Emergency Management

Prevention

Prevention refers to protective measures that prevent incidents from occurring. While we understand that many disasters (such as tornadoes & ice storms) cannot be prevented– we can take preventive measures that will lessen the severity of those events. Planning is key. We maintain a city-wide Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), a Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP), and a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP), that provides the framework for our response and recovery from these events.

Mitigation

Mitigation refers to activities that are aimed at reducing the loss of life and property as the result of an incident. These include things like floodplain permitting, road & bridge repair projects, brush maintenance and debris removal. 

Preparedness

Preparedness is an ongoing process to prepare for disaster. It isn’t just something the city is responsible for; preparedness is everyone’s responsibility. In the event of a major disaster, help may be days or weeks away. Therefore, each household should have at least 3 days of food, water, medications, and supplies for everyone in the home (including pets). As the city’s Emergency Manager, I take preparedness seriously at home. I cannot effectively do my job and help the community if I’m worried about my family at home. Some items to consider are:

· Storm Shelter (or a plan for where to go during severe weather)
· Go-Bag
· First Aid Kit
· Food
· Water/Water Filtration
· Medications
· Pet Supplies (Food, Water, Leashes, Meds)
· Warm Clothing
· Extra Blankets
· Secondary Heat Source

Preparedness also includes activities such as: Fire Drills, Evacuation Drills, Active Shooter Drills, Public Education & Outreach (look for Emergency Management’s table at local special events for disaster and preparedness information and educational materials). 

Response

Response refers to activities that take place after an incident has occurred. These include: the activation of an Emergency Operations Center, mass notifications, implementing the Emergency Operations Plans, evacuation of threatened populations, coordination of resources, opening shelters and providing mass care, obtaining resources for emergency rescue & medical care, firefighting, and urban search and rescue operations.

Q: What type of events do we respond to?
Answer:

• Fires (structural, wildland, vehicle, etc.)
• Hazardous Materials Incidents
• Technical Rescue / Complex Incidents
• Severe Weather Incidents (Tornadoes, High Winds, Ice Storms, etc.)
• Pandemic

In Purcell, Emergency Management often responds to the scene of incidents to assist with whatever is needed until other responders arrive: firefighting, vehicle extrication, medical care, etc. You may see the Purcell Emergency Management’s emergency vehicle around town. It is equipped with full personal protective equipment, firefighting turnout gear, helmets, gloves, cold weather gear, tools, tow rope, rain gear, a trauma bag, 2-way radios, etc.