Always Be Prepared
In a recent LVA workshop, representatives from the Franklin County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) came to Chillas Hall to talk with Lanark residents about emergency preparedness. According to their webpage, “Franklin County Emergency Management’s Mission is to minimize loss of life, personal injury, damage to property or the environment caused by natural or man-made disasters that affect the community.” Those are goals Lanark Villagers can get behind, so many of us attended the workshop to learn what we could about protecting ourselves in a disaster.
Although the EOC has only a small staff, the department is able to provide an outsized value to the community through the efforts of dedicated volunteers, including several Lanark residents, some of whom were in the audience. More volunteers are needed, so if you’re moved to serve your community in this way, give the EOC a call to see if you’re a good fit.
Jennifer Daniels, Director of Franklin County’s Emergency Management, encouraged workshop attendees to sign up for Alert Franklin, a system designed to keep citizens informed before and during emergencies. Examples of messages you might receive through alerts include evacuation orders and directions to distribution points for food, water, and other supplies. If you missed the workshop, you can still sign up for Alert Franklin on the EOC’s website.
The EOC recently held a Build-A-Bucket event, at which attendees could collect items that could be helpful in emergencies. Don’t worry if you missed it; contact them and they’ll help you figure out what items you might need to keep on hand for use in the event of hurricanes and other disasters. They’ll help you construct an emergency bag for riding out a disaster and another one appropriate for taking with you if you need to evacuate.
That’s just one example of how helpful the EOC’s staff and volunteers are. They supplied numerous handouts for attendees and encouraged residents to call when they need help. You can reach them at 850-653-8977.
If you need shelter during a disaster, they can help you find it. If you don’t have transportation, they’ll help you arrange it. But the best response to an emergency is to avoid it. If you’re told to evacuate, leave. Your life is too valuable to risk and so are the lives of those who are tasked with your safety.
In recognition of their work, LVA Chairperson Debbie Howells presented the EOC with a Certificate of Appreciation. Many thanks to the EOC and to all those who attended.
