the foundation of reaching out to Concord to provide training and education so we can take care of our own in a time of need.
The Local Emergency Planning Committee is working to develop a team of 60 individuals to staff our community shelter and the supplies needed to support the shelter for 72 hours. The Concord Emergency Management Agency has received a grant of cots and blankets for the shelter and will utilize the Town budget process to request funds for food and other needed supplies. To learn more about the Local Emergency Planning Committee and the Concord Emergency Management Agency, call 978-318-3450.
The Concord Emergency Shelter Team has gotten off to a great start with Red Cross classes and local customizing of emergency sheltering methods. They are well on their way to their goal of an exercise later this year to shelter 100 people for up to three days. If this sort of community service intrigues you, they are looking for additional volunteers -- to learn more, contact them via my office at 978 318-3488 or email me here. If you are curious about this group, you are welcome to attend their next meeting on April 10 at 7 PM at the CCHS Cafeteria.
We Can't Do It Without Your Help
After Katrina, I received many phone calls from residents asking what is being done to take care of our Town during a disaster. I have listed three things currently underway, but there is a fourth action item. The needs for you to become personally involved in helping me prepare our community to help one another in our time of need. Take one of the shelter training classes or join the CNN. Resolve to be ready in 2006 by taking the following simple steps:
- Stock emergency supplies for 72-hours, including food, water and prescription medications.
- Have flashlights and a portable radio handy with fresh batteries.
- Build a Pet Disaster Kit that contains food, water, leash, medications, and carrying case or crate.
- Visit www.ready.gov and download disaster preparedness information.
Concord is world renowned for the brave actions its citizens took in 1775. Today, in 2006, we are called to respond and protect ourselves once again. And once again it will start with the actions we take as Concordians. Let's resolve as a community to be ready in 2006.
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