CLANTON, Ala. (WHNT) — Whether it’s tornadoes, hurricanes or floods, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency stands ready to respond.
On Wednesday, they unveiled upgrades at their facility in Clanton. Leaders say these upgrades will enhance safety measures in communities statewide.
The EMA has installed new monitors, renovated the Governor’s command center, and expanded its headquarters. Gov. Kay Ivey said these technology upgrades will make the agency swifter in their response.
“Well, this facility I think will sleep a bunch of you if you had to stay overnight,” Gov. Ivey said. “But this agency is dedicated to keeping our people safe and working with our partners wherever we can.”
State EMA Director Jeff Smitherman agreed. He said the facility was built in the 80s to house around 25 people. Now, close to 100 agency members and partners can work in the HQ, allowing for stronger communication from Mobile to Huntsville.
“What does a particular community, what gap might they have? Can we work with another community to already be on the book to help them? So, the more we can pre-arrange and pre-work these agreements, that’s less stress on the system when we’re trying to solve the unexpected,” said Smitherman.
Baldwin County EMA Director Tom Tyler said those relationships will make all the difference.
“Cooperation between our partners here locally, and cooperation with our state partners- that’s what gives us our capabilities to begin with,” he said. “So, anything we can do to strengthen those relationships is a good way to spend our time.”
Gov. Ivey said the state’s emergency response extends beyond it’s borders. “It’s important that this operation center be real effective in times of need for our people in Alabama, as well as our friends, like in Texas. And, we’re still standing by to be of assistance of folks in Texas.”
Gov. Ivey said the state’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to severe weather is non-negotiable. She said it also makes all the difference when it comes time to lend a helping hand to other states.
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