China emergency group works on updating document

by Mary Grow

At a short April 15 meeting, members of China’s Emergency Preparedness Committee continued discussion of the two documents they’re updating this year.

The Emergency Action Municipal Operations Plan is in near-final form. It gives information and instructions in case of an emergency in a town building, including the town office complex, the transfer station and the public works garage.

It covers such things as fires, explosions or chemical spills or leaks; bomb threats; robberies or acts of violence; and medical emergencies.

The second document, 44 pages long, is called the Emergency Checklist Plan and applies to an emergency affecting all or part of the town and/or surrounding towns. It covers three categories of emergencies:

• Natural hazards, like ice storms, severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornados and earthquakes;
• Technological hazards, like long-term, widespread power outages and interruptions to internet or telephone service; and
• Natural security issues, like threats to public buildings and public meeting places.

Each plan tries to specify in advance of any emergency who takes charge; what he or she does and directs others to do; and what is done. Since each plan includes names and contact information, frequent revisions are needed.

Copies of the plans are supposed to be readily available. Public Works Director Shawn Reed said he posted a copy of the plan for public works in his office.

Town Manager Becky Hapgood said once the committee finishes its revisions, the updated plans will be on the China website, www.china.govoffice.com.

Training is part of each plan. Reed reviews procedures with public works employees annually, he said.

Committee members intend to review draft revisions and to meet again at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 20. Hapgood hopes by then they will be able to meet in person in the former portable classroom behind the town office.