Emergency Management installs new generator in Miami

Compiled by Sarah Gray Managing Editor

The town of Miami, Mo., has some emergency backup after a new generator was installed on Monday, Sept. 12.

Saline County Emergency Management Director Tony Day stated they came up with the concept of getting warming/ cooling centers established in smaller towns and found that small generators would cover heating, cooling and some lights.

Miami’s new generator was installed in the Miami Community Center, which also acts as the town’s government meeting place. His department has been working on this project for a year. “We fired it up, and everything worked well,” Day said. “There are still a few glitches … an electrician will have to meet with the city. But we want to get this up and running before the next (generator) is installed at Grand Pass.”

The Emergency Management Department purchased the generator with funds through an ARPA gra or the American Rescue Plan. It utilizes two 45-pound cylinders of propane, according to Day, but can also be powered by gasoline should the propane run out.

“That should run them for several days before needing to be replaced or switched to gasoline,” Day explained.

Day noted that during an emergency that causes power loss, many people need electricity, particularly those dependent on machines such as oxygen machines.

The town of Grand Pass will be the recipient of the next generator garnered by the Emergency Management Department. Officials also plan to have one installed at Emma City Hall.