Press Releases
GOV. MALLOY: STATEWIDE EMERGENCY DRILL ENHANCES COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION
Drill Simulated a Major Ice Storm in Western Connecticut
(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today said that the statewide emergency preparedness drill that concluded on Saturday allowed the state, local officials, utility companies, and the private sector to exercise planning and preparation in advance of the height of hurricane season in Connecticut.
"Last week's drill brought all of the state's partners together to prepare for the types of storms and other emergencies that are inevitable but whose impact we have a responsibility to try to counteract in the most efficient way possible," Governor Malloy said. "Most importantly, the drill enhanced coordination and communication among the many parties involved. I want to thank everyone who participated for their cooperation and understanding of the importance of conducting these drills."
"This drill provided us an opportunity to strengthen our coordination at all levels of government and with the state's utilities," Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. "It is also another step forward toward our goal of making Connecticut's preparedness second to none."
Nearly 160 participating municipalities and tribal nations activated their Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) and convened their local Unified Commands. The drill was scheduled over a two-day period to allow towns with volunteer staff to choose to participate on the weekend, and towns with paid staff to participate on a weekday in order to reduce costs.
The drill was part of Governor Malloy's ongoing Emergency Preparedness and Planning Initiative (EPPI), which began in 2011.
The overall goals that were met include:
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Improving Communications for Road Clearing & Utility Restoration : Utility company crews worked with certain towns to exercise the "Make Safe" protocol that will enhance road clearance processes and communication.
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Activating Local Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) and Convening Unified Command : All participating municipalities and Tribal Nations had key local officials and leaders meet at their local EOC to simulate preparedness, response, and recovery planning.
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Establishing Coordinated Emergency Shelters : Certain municipalities exercised regional shelters in coordination with the Red Cross.
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Regional Emergency Support Plans : Each Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) Region reviewed their Regional Emergency Support Plans and implemented them as needed during the exercise, with particular focus being given to: Transportation, Logistics, Hospital Surge Capacity, and Communications.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a very active hurricane season with 13 to 20 named storms. Approximately 7 to 11 of them could become hurricanes, with 3 to 6 possibly becoming major hurricanes. This is well above the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes.
Participants in the exercise included the relevant state agencies; the state's municipalities and tribal nations; utility companies; the Federal Emergency Management Agency; the Red Cross; United Way 211; and representatives of the private sector.
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For Immediate Release: June 24, 2013
Contact: Scott DeVico
Connecticut Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection
Scott.DeVico@ct.gov
203-525-6959 (cell)
Connecticut Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection
Scott.DeVico@ct.gov
203-525-6959 (cell)
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