June 21, 2025 Storm Preparedness Bing Howenstein delivered 4.21.25
TO: Mayor, City Council, City Manager and Community
Written by Bing Howenstein
DATE: April 20, 2025
SUBJECT: Recommendations for Enhanced Community Emergency Preparedness
Introduction
The recent Michigan ice storm, which resulted in a week-long power outage, widespread internet disruption, and significant communication challenges, highlighted critical areas where the City of Harbor Springs can improve its emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
This memo provides actionable recommendations, informed by established emergency preparedness principles and tailored to the specific vulnerabilities experienced by our community. The goal is to bolster our city’s resilience and ensure the safety and well-being of residents during future emergencies.
Background
The extended power outage following the ice storm left many residents without heat, light, and essential services. The simultaneous loss of internet and cellular service severely hampered communication efforts, preventing the city from effectively disseminating crucial information and residents from receiving updates or requesting assistance. This event underscored the need for robust, multi-faceted emergency plans that anticipate infrastructure failures.
Recommendations
Based on the lessons learned and general emergency preparedness guidelines, we recommend the City of Harbor Springs can implement the following measures:
- Enhance Emergency Communication Systems:
Establish Redundant Communication Channels:
- Designate a specific AM/FM radio station as the primary source for official city emergency broadcasts. Ensure backup power for broadcast capability if partnering with a local station.
- Utilize NOAA Weather Radio alerts for broader emergency notifications.
- Equip key city personnel (e.g., City Manager, Police Chief, Fire Chief, DPW Director) with satellite phones or other grid-independent communication devices for inter-departmental coordination.
- Implement Satellite Internet (e.g., Starlink) at key facilities (like City Hall or the Emergency Operations Center) to maintain essential internet connectivity for coordination and public information when terrestrial services fail.
- Establish physical bulletin boards at key locations (City Hall, Library, Post Office) for posting updates when digital communication fails.
Develop Clear Communication Protocols:
- Create pre-scripted emergency messages for various scenarios (power outage, boil water advisory, shelter locations, etc.).
- Develop a clear protocol for disseminating information through all available channels, including low-tech options like runners or designated neighborhood contacts if necessary.
Public Education:
- Launch a public awareness campaign educating residents on how to access emergency information when power and internet are down (emphasizing the importance of battery-powered or hand-crank radios).
- Bolster Power Resilience and Critical Infrastructure:
Assess, Acquire, and Upgrade Backup Power:
- Conduct a thorough assessment of backup power capabilities (generators, fuel supply) for all critical city facilities, including City Hall, Police/Fire stations, DPW buildings, and water/sewer infrastructure.
- Acquire sufficient generator capacity (fixed or mobile) to ensure continuous operation of essential city services and designated community support facilities (e.g., warming centers) during extended outages.
- Develop plans and secure funding for necessary upgrades or maintenance to ensure reliability during extended outages, including adequate fuel storage and resupply plans.
Community Support Infrastructure:
- Identify and pre-designate buildings (e.g., schools, community centers) as potential warming/cooling centers or shelters. Ensure these locations have adequate backup power, sanitation facilities, and basic supplies.
- Explore the feasibility of setting up temporary, generator-powered community charging stations for essential devices during prolonged outages.
Mobile Command Capabilities:
- Consider establishing designated Mobile Command Posts (e.g., using existing city vehicles or trailers) equipped with independent power (mobile gas or solar generators) and communication (satellite internet like Starlink) to support operations and provide information/charging access in isolated or heavily impacted areas.
Public Guidance:
- Provide clear, accessible information to residents on the safe operation of portable generators to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and electrical hazards.
- Improve Community Resources and Education:
Resident Preparedness Guidance:
- Develop and distribute a concise Harbor Springs Emergency Preparedness Guide for residents. This guide should cover basics like:
- Building a 72-hour (or longer) emergency kit (water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid, flashlight, radio, batteries).
- Food safety during power outages (when to discard refrigerated/frozen food).
- Emergency water storage and safe purification methods.
- Basic first aid and sanitation practices.
- Checking on neighbors, especially the elderly or vulnerable.
Volunteer Coordination:
- Explore establishing a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) or similar volunteer program to assist with communication, wellness checks, and resource distribution under city guidance during emergencies.
Inter-Agency Coordination:
- Strengthen coordination protocols with Emmet County Emergency Management, state agencies, utility providers, and neighboring municipalities.
- Ensure Water and Sanitation Contingencies:
System Resilience:
- Confirm backup power and operational contingency plans for the municipal water treatment and distribution system, as well as wastewater management.
Emergency Water Supply:
- Develop a plan for emergency bulk water distribution points should the municipal system fail or require a boil advisory.
Public Guidance:
- Include information on emergency sanitation solutions (e.g., using buckets with liners) in the resident preparedness guide, emphasizing safe waste disposal.
Conclusion
The recent ice storm served as a stark reminder of our community’s vulnerability to infrastructure disruptions. By proactively implementing these recommendations, the City of Harbor Springs can significantly enhance its preparedness, improve communication during crises, and build greater resilience.
We urge the Council and city leadership to prioritize the development and funding of a comprehensive, updated emergency management plan incorporating these points and more. These investments are crucial for safeguarding our residents in future events.
Contact us, or contact City Hall with any further ideas, stories or updates. Let us know how we can all help. Let’s talk.