Emergency Management Committee

The Basalt Emergency Management Committee (BEMC) ensures early warnings, shelter, and emergency preparedness are planned for.

Committee Tasks

BEMC tasking is directed to:

  • The continued development and implementation of the Town of Basalt Emergency Plan of June 2002 and prioritization of plan annexes
  • Educate the community on emergency preparations and evacuation procedures
  • Educate the community and Town of Basalt staff on the principles and structure of the Incident Command System (ICS)
  • Advise the Basalt Town Council on the development and implementation of emergency policies
  • Coordinate Basalt emergency services to support professional emergency services already in place
  • Coordinate with the Bureau of Reclamation the local concerns regarding Ruedi Reservoir including, but not limited to:
    • Warning systems
    • Flood flow elevations
    • Risk from the Roaring Fork and other tributaries
    • Potential inundation and impacts to down valley communities
    • Emergency procedures

Vital Early Warning System

BEMC works in cooperation with the Public Safety Councils in Pitkin, Eagle,and Garfield counties. These organizations work through ICS in the event of a flood, wildfire, hazardous materials incident, gas / electric / propane emergency, shootings, or other serious regional emergencies. BEMC cooperates with all these entities to ensure that local residents receive notification and detailed, informed instructions in case of an emergency.

Members

  • Leroy Duroux, Chair, Citizen Member
  • Robert Woods, Citizen Member
  • VACANT, Citizen Member
  • Valerie MacDonald, Pitkin County Emergency Coordinator
  • Barry Smith, Eagle County Emergency Coordinator
  • Scott Thompson, Basalt Fire Chief
  • Greg Knott, Basalt Police Chief
  • Jennifer Riffle, Basalt Town Council Representative
  • Boyd Bierbaum, Basalt Public Works Director
  • Basalt PIO - vacant
  • Pam Schilling, Town Clerk - Administrative Assistant to the BEMC

Mission

Basalt's Emergency Management Committee (BEMC) was formed by resolution in early 2003 with the following mission:

  • To direct community input to ensure the public safety entities are meeting the needs of the community in order to protect the lives and property of citizens in the Basalt area.