DSI Reports Near Record Number of Preparedness Service Events
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Reporting that the period March through June 2015 was one of the “busiest and most rewarding in company history,” DSI Executive, Linda Berry, provided an outline of a near record 23 major Preparedness exercises and other products completed by DSI for our state and local agency clients.
The accomplishments included:
Dixie County Emergency Management - Continuing the theme of small Florida Counties absolutely excelling in the business of emergency management, DSI experts worked extensively with the Office of Emergency Management to assess and refine their policies, procedures protocols to enable this high performing agency to meet or exceed all current standards and achieve full accreditation from the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP).
Wakulla County Florida Sheriff’s Office - DSI worked with the County Emergency Management Department to conduct a comprehensive Tabletop Exercise for all county departments. The topic of this exercise, which was attended by over 35 people, was the response to a major flooding event. The DSI team used actual data from recent flooding and was able to test (and recommend refinements) to current procedures and protocols. DSI was honored to have several elected officials (including County Commissioners) attend this critical exercise and very pleased with the outstanding feedback from the attendees.
Florida Department of Health/Local Health Units - Responding to growing concern about Ebola and other critical infectious diseases, DSI conducted a series of workshops statewide to provide updated and relevant information on tactics and protocols to deal with a possible emerging outbreak. Dr. Tom Belcuore, our infectious disease expert, was the primary presenter at these workshops and addressed all key points from a health unit as well as an overview of the medical protocols that are necessary to combat infectious diseases. A total of 15 of these workshops were conducted in the following counties: Gadsden; Franklin; Leon; Taylor; Wakulla; Hamilton; Gulf; Columbia; Miami-Dade; Bradford; Union; Holmes; Washington; Union; and Walton. We are in agreement with FDOH and the local health units that, due to these efforts (and others); Florida is extremely well prepared to deal with this serious concern.
Washington County Florida Emergency Management - DSI conducted a large, full-scale exercise for all county departments and local stakeholders to prepare them to deal with a serious hazardous material spill, caused by a train derailment. This practical drill included a scenario with equipment, players (victims & responders) and events that could occur anywhere along the many miles of rail than transverse the County. Over 100 individuals participated in this drill, which received significant media coverage from regional outlets.
Update Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) for Wakulla County Florida Emergency Management Department. DSI staff worked with county officials to collect and analyze all data to provide a significant update to the county’s LMS. The plan was enthusiastically approved by county officials and the Bureau of Mitigation of the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM).
Sumter County Florida Emergency Management - DSI coordinated with county officials the development and publication of a Mass Causality Management Plan for this central Florida community. The plan will be available for use by all first responders and the medical facilities that could be potentially impacted by a mass causality incident.