Picking up the pieces for emergency plans

Two recent emergencies have highlighted the decline in Wahkiakum County's emergency management system.

In a "hotwash" review of responses to the March tsunami and last week's closure of SR 4 because of a landslide, officials talked about the challenges of finding information about the incidents and the challenges of communicating that information with each other and with the public.

They identified several problems: Only certain officials can update the county's website and Facebook page, and they can do it only form certain computers. Officials say they are taking steps to address those limitations.

They talked about trying to figure out who needed to be notified during the emergencies. They talked about creating a list of sources of emergency information and working to educate the public on emergency response.

And so on.

They also talked about the lack of manpower and money going to emergency services. The program was cut from the sheriff's department budget about three years ago because of a revenue shortfall.

Now the sheriff's department is relying on volunteers or officers' experience and doesn't have manpower to undertake new tasks.

"First we have to have an Emergency Management Department," said Commissioner Lisa Marsyla, drawing a roar of agreement.

In any case, the hotwash will have positive results.

Officials identified some procedural and communications issues, and they assigned personnel to address them.

The next time there's an emergency, they'll be able to react a bit faster and with clearer messages.

Still, there's nothing like having an experienced, competent emergency manager on the staff, even in a part-time position. If grant money can't be found to cover the expense, then the commission should look for another source and fill the position.