The purpose of this plan is to cite the authority, formulate procedures and provide guidance for coordinated action in rendering assistance to the citizens within the Town of Cortlandville in the event of a disaster.
The responsibilities and functions listed below recognize only basic duties. Each of the position descriptions may be altered or expanded to suit the needs of the individual town or village. One person may fill one or more of the below listed positions.
A. Town Supervisor.
(1) The Supervisor of the Town of Cortlandville is responsible for the conduct of disaster operations within the Town of Cortlandville.
(2) The Supervisor of the Town of Cortlandville shall use any and all facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel and other resources of the Town of Cortlandville in such a manner as may be necessary or appropriate to cope with the disaster.
(3) The Supervisor shall direct the activities of all agencies within the Town of Cortlandville against the effects of emergency in conformance with the approved plans for the rescue and relief of the people and the recovery and the rehabilitation of the community of the town. The Supervisor will utilize services of the emergency operations center and its staff for implementation of necessary measures to achieve emergency operations.
B. Town Board. The Town Board, as the elected body of the people, shall take all appropriate steps to prepare for any disaster or emergency and shall generally be responsible for the implementation of this and other emergency preparedness plans.
C. Town Clerk. The Town Clerk is responsible for the maintenance and availability of essential records, documents and other materials required during the emergency.
D. Emergency Coordinator. The Emergency Coordinator appointed by the Supervisor directs the implementation of the comprehensive plan for the emergency operations center, under the direction of the Town Supervisor. Also, under the direction of the Town Supervisor, the Emergency Coordinator coordinates the emergency operations of the emergency operations center, prepares estimates of the situation, advises the Supervisor of operational priorities and recommends requests for assistance from Cortland County Civil Defense.
E. Fire Chief and fire officers. The Fire Chief and fire officers will be responsible for the direction of all action to contain and extinguish fires resulting from emergencies and the removal of trapped and injured persons from damaged buildings and flooded areas. The local Fire Chief may call upon James LeFaver, the County Fire Coordinator, or the County Civil Defense, under mutual aid, for advice and/or assistance concerning fire-related emergencies, relief operations and coordination of emergency shelter and feeding operations.
F. Local police. The local police may designate a traffic control officer to be part of the emergency operations center for the purpose of controlling traffic and population movements. The local police will direct all action to maintain order, prevent looting and help alleviate panic; direct injured to medical installations, and assist handicapped persons by obtaining transportation and directing them to the nearest emergency operating center. The Police Chief may call upon the Cortland County Sheriff's Department and/or New York State Police for advice and/or assistance.
G. Superintendent of Highways. The Local Superintendent of Highways is responsible for the maintenance of streets and bridges and all official trucks, cars and equipment. The Superintendent will direct action to check, restore and maintain essential public facilities and services, such as streets, bridges, public buildings and other vital community services, calling upon all public works and engineering services of Cortland County for such assistance. The Highway Director will work in conjunction with the New York State Electric and Gas Corporation, the New York Telephone Company, the local Water and Sewer Board and any other local utility in the restoration of the various essential services.
H. Building Inspector. The Building Inspector of the town will be responsible for safety inspection of damaged homes and businesses before evacuees are allowed to reoccupy such buildings.
I. Public Information Officer. The Public Information Officer, under the direction of the Supervisor of the Town of Cortlandville, directs the local dissemination of emergency information, the issuance of news reports to the public and notifies the County Civil Defense office on the status and development of emergency measures, using all media of public communication.
J. Communications Officer. The Communications Officer or staff supervises, directs, arranges and restores communications for all emergency purposes using available communication means and methods. Maximum use of all available forms of communications will be planned by all departments to aid the communications staff in carrying out its duties.
K. Medical Officer. The Medical Officer or staff directs all action to render health and medical services to the community. The Officer or staff should alert hospitals and ambulances in the area regarding anticipated medical needs.
L. Supply Officer. The Supply Officer (Resources and Production) carries out measures necessary to the emergency handling of all local resources.
M. Manpower Officer. The Manpower Officer directs the assignment of personnel to the various emergency services as requested.
N. Transportation Officer. The Transportation Officer carries out measures necessary to the utilization of all transportation modes for support and rescue operations.
O. School representative. The school representatives direct the action related to care for school students in school during an emergency situation.
P. Additional responsibilities and functions. All department heads and/or those responsible for carrying out parts of the emergency operations for the Town of Cortlandville shall have their responsibilities and functions listed within this plan. (List below any additional responsibilities and functions.)
The Town of Cortlandville identifies the following chain of command flow chart that outlines major positions as those which can be used in the event of an emergency.
Once an emergency has been proclaimed, local emergency orders can be issued. A local emergency order shall be effective from the time and in the manner prescribed in the order and shall be published as soon as practicable in the news of general circulation in the area affected by such order. Such orders shall cease to be in effect five days after promulgation or upon declaration by the Chief Executive that the state of emergency no longer exists, whichever occurs sooner. The Chief Executive may extend such orders for additional periods not to exceed five days each during the pendency of the local state of emergency. Local emergency orders shall be executed in triplicate and shall be filed within 72 hours, or as soon thereafter as practicable, in the office of the Clerk of the governing board of the county, the office of the County Clerk and the office of the Secretary of State.