The Emergency Coordinator team (EC’s) was formed in 2016 to increase emergency and disaster preparedness. Assistant Fire Chief, Will Anderson, Community Policing and Court employee, Rachel Woods organizes and guides the team of EC’s in lessons, drills and live demonstrations to enhance the safety of employees.

The program began by focusing on City Hall and the Senior Center because these buildings have the greatest amount of people during normal business hours. A designated employee and back-up from each department participate and are given a re-purposed police radio to communicate during emergencies. This allows employees to directly communicate what is going on in their space with other EC’s. A radio check is performed every morning to test the radios. Live drills are held throughout the year such as tornado/severe weather drill, fire drill, and medical emergency drills. Meetings and webinars teaching about active shooters, bomb threats, human threats, Stop the Bleed and Run, Hide Fight are held regularly.

EC’s receive CPR &AED training and are responsible for completing an official report immediately following any emergency. The group then debriefs on the response to the emergency under the guidance of Assistant Fire Chief, Will Anderson.   

One of the biggest exercises completed was in 2018 when the Police department, Fire department, City Hall Administration and EC’s simulated a “live shooting” event at city hall. Agencies from neighboring cities and from the county also participated, and this “live” event enabled them to actively train and “assist” victims.  The Emergency Coordinator Team helps reduce the risk to city employees and citizens and teaches awareness of how to help and stay safe during an emergency.

If you are an employee who wants to learn more about this please contact Will Anderson at wanderson@cityofeuclid.com