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a. Emergency Preparedness and Public Health - Rebecca Estes
Chris Kelley and Rebecca Estes introduced themselves to the Board of Health. Kelley told the board that he had worked with the City of Columbia for 23 years in public safety. He currently works as the Director of the Boone County Office of Emergency Management. He briefly explained his staff at the Office of Emergency Management and what federal agencies help fund his operation. The Office of Emergency Management coordinates with municipalities and other entities to ensure the safety of persons and property during an emergency event. Kelley named a few events that the office of emergency management attends and prepares for, such as Mizzou football
games or large-scale protests. Kelley recommended the Board of Health take a tour of the Office of Emergency Management. The Board was receptive to his recommendation.
Planner Rebecca Estes explained her job to the Board of Health. Every county in Missouri must have at least one person who is the Emergency Preparedness Director. Boone County has multiple people in the city and county that plan for emergencies, Estes included. The Emergency Preparedness Director convenes all emergency preparedness partners to plan for any emergencies.
Estes states that Boone County experiences a lot of flooding due to the Missouri river swelling. Some areas flood fairly regularly and the county prepares people in the area for that. Kelley stated that urban flooding has increased in Boone County and all over the country due to global warming. Tornadoes have also become a concern in the area in recent years, especially after a tornado struck Jefferson City a few years ago. After any flood or emergency, partners must provide preliminary estimates for the cost of damages to both the state of Missouri and to the federal government. Estes stated that ice storms are the busiest time for emergency preparedness due to power going out, food going bad, and accidents caused by ice....
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