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August 29, 2008

Ready for the worst

County team has plan in place for emergencies

By Rich Flowers News Editor

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated September as National Preparedness Month. With memories of the terrorist attacks of 2001 and the destruction of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, the September designation seems to fit.

During the month, national, regional, state and local organizations will encourage all Americans to take steps to get ready for emergencies before they happen.

Henderson County Emergency Coordinator Joy Kimbrough said past events have taught emergency officials that they need to continuously stay on guard.

“We pretty much stay in a state of preparedness all year round,” Henderson County Emergency Management Coordinator Joy Kimbrough said.

Kimbrough said the county has a basic plan in place that can be placed into action at a moments notice.

“The plan needs to be kept up to date and workable,” Kimbrough said.

Disasters come in many forms. While other parts of the country may be getting ready for earthquakes and hurricanes, Henderson County is most likely to encounter emergencies arising from fires and more localized weather-related events.

Since Hurricane Rita hit the Texas shore in September 2005, Henderson County has been involved in several emergency incidents. After Rita, governmental and private entities in the county gave temporary shelter to many who had been driven from the affected areas.

“Henderson County did a better job than most,” County Pct. 1 Commissioner Joe Hall said later.

In December 2006, a tornado struck Poynor, displacing many residents and requiring widespread removal of downed trees, destroyed buildings and other debris. The Poynor Volunteer Fire Department was quickly combing the streets for people in need of assistance and helping clear roadways. Later, county commissioners brought crews to town to remove dozens of large trees that had been felled by the storm.

In 2007, summer rains destroyed roads and infrastructure in several sections of the county. Kimbrough headed the local effort to locate and document all the damage to enable the county to get Federal Emergency Management Agency funds. Commissioners took inventory of the damages in each of their precincts. Eventually, the county received FEMA funds for repairs.

Between disasters, Kimbrough said local emergency management efforts include getting the various response agencies to work together seeking grant funding.

“We’re constantly at work like a big bumblebee hive,” Kimbrough said.

Individuals are urged to take a few steps before emergencies arise. These steps include getting an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan, becoming informed about the different emergencies that may affect them and getting involved in community preparedness and response efforts.

Kimbrough said individuals can find emergency tips on the Henderson County web site (www.co.henderson.tx.us). There are also pamphlets available at the Emergency Management Office, at its new location on the third floor of the Henderson County Annex building.

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