Discourse in Democracy, in partnership with the Common Experience Program and the university chapter of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), invited Mr. Juan Ortiz to speak to the university community. Although the presentation was originally scheduled for an hour, Mr. Ortiz spoke to the 50 attendees for 90 minutes. As the director of the City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Mr. Ortiz is a member of the Emergency Management Association of Texas, the International Association of Emergency Managers, ICMA, and the Local Government Hispanic Network. Though the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is one of the smallest departments for the City of Austin, it is the most visible office during an emergency.
A native Texan, born in Rio Hondo and raised in Brownsville Texas, Mr. Ortiz earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency Administration and Disaster Planning in May 1994 from the University of North Texas in Denton. During his presentation, he reminisced how his career with the City of Fort Worth’s Office of Emergency Management began a month before he finished his degree. At the time, most people in society did not understand the purpose of his degree. As such, he often had to explain why disaster preparedness mattered. The experience as an Emergency Management Officer in Fort Worth would serve as the first step in his career journey.
Mr. Ortiz described the challenges he encountered in emergency management including reporting to multiple bosses. For instance, he stated that it is possible to report to the fire chief, assistant city manager, the mayor, and a county judge. The latter two individuals are the most important offices during a disaster. He contends that his civics and American government classes were the most important courses he took because it explains how government functions.
When a disaster does not occur, Mr. Ortiz stated that he is busy writing and revising plans. His 28-year career in the United States Coast Guard may have influenced his ability to plan. In military parlance, “Proper planning prevents [predictably] poor performance.” To create a good plan, all stakeholders have a part to play in the process. His remarks centered on the cyclical process of emergency management that occurs in four phases: preparedness, response, recovery, and prevention/mitigation. For municipalities, the planning process includes community outreach, for people need to receive the necessary information about a disaster. The audience was encouraged to buy supplies ahead of a disaster to avoid the last-minute rush to the supermarket or a big box store. Supply chain system management issues exacerbate the challenges of last-minute preparedness. Water, canned goods, and other non-perishables can be purchased slowly and rotated regularly to avoid spoilage. Also, an emergency supply kit is important to include flashlights, batteries, medical supplies, and one gallon of water per day per person for consumption. The federal standard for a supply kit is three days; however, a 7-14-day supply is better. Mr. Ortiz reminded the audience to get to know their neighbors whether they live in an apartment or a house. Details about preparedness materials can be found on the office website. WarnCentralTexas.org website is an emergency notification system for residents within Central Texas’ 10 counties.“
Questions from the audience were focused on Winter Storm Uri in February 2021.
Though his office is small, it has added personnel over the years. Mr. Ortiz said his office seeks graduate students with knowledge of public administration, financial analysis, and Spanish speaking skills. With the large grants that his office receives, he needs personnel to help manage those funds in compliance with the grant requirements.
