MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio – From unexpected road closures to storm-related emergencies, Cuyahoga County’s voluntary ReadyNotify emergency notification system has been keeping Middleburg Heights residents safe and informed for five years.
A recertification plaque to celebrate that milestone was presented during the Oct. 8 City Council meeting, with county officials and Middleburg Heights Fire Chief Briant Galgas in attendance.
EMA Director Mark Christie of the Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management, joined by Senior Emergency Management Specialist Sara Lippi, explained that in the calm before any storm, preparation plays a significant role in making sure people stay informed.
“We work and plan with our local communities and first responders to ensure that response to a larger scale issue or emergency in our county is going to be handled that much more effectively and efficiently,” Christie said.
“ReadyNotify enables a community to go above and beyond where we think they should be for public safety and emergency management.”
He added county benchmarks to achieve and maintain ReadyNotify certification are “attainable, but difficult to meet.”
“This is a testament to the dedication to safety in this community,” Christie said. “Congratulations to the city on a job well done.”
Galgas, who Mayor Matt Castelli emphasized “does a lot of things that are truly above and beyond his required duties,” praised the collaborative efforts of the Office of Emergency Management staff.
“They have been with us every step along the way,” Galgas said.
“They have been fantastic and make it very easy.”
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