With the increase in natural disasters and the terrorist threat in the wake of 9/11, the City of Dexter has implemented an Emergency Plan that details responsibilities of the various departments within the city. The plan outlines what steps are to be taken in the event of a disaster and who will coordinate the response and relief efforts in Dexter and the outlying area.

The plan was drawn up by City Administrator Mark Stidham in 2005. Every city employee carries a condensed version of the plan in his vehicle. The plan includes responses to tornado, earthquake and other natural disasters, as well as hazardous spills and terrorists attacks. Such a plan has become a requirement for many grants.

Fire Chief Al Banken is the emergency manager and will coordinate all activities. He will work with Stidham who in turn will consult with Mayor Joe Webber and the city aldermen.

"I wrote the program for Al (Banken)," Stidham said. He added that with so many Southeast Missouri communities facing disasters, it was to Dexter's advantage to be prepared. He especially cited the tornado in Caruthersville as being an example of why communities need to have an emergency plan in place. Stidham cautioned that the city emergency plan does not replace federal or state jurisdiction, nor does it interfere with Red Cross efforts.

The Dexter plan calls for all city department heads to assemble their families and meet together at Fire Station # 2, which is located next to the Dexter Police Department. In the event that station is damaged or inaccessible, then they are to assemble at Fire Station #3 on Stoddard Street.

Stidham says it is important for the department heads to take care of their families first, because they would not be able to concentrate on their duties if they were worried about their families.

The Emergency Plan details the duties of the various department heads. Their first task is to assess the responsibilities of each employee in the department and make assignments related to their job with the city. They also must notify federal, state and county support and information agencies and each department head has a list of emergency phone numbers.

The water superintendent's chief concern is to assure an adequate supply of safe drinking water. The seven water storage facilities and both treatment plants must be inspected. Workers must begin checking water and sewer lines and report to the department head. He, in turn, notifies Banken who coordinates the overall efforts.

The park superintendent arranges for housing for residents who are displaced or in need of shelter and food. City facilities, such as the old gym on Park Street, will be the first to be used. But the city has a list of other locations that have been volunteered by the schools, private clubs and churches. This list includes what type of facility it is and the types of services offered. These details include whether it has a kitchen, restrooms or showers available for use. Stidham said it is important to know who could prepare food in the event it became necessary.

The street superintendent would need to assess transportation needs and check into problems such as damaged bridges or streets. He would be informed of federal, state and county transportation needs to begin opening vital routes for emergency use.

The fire department would be assessing and responding to any fires, hazardous waste spills or gas main leaks that may arise from an emergency. Since Baken would be the overall manager, it would be up to his officers to spearhead these efforts.

The police department would in be charge of order and control during the emergency. They would also be in contact with the National Guard, if needed, and state and county law enforcement. The police department would oversee the distribution of food and supplies, and any other crisis that may arise.

Stidham said the city has agreements with many local food suppliers to provide bottled water if it is needed. If the emergency is prolonged, these outlets would also provide food and other basic necessities. Many area businesses including Tyson, Wal-Mart, Wallace and Owens, and Town and Country have committed to helping the city.

Stidham said the city has not had a drill, but he could foresee that one would be scheduled to check for problems with the plan and identify areas that may need improvement.

"It's a plan," said Stidham, "There may be situations that arise that will have to be addressed in an updated plan."

Stidham added, "My main goal is to take care of the people of Dexter and citizens around it."

Stidham looks at the Emergency Plan as an ongoing process. He hopes to address specific needs for residents who may be handicapped, and those that are confined to nursing homes or other residential care facilities.