Emergency Management Team Working to Keep Township Safe

VILLAS – When disaster strikes, the Lower Township’s department of emergency management is in place to assist the public. 
Rich Harron, the township’s emergency management coordinator, as well as advisor Eileen Kreis, administrative assistant of the township manager, and Gary Douglass, superintendent of public works is responsible for the township’s emergency plan Harron explained that his office steps into action when a man-made or natural disaster impacts the township.
“During the emergency we have an instant action plan that we coordinate with police, fire, emergency and medical services,” Harron said. “We assist those departments to help make sure the residents are safe.”
Two large projects Harron and his team are working on is updates to all the emergency action plans, such as identifying local shelters, and the hazard mitigation plan.
The hazard mitigation plan identifies potential repetitive hazard issues in the township, noted Harron.  An example, would be identifying township areas that are prone to flooding.
The hazard mitigation plan, also called the HMP, demonstrates county and community commitment to reducing risks from all hazards and serves as a guide for decision makers as they commit resources to minimize the effects of hazards.  The plan is the blueprint for reducing vulnerability to disasters and hazards. It is intended to integrate with county and municipal planning mechanisms already in place, such as building and zoning regulations, environmental planning, and long-range planning mechanisms. 
By participating in the planning process, the county and municipalities will be eligible to apply for grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reduce the vulnerability of residents within the community.  Reducing one’s vulnerability to disasters helps to break the cycle of disaster and ensures a sustainable future for the next generation.