COLUMBUS – The Franklin County Emergency Operations Plan, which is a coordinated response by multiple agencies and jurisdictions, just got a major boost.
To ensure the resources of the Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security (FCEM&HS) and the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus (ARCGC) are better coordinated and used to the fullest advantage in rendering disaster relief; both organizations have bolstered their existing agreement to work together more closely in a crisis. Goodwill Columbus has also joined in the spirit of cooperation with FCEM&HS by detailing its assistance to receive, sort, distribute or store donated clothing and household goods.
Director Gary L. Holland presented the revised Statement of Understanding (SOU) with ARGC November 15 to the Executive Committee, which is the governing body for FCEM&HS. The committee of 41 surrounding villages, townships, and municipal jurisdictions, led by Dublin City Manager Jane Brautigam, reviewed and approved the seven-page document.
"Over the last several years our nation has realized the importance of planning ahead," Jane Brautigam said. "By joining forces with the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus and enlisting their expertise, we will be better prepared in times of crisis."
FCEM&HS coordinates its activities and resources during disaster preparedness and catastrophic situations with those of local and state governments, outlaying localities, ARCGC, and various private not-for-profit agencies such as Goodwill Columbus.
Although previous agreements with ARCGC existed for many years, emergency planning has grown in national importance, particularly since the creation of the US Department of Homeland Security and the reorganization of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. To reflect Director Holland’s concern for responsive management and prudent use of existing capabilities, the preexisting agreement has grown from 8 to 18 areas of emphasis.
The ARCGC ensures the mass care needs of the impacted population are met. Such responsibilities include operating shelters, arranging mass feeding, providing mental health services and family assistance during disasters.
The new SOU strengthens crisis operations between the two organizations through information sharing and joint training.
For example, both agencies will agree to make training, educational or developmental opportunities available to the other. This includes using the others’ facilities for meetings and response and recovery activities.
Both agencies will include a representative in its committees and task forces to plan, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters or other emergencies. In an actual crisis, FCEM&HS will include workspace and other support to the ARCGC liaison personnel assigned to the Emergency Operations Center.
CEO, Michael Carroll sees the importance of working closely with other agencies.
"Every time the Red Cross responds to a disaster," Carroll said, "we are reminded that productive relationships with governmental organizations, and especially Emergency Management and Homeland Security agencies, are critical for the success of the response.
"We've also learned that it's much harder to build partnerships when the levees have burst, and this is why this SOU is so important. At the ARC of Greater Columbus, we are committed to working with Director Holland and his team to make the agreement the cornerstone of community preparedness."
When a crisis occurs, Goodwill Columbus is also an important resource agency ready to help distribute donated clothing items.
Through the newly formed alliance, both agencies will strengthen their information sharing and relief efforts. The public will be better informed of donation sites and of items that may or may not be accepted.
"We are proud to work with the Franklin County Emergency Team and other key agencies when disaster strikes in our community," said Margie Pizzuti, President & CEO of Goodwill Columbus. "Goodwill has a long and rich history of gathering and distributing goods through our retail stores and we are glad to bring our expertise to this effort by providing clothing and household goods that individuals may need during these challenging times."
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners today approved these agreements and three others with Madison, Pickaway and Union Counties. Fairfield, Licking and Delaware Memoranda of Understanding had been previously approved by the Executive Committee and respective county commissioners.
"Central Ohio is well served by the high level of collaboration and cooperation among its key emergency agencies," Holland stated.
All agreements go into effect immediately.
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