SUSTAINABLE PLACES
58
...organize and support emergency services by enhancing
911 communication, upgrading response systems,
continuing strong training, and coordinating efforts
A key part of protecting communities and neighborhoods is making
sure they are safe. The county, through its Department of Public Safety,
operates the 9-1-1 system; coordinates public safety services among
police, fire, and emergency medical responders; and provides public
safety training.
A primary county goal is to upgrade the current emergency dispatch
system, and the county has allocated $29.9 million for this purpose.
This will involve the installation of new equipment, on both new and
existing towers.
Another goal is continued cooperation for emergency responders, and the
county role in coordinating multi-jurisdictional emergency responses is
expected to increase.
The county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies potential natural and man-
made risks and includes four focus areas:
Understanding Potential Disasters
—to better understand potential
disasters, the county will improve information about past disasters,
improve its mapping capabilities, and develop analytical capacity to better
predict disaster impacts.
Improving Public Awareness of Potential Hazards
—the county will
improve education programming, ensure hazard warnings are clear and
timely, and engage the public in hazard training.
Reduce the Negative Impact of Hazard Events
—to reduce possible loss
of life, injuries, economic costs, and destruction of natural and cultural
resources, the county will advocate for hazard resilient infrastructure and
buildings, minimize exposure of sensitive populations and facilities to
hazards, and discourage development in high hazard areas.
Minimize the Impact of Floods
—the county will advocate that
development be prohibited in floodplains except for redevelopment areas;
encourage use of effective stormwater management techniques; encourage
removal of impediments to stormwater drainage; preserve floodplains as
open space; and coordinate flood hazard responses.
■■ Reduced response times
■■ Increase in shared/
consolidated services of
organizations
Measuring success
Flooding, as seen here in Conshohocken, is the county’s primary natural hazard.
