Season 2, Episode 52 - Navigating Emergencies: Insights from Andrew Notbohm of PPROEM

Navigating Emergencies: Insights from Andrew Notbohm of PPROEM

 

This week, we delved into the intricacies of emergency management with Andrew Notbohm, the executive director of the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management (PPROEM). With significant experience ranging from natural disasters to man-made catastrophes, Andrew offered an enlightening discussion on regional collaboration, disaster preparedness, and the operational strategies that underpin effective emergency management.

From Wisconsin to Colorado:  Andrew Notbohm's journey to becoming the executive director of PPROEM wasn’t a straight path but an array of experiences and roles that equipped him for the challenges of emergency management. Originally hailing from Wisconsin, Andrew made his way to Colorado shortly after college, diving headfirst into mitigation as a contractor and later joining the Colorado Springs Fire Department.

A pivotal moment in his career was the Waldo Canyon Fire in 2012, which exposed him to the severe realities and complexities of large-scale disasters. This experience propelled him towards a role as deputy director in Boulder’s Office of Disaster Management before returning to the Pikes Peak region to lead PPROEM.

Uniting Forces for Greater Efficiency:  PPROEM stands as a testament to regional cooperation in emergency management. Formed from an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) signed five years ago, the office brought together resources from unincorporated El Paso County and the City of Colorado Springs. This union bridges jurisdictional divides, ensuring a more robust and cohesive response to disasters.

Andrew emphasized the immense benefits of this regional approach, highlighting how it enhances information sharing, resource coordination, and community support. This collaborative framework is exemplified by the office's diverse team, including liaisons from various local agencies like public health and human services.

Learning from the Past:  Andrew's extensive history with major disasters has taught him many invaluable lessons. The importance of having strong processes, relationships, and communication channels cannot be overstated, he asserted.

One of the most critical lessons he shared was the necessity of preparing for seemingly unimaginable events. Citing the aftermath of September 11 and the recent global pandemic, Andrew stressed the importance of a proactive mindset. As emergency managers, it's vital to envision and plan for extreme scenarios that could significantly impact communities.

Preparing for the Unexpected:  September is National Preparedness Month, and Andrew utilized this opportunity to encourage residents to take proactive steps in disaster preparedness. PPROEM's website, pproem.com, serves as a comprehensive resource for readiness information, including guidelines on assembling emergency kits, creating communication plans, and understanding local hazards.

Andrew underscored the significance of playing the "what if" game—a method of brainstorming potential emergency scenarios and determining responses. This exercise ensures that individuals and families are better prepared to act swiftly and effectively when disasters strike.

The Power of Peak Alerts:  A vital tool in emergency management within the Pikes Peak region is the Peak Alerts system. Andrew passionately advocated for residents to sign up for these alerts, which offer real-time notifications about emergencies in specific locations. By signing up at peakalerts.org, individuals can receive alerts for multiple addresses and through various means, including text, email, and phone calls.

Peak Alerts play a crucial role in maintaining situational awareness and providing timely, accurate information. This system, combined with other communication tools like the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts, ensures that residents are well-informed and can take appropriate actions during crises.

The Role of Emergency Management:  During the interview, Andrew explained the delicate balance of coordination and support that PPROEM strikes with first responders and local agencies. The Emergency Coordination Center acts as a hub where representatives from various emergency support functions gather to share information and plan responses.

This collaborative framework extends to relationships with state and federal agencies. Andrew recounted how these partnerships facilitated the successful application for federal assistance during the June flooding last year, underscoring the importance of robust interagency collaboration.

Andrew Notbohm's insights reveal the intricate web of preparation, coordination, and resilience required in emergency management. By fostering strong relationships, continuous improvement, and proactive planning, PPROEM stands ready to protect and support the Pikes Peak region in times of crisis.

For more information on preparedness and to subscribe to emergency alerts, visit pproem.com and peakalerts.org. Remember, the best time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens.