AMARILLO, TEXAS -- Wildfires have been the big topic for emergency officials for the last few months and Thursday they got together to talk about not only the dry conditions but other disaster situations.
It's all part of the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission's Emergency Preparedness Committee designed to bring everyone up to date and form bonds between responders, which Roberts county Judge Vernon Cook said was vitally important during wildfires there a few years ago.
"We had 22 fire departments in Roberts county and Miami area and we were able to communicate with 4 of them directly by radio. Any emergency management operation can't take place effectively without effective communication," says Judge Cook.
Situations like this are why the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission's Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee began holding conferences three years ago, according to PRPC Director, John Kiehl.
"It doesn't matter what type of disaster we're talking about, our emergency managers have to be prepared to respond to any type situation," he said.
Not only does it provide emergency responders with the latest information, equipment and techniques but it also sets up face-to-face meetings where alliances are forged that can be realized down the road.
"I think the important thing about events like this is the personal relationships that are built that will serve in making their work better and stronger and more connected if they have to go out on the fire lines," added Kiehl.
It's a sentiment shared by Judge Cook.
"The bonding if you will, becoming acquainted with your neighbors and so forth, makes it that much more feasible."
These responders will spend a couple days brushing up on their emergency skills and in some cases re-uniting back in the field responding to emergencies.
PREMAC, or the Panhandle Regional Emergency Management Advisory Committee regularly makes recommendations on all matters related to regional preparedness and initiatives to the PRPC.
