Texas has 1,459 emergency management coordinators - important to know them all
by Mary Scott Nabers
CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
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Hurricane Ike was the third most destructive hurricane ever to make landfall in the United States. In July, Hurricane Dolly caused an estimated $1.05 billion in damages after hitting S. Padre Island with a horrific force. The area suffered from heavy flooding and wind damages, particularly in Harlingen.
As the cleanup and recovery continues, government officials are working hard to be better prepared. A National Hurricane Conference and a Texas Hurricane Conference have both been held in Texas in the last two months.
Governments are not equipped to deal with all of the issues and needs that arise when a natural disaster occurs. Private sector partners are needed to provide a myriad of products and services to help ensure the safety and well-being of Texas citizens. Companies interested in providing services, products, equipment or assistance should be registered with the state.
When disasters occur, some of the most immediate needs are:
People must be fed by private sector firms. Catering companies, businesses providing bottled water and self-heating foods are usually quick to offer assistance.
In Houston, thousands of residents were without power for days during the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Roofs of homes were heavily damaged. The need for generators, tarps and portable lighting were in high demand. Private sector firms stepped in to provide the much-needed equipment.
There were also needs for portable toilets, showers, mobile kitchens, cots, fans, medical assistance and temporary health care workers.
Law enforcement agencies and other first responders depend on private sector firms for wireless and satellite interoperable communications systems. Video communications products are often used to connect officials from remote locations to a central staging area.
Debris cleanup is always a high priority. This work is needed to ensure that emergency workers can reach citizens and that citizens can return to their homes to inspect damages. Galveston County was spending more than $100,000 daily on debris removal after Ike hit.
If massive evacuations are ordered, emergency fuel must be available for motorists. There are usually needs for transportation, environmental clean up, disaster recovery services, evacuation systems and even document restoration services.
Partnerships between government and the private sector can ensure that the needs of the people affected by a storm are met - from food and shelter to health care and recovery.
Businesses interested in providing any needed products or services, in the event of a hurricane or any other disaster situation, should contact and get registered with government emergency services personnel at the local and state level. It is critical for emergency managers to know how to contact you.
Galveston recently approved the distribution of $66 million in Hurricane Ike recovery grant money for infrastructure repairs and enhancements to cities in the county - eight months after the storm hit.
