I read a recent email notification from CNN regarding a terrorist attack in Sri Lanka during a funeral of some of the victims of the tsunami. The gist of the article is that despite the terrible conditions resulting from the tsunami, local residents, government officials and rescue and aid workers still have to contend with terrorist activities.
So far, we don’t have to deal with terrorists activities during emergencies such as tornadoes or floods. So far….
Part of our review process when we evaluate our emergency operations plan is how do we continue to deal with day-to-day matters while dealing with an emergency. The reality is that even during disasters and sometimes more often during a disaster or emergency, we still have to deal with family disputes, theft, assaults, and the normal day-to-day stuff as well as extra concerns brought on by a disaster or emergency like curfews, looters and gawkers.
I noticed that the already high incidents of child abuse/slavery activities in many of the countries hit hard by the tsunami have escalated since the disaster according to news reports I’ve read from CNN and Fox News.
What this means for emergency planners is that in addition to the security concerns of day-to-day activities, they must factor in the additional protection of rescue and aid workers and a higher level of protection for those most vulnerable.
It’s also a very sad commentary on those who lurk in the shadows who would take the opportunity to prey on children and others most vulnerable in our communities.
It’s a daunting job and one we don’t take lightly. Our Emergency Management Director, Tim Isom works with us to review our operation plans and to regularly take stock of our inventories and resources to make sure we have an accurate picture of how we can best respond to various emergencies.
If you would like to be part of our cadre of volunteers to help, you can get in touch with Tim Isom for Skywarn and other weather related emergencies; Sergeant Ted Berg or Officer Jody Spinner if you would be interested in participating in our Police Reserve Officer Program or Police Explorer Program; and you may contact Tim Isom if you are interested in our Citizen Emergency Response Teams. All of these individuals can be reached through the regular police department business number which is 507-645-4477.
If you are not a Northfield resident but would like to get involved in your community, call your local police or fire department.