Local Emergency Planning Committee meets

OTHELLO – The Adams County Local Emergency Planning Committee met in a virtual conference Thursday, Dec. 16.

Emergency Management Director Sandi Duffey reported there were no fines from the state Department of Ecology related to handling of hazardous materials during the third quarter of 2021.

She noted handling of stormwater is becoming a concern for Ecology.

Emergency management in Adams County is responsible for maintaining the county emergency management plan.

The plan provides preparedness and coordination among fire departments and districts, law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services, and other first responders for emergencies primarily involving hazardous materials. Those emergencies include weather disasters and transportation incidents.

The committee membership includes elected state and local officials; law enforcement; emergency management; firefighting; emergency medical services; health department; environmental protection; hospitals; transportation; broadcast and print media; general citizenry; community groups ( i.e. the American Red cross); facility owners, operators and emergency coordinators; and facility employees. 18 individuals attended the meeting.

There was discussion of training and familiarization for first responders, concerning hazardous chemicals stored and used in commercial facilities in the county.

The committee agreed by consensus to meet monthly, rather than the bi-monthly schedule currently called for in the bi-laws.

The emergency management office is located in Othello and can be reached at 509-488-3704.