Issue of the Month: Local Emergency Planning Committee

Kent County coordinates planning for local emergencies with the City of Grand Rapids through its appointed Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). This committee is made up of 20 representatives of local government, public safety, industry, education, media, and health who meet to develop plans for all kinds of emergency situations that may occur in our county that endanger our citizens. The recent major flood issues were part of their planned responses through the Kent County Sheriff’s Emergency Management Department. While the flooding danger was most visible recently, there are other disaster incidents that need to be addressed, and plans prepared for response to them in order to minimize damages. The LEPC has over 300 ’plans of response’ in event of emergency situations of all kinds. The LEPC plans emergency exercises to prepare for disaster situations. A recent exercise held at Lacks Enterprises tested the planned response in event of a formaldehyde gas leak; and, at least once each year an exercise is held at the airport for an airline disaster event. An exercise planned for later this year will be something dealing with farm operations. The LEPC annual report and educational materials regarding how you can be prepared for unforeseen emergencies can be found at www.accesskent.com/lepc. Check out the many plans for emergency situations and find out how you can be prepared!