Q
Where do things stand on developing the Alabama Emergency Management Accreditation Program ?
A
By necessity , local EMA programs are tailored to the unique needs of their communities , but we also need a way to show the community that their EMA is working on the core tasks that are common to all EMA programs . The local EMA accreditation program will be a formal , organized process that will give citizens confidence that our local programs are on the right footing . A large group of local EMA representatives has worked on this in conjunction with our state partners over the last few years , and we ’ re hopeful to have it up and running within the next year .
Q Transportation
infrastructure has been getting a lot of attention , especially from President Trump . From an EMA perspective , what are some consequences of inadequate and poorly maintained roads and bridges ?
A
At a certain point , you have to ask yourself whether any public infrastructure can be patched or repaired again . Bridges , pipelines , water lines and buildings which are old and simply past their prime can be more susceptible to losses during a disaster .
We have seen some good progress with up-sizing some of our culverts , for instance . But that takes money . What is the best way to educate the public that the undersized cross-pipe they drive over every day is really a giant hole in the road waiting to happen ? I don ’ t know .
But we need to figure it out before the giant hole shows up in a flood .
Q
How can we balance learning the lessons of past disasters with looking ahead ?
A
I was pleased see Governor
Ivey recognizing the victims and survivors of the 2011 storms on the anniversary of April 27 , and we are looking forward to working with her administration . As bad as it was – and as much as we need to keep learning from it – April 27 , 2011 , was not the only disaster to occur in this state . There have been many other storms and there are many stories that we need to listen to . But , we can ' t keep preparing to fight the last war . We have to keep moving and evolving . We face many other threats like hazardous materials , pandemics and animal disease , cyber security and terrorism . For some things , we will need to look to the Legislature for solutions , such as with the dam safety problem ( Alabama is the only state in the country without a dam program ) and with regard to the state disaster fund ( we have a disaster fund on the books , but it has a $ 0 balance ).
Q A
What do you see as priorities for AAEM ?
My biggest push as president of our association – and something I hope will continue – is opening doors . We have to build relationships with other associations and with our partners
in local and state government , in the private sector , in healthcare , in education and in allied public safety disciplines . Emergency management is changing . Public safety is changing . And , local government is changing . The baseline performance metric of an emergency manager is to make other people successful in the worst of times . If we aren ’ t talking to them and learning from them , then we can ’ t meet that goal .
We also need to take a hard look at how we are investing in preparedness at the local level . Capabilities vary widely from county to county . There may be opportunities for better cooperation in planning , procurement , and operations by taking a broader look at things .
The AAEM will be working over the next year to get the ball rolling on a few of these projects , such as taking a look at how we handle severe weather preparedness and what public alerting systems are in use across the state .
Q
ACCA President Bill
Stricklend has led an effort to re-energize the affiliate groups for county professionals . What impact are you seeing ?
A
I often tell people Calhoun County has the best commission in the state . Without the support and leadership of my commissioners , I absolutely could not do my job . I know many EMA directors who enjoy the same type of relationships with their own officials . I am glad to see other county
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