Mayor's Stage: Disaster training exercises ensure agencies are prepared

Southwest Franklin County is in good hands as we continue our disaster preparedness program.

Multiple agencies came together to address a simulated severe weather event 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, five agencies, including Jackson, Pleasant and Prairie townships, quickly came together and expertly managed every aspect of the disaster from onset and rescue to damage assessment and recovery.

Long before the virtual EF2 tornado loomed over our beloved hometown, Grove City’s disaster preparedness team, led by Deputy City Administrator William Vedra, was creating the training event as part of our ongoing efforts to be ever ready in the face of emergency.

Our partners at SWCSD were in direct and constant contact with the city EOC and were ready to go, sending simulated messages to families utilizing their Infinite Campus messaging system. The communication between the two EOCs is nothing short of exemplary and impressive to witness.

The functional exercise, focused on implementing plans, policies and procedures, included injects of information to create opportunities for practicing specific roles or functions in an emergency. Every department of the city is involved, from police and public service to information services and community relations.

This is the third large-scale, cross-agency functional exercise coordinated by the city since we initiated our disaster preparedness program in 2016 and with each scenario I’m increasingly impressed by the level of professionalism and coordination exhibited by all.

It’s natural for me to be proud of the efforts I witness from all agencies, yet demonstrated by the comments of third-party observers, I am not alone in my awe. Dr. Donald Cooper, executive director for Event Safety Alliance, has observed disaster training and safety planning throughout the U.S. and shared in his written follow-up comments: “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 thoughts: “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 aware of the kinds of hazards and disasters; the other part is perfecting the communication that provides seamless action.

Observer Jeff Warren, battalion chief for Norwich Township Fire Department, stated it best: “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 training exercises such as these are one of the best ways we can prepare. Residents are encouraged to take proactive steps as well, including signing up to receive emergency and event text alerts from the city of Grove City and Franklin County. Simply text the word GCALERT to 888777 to get started or visit alertfranklincounty.org for more information.

Planning the city’s reaction to future incidents requires significant forethought and an organized effort to take proactive steps and minimize risks. Future training exercises are already in the planning stages.

Richard L. “Ike” Stage is the mayor of Grove City.

This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Mayor's Stage: Disaster training exercises show agencies are prepared