Independence Emergency Volunteers Express Concern Over City's Disaster Preparedness Amidst Relationship Changes
A volunteer group focused on emergency preparedness in Independence, Missouri, is concerned that recent changes in the city's approach have left its relationship with volunteers in limbo, potentially compromising residents' safety during future disasters. This concern follows a severe thunderstorm on September 6 during SantaCaliGon Days, which brought 60 mph winds, damaging tents and vendor merchandise. Justin Gann, Vice President of Volunteers of Independence Prepared for Emergency Response (VIPER), stated that the storm highlighted a gap in the city's preparedness. He believes that with the previous volunteer operational structure, a greater lead time for warnings could have been provided. The city's emergency preparedness function was moved back to the Independence Fire Department in July, and a new emergency manager is expected to join next month. Communication between VIPER and the city reportedly deteriorated as emergency preparedness was shuffled between various departments. Gann, a trained storm sp...