NOVEMBER 2024ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS REVIEW8 OPINIONIN MYBy Ryan Turner, Director of Emergency Management, City of HendersonAre you ready for the present and future based upon what you learned from the past? It's an honest question. I have been in emergency management for almost 20 years and never imagined when I began that what we are experiencing today would even be possible. It's not unique. There are more threats and hazards that can affect our organizations and communities than ever before. Are you prepared for them? What have you done to be ready both personally and organizationally? I'm honored to share my experience in hopes that it will assist you and your organization. As the Director of Emergency Management, one of my goals was to align resources and capabilities so that our department better meets the needs of the City, both present and future. Within the City's Department of Emergency Management (DEM), there are five divisions representing five pillars of service: Emergency Preparedness (traditional Emergency Management), Health & Safety, Environmental, Wellness, and Workers' Compensation. As our organization has grown, we have been strategic and intentional about maintaining an expansive, interdisciplinary approach, focusing on two key areas: the national standards and best practices, and how agencies are modeling them. Since then, we have achieved accreditation from the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) and certifications from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for 14001 (Environmental Management ­ across city functions) and 45001 (Health & Safety - City Hall). Our team members meet, or are progressing towards, achieving Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certification by IAEM. THE KEY TO EFFECTIVE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:STRONG STRUCTURE AND EMPLOYEE WELLNESSRyan Turner
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