The total solar eclipse has come and gone, but the numbers are in, and Hamilton County is the clear winner.
Hamilton County Emergency Management (HCEM) spent over a year planning for the eclipse, starting by talking with communities that were in the path of totality in 2017.
“We were able to leverage our relationships with emergency managers across the country,” HCEM Executive Director Shane Booker said. “They provided great insight, allowing us to understand potential issues and learn how to mitigate them.”
Photo provided by Hamilton County Emergency Management
One of the key elements is the numerous volunteers who helped with planning, setup, equipment distribution, and much more. Monica Peterson, Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator, spent countless hours coordinating volunteers and putting together packets for each position to ensure they had the instructions and information needed to be successful. On the day of the eclipse, volunteers served the community in Hamilton County’s Emergency Operations Center, local operations centers, liaisons in county parks, and even volunteers in a Civil Air Patrol airplane.
“It truly is amazing how many people are willing to give of their time and talents to help our community,” Peterson said.
Photo provided by Hamilton County Emergency Management
Hamilton County’s Emergency Operations Center serves as a point for a central point of coordination for information, resources, and consequence management. To ensure there was proper support, the Center was expanded with the addition of 14 positions bringing the total to 38. Volunteers staffed 19 positions, including field and local operations group supervisors, air operations branch director, communications positions, weather, and deputy operations section chief. This was the largest activation of the Emergency Operations Center in Hamilton County’s history.
Photo provided by Hamilton County Emergency Management
“I could not be prouder of the staff and volunteers for all they did for the county,” Booker said. “The event made Hamilton County better prepared to respond to large disasters and emergencies. I am grateful that everyone came together to make us the clear winner. Hopefully, we will have a quiet Spring and Summer to give everyone a much-needed break.”
To learn more about Emergency Management and its volunteer programs, visit hamiltoncounty.in.gov/em.
Photo provided by Hamilton County Emergency Management