After the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the city revised and updated its planning for natural and man-made disasters.

Disaster planning is a routine part of city government. The Mayor and city council and our police and fire departments, work together on ways to protect our community from emergencies of all kinds.

Our fire department plays a key role in case of a disaster and is headquarters for the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

In addition:

  • A 12-member staff comprising police, fire and service department workers has been designated to work in the EOC in the event of a major emergency.
  • Our community center has been designated an emergency shelter and will be equipped with food, blankets and cots in the event of an emergency.
  • Emergency electrical generators have been purchased and installed to provide backup power to our police and fire departments and the community center.
  • Procedures have been established to notify residents of emergencies and of protective action that should be taken.
  • The city has mutual-aid agreements with neighboring communities. In case of a disaster, we’ve prepared plans to help each other.

Personal Preparedness

It is a good idea for residents to make personal plans to protect their homes and families against emergencies. The local Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security offer advice on how to do this:

Personal/family preparedness PDFs: