Dane County Enhances Emergency Preparedness

February 05, 2008
Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606

(Madison)….Making sure Dane County is better prepared to respond to emergencies is the goal of a first of its kind two day training session county department heads and elected officials will be taking part in over the next couple of days. The training is focused on improving county government staff’s ability to effectively operate should services be impacted by a natural or manmade disaster. “We’ve worked hard in recent years to ensure our responders in the field are ready for whatever they might face but this training is another important tool to making sure county government is ready for any challenges that lie ahead,” County Executive Kathleen Falk said. The session will assist Dane County department heads update and enhance emergency plans called Continuity of Operations Plans. These plans ensure that essential county government services will continue during a major event or disaster affecting county government. “Being better prepared means being better able to respond,” Falk said. Whether its tornadoes, floods, power outages, or family emergencies where kids are in danger, Dane County citizens have a dedicated, competent team of county employees at the ready.” Dane County Emergency Management intends for county departments to have comprehensive, updated Continuity of Operations Plans in place by the end of 2008. “Citizens should know we in Dane County government are committed to getting the services that they need in times of emergency. We have the responsibility and will be ready to support the services people need,” Emergency Management Director Kathy Krusiec said. The training will be provided at the Alliant Energy Center facilitated by staff from the University of Maryland. It’s supported by a grant from the Department of Homeland Security through the Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance. # # #