FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shannon Gravitte 407-443-4441

MAYOR HOOD ANNOUNCES EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TRAINING PROGRAM FOR CITY BUSINESSES

ORLANDO, Fla. (February 20, 2003) – While the nation remains at a heightened state of alert, the City of Orlando is taking another proactive step to strengthen its hometown security efforts. Orlando Mayor Glenda E. Hood today unveiled the City’s Business Disaster Preparedness Program, which is the result of the Downtown Evacuation Exercise and Plan. This comprehensive study will provide “one-stop shopping” for city businesses looking to develop or enhance a disaster preparedness plan.

“In today’s ever-changing environment, our business community is a critical partner in ensuring the safety and security of our citizens,” Mayor Hood said. “Whether preparing for a hurricane or a terrorist threat, this unique program will allow businesses to utilize city expertise to develop disaster preparedness programs that best suit their unique needs.”

Under the program, the City of Orlando’s Office of Emergency Management will assist local businesses in developing a comprehensive business disaster plan. Elements of the program will include:

· How to establish a business disaster planning team;
· Development of a Comprehensive Emergency Management Program (CEMP) for the business;
· How to interface with the City during a disaster;
· Employee notification; and
· Business continuity planning.

Each participating business will undergo a thorough inspection by the Orlando Police Department’s Community Involvement Section to determine what, if any, vulnerabilities exist. Employees will be briefed on terrorism awareness, and the Orlando Fire Department will develop evacuation planning and pre-fire plans for each individual business.

“This is an all-encompassing, all-hazards program that will significantly increase the level of preparedness of the Orlando business community, as well as the City’s ability to respond and recover from any type of emergency,” said Rick Comerford, the City of Orlando’s Emergency Manager.

Beginning this week, the City will begin marketing the program to businesses with the help of the Downtown Development Board. Businesses interested in taking advantage of this unique opportunity should contact Rick Comerford at 321-235-5437 or visit www.cityoforlando.net.

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