It's all about communication
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

The tremendous February snowstorm is but a faint memory for most county residents. Some can still see grey snow mountains and water levels are still elevated, but March has made an appearance and all is well that ends well.

However, there is another side to the storm with which county officials are grappling. And that is how to improve the communication between the Emergency Management Agency and communities throughout the county.

EMA Director Justin Darling first thought the county's emergency plan was well executed and effective, but he now understands some communities had expectations of his department they did not vocalize and that went unaccomplished.

Darling told the Comet in a Feb. 28 interview he thought the county emergency plan "went very well." He said the highway department, the sheriff's department and EMA met the day before the storm hit to strategize about how to cope with potential emergencies and situations. Darling said he thought the county was prepared for most contingencies.

He explained that he was in telephone contact with people in Camden and Flora about the need to establish an emergency shelter and neither community requested the service.

"I was trying to get in touch with the Red Cross for cots and food just in case someone thought they needed a shelter," Darling said. "But no one said they needed one."

Darling said it is his job to act as the liaison between the county and the state homeland security office to coordinate emergency efforts.

He said he tried to work with Duke Energy the day of the storm to facilitate restored electric service, but was unsuccessful to make a change in their rate of work.

"There was some frustration with that," he said.

"Had any community asked for a generator, I would have gotten them one," he said. "I can't send resources if I don't know people need them."

Darling encouraged all communities and departments to update their emergency plans and anticipate needs.

"All departments and communities are responsible to develop their own plans," he said. "I won't dictate to anyone how they handle an emergency. But I want and expect everyone to use EMA as a resource to help them get the things they need when they need them."

"We all just have to have clear communication in emergencies," Darling concluded. "We are all neighbors and we live in the same community. Everyone deserves the best we have to offer."