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 Chatham in the event of a disaster.
The responsibilities and functions listed below recognize only basic
duties. One person may fill one or more of the below listed positions.
A. The Supervisor of the Town of Chatham is responsible
for the conduct of disaster operations within the Town of Chatham. The Supervisor
of the Town of Chatham shall use all facilities, equipment, supplies, personnel
and other resources of the Town of Chatham in such a manner as may be necessary
or appropriate to cope with the disaster. The Supervisor shall direct the
activities of all agencies within the Town of Chatham against the effects
of emergency in conformance with the approved plans for the rescue and relief
of the people, the recovery and the rehabilitation of the community of the
Town of Chatham. The Supervisor will utilize services of the Emergency Operations
Center and its staff for implementation of necessary measures to achieve emergency
operations.
B. 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. The Town Clerk is responsible for the maintenance and
availability of essential records, documents and other materials required
during the emergency.
D. 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 Town Supervisor of operational priorities and recommends requests
for assistance from the Columbia County Office of Emergency Management.
E. The Fire Chiefs 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 Chiefs may call upon the Columbia
County Fire Coordinator, or the County Office of Emergency Management, under
mutual aid, for advice and/or assistance concerning fire-related emergencies,
relief operations and the coordination of emergency shelter and feeding operations.
F. The Columbia County Sheriff may designate a Traffic Control
Officer to be part of the Emergency Operations Center for the purpose of controlling
traffic and population movements. The Sheriff will direct all action to maintain
order, prevent looting and help alleviate panic, direct the injured to medical
installations and assist handicapped persons by obtaining transportation and
directing them to the nearest Emergency Operations Center. The Sheriff may
call upon the New York State Police for advice and/or assistance.
G. The 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 Columbia County for such assistance. The Superintendent of Highways
will work in conjunction with the New York State Electric and Gas Corporation,
Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, Taconic Telephone Company and Berkshire
Telephone Company and any other local utility in the restoration of the various
essential services.
H. The Code Enforcement Officer of the Town of Chatham will
be responsible for safety inspection of damaged homes and businesses before
evacuees are allowed to reoccupy such buildings. The Code Enforcement Officer
will direct all activities relating to safety inspections. The Zoning Enforcement
Officer will assist the Code Enforcement Officer.
I. The Public Information Officer, under the direction of
the Supervisor of the Town of Chatham, directs the local dissemination of
emergency information and the issuance of news reports to the public and notifies
the Columbia County Office of Emergency Management on the status and development
of emergency measures, using all media of public communication.
J. The school representative directs the actions related
to care for school students in school during an emergency situation.