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CA NEWS

A FEW QUESTIONS WITH THE

Emergency Management Committee

PHOTO BY ANNE MARSHALL

The Emergency Management Committee takes proactive steps to prepare Sun City Texas for the worst — tornadoes, wildfires,
floods, etc.— by educating and training the public and working with organizations to obtain resources during emergencies.
Front row: Sandie Kienitz, vice chairwoman; Sherry Mock, secretary; Barbara Akers. Back row: Dick Mills; Jim McNamara; Hal
Miles; Dick Hanson, chairman; Mac McGuire, staff liaison. Not pictured: David Hubbell, Patti Loers.

By Cindy Bunn Sun City in 2005. He retired from the field A: Georgetown Fire and Police Depart-
of information technology. He has extensive ments, Williamson County EMS, the
This month we look at the Emergency experience with volunteer fire/EMS depart- health department, CA staff, etc.
Management Committee (EMC). ments in Minnesota and Travis County. He
There are many facets to this com- currently volunteers for other related safety Q: Are there any concerns about physical
mittee, but we will focus only on the parts organizations and teaches CPR, first aid limitations?
other than COPS and Firewise. and AED classes. Other members of the
committee have experience in nursing, law A: No, most of the work this committee does
Most of us remember backyard bomb shel- enforcement, department of public safety, are coordination efforts with all organi-
ters and emergency drills at school where private sector safety issues and commu- zations: obtaining resources needed dur-
you crawled under your desk for protection. nications. ing a possible emergency, education and
Today we live with the more likely threats training events and illness prevention.
of tornadoes, hail, wildfires, chemical spills Q: What kind of experience does the com-
and illnesses like flu and pneumonia. The mittee look for in its members? Q: How does this committee impact the
EMC is chartered by the Sun City Texas lives of Sun City Texas residents?
Board of Directors to prepare for these A: Those with backgrounds in fire safety,
types of emergencies. Its goals and mission the medical field, law enforcement, en- A: We train for disaster preparedness, crisis
are to inform residents about its ongoing vironmental issues, community emer- response and offer classes in first-aid
role in preparing for emergencies through gency response, communications and and CPR-AED. We hold flu shot clinics,
education opportunities, community out- technology are encouraged to apply. But town halls, recruit for Neighborhood
reach and training. The emphasis is on most of all, they are looking for team Emergency Coordinators and COPS,
disaster preparedness, fostering relation- players who are willing to work with and we devised the usage of emergency
ships with public agencies, and neighbors others to reach the best outcomes. contact and medical information forms
helping neighbors. which are used by EMS in a crisis.
Q: How long is the term of service?
If you are interested in volunteering for Q: Can you volunteer to help with their out-
this committee, you will be joining some A: Two years is the term on the committee reach and training without the formal
very experienced and dedicated residents. and most people serve two terms. nomination process?
Current chairman, Dick Hanson, moved to
Q: With which other people and organiza- A: Yes, just contact the chairman or an
12 | SUNRAYS SEPTEMBER 2017 tions do the committee work? EMC committee member.

ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG