Haynes outlines importance of being prepared

SEPT. 13, 2011: The good news: We don’t have to worry about volcano disasters in Charleston, according to Cathy Haynes, chief of operations for the Charleston County Emergency Management Department.

But that’s about it, she told Rotarians in a presentation that outlined the behind-the-scenes activities of the department. That’s why we have to plan for so many contingencies — natural disasters from flooding, tornados and hurricanes to man-made disasters from hazardous material situations, terrorism, radioactivity and more.

Disasters generally share three things in common:

• They’re relatively unexpected
• Emergency personnel will be overwhelmed
• Lives, health and the environment will be endangered, she said.

Haynes outlined the roles played by local governments in disasters. Among their responsibilities:
• Developing emergency plans
• Determining evacuation routes
• Providing public transportation for people in harm’s way
• Setting up and supplying shelters.

She said state government supported the roles of local government, particularly the county in several ways when needed by:

• Mobilizing the National Guard
• Prepositioning assets and supplies
• Operating a state Emergency Operations Center
• Calling for federal help through a request of a disaster declaration.

Similarly, the federal government supports state government by:

• Meeting state requests for funding help
• Providing logistical support for search and rescue operations
• Providing food, water and ice
• Opening disaster centers
• Processing claims
• Removing debris, and more.

Haynes also encouraged individuals in the community to take personal responsibility during disasters by protecting their families, being prepared and getting engaged in the community. She said people could be prepared by getting a disaster kit, making a plan and being informed. More information on kits can be found at the county’s Web site: http://www.charlestoncounty.org.

Submitted by Andy Brack, Keyway Committee