What is the Role of the Emergency Preparedness Manager?

Since the beginning of the declared pandemic in Maryland, I have been coordinating with the Council of Governments and Montgomery County. In the first few months, there were daily conference calls sharing best practices, and efforts to obtain Personal Protective Equipment for staff. With the aid of the City’s Finance Department, I was able to track our pandemic-related expenses eligible for reimbursement through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  The City has been reimbursed for three projects thus far, and I have a fourth nearly ready for submission. Under the Coronavirus Relief Act, I have requested other eligible monies from the allotment given to Montgomery County.

An important part of my job is communication and information sharing with the City’s senior leadership staff and City Council. Through weekly conference calls and emails, I keep them informed of what is happening nationally, with our state, Montgomery County, and the City regarding changes in health regulations and availability of resources related to coronavirus relief.

With the recent violence at the Capital, and in anticipation of the upcoming Presidential inauguration, I have been working with the Police Chief and staff on information sharing, coordination, and City security. As we get closer to Wednesday, January 20, security has tightened and will continue to get tighter to protect our President-Elect and the City of Takoma Park against civil disturbances. Working with the City Police Department, I will assist in coordinating resources within the City and requests to Montgomery County as needed. Chief DeVaul and his staff have a plan in place for the City’s security and are prepared should anything happen.

When the pandemic passes, I hope to get back to community outreach and provide more emergency preparedness services.

Ron Hardy
Emergency Preparedness Manager
ronh@takomaparkmd.gov