JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
In times of crisis, first responders such as firefighters,
police and medical professionals are ready to react. At Joint Base San Antonio,
emergency management members plan for emergency response installation wide with
regular instruction and training.
Part of emergency preparation includes training JBSA
military members how to respond to emergencies such as inclement weather,
active shooters and terrorist use of chemical, biological, radiological and
nuclear weapons.
“Our mission is to support JBSA military members, the
installation commander and the local community through training and awareness
of emergency procedures and the local risks in San Antonio and the surrounding
areas,” William Volpenhein, 502nd Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management
specialist, said.
To accomplish this across the many varied missions and
individuals within JBSA, emergency management representatives are assigned to
each unit to relay information from templates tailored to the local area to
help that group establish a checklist of tasks to ensure an efficient and safe
outcome.
“There is an emergency management representative for each
unit in JBSA who passes on preparedness and safety information we provide,”
David Little, 502nd CES emergency management specialist, said. “We have a
share-point site where we release quarterly newsletters addressing seasonal
hazards and we regularly gather for meetings and working groups to keep the
installation populace trained and informed.”
During September, which is National Preparedness Month,
emergency management specialists refresh their knowledge on emergency
preparedness procedures and increase outreach efforts within the base community
about readiness and response education.
Day to day, JBSA emergency preparation can be broken down
into four main functions: training, operations, planning and programming.
“The typical emergency management daily activities include
creating installation response plans for the base, checking emergency equipment
and teaching CBRN, active shooter, and base emergency preparedness
orientations,” Volpenhein said.
An important aspect of the emergency management mission is
establishing a communication plan for individuals who sit at the emergency
operation center and crisis action team during emergencies.
“When an event occurs, the EOC and CAT activate using
representatives from pertinent base agencies to support those directly handling
the situation with strategic and tactical support,” Little said.
As for threats within the local area, Volpenhein said the
main concern is Texas weather.
“Not only is it hotter than people usually expect, but a
substantial amount of rain can cause serious flooding,” he said.
For additional information on emergency preparedness
procedures and classes, call 671-2260.