Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Howard

Akron Borough Emergency Management Coordinator

Akron Borough Council recently appointed Bill Howard as their Emergency Management Coordinator, a volunteer position. After the appointment, the Governor of Pennsylvania formally approves the appointment. As Emergency Management Coordinator, Howard holds a key position in any disaster. Howard also serves West Earl Township and Ephrata Township communities in the same capacity.

Holding a Master of Science degree, Howard also works in an emergency management position in his formal job. Howard has experience in emergency preparedness and response, disaster response and crisis management. Howard explained that the key to emergency management is communication. Additionally, organizational skills are required.

Howard recently reviewed Akron’s Emergency Operations Plan and made necessary changes. Afterwards, the Akron Borough Council adopted the revised plan. In case of a disaster emergency in Akron Borough, the Emergency Operations Plan would be set in motion.

Howard commented, “the plan is so important!” The Emergency Operations Plan specifies levels of response related to each particular disaster, and records which agency or individuals to work with should the occasion arise. For example, Howard may contact Borough staff, the Police Department, the Fire Department or Emergency Medical Services, depending upon the situation. Another feature of the Emergency Operations Plan is a requirement for recording disaster events, so a history is documented.

Part of Howard’s duties is to maintain the operational plan including contact information for shelters, organizations, churches, schools, other agencies, critical facilities and community members who might loan useful equipment. The plan details what to do in case of extended power outages. In case an evacuation is necessary, he has contacts for buses. If water is needed, he can call on trucks that carry bulk water.

Howard also has agreements with public works and public safety agencies for snow to be removed during times of heavy snow. For example, sometimes he can arrange for snow to be removed from a sidewalk or driveway when an ambulance is called to rescue someone by stretcher.

Sean Molchany, Akron Borough Manager commented, “in time of emergency all of us work together to come up with every scenario that we possibly can.” Municipalities work together and share items or equipment that might be needed. The Borough works jointly with the fire department and police. State and local organizations are contacted and “we hit the ground running,” he said. When asked about his confidence in meeting future challenges, Howard stated, “the Borough is prepared to respond and mitigate any emergency that puts the Emergency Operations Plan into effect.”

– written by Bonnie Young, Akron Borough Council