David Maack
 

OPERATING AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE

The Office of Emergency Management is a planning and coordinating agency.  Our primary function is to develop comprehensive all-hazard plans for Racine County.  Hazards can be broken down into three categories: natural, technological, and civil defense.  The office provides 24 hour/day, 7 day/week response capability and serves as a centralized communications and warning center to monitor, track and advise emergency authorities and the public of impending or actual situations.  There are four phases of Emergency Management: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response and Recovery.  Emergency Management activities include planning, training, exercising, response and public awareness.

 EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE MEASURES

•    To meet our goal of keeping the county's plans and checklists current, we began rewriting the Racine County Emergency Operations Plan and updated the Countywide Hazardous Materials Plan and Off-site Facility Plans.
   

•    Preparing the community to respond to and survive natural and man-made disasters is a consistent goal of this department. To achieve it, we conducted Tornado Awareness, Winter Awareness, Heat Awareness, Hazmat Awareness and Family Preparedness campaigns. In addition, the director continues to write a column on emergency preparedness for the Racine Journal Times.
   

•    Tornado Awareness and Spotter Workshops were conducted for emergency responders and the general public, a Public Officials Conference on Foot and Mouth Disease was held and an emergency management booth was set up at the Racine Auto Show and the Racine Home Expo. In addition, a Racine-Kenosha National Weather Service Transmitter was dedicated.
   

•    The department coordinated a Flu Pandemic Tabletop Exercise at St. Mary's Medical Center and a Full-scale Hazardous Materials Exercise at Air Liquide in Burlington.
   

•    At the time the 2002 budget was put together, terrorism was an abstract concept that became a reality for most Americans on September 11, 2001. The tremendous emphasis placed on Homeland Security has translated into additional work for this department. We have received an initial Terrorism Preparedness Equipment Grant and expect additional grants during FFY02. In addition, there will be additional planning, training and exercising requirements placed on the department.
   

2003 GOALS AND BUDGET STRATEGIES

•    Update the Racine County Emergency Operations Plan, Dispatch Dissemination forms, and Racine County Hazardous Materials Plan and Off-Site Plans.
   
•    Conduct the following public awareness campaigns:
  • Tornado Awareness Campaign
  • Family Preparedness Campaign
  • Hazmat Awareness Campaign
     
•    Respond to emergency situations as necessary.
   
•    Review properties that the county is considering taking possession of through In-Rem proceedings.
   
•    Conduct an annual Hazardous Materials Exercise.