Renton has a new Emergency Management Director
The city did not have this position before, but created it this month for Deborah Needham. I am glad for anything we do to help prepare for emergencies, and it sounds like Needham is well qualified. She spent the past nine years with the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) in Clark County, Washington, and has completed FEMA training, among other credentials listed in the press release.
Renton’s Fire Chief I. David Daniels is enthusiastic. In puzzling news, he has said that in August he will run a three day drill “to test residents’ preparedness. The simulated drill will give people a chance to try living without shelter or power and with limited provisions”. I hope that participation in the drill in voluntary. I’ll keep my ears open for more information about this.
All I found about our Fire Chief’s plans is that the City of Renton is holding an open forum to discuss the City’s capabilities during an emergency and how citizens can prepare themselves, their families, and their neighborhoods. The forum will be held on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Highway).
May 22nd, 2007 at 1:10 pm
[...] Focus on Disaster Preparedness continues May 22nd, 2007 by Lynn Glessner In keeping with the recent focus on disaster preparedness, probably prompted by our new director, Renton is today unveiling a Red Cross Disaster Relief Supply Center. This will be one of five in King County that can provide supplies for use in future disasters, or provide short term emergency shelter for 750 people. [...]