Councilman Claude Mattox
Phoenix Republic
City continues to refine, review emergency plans
Question: What has Phoenix done to prepare for a major crisis? Also, how can residents be prepared for a crisis?
Answer: The city has created a comprehensive continuity of operations plan (COOP), which involves every city department coming together to develop a plan of how they will continue to serve and protect Phoenix residents in the event of a major or minor crisis.
Every detail from public safety, to transportation to notifying our residents (just to name a few), has been addressed. The plans continue to be adjusted to be relevant as the city continues to grow and are submitted for review and feedback by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The city also is part of a regional wireless network that allows intercommunication between local public safety agencies and other city departments. This network has proved successful during major, regional events including the Super Bowl. The network continues to undergo improvements to keep public safety officials connected to best protect residents on a regional level.
In addition, the city offers CERT(Community Emergency Response Team) training programs that help people be better prepared to respond to emergency situations in their communities. When emergencies happen, CERT members can give critical support to first responders, provide immediate assistance to victims and organize volunteers at a disaster site. If you’re interested in participating, visit phoenix.gov/CERT.
The scary part is, you never know when an emergency or major crisis is going to happen. If a disaster were to happen, the city will do all it can to provide for its residents. But you can play a role in that, too. Every family should prepare their own plan in case of an emergency. For instance, how would you reach your loved ones? Where would you go? Visit ready.gov and follow the steps to begin a plan. It could save your live and the lives of your loved ones.
Councilman Claude Mattox is a chair of the Phoenix City Council Public Safety & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee and represents District 5 in west Phoenix. He can be reached at 602-262-7446 or via e-mail at council.district.5@phoenix.gov.