OEM Fall 2015 Newsletter

Greetings from DirectorWhere do I find shelter? Who is my emergency contact? Where is my family’s reunification point? Who are reliable sources of information? These are questions that should be addressed in your family’s emergency plan. Answers to these questions may vary, but the outcome is the same – preparedness.

We are often overwhelmed when we hear the word ‘plan’. Creating a plan that works for your family doesn’t have to be a lengthy or exhaustive process. Making a plan simply means that you consider answers to the questions posed above, and discuss actions you and your family will take to mitigate the effects of a disaster. Jot these ideas down and keep them in an easily accessible and visible place in your home. Regularly discuss your plan with your family, and update it as needed.

Consider the time you took to read this narrative. Those few brief moments are all you need to begin building an emergency plan that works for your family and that will guide you when disaster strikes. If you plan for the unexpected today, you and your family will be more resilient when faced with disaster tomorrow.

OEM Facilitates Communications Efforts for 9th Annual Bass Pro Shops Marathon

On Sunday, November 1, over 4,000 runners gathered to participate in the 9th annual Bass Pro Shops Marathon, which included the News-Leader 5K, Mercy Sunshine Marathon Relay, Cohick Half Marathon and Conservation Marathon.

OEM’s Skylab Mobile Communication Vehicle and Field Command Post were on site to coordinate communication efforts between participating agencies, assist with volunteer coordination and provide requested public safety resources. This marks the fourth year that OEM’s services have been requested to assist with the marathon.

Learn more about how you can be involved in preparedness efforts:

(417) 869-6040 or www.greenecountyoem.org

Main Office:Public Safety Center

330 W. Scott St. Springfield, MO 65802

Email:info@greenecountymo.gov

Connect with us:

September – National Preparedness MonthSeptember was recognized as National Preparedness Month, and OEM took the opportunity to educate the community about preparedness steps via a social media campaign that highlighted daily preparedness measures. Centered on the theme “Don’t Wait – Communicate”, National Preparedness Month is a

grassroots campaign for action, known as America’s PrepareAthon, to increase community preparedness and resilience, facilitated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For more information about America’s PrepareAthon, visit www.community.fema.gov.

OEM Fall 2015 Newsletter

“Drop, Cover, Hold”. On October 15 at 10:15am, over 41 million people across the world participated in the annual Great Shake Out earthquake drill. OEM staff partnered with Springfield Public Schools and participated in the drill with a fifth grade class at Weller Elementary. Students learned about the importance of

disaster preparedness and were able to ask questions about emergency management, in addition to practicing the “Drop, Cover, Hold’ technique. To learn more about the Great Shake Out, visit www.shakeout.org.

Highlighted Event – Great Shake Out Earthquake Drill

First Annual MSU Emergency Management Conference

The MSU Emergency Management Student Association, in its first year of existence, hosted its first Emergency Management Conference on

October 28 in the Plaster Student Union. Participants attended several break-out sessions facilitated by subject matter experts from the National Weather Service, American Red Cross, Greene County CERT, MSU and OEM. Topics covered included storm tracking, volunteerism with the Red Cross, weapons of mass destruction, 9-11 experience, Joplin Tornado takeaways, CERT training, and more. Plans are already underway for next year’s event.

OEM Staff Participate in United Way’s Day of Caring

A dedicated city-wide ‘acts of service day’ facilitated by United Way was

held on Thursday, August 20, as teams from local businesses and organizations blanketed the city to assist non-profit organizations with various service projects. A team of staff members and interns from OEM participated in the event, volunteering time at an Arc of the Ozarks group home located in northeast Springfield. Tasks included tree trimming, weed pulling, organization of a garage of supplies and window washing. The weather was beautiful, and residents and staff of the Arc of the Ozarks home were grateful for the assistance. This was the second year of OEM’s involvement in Day of Caring.

Workforce Development PartnershipOEM had the opportunity to partner with the Ozark Region Missouri Career Center and its Workforce Youth Program to acquire a paid OEM intern who assisted staff throughout the months of September and October. The Workforce Youth Program is an employment and education program through the Workforce Development Act serving students ages 14-21. The program provides students with workplace experience and

resume building. Our Workforce Youth Program intern, Nathanul Penny, was an incredible asset and a valued member of our team! Nathanul plans to continue his involvement with OEM in a volunteer capacity.

OEM Fall 2015 Newsletter

Several OEM Plans Updated and Approved

The Emergency Operations Plan, coordinated by OEM and partnering agencies, was recently reviewed by a representative from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and received a 100% compliance score. This review is conducted annually as a grant-funded requirement and as an independent assessment to ensure that OEM’s plans remain in the highest state of readiness.

Hazards Mitigation PlanThe Springfield-Greene County All Hazards Mitigation Plan underwent its scheduled five year rewrite, and received both State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approval this summer. The plan was then officially adopted by the Greene County Commission and Springfield City Council. The All-Hazards Mitigation Plan is aimed at making Greene County disaster resistant by reducing or eliminating long-term risk of loss of life and property from a full-range of natural disasters, as well as identifying human-caused and technological hazards that could affect the county.

A 2015 Hazardous Flow Study was conducted and completed on October 1. This study, updated every five years, allows OEM representatives to study the flow of the transportation of hazardous materials through Greene County and its potential impact to the community.

Hazardous Flow Study

Emergency Operations Plan

OEM Fall 2015 Newsletter

Public Safety Center Open to Public

Learn more about how you can be involved in preparedness efforts:

(417) 869-6040 or www.greenecountyoem.org

Interested in a tour of the Public Safety Center, or hosting your meeting in one of our training rooms? We provide both tours and meeting room space to the public! Call 417-869-6040 or email info@greenecountyoem.org for more information.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program provides basic emergency skills training to citizens of the community so that they are prepared when disaster strikes. With CERT training, community members assist in response and recovery efforts in the wake of a major disaster or emergency event. Join CERT and take a proactive step to become prepared and protect your family, your home and your community from disaster! Call 417-869-6040 or email cert@greenecountyoem.org for more information.

The Springfield-Greene County CERT Animal Response Team (CART) is a group of trained CERT volunteers who coordinate animal response efforts during times of disaster. CART partners with the Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Southwest Missouri to facilitate training of volunteers and activation of animal response.

OEM’s Programs

The Hometown Ready program, facilitated by the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management, offers comprehensive disaster preparedness programming and resources to ensure that citizens and businesses can respond with a resounding “yes” to the question posed above.

Elements of the Hometown Ready program include Ozark Ready, focused on individual and family preparedness, CERT training, Business Certification, and our partnerships with MO State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Disaster Preparedness. Community Engagement.

When disaster strikes, will you be prepared?

CERT CART Hometown Ready