Starke County LEPC Discusses How to Get Incident Command Trailer Up and Running

Posted on October 11, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Members of Starke County’s Local Emergency Planning Committee are focused on getting the incident command trailer back in working order. When they met Wednesday afternoon, they discussed how the trailer is structurally fine but it’s currently not functional.

Officials report that it does not have power and they believe that the generator needs a new battery to alleviate the issue. There is some money remaining in the EMA Department’s maintenance fund that will be utilized to purchase a new battery.

Right now, the trailer is sitting out on the County Highway Department’s property. LEPC members noted that it should be moved to an area where it will be more accessible so officials can continue to work on it as needed and it will be close by when an emergency strikes.

EMS Director Travis Clary mentioned that it used to be stored next to the EMS Base and it could be placed there again. He added that he has a security camera available that can be set up to watch the spot where it would be situated.

Members suggested putting some gravel down to keep it from sinking into the grass and to limit damage to the yard. He said he will consult with the county commissioners to make sure that it would be permissible.

Another problem is that the trailer has the wrong kind of communication equipment for its intended use. While it has a plethora of HAM radios, it is not equipped with radios that responders would be able to use in case of an emergency.

EMA Director J. Nier said that there was one 800 MHz (megahertz) radio in the trailer but it isn’t programmed with “P25” which is the standard designed for use by public safety organizations.

Nier said she’s done some research and it would cost approximately $1,000 to $2,500 to get that specific radio flushed and to have the necessary programming installed. However, she’s investigating some other options where they may be able to have it done less expensively.

Additionally, Nier said she’ll check to see if a portion of the $10,000 LEPC Grant that the organization received for equipment can be utilized for some additional radios for the trailer.

Meanwhile, a few members said they’ll take a look at what surrounding counties have to see what type of extra features and equipment would be useful as they work to revive Starke County’s mobile emergency command center.

Starke County Emergency Planning Committee Kick-Off Meeting Scheduled for January

Posted on November 17, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Starke County Emergency Management Agency Director J. Nier {Nigh-er} officially assumed her position back in early October. Currently, she’s working on organizing a meeting for the Starke County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) for January of next year.

Director Nier stated the responsibilities of the EMA include promoting preparedness and acting a logistical support for first responders. The LEPC specifically deals with tracking where hazardous materials are within the community and coming up with plans to take action on potential spills if they occur.

She said the Local Emergency Planning Committee is comprised of various individuals who represent specific sectors within the county.

“Basically, its made up of twelve members.” Nier said, “We’ll have somebody that represents the government, the community, EMA, police and police.”

She added that there can be more than one person from a specific department who serves on the committee. They also try to promote the use of proxies, just in case the members are unable to attend themselves. She said that LEPC isn’t open to just anyone due to the hazardous chemicals the committee members deal with and address.

3/22/2017 Starke County Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting

LEPC Legal Notice

The Starke County Local Emergency Planning Committee will hold its meetings for the year 2017 at 10:00AM (CST) at the Starke County Annex Building, 53 E Mound Street Knox, Indiana 46534 on March 22 and at such other times as shall be duly authorized by the Committee or its Chairman. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

The Starke County Local Emergency Plan for Hazardous Materials Incidents may be reviewed during regular business hours at the office of the Emergency Management Agency at 53 E Mound Street Knox Indiana 46534. All information filed covers SARA Title III facilities in Starke County may be reviewed during regular office hours at the office of the Emergency Management Agency at 53 E Mound Street Knox Indiana 46534. Copies of documents may be obtained at this office, and the Committee may charge a fee for copies. For further information on these matters, please contact Jacob W. Lippner, Chairman, at 574-772-9182.

2/17/2016 Starke County Local Emergency Planning Committee

The Starke County Local Emergency Planning Committee will hold its meetings for the year 2016 at 10:00AM (CST) at the Starke County Annex Building 53 E Mound Street Knox, Indiana 46534 on the following dates: January 20, February 17, May 18, July 20, September 21, and November 16 and at such other times as shall be duly authorized by the Committee or its Chairman. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

The Starke County Local Emergency Plan for Hazardous Materials Incidents may be reviewed during regular business hours at the office of the Emergency Management Agency at 53 E Mound Street Knox Indiana 46534. All information filed covers SARA Title III facilities in Starke County may be reviewed during regular office hours at the office of the Emergency Management Agency at 53 E Mound Street Knox Indiana 46534. Copies of documents may be obtained at this office, and the Committee may charge a fee for copies. For further information on these matters, please contact Jacob W. Lippner, Chairman, at 574-772-9182.

From Starke County Emergency Management

LEPC Legal Notice

The Starke County Local Emergency Planning Committee will hold its meetings for the year 2016 at 9:00AM (CST) at the Starke County Annex Building 53 E Mound Street Knox, Indiana 46534 on the following dates: January 20, February 17, May 18, July 20, September 21, and November 16 and at such other times as shall be duly authorized by the Committee or its Chairman. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

The Starke County Local Emergency Plan for Hazardous Materials Incidents may be reviewed during regular business hours at the office of the Emergency Management Agency at 53 E Mound Street Knox Indiana 46534. All information filed covers SARA Title III facilities in Starke County may be reviewed during regular office hours at the office of the Emergency Management Agency at 53 E Mound Street Knox Indiana 46534. Copies of documents may be obtained at this office, and the Committee may charge a fee for copies. For further information on these matters, please contact Jacob W. Lippner, Chairman, at 574-772-9182.