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Lt. Alain Svilpe, Domestic Preparedness Coordinator
Domestic Preparedness: 269-657-7786 Ext. 230
Lieutenant
Alain Svilpe |
Sergeant
Mark Zirkle |
Preparing for a Winter Storm:
On average, a major winter storm hits part of Michigan at least once per month between October and April. Since 1993, 22 persons have died as a direct result of severe winter weather. This is in addition to victims of auto accidents due to slippery roads and those who suffer heart attacks while shoveling snow.
Know the difference between a winter storm WATCH (conditions make the storm possible) and winter storm WARNING (the storm is headed for your area).
A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill. Avoid driving and seek shelter.
2007-2008 Michigan Winter Hazards Awareness
Click for frequently asked questions about winter weather.
Click for information on preparing for a winter storm
For more information on winter storms, see: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/winterstorm.pdf
Domestic Preparedness:
If you hear a steady siren of 3-5 minutes, go indoors and tune into a local emergency alert system radio station:
WGMY-AM 940
WCSY-AM 98.3 SOUTH HAVEN
WKZO-AM 590 WWMT-TV 3 KALAMAZOO
These station will broadcast special numbers to call with questions or problems.
DO NOT DIAL 911
Steady Siren lasting 3-5 minutes means it is a weather emergency, nuclear power plant accident, chemical spill or other emergency.
Wavering Siren lasting 3-5 minutes indicates the need to take cover from a foreign attack.
If you are told to:
TAKE SHELTER: Stay Indoors, close all vents, windows and doors
EVACUATE: There is time for you to leave the area safely. Know what to bring, where to go and possible routes to take(which will be announced on the radio). Special Needs and Handicapped Persons would be evacuated by emergency workers to a congregate care center.
Click for more information:
2006 Year End Report
Office of Domestic Preparedness
RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TRAINING
489 individuals trained in R.E.P. Agencies involved include:
- Department of Human Services/American Red Cross
- Health Department
- Road Commission
- Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol
- 911 Central Dispatch
- EOC Staff
- R.A.C.E.S.
- Bangor Public Schools
- Covert Public Schools
- South Haven Public Schools
- Decatur Fire Department
- Gobles Fire Department
- Hartford Fire Department
- Paw Paw Fire Department
PALISADES
Throughout the year this office was involved in several emergency planning and security meetings and exercises with Palisades. In September, Van Buren County was involved in full-scale exercises, demonstrations and drills with Palisades. FEMA reviewed our efforts and found our capabilities acceptable. The Palisades exercise period extended beyond a week with numerous training periods occurring several months in advance with other agencies and departments in the county.
EMERGENCY OPERATION PLAN
This county plan was updated and revised during this period.
TRAINING & PRESENTATIONS
The Skywarn Spotter training session for 2006 was held in Decatur, and more than 60 attended.
Presentations were developed and delivered to the following agencies and organizations:
- Citizen Police Academy
- ETeam training
- Radiological Emergency Preparedness Training
- Lawton Schools on safety procedures and planning
- NIMS
- Resource Typing
Weather awareness educational material was delivered to all schools and media outlets serving the county. Schools that requested assistance with severe weather planning received it through this office.
EXERCISES
This office assisted Palisades with several drills through out the year.
PRIVATE INDUSTRIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Our Local Emergency Planning Committee reviewed the existing 35 plans and produced 9 new plans for area businesses and farms. The LEPC is in the process of taking on new members and is again preparing a media campaign for farmers in conjunction with the Farm Bureau.
The LEPC also reviewed planning information concerning a local business with the Village of Paw Paw and the Paw Paw Township Fire Department. The LEPC upon a cursory inspection of the plant notice several violations that were reported to MDEQ, MIOSHA, and the EPA.
Further inspections occurred over several months and the plant was brought back into compliance.
ACTUAL EMERGENCIES
When thieves attempted to steal anhydrous ammonia from the Alloy Steel Treating Company near Gobles in January, this division assisted in the response. Later, our LEPC contacted the owner and a new emergency plan was written and all the company’s required reports were brought up to date and is now in compliance.
COMMITTEES
Lt. Alain Svilpe, Domestic Preparedness Coordinator is amember of the following committees or organizations and attends all meetings on a regular basis:
- American Red Cross
- 911 Board
- Local Emergency Planning Committee
- Van Buren County Fire Fighters Association
- Van Buren County Fire Chiefs Association
- Van Buren County R.A.C.E.S.
- 5TH District Medical Response Coalition
- Michigan Emergency Managers Association
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Assisted the following schools with development of tornado plans, Safe School planning and other school presentations:
- Paw Paw
- Bangor
- South Haven
- Covert
GRANTS
- 2004 Grant – Closed
- 2005 Grant – Closed
- 2006 Regionalization Planning Grant – New
Professional Development Training
- R.E.P. Conference
- Pipe Line Group
- Homeland Security Conference
- Critical Infrastructure Conference
- ETeam
- REP Training
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