When normal turns abnormal and disaster is knocking at your door,
will you be prepared to answer?

The ability to respond quickly and effectively to unexpected emergencies requires planning and a strong set of individual skills and knowledge. That is especially critical for people who are charged with maintaining or restoring transportation during a major event.

“Transportation is the first link in the response chain during disasters,” explains ITD Emergency Program Supervisor Mel Coulter. “First responders cannot do their job if we are unable to do ours. That’s why it is so important that each of us is prepared – both at home and at the workplace – to act quickly and decisively.”

The Emergency Program Office is introducing a new strategy of individual preparedness that complements ITD’s move toward a more accountable, responsible culture overall. In the next month, the office will create a repository of readiness information as part of the Emergency Program Sharepoint site (http://itdportal/sites/ei/SitePages/Home.aspx). It will focus on personal, community, and workplace preparation. Topics will include active-shooter threats, shelter-in-place, evacuations, hazardous-materials incidents, creating emergency kits, helping neighbors, and other related issues.

“The ability of ITD to respond quickly and efficiently to a transportation emergency depends on the preparation level of our employees,” Coulter explains. “Our collective strength comes from our individual strength. It is based on knowledge, preparation, and practice.”

Coulter plans to organize workshops and training opportunities throughout the department with guest speakers and authorities on disaster response. Those presentations will be available by video conference to district offices.

The comprehensive program will be based on current national standards, educational material, periodic workshops, and disaster exercises.

“We live in a world that sometimes delivers disaster to our doorsteps,” Coulter adds. “How we respond and how we recover will depend on how well we prepare. Our hope is that all ITD employees will be equipped to become leaders when faced with adversity.”


Published 11-11-16