EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
OUR MISSION:
To minimize the impact of disasters on the people, property, economy, and environment of Benton County. By doing these things, we enhance the safety of Benton County Residents.
Benton County Emergency Management (BCEM) works with this mission in mind, while fulfilling the following responsibilities:
Disaster Planning - BCEM develops and updates comprehensive disaster preparedness for natural and man-made disasters that may occur in Benton County. Planning includes identifying hazards and risks in our community and assessing our vulnerability.
Education - BCEM trains and prepares elected and appointed public officials, paid and volunteer responders, private citizens and businesses for response to and from disasters and other hazards.
Coordination - BCEM identifies and coordinates resources before, during and after a disaster for the protection and resilience of Benton County, it's citizens and the economy.
BCEM prepares for and responds to both natural and man-made disasters. Natural hazards in our area include floods, wildfires, and ice storms. BCEM Planners also prepare for emergencies at the Hanford Site and Energy Northwest's Columbia Generating Station.
BCEM maintains the Benton County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), located in Richland, to provide for a coordinated emergency response. The EOC provides workspace, communications and information systems, maps, displays and decision aids to support the direction and control of emergency response activities.
wildfires scorch dry hillsides and close in on homes. fierce winds rip off tree limbs and topple power lines. floodwaters swamp neighborhoods.
In our area, Mother Nature can dish out all types of trouble. We need to be prepared for any kind of natural disaster. We should also be ready for the possibility (even if small) of a radiological or chemical emergency.
No Matter what the emergency, we need to be ready to go at a moment's notice. We've all heard the messages: Get a kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed.
Yet, how many of us are really ready? A recent survey found only 36% of people believed there was a high likelihood of a natural disaster to ever happen in their community.
Taking just a few steps now can make sure you and your family are ready when disaster strikes.
LETS REVIEW THE STEPS TO BEING PREPARED FOR AN EMERGENCY.
Get A Kit - You may be on your own immediately after an emergency. You should plan to have enough food, water and other essential supplies for at least three days. In addition, basic services such as electricity, gas, water and telephones may be cut off for a week or longer. It's important to prepare now for an emergency. Spend a few hours this weekend putting together your emergency supply kit. Here is a list of recommended items for a basic emergency supply kit:
Water - one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
Food - at least a three day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with exta batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First Aid Kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food
Local maps
Other items you may consider adding to a basic emergency supply kit
Prescription medications and glasses
Infant formula and diapers
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Important family documents, such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank records
Cash or traveler's checks and change
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing
Fire Extinguisher
Household chlorine bleach
Matches in waterproof container
Personal hygiene items
Paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, and paper towels
Paper and pencil
Books, games and other activities for children
Make A Plan - Does your family know what to do when disaster strikes? You may not all be at home, so it's important to plan now. Pick a meeting place, both in your neighborhood and outside it. Discuss how you will find each other and how you will get back together. Set up an out of town contact person. Make sure everyone knows the number to call. It's also good to know about emergency plans at your school or workplace. Click here for an easy-to-use Family Emergency Planning Tool.
Be Informed - You have your emergency kit. Your family knows where to go in an emergency. It's also important to know about the potential threats we face in our community. You can find more information about potential emergencies in our area here on our website. We've included information about how the public will be informed in an emergency and what steps to take. Preparing now may make all the difference when seconds count.
Lets talk about Volunteering!
Volunteers play a vital role at BCEM. From lending a hand during our emergency preparedness drills, to answering the call during an actual emergency, people just like you help keep our Community Safe.
Volunteers can participate in various drills and classes that may become available, such as:
Energy Northwest's Columbia Generating Station (CGS) Drill where we practice what to do if CGS has a release of radioactive contaminants.
Emergency Worker's Assistance Center (EWAC) where we practice processing citizens, vehicles, and pets through decontamination and find shelter.
Hanford's DOE Exercise where we practice what to do if Hanford has a release of radioactive contaminants.
Currently, we do not have any training courses being offered, but as opportunities arise, we will let you know!