Community Service Officer Paul Davis, of the Whitehall Township Bureau of Police, introduced Christopher Grim to attendees at August’s Whitehall Crime Watch meeting. Grim is the director and emergency management coordinator of Whitehall Township and has held this position for three years. He has been in public safety for 15 years.

“Our primary mission,” Grim said, “is to support the residents, visitors and first responders of Whitehall Township to reduce the loss of life and property in order to protect the environments from all hazards, mainly natural and acts of terrorism. (This is) accomplished through collaboration to build, sustain and improve our capabilities to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate hazards by providing coordinating resources, expertise, leadership and advocacy through a comprehensive all-hazards, risked-based preparedness program.”

Grim said 40 percent of businesses do not reopen after a major disaster. If that were to occur in the township, it would be a hurt to the economy here in Whitehall, Grim said.

“So, my goal is to make sure the businesses have a plan, so they can stay open after a disaster,” he said.

Grim discussed one example of a recurring small-scale disaster and how Whitehall Township Emergency Management Agency is currently trying to control. Many times during heavy rain, flooding occurs in front of Taco Bell on MacArthur Road.

“A way to mitigate that is us working with PennDOT to install a bigger drainage system,” Grim said.

September is National Preparedness Month. “Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your plan today,” Grim said. “Some things to think about when you’re making your plan are practice your plan with your family members, participate in training, document and ensure property, make your property safer and conduct your plan with neighbors. Those are ways, as a resident, you can better prepare,” Grim said.

Grim also recommended having a disaster supply kit, which should include water, food, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, first-aid kit, a whistle to signal for help, a dust mask, moist toilettes, garbage bags, plastic ties, a can opener, prescription medications, infant formula, pet food, important family documents, insurance policies, identifications, extra cash and documentations - whether video, photos or a written record - of household valuables.

“Disasters happen everywhere,” Grim reminded Crime Watch meeting attendees. “We never thought a tornado or straight-line winds would come near Whitehall. You have to be prepared for that.”

Crime Watch meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month in the public meeting room of the Whitehall Township Municipal Building, 3219 MacArthur Road. Meetings start at 7 p.m. and are open to the public.