Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Independent Review of Winter Storm Response

Review of Emergency Management Structure

March 2007 – November 2007

On February 14, 2007, a severe winter storm hit the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, resulting in more than 150 miles of blocked interstate highways. Hundreds of motorists were stranded overnight. The Commonwealth's recognized that its response was uncoordinated and unacceptable.

Disappointed by the state's performance, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell hired James Lee Witt Associates (JLWA) to perform an independent investigation of Pennsylvania's response to the winter storm. JLWA reviewed the actions taken by the Commonwealth's Emergency Management Agency, Department of Transportation, State Police and National Guard and produced a report with findings and recommendations. The report recommended and prioritized steps that the Commonwealth should take to improve its communications, incident command structure and emergency response operations. Upon completion of the report on the winter storm, Governor Rendell charged the agencies with significant roles in emergency management to implement the recommendations found in the JLWA report.

In the report on the winter storm, JLWA outlined fundamental, structural issues with Pennsylvania's emergency management and recommended that the state review its public safety organization more closely. The Governor reengaged JLWA to review state agencies' leadership, coordination and organizational structures; relationships between state agencies and local and regional partners; state laws and regulations; and statewide adoption of the National Incident Management System (NIMS). JLWA delivered the report to Governor Rendell in November 2007 with recommendations in each of these areas.

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