by Shoshana Dubnow

Missouri School of Journalism

 

The new Joint Committee on Disaster Preparedness announced its leadership and initiatives this week.

Senator Jason Holsman, a Democrat representing part of Jackson County, was named the chair of the committee. He spoke at a press conference on Thursday about a disaster report due in two years. The report will look into several areas, including ways to strengthen communication between national agencies and first responders.

“One thing we know is certain is that we know disasters are going to continue to happen. Weather is only getting more extreme as the years pass, and I think it’s important that our citizens have the best possible preparation and awareness that we can give them.”

Another one of the senator’s goals is to establish a disaster emergency management fund, which would be granted out during emergencies.