Successful Disaster Preparedness Involves Multiple Departments and Agencies By William F. Vedra, Jr., Deputy City Administrator for the City of Grove City
www.DiscoverGroveCity.com
Photos courtesy of the City of Grove City.
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ost residents will remember the EF1 tornado that struck Grove City April 3, 2018, with wind speeds estimated between 100 and 110 mph causing considerable damage to 900+ structures, leaving more than 700 customers without power and displacing multiple families. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries, and the community was met with an outpouring of support from neighboring communities, businesses and individuals. The storm system had barely left the city limits when Grove City’s emergency response was activated, earning praise from the National Weather Service for speed, precision and preparation. Maintaining that vigilance, in May 2022 multiple agencies came together to address a simulated severe weather event, requiring the mobilization of the Emergency Operations Centers of Grove City and the South-Western City School District (SWCSD). Five agencies, including Jackson, Pleasant and Prairie townships expertly managed the disaster from onset and rescue to damage assessment and recovery. The functional exercise focused on implementing plans, policies and procedures; and included simulated scenarios to create opportunities for practicing specific functions in an emergency. Every department of the City is involved, from Police and Public Service to Information Services and Development. In parallel with the May 5 training, SWCSD took the opportunity to implement a tiered, mass communications exercise, working with principals in all 31 buildings and coordinating with staff from around the district to test the efficacy of radio communications. “We are incredibly thankful for the City of Grove City and our partner agencies in helping the district see our on-paper scenarios played out in real time and in a safe environment,” said SWCSD Executive Director of Communications Evan Debo. “We find ourselves lucky to have such dedicated individuals across the board who make it a priority to keep this community safe.”
The Emergency Operations Center is fully engaged during a May 5 functional training exercise.
praise for SWCSD’s marked improvements and superlative efforts. “This is a great example of local jurisdictions working to tackle [critical incidents] head on and create a more prepared and resilient community.” Part of disaster preparedness is staying aware of the various kinds of hazards Grove City Police Sergeant Justin Gallo is joined by Jackson and disasters; the other part Township Battalion Chief Jason Burley, SWCSD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jamie Lusher and Grove City Director of is perfecting the communicaPublic Service Cindi Fitzpatrick as he addresses the crowd in a tion that provides seamless simulated press conference. action. Observer Jeff Warren, This is the third large-scale, crossbattalion chief for Norwich agency functional exercise coordinated Township Fire Department, commentby the City since the disaster prepared- ed, “as the incident progressed, it was ness program began in 2016. Each is at- evident that their previous training had tended by highly qualified, third-party created a very clear and predictable flow observers who provide comments and of information. At times, it seemed efsuggestions for potential improvements. fortless and automated.” In attendance this spring was Dr. Southwest Franklin County is in Donald Cooper, executive director for good hands as Grove City continues its Event Safety Alliance, who has attended disaster preparedness program. Residisaster training and safety planning dents are encouraged to take proacevents throughout the U.S. “The col- tive steps as well, including registering laboration between the school system to receive emergency and event text and the City is among the best examples alerts from the City of Grove City and of collaboration in the state and perhaps Franklin County. Simply text the word the country,” said Dr. Cooper. GCALERT to 888777 to get started or Jeffrey Young, director of Franklin visit alertfranklincounty.org for more County Emergency Management and information. Homeland Security, agreed and shared July/August 2022 13
