For Parsippany’s OEM Chief, It's All About Planning

In a post-9/11 world, more planning makes us better prepared--and safer.

Such is the philosophy of Eric Hubner, the coordinator of Parsippany's Office of Emergency Management. Whatever the situation--flooding, pandemics, oil spills, threats to local security--Hubner has a plan.  He says he spends most of the time planning and working to prevent incidents.  In a post-9/11 world, according to Hubner, more planning makes us better prepared.  

“My job is make sure that everyone knows who is responsible ahead of time, who has the authority, and how we’re going to communicate before the emergency happens,” Hubner said. 

He also spends much of his time working to prevent emergencies in an effort to keep the township safe from any threat, be it al-Qaida or a wild animal  on the loose.

A typical work day for Hubner might include investigating critical infrastructure, monitoring the Rockaway River, ordering plastic traffic barricades or meeting with the mayor and police. 

Hubner has also worked with county officials to develop extensive mitigation plans for Parsippany, so the town complies with Federal Emergency Management Agency regulations and remains eligible to receive relief funds for flooding and other disasters. 

The responsibility for Parsippany’s emergency management has been Hubner’s since his first appointment by former Mayor Mimi Letts eight years ago. His work in the field began, however, in 1998, when he was tasked with formulating Bloomingdale's Y2K emergency plans.  He later served as deputy OEM coordinator in Parsippany. 

OEM coordinator is a paid, part-time position filled by mayoral appointment. The term of office is three years. The job pays about $18,000 per year.

A graduate of Georgetown University with a degree in accounting and business, Hubner has worked in business for the past 30 years, where he gained management experience. As a public safety officer, a special police officer and commissioner for Parsippany Fire District 6, Hubner not only put his energy toward public service, he also spent years cross-training with other emergency response departments. 

Hubner has been active in church groups, Rotary clubs, president of the chamber of commerce in different towns.  He has lived in Parsippany for 25 years. 

Hubner's passion for his job is evident.

“I love it," he said.  "On a personal basis I love helping people.  I’ve done it all my life.  I’ve seen the need here for better emergency management.” 

Hubner said his job has three main priorities. In order, they are planning, communication, and monitoring the plan. He works with a team to get it all done--the core planning group includes Parsippany's  chief of police, two deputy coordinators and the hazardous materials coordinator.  Hubner also meets regularly with representatives from fire, public works, schools, emergency medical services, health care, and social services. 

Together, these people make up the Local Emergency Planning Committee. During an emergency such as the recent Hurricane Irene--or an event akin to what went on in New York City 10 years ago--the panel meets at the Emergency Planning Center to coordinate efforts. 

“Aside from tsunamis, we get everything else in Parsippany,” Hubner said. 

Indeed, the township has experienced (and survived) floods, blizzards, ice storms and pandemics within recent memory.  Accidents on interstate highways also require OEM efforts to coordinate people and resources. 

One area promoted by the national government after the 9/11 attacks was the notion of personal preparedness. (Remember being urged to stock duct tape?) This area is one Hubner takes seriously.

Hence a new campaign: Ready Parsippany, which is all about personal preparedness. OEM offers opportunities for residents to learn how to help themselves and their neighbors during crises at free Community Emergency Response Team training sessions. More information on CERT is available on www.parsippanyoem.org. 

But Hubner says even those who aren't taking CERT training can and must take steps to protect themselves in the event of an emergency.

If the emergency is a power outage, Hubner's advice seems obvious.

"We always tell people to carry a transistor radio, so they know what’s going on,” he said, noting that a car radio will work also.

Hubner also advised residents to check local television or radio stations throughout an emergency situation to stay informed. Other sources of official information: the municipal site, which offers breaking news banners, and the Parsippany Police Department, which can be found  on its own website, on Facebook and on Twitter.  Residents may also sign up to receive police department email updates and Reverse 9-1-1 phone alerts, which update residents with information and instructions.    

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