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Emergency Preparedness: Tampa

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Port Tampa Bay Strengthens Emergency Readiness by Receiving Mobile Command Unit

Port Tampa Bay has taken delivery of new mobile command unit (MCU), designed as a turnkey temporary administrative command solution after a major storm or other destructive event or hazard.

The delivery followed by a few days the port’s "StormReady" designation by the National Weather Service (NWS), and underscores the importance of preparedness to a port with a critical role as the region’s energy products gateway. 

The MCU will function as a communications center, with vessel traffic monitoring, triage, and complete remote capabilities.  It comes equipped with computers, conference table, kitchenette, and television monitors.

The MCU will enable essential port staff to work more efficiently in restoring port operations and to more efficiently assess damages and promote the protection of life and property. The unit’s sophisticated technologies will greatly reduce the time required to reestablish communications, access control and vessel traffic monitoring from remote locations.

The port authority intends to make the MCU available to its safety partners on an as-needed basis. Funding for the unit included a $705,000 Federal Port Security grant and the port’s required 25 percent matching contribution.

"Safety and security are key priorities at Port Tampa Bay, and this mobile command unit is lifting the port to a far greater level of critical readiness in the event of a heavy weather event or other natural or man-made occurrence that would negatively impact port operations, access and safety," said Port CEO Paul Anderson. "Port Tampa Bay is grateful to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for recognizing our needs and our critical role and for providing grant funding for this truly game-changing asset."


Port Tampa Bay’s new mobile command unit
Photo/Port Tampa Bay
 

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