Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency to Host Annual Preparedness Conference
Cranston, RI—The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA), in conjunction with the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), the Rhode Island Association of Emergency Managers (RIAEM), and the Community College of Rhode Island's (CCRI) Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program, are hosting a two-day Annual Preparedness Conference on August 10, 2016, through August 11, 2016, at CCRI's Knight Campus in Warwick, RI.
Keynote speakers include Joseph Nimmich, Deputy Administrator from the Federal Emergency Management Agency who will discuss the significance of coordination and integration across all levels of government and Dr. Reed Smith, Chief of the Arlington Fire Department, who will speak about the Rescue Task Force model that integrates Emergency Medical Services with Law Enforcement response operations.
"My top priority is the safety of all Rhode Islanders," said Governor Raimondo. "Our state's annual Preparedness Conference is a great venue for government, first responders, volunteer organizations, and private industry to come together and discuss how to best prepare and safeguard the citizens of Rhode Island and strategies for a quick recovery after a disaster. This conference demonstrates the state's commitment to safety for all communities and pledge to provide a stable environment for growth after an emergency happens."
"The Annual Preparedness Conference plays a key role in creating a more resilient Rhode Island," said Lieutenant Governor McKee. "Preparedness begins with the individual, but it is together that we have the ability to make Rhode Island safer and stronger for the families, businesses and community organizations that call it home. I applaud all those involved in coordinating the conference each year to ensure that as a state we are consistently collaborating to find new and efficient ways to prepare for all emergencies."
"The annual conference will encompass a variety of discussion topics such as family preparedness, community collaboration, partnership building and personal resiliency," said Director Peter Gaynor. "This two day conference will provide a forum for Local, State and Federal agencies, non-government organizations and private business to discuss best practices and examine comprehensive solutions to emergency preparedness, response and recovery actions."
Amy Grzybowski, Emergency Management Director for the Town of Westerly and president of the Rhode Island Association of Emergency Managers explains, "Local emergency management agencies have evolved over the past decade in response to natural disasters and active threats. The Rhode Island Association of Emergency Managers is excited by the continued growth of the Preparedness Conference as it allows local, state, federal, private, and non-profit partners to collaborate and learn from one another."
The New England Region (Region 1) of the U.S. Council of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM-USA) is pleased to join the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Association in co-sponsoring the conference bringing together emergency management professionals across New England to work together during times of crisis," stated Christian M. Lanphere, Ph.D., CEM, CCEMT-P, president IAEM-USA Region 1. IAEM-USA is the nation's largest emergency management professional association, is a non-profit professional organization representing more than 4,600 emergency management and homeland security professionals for local communities, state and federal disaster officials, private sector, nongovernmental organizations and others involved in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from all types of disasters including acts of terrorism. IAEM-USA provides: access to the largest network of emergency management experts who can provide advice and assistance; the Certified Emergency Manager program; annual scholarships; a comprehensive monthly newsletter; and more.
The conference is designed for local municipalities, state and federal agencies, private owned businesses, and non-government organizations with emergency management responsibilities. This two day event will consist of knowledgeable speakers, insightful training opportunities, and forums in which attendees will be given the chance to speak with subject matter experts, discuss lessons learned and visit with a wide variety of exhibitors. For questions and/or additional information, please contact RIEMA at (401) 946-9996.
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