Paid response coordinator eases Camano Island emergency worry

Published 10:55 pm Thursday, April 23, 2009

CAMANO ISLAND — People here will get better emergency management services.

The island’s location — separated from the rest of its county — creates a challenge, said Levon Yengoyan, assistant chief for Camano Island Fire and Rescue.

Although it’s a part of Island County, Camano Island is physically tied to Stanwood. Thanks to a federal grant, islanders now will have emergency planning and management services that used to be difficult to get.

“Trying to get access to services is a constant challenge,” Yengoyan said. It’s already difficult for the county to address Camano Island’s unique needs, and the budget crunch only makes it worse.”

Island County’s Department of Emergency Management consists of one person, said Mike Simmons, an emergency manager with the fire department. The grant money will go toward Simmons’ salary. No budget increase is needed.

“I can basically double the capability of that office and save the travel time of that person,” Simmons said.

He will be able to focus more on what islanders need.

Emergency management and planning services include running an emergency operations center in case of a snowstorm and training the local Community Emergency Response Team.

Camano Island is not an incorporated city, and these services are coordinated out of the fire district, Simmons said.

A program called Disaster Registry allows people to get on a list for volunteers to check on them during an emergency. It’s helpful for seniors and people with disabilities who may need special help in case of emergency, Simmons said.

Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452, kyefimova@heraldnet.com.