an editing - for clarity and succinctness.

Dear [Resident Name],

We are in the process of revamping the Emergency Management plans for the Township. As you know, some of the most common threats we face in our area are:

- Severe Weather Events
- River Flooding
- Hazardous Materials Release (from passing trucks)
- Wildfires

In addition, over the next few years, we face a long process of road and bridge construction, all of which affect emergency preparedness.

As a result, we are totally revamping our emergency operations plan. We want to make sure you understand what the Township and other agencies can and cannot do for you in an emergency situation. With this understanding, we hope that you will create an emergency plan and have the necessary supplies on hand before an emergency.

It is critical that you are always ready and supplied in case the power goes out, the roads are blocked, bridges are out or if you have to leave your home unexpectedly. During the initial phases of an emergency the most critical emergency resource is YOU.

In the face of an emergency,
We will:
· attempt to notify the community of a large-scale emergency or pending flood.

If there is an evacuation needed,
We will:
· advise you where the nearest evacuation center is located.
. advise you how to reach the nearest evacuation center.

We cannot:
· help you with your personal evacuation transportation
· provide you with any supplies, including medical supplies, that you might need after you evacuate.

During an emergency,
We will:
· evaluate situations from most critical to least critical – just like patients in an emergency room.
· provide you with information and recommended action plans.

We cannot:
· immediately provide drinking water, food or sanitation facilities.
· provide shelter within the township.
· provide fuels of any kind.

After an emergency,
We will:
· work with multiple agencies to facilitate whatever work is needed to stabilize and/or repair public infrastructure such as roads, telecommunications and electricity.
· assess damage to private property.
· when possible, dispatch emergency personnel where immediate danger to life exists. Other damage to private property that does not affect public safety or mobility will be given a lower priority and may not warrant an emergency response at all.
· provide you with information about available county, state and federal programs that may be available to you as needed.

Please let us know if you need help developing a personal emergency plan. We are ready, willing, and able to help you with your needs and we look forward to assisting you.