LOWER SWATARA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Pennsylvania Consolidated Statues require each political subdivision of the commonwealth to establish and staff an emergency management agency. The Lower Swatara Township Board of Commissioners has enacted a resolution and developed an Emergency Operations Plan to provide for the protection of persons and property in Lower Swatara Township.

“ROUTINE” EMERGENCIES

The personnel in the departments providing emergency and routine services within Lower Swatara Township are highly trained and equipped to respond to the events occurring in our municipality. Although most people would hardly consider a building fire or vehicle accident with injuries “routine,” the Lower Swatara Fire Department responds to building fires and vehicle accidents on a daily basis. The Lower Swatara Police Department’s “routine” patrols can change into a life or death event in seconds. Lower Swatara Emergency Medical Services Personnel “routinely” respond to medical emergencies and trauma many times each day. The Lower Swatara Public Works Department works each day to maintain the quality of our infrastructure, and is frequently required to go above and beyond the call of duty during long-term events such as during a winter storm. In spite of the extreme nature of many of these activities, the people serving Lower Swatara Township professionally and competently handle them on a routine basis.

THE “BIG ONE”

When a large-scale disaster occurs, however, it involves all of our agencies. The Lower Swatara Emergency Management Agency is activated and coordinates the response under the direction of the Township Commissioners. The EMA will be active during floods, severe winter storms, nuclear power plant emergencies, major transportation accidents, or any other disaster or large-scale event.

The EMA coordinates the notification of residents and businesses of a disaster and organizes evacuation activities if warranted. And, following a disaster, the EMA performs damage assessment activities to assist in securing state and federal disaster assistance for the affected area.

THE STAFF

The EMA staff mans an Emergency Operations Center located in the municipal building that contains the information, communications systems, and support equipment needed to assist the various departments and agencies in the coordination of their activities. The Emergency Management Agency Staff consists of the following positions.

Township Commissioners

Emergency Management Coordinator and Deputy

Communications Officer and Deputy

Police Services Officer and Deputy

Fire and Rescue Services Officer and Deputy

Emergency Medical Services Officer and Deputy

Public Works Officer and Deputy

Radiological Officer and Deputy

Public Information Officer and Deputy

Emergency Operations Center Security

Support Staff

The Emergency Managements Agency participates in mitigation, planning, response, and recovery activities for Lower Swatara Township. The Lower Swatara Emergency Management Agency is part of the team of professionals dedicated to serving the people of the township during emergency conditions.