Terrebonne leaders head back to class

Because of events like 9/11 and hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the federal government is calling government officials back to the classroom.

The Terrebonne Parish Council met on Nov. 13 for emergency-preparedness training, obligatory to obtain a $500,000 federal grant. The monies will be spent, utilizing skills learned during council training session, on a structure system that will be called to action if and when emergency situations arise.

“The meeting was very informative,” said Council Chairman Peter Rhodes. “It was a lot of material for a part-time government official to absorb.”

Whether a fuel spill, terrorist threat or an incoming hurricane, federal government is calling on local governments to actively prepare ahead of time. With a predetermined plan of action, local officials can react instantaneously and direct personnel.

“For certain situations we need to determine who is in charge, who to go to and call on from different departments,” said Rhodes.

With FEMA-outlined training from the parish, Emergency Preparedness Director Mike Deroche Sr. and parish officials will take the next step in organizing a plan.

“The structures are in place, and it will be up to officials to fill in the slots as we need them,” Deroche explained. For more than two months he has been training parish government officials, police and fire departments.

The structure is part of the new, national incident management system. Deroche said the federal government has been trying to construct a preparation tool that communities can follow during emergencies to maintain control and initiate recover, and has become a realization just this year.

The federal grant money will be divided among numerous parish departments n between agencies that directly affect public safety or the planning structures or both. Terrebonne Planning and Zoning, Housing and Human Services, Police and Fire Departments would be prime candidate along with the Emergency Preparedness Department.

Of course, the delivery of the grant depends solely on the performance of the council. Although he has faith in the council, Deloche said that if a member failed the online standardized test, taken within a week of the course, “then it’s back to square one.”