Commission hears update: Toquerville has no current three‑year emergency plan; staff working on update

Commissioners discussed emergency preparedness and recent regional wildfire activity, and staff reported the city currently lacks an updated three‑year emergency management plan. Staff said an updated plan is in development and is expected to be presented to the city council in the coming months.

A commissioner recounted wildfire experiences in Southern California and asked what resources Toquerville has to respond locally. Staff responded that, to be eligible for certain emergency reimbursements and to meet standard practices, a jurisdiction is expected to keep its emergency plan updated on a three‑year cycle. "We don't currently have one, so we're working on that right now," staff said, adding the plan should outline roles and responsibilities of city personnel and community partners. Staff said community volunteer groups and neighboring cities (Hurricane City and LaVerkin were mentioned during the discussion) have historically provided mutual aid and machinery in past flood responses.

Commissioners and staff recalled a prior flood event in which coordination among city staff, county resources, neighboring cities and volunteer contractors reduced damage to homes near creeks and low‑lying areas. They noted the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints has community emergency resources and that local block captains also support preparedness and response. Staff said the city is in active conversation with county emergency management and will incorporate regional partners into the updated plan.

No formal action was taken; commissioners asked staff to continue work on the plan and to return with the draft for council review. The discussion emphasized the need for training, mutual‑aid agreements and clarity about roles for city employees and volunteers in an emergency.