Commissioners adopt revised emergency operations plan; document marked confidential

Kosciusko County commissioners voted to adopt a revised Emergency Operations Plan that replaces the county's previous Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP), the board decided at its meeting.

Kip, representing Kosciusko County emergency management, told commissioners the revision reflects new federal guidance and expands the plan's scope. "This plan takes on an all hazards whole community approach," Kip said, describing priorities including life safety, incident stabilization and restoration of essential infrastructure. He said the plan "quadruples the size" of the prior document and incorporates components such as a base plan, Emergency Support Function annex, community lifelines, and future annexes including multi-hazard mitigation, continuity of government, communications, public alert and warning, mass casualty and debris management.

Kip told commissioners the plan contains a confidentiality notice and is not intended for general distribution because it includes identified risks and vulnerabilities. The Emergency Management Advisory Council reviewed the plan on Jan. 8 and recommended adoption, Kip said. The board moved and seconded adoption and approved the plan by voice vote.

Commissioners noted the document should remain a "living" plan that will be updated as new annexes and portions are completed. The presenter said additional annexes are expected to be added in the next few months.