Local Emergency Planners Debrief on Communication Exercise

The Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) met Sept. 30 to review communication efforts tested during August’s Citadel Rumble, the U.S. Navy’s annual emergency response exercise.

This year’s exercise, held Aug. 5 at Naval Air Station Fallon, simulated a major earthquake and focused on coordination between the military, local governments and emergency services.

Fallon Emergency Manager Steve Endacott and Churchill County Emergency Manager Rich Ingram described how they activated the Emergency Operations Center and tested multiple contact methods, including cell and landline phones, ham radio, and a satellite phone. They also tested their new Starlink system to gain internet access and phone service.

The committee began a preliminary review of the Churchill County Multi-Jurisdictional Emergency Response Plan, which Endacott said needs updating. He suggested forming a “communications subgroup” to revise that section. Ingram noted the LEPC will seek funding for a consultant to overhaul the entire plan, a project expected to take more than a year.

Members also discussed the region’s Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which received initial feedback from FEMA requesting additional information before approval.

Endacott reviewed the LEPC membership list and asked for more representation from local agencies. Current members include the Nevada Office of Emergency Management, State Emergency Response Commission, Red Cross, Amateur Radio Emergency Services, Social Services, Central Nevada Health District, Truckee-Carson Irrigation District, Churchill County School District, law enforcement, NAS Fallon, Banner EMS, Kennametal and Ormat.

The LEPC meets quarterly, with the next meeting date to be announced.