When you’re the leader of an office in charge of protecting life and property in emergencies, a restful night’s sleep is a luxury.
Just ask Richard Kraemer, coordinator of the Mercer County Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
What’s on his mind when he should be getting his shut-eye? “Everything,” he told our club members and guests on February 20.
Kraemer, a former Hamilton Township fire chief, said preparation and coordination are key when it comes to emergencies like potential major winter storms.
When a storm is approaching, the county office reviews reports from multiple weather outlets and engages local emergency managers to ensure they are ready. “Everything starts and ends locally,” Kraemer said. The county OEM gets involved when disaster response gets beyond the capabilities of the municipality..
He said flooding is a top concern, citing the importance of the county’s hazard mitigation plan and local consideration for how one municipality’s project may impact its neighbors. |
