Earthquakes, hurricanes and tsunami’s are just a few of Mother Nature’s creations that bring havoc. It is because of their power, the regional Emergency Management team is on hand to make sure everyone has the information they need to stay safe.

Emergency Management exists in the shore infrastructure of the Navy to coordinate the response of major events in or around naval installations. Their main goal is to protect the people and mitigate the effects of the disaster so commands can continue their critical and essential missions.

How does the Emergency Management team prepare for just such emergencies? They continuously hold training sessions with Emergency Operating Center (EOC) and the Regional Operating Center (ROC) personnel to ensure that everyone is on the same sheet of music if the worst- case scenario presents itself.

Between installation EOCs and the ROC, regional commanders have dozens of personnel that they can call upon to represent operations, planning, logistics, administration, finance, public affairs, legal and safety to help them coordinate the response to a major event.

By taking a proactive approach now and sharing information with the community, residents will better know what to do when a disaster strikes.

“If something bad happens I urge people to call 911 first. It’s important to get the first responders to you whether it be fire, medical or police so they can assist you,” said Steve Paschal, Regional Emergency Management manager. “If a larger event occurs then the command duty officer (CDO) and commanding officer (CO) will get involved. If it’s a major or long term event then the installation EOC and potentially the ROC will be stood up, and that is where Emergency Management really gets into the action,” added Paschal.

When a disaster strikes you might not have the time to get the essentials you need, so it’s imperative that everyone buy supplies early so they can be prepared during and after the disaster,” added Paschal. 

People should have supplies on hand to keep them warm and dry—camping gear works well—and at least three days of food and water. Check your pantry, you may have enough food already and the BBQ grill or fireplace to cook it with—though most people generally do not have enough water stored. Personnel should also have a radio with plenty of batteries so they can keep up to date on all the latest information concerning the disaster.

“During a disaster the local phone lines might be overloaded, so I urge families to have a communications plan—a point of contact out of state that each family member can call to check-in with so their relatives know they are well. Another important point is to know the evacuation route out of your area just in case you are told to evacuate.  What major roads lead you off the base, and once off what major roads lead you out of area or to high ground or whatever may be required by the disaster.” said Paschal.

Paschal added that having an Emergency Management program throughout the region is extremely beneficial because it improves the shore installations ability to continue to do their primary mission—support the fleet.

Be on the lookout for future articles in the Northwest Navigator on Emergency Man-agement including additional information on how you can prepare yourself, your command and your family to better survive a disaster.