Emergency Preparedness
Click on the links in the menu above to learn about the Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT). Some history of the
multi-state blackout of 2003 can be found below as well as other
helpful emergency preparedness links.
On August 14, 2003, neighborhoods and community members rallied
together with City staff in a most unprecedented crisis to ensure
the health and safety of the community during a multi-state power
blackout.
Positive feedback received on three measures – protecting life
and property, comparison to other communities, and appreciation by
residents – affirmed that the City of Novi performed admirably
during the crisis. More than 25,000 bottles of water were
distributed to Novi residents through three comfort stations
established in partnership with the Novi Community Schools.
Flyers were distributed door-to-door, television updates broadcast
regularly, and public services maintained. Yet, the City of
Novi did need to improve its operations from lessons learned during
the 2003 Blackout.
In the days that followed the blackout, City of Novi staff met to
critique the operations and look at ways to improve emergency
response during any situation. Teams were assigned to look at
Novi’s power supply, communications, and comfort stations.
During the blackout, it was noted that the City facilities were
dependent upon electricity and had limited back-up power
capabilities. Some facilities, such as the Novi Civic Center,
had no back-up system in place. In September 2003, with the approval
of the Novi City Council, a study was initiated to determine what
back-up power was needed and where.
Following discussions of the report findings, in December 2003
the Novi City Council approved the design and installation of nearly
$300,000 in emergency electrical generators.
As of today, the City of Novi has completed upgrades to its
emergency electrical back-up resources, and diesel generators now
ensure continued operations at the Novi Civic Center, public safety
facilities, Public Works facilities, and Meadowbrook Commons Senior
Center.
Another vital component of emergency preparedness and response is
communications. With the loss of electricity and a large
portion of the telephone network during the blackout, communication
efforts were more difficult. In the last several months, City
staff has worked with homeowner leaders to assist with neighborhood
emergency communication plans. During the blackout, flyers
were distributed to homeowner leaders for dissemination door-to-door
– an effort that proved effective in many neighborhoods, but could
be improved upon in many others. The City of Novi has
suggested that neighborhoods designate a common spot or area (tree,
clubhouse, entrance sign, etc.) where all neighborhood members know
to check for important messages to be posted during an emergency.
Additionally, the City of Novi has initiated an Emergency
Hotline at (248) 735-5680. The phone line will be used
only during an emergency and will keep community members apprised of
any pertinent information. The number is being published on
all community newsletters and the annual calendar, as well as Cable
Channel 13 and the City’s website.
The Emergency Hotline will also be used as a method of
communicating with volunteer members of the newly established
Volunteer Comfort Station Committee. The City of Novi has
implemented the Committee to assist staff members at five designated
Comfort Stations throughout the community.
Shortly after the blackout, City staff contacted the Novi
Community and Walled Lake Consolidated School systems to look at
utilizing school facilities during an emergency. The
facilities are now pre-identified and known for their capabilities,
location, and size, and can provide a place of shelter for community
members during an emergency. Comfort Stations have been
designated at the Novi Civic Center, Novi Middle School, Village
Oaks Elementary, Walled Lake Middle School and Meadowbrook
Elementary. Comfort Station Committee members would pass out
bottled water, provide relief, and assist fellow community members
in a time of need. The stations would be opened at the
discretion of the City of Novi as warranted by the nature of the
emergency.
These measures enhance the City of Novi’s emergency preparedness
efforts and further provide for the health and safety of community
members. The City of Novi continues to participate in mock disaster
exercises with a variety of community partners and completes annual
emergency preparedness exercises with City staff.
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