Mendota, Lilydale Officials Train for Disaster Response

A for Mendota and Lilydale held Monday was the first of its kind for the towns’ city officials, who now say they are better prepared to respond in case of a disaster, but have plenty of homework to do.

Mendota Mayor Brian Mielke described the training at as “a great eye-opening experience.”

Dan Carlson of the Department of Homeland Security and Mike Pott of the Dakota County Special Operations Team lead a two-hour training Monday, talking both city councils through the steps of responding to a tornado scenario that involved heavy damage to the communities as well as locations in Mendota Heights.

Mendota Heights Fire Department Chief John Maczko and Mendota Heights Police Department Sgt. Brian Convery were also present to detail what the roles of emergency responders will be.

Levels of mutual aid in Dakota County between police and fire departments, as well as collaboration between units of government and organizations, such as the Dakota County Communications Center that runs dispatch, were highlighted.

Immediately after a disaster, fire and police largely run the show to get citizens out of harm’s way and to secure the safety of lives and property.

Council members got a glimpse of the logistical elements of emergency response after that first stage, when policy and planning can be helpful in such measures as clearing streets, contracting to remove debris, get accurate information out and protecting residents from swindle in the aftermath.

“We’ve never done anything like this before, at least not in my tenure, and it’s a good reminder that we would be unprepared if it weren’t for trainings like this,” said Mielke. “It’s a reminder for us to review our policies and get all our ducks in a row in case something does happen. It could happen tonight, for all you know. I’ve got a whole list of things we want to review.”

Lilydale Mayor Anita Pamusch said that any past training or discussion about disasters has been regarding the protection of city records and where to store data.

She said Monday’s training was “fascinating.”

“You’re talking safety; you’re talking health; you’re talking protection. Those are life-and-death issues. So I’m very glad we’re having this conversation,” said Pampusch. “It’s going to force us to put a plan together that is meaningful for a small community like ours. And I think we can do that, but it’s going to be work to do that.”

Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter