Lisa SandtDirector of Planning & Economic DevelopmentLee-Russell Council of Governments (LRCOG)

Regional planning agency

Serve Lee and Russell Counties

Regional Population: 180,669

Area: 1,267 square miles

Programs in Aging and Planning and Economic Development

Services Demand Response Contract

FY08 Ridership: 56,501

Buses: 26

Drivers: 12 (FT) and 6 (PT)

Services Fixed Route Paratransit Contract

FY08 Ridership: 35,586

Buses: 8

Drivers: 4(FT) and 1 (PT)

Activities in the following planning elements:

Mitigation

Preparedness

Response

Recovery

Developed and updated Natural Hazard Mitigation Plans

Prepared and administered Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs

Implemented homeland security and man-made hazard assessments

Transit is incorporated into the Emergency Operation Plan – ESF #1: Transportation

Involvement of staff in emergency management training

Participation in emergency management exercises

Development and maintenance of a Transit Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness Plan

Activated and stationed at the Emergency Operation Center during disasters

Provided transportation to shelters for carless and special need populations Hurricane Ivan Hurricane Dennis

Entered into a contract with local hospital to provide emergency evacuation services

Returned evacuees to their homes after the disasters

Provided transportation to Hurricane Katrina evacuees in temporary housing

Participated in Lee County’s Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters

Cultivate an on-going relationship with local EMAs

Distribute a “Transit Staff Emergency Call Down List” to EMAs

Develop an “Employee Volunteer Emergency Phone List” and have a Plan B

Develop a “Public Information Campaign” for distribution to media and first responders

Know the condition and capacity of your system.

Set service parameters with local EMAs.

Go into response & recovery efforts with eyes open.

Debriefing is essential for responding effectively next time.

Formalize relationship with local EMA’s

Train first responders on transit vehicle operation

Work with first responders to implement training opportunities

Continue participation in exercises, training, and planning activities