Before the city proceeds with final designs for an expansion of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, I believe city leaders should consider the potential that the DECC may be needed as a regional emergency facility. Such forward planning makes sense in light of recent catastrophes in cities like New Orleans where public buildings became crisis shelters by default.
I'm a lifelong resident of Duluth and have no vested interest other than being a taxpayer. I offer the following ideas as a possible path to preparedness that could be incorporated into the design of the DECC expansion.
The new DECC could be built to include police, fire and EMT substations that could be readily modified to handle emergency contingency plans; a police, fire and EMT communications center to complement the Police Department's main communications center; a secure food and water storage facility; storage areas for an ample number of cots and blankets; emergency generators and backup generators to guarantee heat in the winter, coolness in the summer and electricity 24 hours a day; parking ramps with elevators large enough to accommodate wheelchairs and stretchers; a secure place where military and emergency helicopters could land; harbor access for the Coast Guard and access for trains and buses.
With such features, the DECC could be designated as a regional crisis center. Families would know the facility is safe and secure.
Public input could be sought in final designs. And a crisis management plan could be written for the region at the same time with input and support from city, county, state and federal agencies, including from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security -- with the information gathered made available to the public.
ADVERTISEMENT
These are only general suggestions. I offer them after speaking with many individuals in government agencies and experts in the field of crisis management. The final responsibility for implementation falls, of course, to the city. Duluth has an opportunity to step up and to be one of the first cities to design a regional facility that would be ready in a time of crisis.
I cannot offer expert advice on costs, but in the light of recent events, the price would be nominal when compared to the toll on human life and the impacts a crisis could have on the city if we aren't properly prepared.
The old adage seems so true: When we fail to plan, we plan on failing.
Ted Pavlovich of Duluth is a branch manager of Raymond James and Associates, a brokerage firm. He has been researching this commentary for at least a year.
