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Emergency Managers Workshop in Pohnpei

Palikir, POHNPEI (Dept. of Economic Affairs/FSM Information Service): March 24, 2006 - Over 50 emergency managers from FSM National Government agencies, State and Municipal Government Officials gathered this week at a workshop aimed at improving response to natural disasters which may strike at any time.

The group is studying the Incident Command System (ICS) utilized by all governmental agencies in the United States, including Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMS).

The workshop was designed to assist all leaders in more efficient and effective response and recovery efforts in future typhoons, drought, mudslides, bird-flu or other calamities that may strike Micronesia. The workshop was convened by Department of Economic Affairs and FSM National Emergency Management Office.

Workshop instructors from the USDA Forest Service in California, Dennis Orbus and Gary Glofelty, have over 80 years combined experience in managing both large and small incidents ranging from wildland fires and floods to hurricanes and earthquakes disasters. They are here as part of on-going assistance provided to FSM from the Forest Service.

"It's great being back in Pohnpei assisting local and national leaders in preparing for disasters" Dennis Orbus said. "We always learn when we teach, and this is no exception."

"Everyone is so anxious to learn new ideas and serve their Island and people", according to Gary Glotfelty. "They are ready, willing and able to combat all disasters."

As part of the workshop, trainees are learning to use the Incident Command System to "make sense of chaos" and ensure the most efficient and effective disaster response possible with resource at-hand. Table top exercises follow each instruction module so that trainees receive hand-on experience in the management system. Participants are planning for bird flu, tsunamis, typhoons, mudslides, airplane crash, and other misfortunes that may occur in the future.