County emergency drill tests response plans across Carroll County

Carroll County commissioners heard a review of the county’s recent large-scale emergency response exercise during their May 14 meeting, with Emergency Management Agency officials calling the drill a success and praising the capabilities of the county’s new emergency operations center.

EMA Director Tom Cottis and Deputy Director Dustin Lucas updated commissioners on the county’s full-scale Local Emergency Planning Committee exercise held May 9, which simulated a hazardous materials emergency involving multiple agencies and locations across the county.

Cottis said the county is required under Ohio law to regularly test its emergency response plans through tabletop, functional and full-scale exercises. He said the county’s newly upgraded emergency operations center at the annex building performed well during the event.

“The new EOC is definitely a huge plus for us,” Cottis said. “We had plenty of room for the people that were in there and enough room for additional people if they would have reported to the EOC.”

Lucas said the exercise involved 17 agencies, including local, county, state and national partners, with more than 70 personnel participating over a three-hour period.

“We believe this was one of the most comprehensive exercises we’ve done,” Lucas said.

The drill included operations at four locations: the county’s 911 dispatch center, the emergency operations center at the annex building, a simulated incident scene on Cactus Road and a mock hospital site at Dellroy Fire Department, where Aultman Hospital deployed a mobile decontamination unit.

Lucas said evaluators from six counties observed the exercise and reviewed the county’s ability to meet required emergency response objectives. He said the county was tested on all 12 objectives required over a four-year cycle in a single exercise.

“We are very confident that we passed all 12,” Lucas said.

He said the exercise required months of planning and coordination, but officials were pleased with the outcome and identified only minor improvements that could be addressed through additional training and plan adjustments.

Commissioner Robert Wirkner, who participated from the emergency operations center, praised the coordination between agencies and said the exercise demonstrated the county’s preparedness capabilities.

Commissioners also heard an annual insurance renewal presentation from representatives of CORSA and Wichert Insurance. Chris Jones of Wichert Insurance was present for the discussion, while Ali Redmond of CORSA presented the renewal information.

Officials said the county’s insurance premium increased about 5% this year, lower than increases seen in recent years due to stabilizing reinsurance costs.

Redmond said Carroll County’s overall claims history remains favorable and commended the county for its risk management efforts.

“Things are running really well,” Redmond said.

Redmond also discussed cybersecurity requirements and grant opportunities available through the insurance pool, encouraging the county to continue strengthening multi-factor authentication and phishing protection systems.

Commissioners also proclaimed May as Military Appreciation Month in Carroll County. Wirkner read the proclamation recognizing veterans, active-duty service members and military families for their service and sacrifices.

“Carroll County is home to numerous veterans, active-duty service members, reservists and military families who contribute to the strength and resilience of our community,” the proclamation states.

In other business, commissioners:

—PAID bills totaling $208,041.13 and approved additional payments without prior authorization.

—APPROVED a special hauling permit for DeNoon Lumber Company on Bay, Cinder and Chase roads in Lee Township with a $50,000 bond provided.

—RELEASED a road bond for EOG Resources related to hauling permits connected to the Avalon Road well pads.

—RESCINDED a previously approved appropriation adjustment from the May 11 meeting.

—HEARD updates on annex building improvements, including installation of new windows at the OSU Extension office.