AGENDA DATE: 5/18/2022
TITLE:
Title
Office of Emergency Management Overview and Elected/Appointed Official's Role
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Present information regarding the role of senior elected/appointed officials during times of emergency and disaster and an overview of the County’s Office of Emergency Management within Fire Rescue
ITEM TYPE: Regular Information Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Hudson, Farley, Eggleston, Oprandy
PRESENTER (S): John Oprandy
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: In November of 2019, the Board of Supervisors approved the creation of an Emergency Management Coordinator position to operate within the Department of Fire Rescue. Since that time, the community has experienced the COVID-19 Pandemic as well as several other significant emergencies and public events requiring emergency management planning, including the snowstorm/power outages of January 3, 2022. These events, and the lessons learned, highlight the need for the whole community to be involved in planning for, mitigating, responding to, and recovering from disasters (the four phases).
STRATEGIC PLAN: Mission - To enhance the well-being and quality of life for all community members through the provision of the highest level of public service consistent with the prudent use of public funds
DISCUSSION: The Office of Emergency Management (OEM), now a Section of the Fire Rescue Department, leads the County’s efforts in ensuring that the Albemarle County local government is ready and able to sustain its critical operations during a disaster. Likewise, the County OEM coordinates the efforts of the whole community, including non-governmental organizations (NGO), towards being as resilient as possible. Community resiliency is based on our collective ability to carry out the four phases when natural or human-made disasters occur.
Board members play an important role in supporting the community in each of the four phases of disaster. Clarity on that role allows for effective and efficient communication between Board members, staff, and the community.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budget impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Board receive the presentation of the role of elected officials during a disaster and provide feedback on the whole community philosophy and the direction of Emergency Management planning and activities.
ATTACHMENTS:
None