Communities across the country are facing an increasing number of emergencies, and they are coming in every shape, size and scenario. These include mass shootings, wildfires, flooding, severe weather and even multiple public health crisis situations.
Unfortunately, at a time when funding is needed to prepare and respond to these crisis situations, emergency managers across the country are seeing a decrease in grant dollars and that's impacting budgets. Now emergency managers are having to readjust priorities and prove the worth of their program and staffing.
Program basics are still needed, including conducting hazard vulnerability analysis, developing emergency plans that meet the need of the community and exercising those plans so staff can be prepared to respond. But these are time consuming and staff intensive.
So, is there a way to get support for an emergency management program that will supplement their planning efforts and take the stress off staff? A city/county can hire experienced emergency management and crisis consultants to assist in developing not only emergency management and crisis communication plans but assist with developing business continuity plans. There are many ways to sub-plant the needed staff.
DFW Strategic Communications has experienced emergency management and crisis communication consultants that can provide additional support for emergency managers and communicators as they work to plan and train to keep their communities safe in the face of disasters both natural and manmade.
Emergency management is a necessary function within government organizations and should guide all efforts when it comes to writing plans and conducting drills/exercises. They are the coordinating agency to bring all involved in any type of disaster to the table, from first responders to public works, libraries, churches, schools and hospitals. All should have a say in developing a working plan for the community. But with funding and staff reductions facing these agencies, there is help out there to lend a hand and keep this vital function operating smoothly for communities, before the crisis happens.
About the Author
JJ Jones is a seasoned Certified Emergency Management professional with 40 years of experience in the emergency management arena, from first responder to emergency manager. She has experience in writing emergency plans, conducting drills/exercises, training, and responding to major disasters, including a presidential declared disaster. She brings the aspect of actual response experience to realistic emergency planning. Her experience includes, paramedic, City of Fort Worth Office of Emergency Management, FEMA, special events and medical community emergency planning and response, i.e., 2000 downtown Fort Worth Tornado, Wedgwood Church Shooting, Hurricanes, Ebola, and COVID-19.