Emergency Management - Looking Forward to 2012

Wondering what Emergency Management is looking towards for 2012?  Here’s a sneak peak:

Credentialing

In the 1^st or 2^nd Quarter of 2012 we will be rolling out the final credentialing system.  This has been a long time coming but will give Incident Commanders important information on the responders that are on scene.  The credentials will allow identity to be confirmed and have a trusted source of information on what that responder can do at the incident scene – like are they an EMT or a firefighter or a law enforcement officer. 

Learning Management System

We expect to launch the Learning Management System in 2012.  This system will be your “one-stop-shop” for information on the training you have completed through Chester County.  You’ll be able to replace missing certificates, register for classes, pay for classes, and get a transcript of your courses.  The courses will include emergency management training, fire, and EMS training.

Training and Exercises

In 2012 we will be bringing on board a Training & Exercise Coordinator.  This very important position will allow us to seriously focus on the Emergency Management Certification program and launch a robust exercise program.  We will begin conducting regular Emergency Operations Center exercises as well as exercises to include emergency responder organizations, private sector, and voluntary organizations.

Faith Based Outreach

We’re going to focus on strengthening our relationships with faith based organizations in the county.  The faith based community can be a valuable partner in all aspects of emergency management and they have access to a large portion of the population.

Strengthening Specialty Teams

We will continue to work with the specialty teams in the county including the technical rescue team and law enforcement teams.  We will also strengthen our animal response capability in the county.  Often, people are hesitant to leave their homes if they can’t take their pets.  We are working to ensure the public can seek safety with their pets.

Increase Preparedness Outreach Efforts

We will increase our preparedness outreach efforts including a strong National Preparedness Month campaign in September.  We will work with a number of our private sector partners to get the message out, both within the county and across the nation.  A part of this will also be Pet Preparedness Month in June.  We will also work to reformat our Community Emergency Response Team to ensure citizens have the tools and training they need to be prepared in case of an emergency.

This is just a small snippet of what Emergency Management will be working on in 2012.  Be sure to look for the Department’s Annual Report to see what we accomplished in 2011!

Bobby Kagel
Deputy Director for Emergency Management