February 2011 Gem Lake Newsletter

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Gem Lake NewsPage 5 of 6 Emergency Management in Gem Lake by Jim Lindner Natural disasters are frequently in the news. From fires and floods in Australia to nor’easters dumping snow measured in feet instead of inches, it seems all one has to do to see how disasters impact everyday life is turn on the evening news. But there are other potential disasters as well, some of which could affect Gem Lake. A pipeline could burst or a railcar transporting chemicals derail, and while the likelihood of such a national security event is quite remote, leaving outcomes to chance is not sound policy. The television news reminds us that incidents do occur, and the better the responding agencies are prepared, the more likely the end result will be less traumatic for those involved. Gem Lake has decided to follow Ramsey County’s Emergency Operations Plan rather than create a plan of its own. Gem Lake has identified Heritage Hall as its emergency operations center. Should an event occur, such as a major tornado, Gem Lake's designated emergency coordinator has the authority to open Heritage Hall then contact Ramsey County’s emergency duty officer. Local authorities such as the sheriff and/or fire chief may then aid in such activities as crowd and traffic control, evacuations, or provide any other needed service to the impacted areas. Heritage Hall would serve as a base of operations. While none of us want to ever be part of an emergency event, it is reassuring to know that there are plans and procedures in place that will help mitigate the situation and allow events to run their course. Lessons are learned from each new incident and these are then assessed and, when warranted, incorporated into emergency management plans on the local, state, and federal levels. Jim Lindner is the designated emergency coordinator for the City of Gem Lake.