Emergency communicationRI’s new emergency manager makes disaster communication key priority

One of the top priorities for Theresa C. Murray, Rhode Island’s new executive director of emergency management, is communication particularly among government employees during a major attack or a disaster.

Drawing on her experiences during the 9/11 attacks, Murray wants to implement call-tree drills so that employees can be found.

At the time of the attacks, Murray was serving as a supervisor to the Department of Education’s Inspector General where she was responsible for overseeing staff in Puerto Rico and New York City. The department’s offices at 75 Park Place were destroyed and Murray said, “I couldn’t find employees that worked for me.”

“We were trying to find employees until late that evening because obviously there was a breakdown of communication,” she added.

Following the attacks, the federal government began conducting call-tree drills, a practice she plans to introduce to Rhode Island.

“When we have these basics covered and we’re drilling on these basics, the rest will fall into place,’’ Murray said.

Additionally Murray wants all state agencies to identify a location within their offices where they can shelter in place in the event that it is too dangerous to go outside.

All state agencies will also be instructed to conduct evacuation drills and identify a relocation spot if employees are forced to flee their offices.

Murray assumed her responsibilities on Tuesday following her predecessor J. David Smith’s retirement last year.
Prior to assuming office, Murray served as the regional catastrophic planner for Rhode Island as part of Boston’s Office of Emergency Management.