CNMI readies catastrophic typhoon plan

The CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency conducted a Course of Action Brief for the 2017 CNMI Typhoon Readiness Catastrophic Plan for CNMI senior leaders at the CNMI Emergency Operations Center on Capital Hill last Friday.

The comprehensive COA brief identified the priorities, goals and objectives outlined by the CNMI and FEMA Core Planning Team and established by key senior leaders. Catastrophic plans are part of a cycle of preparedness and help guide how responders are organized and equipped as well as ensure a global understanding of roles and responsibilities described in the plan.

This is the first official catastrophic plan for the CNMI. The development of the plan will continue into the fall of 2017 with a final approval pending by the end of the year.

“The Course of Action Brief allows CNMI and FEMA leadership to discuss and approve essential methods and effective response strategies needed for the development, validation, and delivery of a joint plan,” said FEMA Region IX Acting Regional Administrator Dr. Ahsha Tribble.

Topics discussed at the brief include: public policy, critical infrastructure, commodity distribution, crisis communications, and incident management. All of the topics will be discussed at the strategic and policy level in order to identify challenges and solutions, foster collaboration, and build a common understanding of roles and responsibilities during a disaster.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres’ authorized representative, Virginia Villagomez, noted that the Course of Action Brief marked a significant step forward in the CNMI’s first catastrophic readiness plan.

“The approved concept of operations from the briefing demonstrates the CNMI’s commitment toward a more effective and efficient response to future disasters. The collaboration between the CNMI and FEMA so far has been very productive, and we are looking forward to the completion of the plan this fall,” said Villagomez.

Special Assistant for Homeland Security and Emergency Management Gerald Deleon Guerrero added that the development of the plan has been positive.

“The steps both the CNMI and FEMA have taken so far have been very positive and provides for strategies that take into account our vulnerability to severe and bipolar weather conditions,” said Deleon Guerrero.

For more information, contact the CNMI Office of the press secretary Kevin Bautista at (670) 237-2234 or via email at kevin.bautista@gov.mp or FEMA Public Affairs Officer, Veronica Verde at (626) 646-6813 or via email at veronica.verde@fema.dhs.gov. (PR)