Akron Borough Council recently appointed Bill Howard as its emergency management coordinator, a volunteer position. After the appointment, the governor of Pennsylvania formally approves the selection. As emergency management coordinator, Howard has a key position in the case of a disaster.

Howard, who holds a Master of Science, also serves West Earl and Ephrata townships in the same capacity, and he works in an emergency management position in his formal job. Howard has experience in emergency preparedness and response, disaster response, and crisis management. He explained that the key to emergency management is communication. Additionally, organizational skills are required.

Howard recently reviewed Akron's Emergency Operations Plan and made necessary changes. Afterward, the Akron Borough Council adopted the revised plan. In the case of a disaster in Akron Borough, the Emergency Operations Plan would be set in motion.

The Emergency Operations Plan specifies levels of response related to each particular disaster and records which agency or individuals to work with should the occasion arise. For example, Howard may contact borough staff members, the police department, the fire department, or emergency medical services depending upon the situation. Another feature of the Emergency Operations Plan is a requirement for recording disaster events, so a history is documented.

Howard's duties include maintaining the operational plan, including contact information for shelters, organizations, churches, schools, other agencies, critical facilities, and community members who might loan useful equipment. The plan details what to do in case of extended power outages. If evacuation is necessary, Howard has contacts for buses. If water is needed, he can call on trucks that carry bulk quantities of water.

Howard also has agreements with public works and public safety agencies for snow to be removed during times of heavy snow. For example, sometimes he can arrange for snow to be removed from a sidewalk or driveway when an ambulance is called to rescue someone by stretcher.

In the case of an emergency, municipalities work together and share items or equipment that might be needed. The borough works jointly with the fire department and police. State and local organizations are contacted.