Be Prepared

One of the best known mottos' is "Be Prepared". The individual resident who is prepared for an emergency is one of the best Emergency Management measures that can be taken.

The Lakeland Emergency Management Plan is at www.Lakelandtn.gov and there is very helpful information at the Memphis/Shelby County Emergency Management Agency at www.mscema.org The Memphis/Shelby County EMA web site is very valuable as a source of information on steps to take in emergency management preparation and also lists excellent CERT classes and other sources of information.

The Board of Commissioners looked at Emergency Management from the perspective of preparing residents, City personnel and City officials for an emergency. Some action steps included:

-Insure that all emergency numbers are in the new Lakeland Phone Book

-Prepare an “emergency kit” for Board of Commissioners, other city officials and designated Community Response personnel so quick action can be taken by the City. This would include all phone numbers, information needed in the event of an emergency.

-Review the City Emergency Management Plan and publicize it.

-Develop a localized “Emergency Management Resource”, which will identify and coordinate the resources available in the Lakeland community in the event of an emergency. (For example, public buildings, churches, schools, etc.) Prepare for responses as feasible. This will include plans to coordinate with community (and regional) resources, including private businesses radio operators, governments, neighborhood associations, educational and public agencies, and churches on preparation for response to disasters. This could provide for areas of responsibility in emergency preparedness, communication, emergency shelters, food, medical needs, transportation etc.

-Coordinate with County on Emergency Management awareness, schedule periodic publicity on need for self-reliance, actions to take in emergency to maximize emergency preparedness.

-Publicize the programs offered by the County Emergency Management Agency etc. (such as the CERT program) to develop a quick citizen response and information on survival until emergency help arrives.

-Continually search and apply for appropriate grants and contracts for programs on homeland security and security, as well as other programs. This could include surveillance programs, increased security at City Hall and municipal buildings, fire and police stations and similar projects as appropriate with projects.

Prepared and knowledgeable residents are a key factor in response to emergencies. We encourage residents to participate in emergency management, at a minimum in personal preparedness.