Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security has initiated the first comprehensive revision of the County’s Emergency Operations Plan (CEOP) since 2005 when over 150 organizations participated from various disciplines and professions representing non-profit, private, and public sectors. This process will be repeated again over the next year, but with an increased emphasis on the involvement of engaged citizens.
“Johnson County believes effective emergency response planning must be linked to the risks and needs of the community it serves,” said Dan Robeson, Assistant Director of Planning for Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security, “That is why we consider citizen involvement vital to the successful revision of this plan.”
For 2010, there are numerous ways for citizens to be involved in the process. First, they can learn more about the process and stay informed about the status by visiting www.jocoem.org and reviewing the interactive CEOP tutorial, subscribing to the Johnson County Emergency Planning blog, or visiting the Johnson County Emergency Planning YouTube channel. Additionally, at least four public meetings will be held to allow citizens to contribute to the planning process in an open forum. These open meetings will be enhanced through the presentations being supported through online access for those citizens who cannot attend the public sessions.
The County Emergency Operations Plan is the primary document establishing how Johnson County will coordinate disaster response activities. It establishes the County’s overall approach to emergency and disaster management and defines the policies and roles and responsibilities required to meet eh needs generated by a disaster in Johnson County.
For more information about the emergency planning process, please visit www.jocoem.org.
