News Summary
Oktibbeha County’s Emergency Management Agency is struggling with staffing shortages amid a surge in severe weather incidents. Director Kristen Campanella reported that the agency is facing challenges in finding volunteers, especially with the 911 system handling over 26,000 calls this year alone. With the community’s safety at stake, new measures are being implemented, including an expansion of the tornado siren system. The mayor’s office is considering additional support to address this pressing issue.
Staffing Shortages Plague Oktibbeha County’s Emergency Management Agency
In a community that is no stranger to the power of Mother Nature, Oktibbeha County is facing a crunch when it comes to staffing and volunteers at its Emergency Management Agency. This comes hot on the heels of an unexpected spike in severe weather incidents that have kept emergency teams on high alert. Director Kristen Campanella recently provided the Starkville board of aldermen with some disconcerting updates on the agency’s struggles.
A Growing Concern for Safety
The importance of being prepared for emergencies has never been clearer. Despite some recent luck that kept major disasters at bay, the reality is that Oktibbeha County must be ready for the inevitable. It may be hard to believe, but so far this year, the county’s 911 system has answered an astounding 26,000 calls for help. This number includes more than 30 emergency medical service incidents. Overall, about 375,000 communications have taken place since the start of this year, consisting of both 911 calls and various incident reports.
Severe Weather on the Rise
The county has seen a staggering 30 severe weather incidents already, with the peak coming in March when eight events took place alone. Just to kick off April, there have already been five weather-related incidents. The state of Mississippi is facing a remarkable uptick in tornado activity, recording a whopping 92 tornadoes this year compared to just 23 in the same timeframe last year. Nearby Missouri managed only 57 tornadoes so far, making Oktibbeha County’s weather concerns even more pressing.
New Safety Measures in Place
To bolster public safety, the county is expanding its tornado siren system from just two to eight. Six new sirens will be strategically installed at local volunteer fire stations, acting as crucial outdoor warning systems. Community members are strongly urged to have multiple warning systems in place to ensure maximum safety during severe weather events. In a proactive measure, the Community Safe Room is now being opened earlier on days when significant weather could hit, rather than waiting until storms materialize.
During a March storm that ended up being less menacing than forecasted, over 200 individuals flocked to the safe room seeking shelter. However, despite these improvements, the Emergency Management Agency is finding it tough to secure overnight volunteers for the shelter. Currently, only four employees cover multiple roles, which adds immense pressure to the organization that is already stretched thin.
Challenges in Recruitment
The ongoing staffing shortages are not unique to Oktibbeha County. Similar organizations across the country are battling the same issues. The nature of the job—requiring night and weekend hours—makes it even more challenging to attract new staff. Campanella emphasized the crucial need for volunteers, stating that all volunteers will undergo vetting and training, which ensures they are well-prepared before stepping into this important role.
For those interested in helping the community, reaching out to the emergency management agency at (662) 338-1076 or via email could be the first step toward making a meaningful impact.
Community Support on the Horizon
In light of these challenges, the mayor has expressed that the city may step in to lend a hand in tackling the volunteer shortage. The city has been providing vital financial support to the Emergency Management Agency, guaranteeing $5,600 each year specifically for civil defense funding. This partnership highlights the importance of collaboration in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents in Oktibbeha County.
As severe weather continues to make its mark, the time for community involvement is now more pressing than ever. Together, we can help build a stronger, more resilient Oktibbeha County.
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Additional Resources
- Emergency Management Faces Staffing Shortage & Severe Weather – CDispatch
- Oktibbeha County Triad Works to Educate Adults on Crime and Fraud – WCBI
- Lowndes County Home Added to Statewide Damage Assessment – WTVA
- Google Search: Emergency Management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Emergency Management
