Emergency manager magazine, Spring 2002

Emergency
MANAGER

SPRING 2002
State of Emergency Declared for Tri-State Crematory Incident
Preparing Georgia for New War on Terrorism
Get Ready for 2002 Governor's Emergency Management Conference

Emergency Manager is the official magazine of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency
Lisa Janak, Editor
Honorable Roy E. Barnes Governor
Gary W. McConnell Director
Lisa Ray Public Affairs Director
Ken Davis Public Affairs Officer
Buzz Weiss Public Affairs Coordinator
Lisa Janak Multi-Media Coordinator
Jennifer Collins Constituent Services
Coordinator
Katherine Huggins Public Information Specialist
Published by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency Post Office Box 18055 Atlanta, Georgia 30316
PHONE 1-800-TRY-GEMA
(404) 635-7000 FAX (404) 635-7205
Web site www.gema.state.ga.us
Cover drawing of New York firefighters raising the American flag
in front of Georgia's public safety memorial was created by Jasper County Emergency Management Agency Ed Westbrook after the events of September 11 in honor of all public safety professionals
lost in the line of duty.

From the Director
The Changing Faces of Disasters
We Americans have been aware of terrorism for years. However, we have had the luxury of viewing it from a safe distance. All of that changed abruptly and radically on September 11, when terrorism arrived at our own doorstep. The vivid and stunning images of this campaign of terror, continuously replayed on the networks, are now branded on our minds. Terrorism has been redefined for us. We have come to grips with the disquieting fact that there are grave and profound threats to our society, to our very way of life.
Emergency management has a broad range of responsibilities, and is faced with the daunting challenge of balancing and reprioritizing our duties on an ongoing basis. These sadistic acts of terrorism, however, make it clear where our emphasis will be placed in the years to come.
Fortunately, Georgia has been ahead of the curve in planning for the possibility of terrorism due, in large part, to the 1996 Olympics. In the years leading up to the Olympics and in the years since, we have considered various terrorism scenarios, enhanced training for emergency responders, and conducted countless exercises in an effort to plan for the worst. We have worked closely with the law enforcement community and all segments of public safety to identify threats, work to counteract them, and prepare to respond accordingly.
These initiatives will not only continue, but are being intensified and fine-tuned.
While there will undoubtedly be changes in our way of life, the conduct of business and government must and will continue. Georgians, like all Americans, will not be demoralized or intimidated. On the contrary, these incidents seem to have brought out our best.
There will continue to be healthy and constructive debate and discussion, on the political, diplomatic and military fronts, over the appropriate response to this vicious attack. The mission and goal of GEMA and its partners is strikingly clear, however. We will continue to work aggressively and tirelessly to protect not only the lives, but the way of life, of Georgia's 8 million citizens, regardless of their race, religion or ethnicity.
Sincerely,
Gary W. McConnell

1

Spring 2002 EMERGENCY MANAGER

Under the Dome

The events of September 11 and the Tri-State Crematory incident created a perceptibly different environment for state lawmakers at the Capitol for the 2002 session of the Georgia General Assembly, which convened in January.
A shaky economy and concerns about terrorism initially set the tone for this year's session. However, the grisly discovery at the Tri-State Crematory in Noble quickly made bills aimed at protecting the dead a top priority.
Several bills were introduced in response to the Tri-State incident. One of them, by House Public Safety Committee Chairman Mike Snow, passed the House 173-0 and was sent to the Senate. Another, by Senator Jeff Mullis, has passed the Senate unanimously and awaits House action. Both measures make the abandonment or abuse of a dead body a felony punishable by a maximum of three years and strengthen crematory licensing requirements. A third bill by Senator Richard Marable addresses the inspection of crematoriums. At press time, it was expected that the three proposals would be merged into one comprehensive bill.
Even as legislators passed laws about something that they never dreamed would

happen, other state business continued under the Dome as concerns about the economy were addressed. Governor Roy E. Barnes has noted that Georgia remains in better shape than most other states, and that he will focus his efforts on stimulating the economy.
"While we have had to make budget cuts, we have not been forced to eliminate state services," Barnes announced in his annual budget message to the General Assembly. "Layoffs are not on the table, and neither is raising taxes."
Governor Barnes has earmarked a total of $6.3 million in the amended budget for the current fiscal year and the

full-year budget for fiscal year 2003 for

homeland security and anti-terrorism

efforts. He is recommending 16 new

positions at the Georgia Emergency

Management Agency (GEMA) for

terrorism-related planning and response

efforts.

Legislation that would expand

GEMA's current authority to make grants

to local emergency management agencies

is expected to remain in committee for

further work and will not be considered

this year. Under the bill, the grants would

allow fire departments, emergency

medical services and 9-1-1 facilities to

purchase equipment and construct or

renovate buildings to store the equipment.

This bill also was sponsored by

Representative Snow.

In addition, GEMA is supporting

legislation by Representative Gail

Buckner of Clayton County that would

close loopholes in the state's criminal

trespass laws to require visitors to schools

to register at the administrative office.

In other action, the Senate has passed

a measure by Senator Richard Marable

that would require state agencies to

develop emergency response plans in

collaboration with GEMA. However, if it

passes, it will not be implemented until

funding is available.

Buzz Weiss

EMERGENCY MANAGER Spring 2002

Why?

The community of Noble, located in a quiet corner of northwest Georgia, was rocked by the news that hundreds of bodies were found dumped in pits, left in sheds and stacked in vaults around the Tri-State Crematory. Governor Roy E. Barnes declared a state of emergency on February 16, 2002, in order for state resources to be used in the grim cleanup and recovery operations.
As part of these efforts, the 16-acre site was cleared and a three-acre lake drained. Bodies that were carefully excavated by hand are being identified at a temporary morgue staffed by the

Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the federal Disaster Mortuary Operations Team.
It is estimated that approximately $2.6 million has been spent on the recovery and investigative operations, and costs are expected to escalate to $9.4 million when complete. As many as 400 local, state and federal responders were working in Walker County to recover, identify and return the remains of loved ones to their families.
By early March, 339 bodies had been recovered, 115 of which were positively identified. Lisa Janak

2

Exceptional EMA

Located approximately halfway between Atlanta and the GeorgiaTennessee border, Cherokee County has experienced practically everything that Mother Nature can dish out. From fires and floods to tornadoes and blizzards, Robby Westbrook has seen it all in his 23 years as a first responder; for him, coordinating disaster relief efforts is just another day on the job.
A lifelong resident of Cherokee County, Westbrook has served as its fire and emergency management agency (EMA) director for the last seven years. He also manages the Enhanced 9-1-1 center, which is located in the Cherokee County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Canton.
When he began working for Cherokee County, Westbrook supervised 150 - 200 volunteers. He now oversees 500 employees and volunteers and manages a $10 million annual budget. The Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Management Agency's growth reflects that of the county, which has doubled in size from 75,000 residents to 150,000 residents in recent years. "One of our biggest challenges is Cherokee's rapid growth," says Westbrook. "Calls to our Enhanced 9-1-1 center have increased 20 percent a year for the last several years."
The county is building a new public safety complex to accommodate the demands that growth places upon the

emergency management community. The $30 million project, which is scheduled for completion in June 2002, will house the EMA and EOC, fire department, 9-1-1 center, sheriff's office and jail. The center will be built to adhere to strict safety guidelines to help protect it against natural hazards, and will be equipped with living quarters and a computer network linked to the EOC.
Meeting the demands that changes in growth bring is an ongoing process. The most important aspect of this process is mitigation. "Some disasters we cannot prevent, but what we can do is lessen their effects on the community," explains Westbrook.
"In the last three years, we have sold $15,000 worth of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radios at dramatically reduced prices," Westbrook says, referring to the radios that receive weather alerts specific to a geographical region. Cherokee County also has 52 early warning sirens stationed around the county as part of its mitigation efforts.
In addition, Westbrook and his staff teach residents about 9-1-1, preparing and practicing family disaster plans, and assembling disaster supplies kits. With one of Georgia's largest and fastest growing Hispanic populations, Cherokee County also broadcasts emergency messages in Spanish to residents over the local cable and radio stations.

Under

Westbrook's

direction,

Cherokee

County has

earned the

designation

as a certified

StormReady

community.

To become

StormReady,

the com-

munity met

strict criteria

Robby Westbrook

established

collaboratively by the Georgia

Emergency Management Agency

(GEMA), the Emergency Management

Association of Georgia and National

Weather Service (NWS).

Technology also plays a role in the

successful communication efforts of the

Cherokee County EMA. Its Web site

www.cherokeega-ema.org is frequently

updated. Also, staff recently received

training in the Geographic Information

System (GIS), which will enable them to

pinpoint strategic locations such as

homes, sewers and power lines while in

the EOC. In addition, Cherokee County

EMA is one of two counties in Georgia

selected to test a pilot program for NWS.

This new software program will enable

the EMA to directly access NWS real-

time data.

In the past, Westbrook has been

recognized by Governor Roy E. Barnes,

GEMA Director Gary McConnell and the

Cherokee County Commission. The

accomplishment he is most proud of,

however, is bringing together the county's

six municipalities' city councils, fire

departments, and law enforcement

agencies for the first time to work as a

team in the EOC.

The passion Westbrook has for his

job and for Cherokee County is evident.

"This is the best county, the best place to

live ... this is where my heart is."

When it is complete in June, the Cherokee County public safety building will total more than 220,000 sq. ft. and house emergency management, fire, 9-1-1, sheriff and jail operations.
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Lisa Matheson, Director of Public Affairs, Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Management Agency
Spring 2002 EMERGENCY MANAGER

Transitions

Charles Dawson rejoins the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) as manager of field-delivered services after a brief tenure as incident management manager for the Georgia Department of Transportation. In his new position, Dawson is responsible for managing GEMA's School Safety Project and Field Programs, which recently were combined to ensure a smooth flow of information and coordinated response.
Three area school safety coordinators have recently joined GEMA's School Safety Project. GEMA's area school safety coordinators provide technical assistance in the areas of crisis management operations, planning and bomb threat management. They also conduct site surveys, help schools develop safety plans and respond to school incidents upon request.
Tracy Sargent, former GEMA exercise training officer, is responsible for west central Georgia, covering Carroll, Cobb, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, Heard and Paulding counties. Sargent, who has a master's degree in public health, is a search and rescue expert, firefighter, emergency medical technician, ham radio operator, scuba diver and peace officer.
Sheri Russo covers metro Atlanta, including Gwinnett and Rockdale counties, and also will address Georgia's youth gang problem. Russo recently received her master's degree in public health.
Greg Padgett will work with metro Atlanta schools, including Clayton and DeKalb counties. Most recently, Padgett was a broadcast meteorologist, reporter and storm spotter specializing in disaster preparedness issues for WPBF-TV in West Palm Beach, Florida. In 2000, he was recognized as Broadcaster of the Year by the National Weather Association (NWA), and was co-recipient of the NWA's Public Education Award.
Dawn Walker is GEMA's new exercise training officer. She will help local emergency managers develop exercises that test all components of their emergency operations plans. A native of
EMERGENCY MANAGER Spring 2002

Charles Dawson

Tracy Sargent

Sheri Russo

Greg Padgett

Dawn Walker

Jared Windhauser

Michael Reeves

Jennifer Collins

Dennis Tucker

Madison, Walker returns to Georgia from South Dakota, where she was state training officer for the South Dakota Division of Emergency Management.
Jared Windhauser joins GEMA as hazard mitigation specialist/grants administrator. Previously, he was responsible for the National Flood Insurance Program and the Hazard

Mitigation Grant Program at the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. He is a certified flood plain manager.
Michael Reeves also joined the hazard mitigation division as a planner. He works with local emergency management agency directors throughout Georgia to help them develop hazard
4

mitigation plans that comply with federal regulations. Reeves, who

In Brief

recently received his master's of

public administration from the

University of Georgia, completed internships with the City of Decatur, the City of Suwanee and Gwinnett County.
Jennifer Collins, former assistant director of admissions at Georgia Southern University, is the

Georgia's Emergency Missing Child Alert System Becomes a Reality

newest addition to the public affairs

division. As constituent services coordinator, Collins will respond to all correspondence received by the

O n January 22,

Governor

Roy

E.

abductor to the public much the same way

agency, arrange check presentations

Barnes announced

severe weather

for communities that receive funds

Levi's Call, a new

warnings are

from GEMA, and update elected

program that will send

broadcast. The

officials during major incidents.

an alert to radio and

goal of the

Collins has a master's degree in public

television stations

program is

administration.

minutes after there has

simple: Locate

In order to facilitate the

been a confirmed report of a child a child and abductor as soon as possible,

coordination of information between

abduction. The program is named in before there is any harm done.

GEMA and the Department of Public
Safety (DPS), Lieutenant Dennis Tucker has been named GEMA's

honor of Levi Frady, an 11-year-old boy from Forsyth County who was kidnapped and murdered in 1997 while riding his

To activate the system, local law enforcement will report the abduction to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation

liaison officer. He is GEMA's primary

bike home.

(GBI). Their investigators will confirm

contact to DPS, and will be assigned

Levi's Call will use the Emergency the report and determine if the case meets

to the state operations center during

Alert System (EAS) to deliver vital alert criteria.

activation.

Lisa Janak

information about a missing child and

To meet the criteria, the child must

be 17 years of age or younger and in

Cartoon by Ed Westbrook, Jasper County EMA Director

danger of harm or death, the description of the suspect and child must be good

enough to ensure that an immediate

broadcast alert will help identify them,

and the case must have been entered into

the National Crime Information Center

(NCIC) database.

Levi's Call will not be activated for

children who are taken by a non-custodial

parent and are not in imminent danger or

runaways, although some exceptions may

be granted.

GEMA will work with local law

enforcement officials to determine

whether the alert should be broadcast

statewide or locally, and will transmit

alert bulletins over the EAS to

broadcasters. The alert will run twice

during the first hour and then once every

hour for the next three hours.

The program is a collaborative effort

among GEMA, GBI, the Georgia

Association of Broadcasters, Georgia

The perfect gift for local emergency management agency directors ...

Association of Chiefs of Police, Georgia Sheriffs' Association, and the Department of Public Safety.

For more information, visit

www.ganet.org/gbi.

5

Spring 2002 EMERGENCY MANAGER

Winner Selected in GEMA's School Safety Slogan Contest

Last fall, GEMA's School Safety Project invited middle and high school students to participate in a slogan contest to help promote the message that most school violence can be prevented. In January, the winning slogan, "Come Together Stop the Violence," was selected from more than 250 entries.
Created by eleventh grader Jimmie McKinnon from Telfair County High School, the slogan and accompanying graphic design

will be featured on GEMA's "In the Zone" Web site at www.ganet.org/inthezone, where students can report potentially dangerous situations, and on other materials that promote peaceful resolution to problems. McKinnon also will receive a $500 U.S. Savings Bond. "Jimmie's slogan was right on target," says GEMA Director Gary W.
McConnell. "The only way to prevent violence is to work together."

Fire Grants Approved

More than 40 fire departments throughout Georgia have received more than $2.4 million in grants under the federal Assistance to Firefighters Program over the past several months. The grants are part of a $100 million initiative that is providing funding for fire prevention programs, fire apparatus and equipment, personal protective equipment, and wellness and fitness programs.
The Georgia agencies that have received grants are: Adel Fire Department, Ailey Fire Department, Allentown Fire Department, Barnesville Fire Prevention Programs, Bartow County Fire Department, Baxley Fire Department, Byromville Volunteer Fire Department, Cedar Creek Volunteer Fire Department (Abbeville), City of Blakely Fire Department, City of Cartersville Fire Department, City of Covington Fire Department , City of Decatur Fire Department, City of Fayetteville Fire Department, City of Smyrna Fire Department, City of Sylvester Fire Department, Cuthbert Fire Department, Dawson Fire Department, Dooly County Fire Department, Dudley

Volunteer Fire Department, East Dublin Fire Department, Effingham County Fire Rescue, Emanuel County Board of Commissioners, Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Hagan Volunteer Fire Department, Hall County Fire Prevention District, Hinesville Fire Department, Hopewell Community Volunteer Fire Department (Pine Mountain), Jasper County Fire Service, Jones County Fire Department, Lamar County Fire and Rescue Department, Leary Volunteer Fire Department, Marietta Fire and Emergency Services, Martinez Volunteer Fire Department, Mountain Park Fire Department, Murray County Fire Department, Nahunta Volunteer Fire Department, Peach County Fire Department, Pinehurst Fire Department, Pineview Fire Department, Remerton Fire Department, Rochelle Volunteer Fire Department, Rocky Ford Volunteer Fire Department, Statesboro Fire Department, Talking Rock Fire Department, Town of Mitchell and Union City Fire Services Bureau.
The program continues this year, with more than $360 million available to local fire departments nationwide.

EMERGENCY MANAGER Spring 2002

Macon-Bibb Volunteers Take CERT Class to Teach People to Survive After a Disaster
After a catastrophic disaster, blocked roads, downed communication lines, and the sheer numbers of the injured overwhelm emergency services and prevent first responders from immediately reaching all victims. Knowing basic survival and rescue skills will help people survive until help arrives.
These life-saving skills are taught at Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a 36-hour Train-the-Trainer course offered by the Emergency Management Institute (EMI). In December, Charles Jiles, Edward Helms and Richard Weires of the Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency became the first in Georgia to complete the course.
"These three guys are so dedicated that they took vacation time from their full-time jobs to attend the class at EMI," says Area 4 Field Coordinator Vickie Thompson .
Jiles, Helms and Weires will bring the skills they learned to the community by teaching citizens to take increased responsibility by preparing for and responding to disaster, and to take measures to prevent becoming a victim.
Developed by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985, CERT training promotes community self-sufficiency through developing response teams that act as an adjunct to local emergency services during major disasters. Topics covered include disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, disaster medical operations, light search and rescue operations, and disaster psychology and team organization.
For more information, visit www.fema.gov/emi/cert/prog.htm.
6

Chattooga County Receives Major Grant for Drought Problems

Chattooga County has been approved for a $300,000 grant to address drought relief and mitigation efforts as a part of Project Impact, a nontraditional federal initiative that encourages the public and private sectors in local communities to work collaboratively to assess vulnerability to hazards, and to implement strategies to limit damages before a disaster occurs. The grant will help connect municipal water systems in Chattooga County to ensure there is adequate water during a drought.
Previously, Summerville received more than $144,600 from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency

(GEMA) for an emergency water line and

a three-phase pump, which helps

distribute water to citizens and businesses

and to the city's biggest water user, Hays

State Prison.

The grant agreement was signed in

September, 2001, at a ceremony attended

by local, state and federal officials,

including

Chattooga

County

Commissioner Jim Parker, Summerville

Mayor Joe Robert Norton, Trion Mayor

Don Hayes, State Representative Barbara

Massey Reece and Chattooga County

Chamber of Commerce President Suzan

Spivey.

"We have traditionally worked to

assist local communities in response and

recovery efforts after disasters," said GEMA Director Gary W. McConnell. "We are now shifting that focus to put more emphasis on mitigation in advance of disasters to build stronger and safer communities."
According to McConnell, the program will create greater flexibility and a higher degree of local leadership in planning, which is consistent with the goal of the emergency management community to emphasize "front end" planning to reduce the risk from potential disasters.
The Chattooga County grant is the third of four such awards that have been made to Georgia communities.

GEMA Opens New Field Office

Aribbon-cutting ceremony on January 7, 2002, officially opened GEMA's Statesboro field office, which is located on the Georgia Southern University (GSU) campus. GEMA Director Gary W. McConnell and GSU Vice President for Business and Finance Dr. Ronald Core were on hand for the event.
"We are so pleased to have this new GEMA field office located on the Georgia Southern campus," said McConnell. "The University, under the leadership of GSU President Dr. Bruce Grube, has been a true partner in this endeavor by providing and renovating the building, as well as providing other support services for our agency."
During the ceremony, McConnell also announced a $140,394 wind retrofit grant for GSU. The funding will be used to reinforce eight buildings on the GSU campus designated to serve as emergency shelters and shelter support facilities. Windows and other openings on these structures will be reinforced by a film protection that can prevent dangerous flying shards in future severe wind storms up to 120 mph.

The Statesboro office is one of six field offices located throughout the state. Other field offices are located in

Cordele, Forsyth, Gainesville, Rome and Savannah. GEMA is headquartered in Atlanta.

Attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony at GEMA's Statesboro field office are (left to right): GEMA Director Gary W. McConnell, GEMA Area School Safety Coordinator Gordon Lowe, GEMA Hazard Mitigation Specialist Paul Putnam, Senator Jack Hill, Representative Bob Lane, Georgia Southern University Vice President Dr. Ron Core, Georgia Southern University Public Safety Chief Ken Brown and GEMA Area Field Coordinator Chuck Ray.

7

Spring 2002 EMERGENCY MANAGER

This Community
is
Newest StormReady Communities
Clayton, Effingham, Gwinnett and Habersham counties have become the latest additions to the growing list of communities recognized by GEMA and the National Weather Service as StormReady.
Although specific StormReady guidelines vary depending on the size of the community, to be designated in the program requires the following: q Establish a 24-hour warning point
and emergency operations center; q Develop more than one way to
receive and disseminate severe weather warnings and forecasts to alert the public; q Create a system that monitors local weather conditions; q Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars; and q Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe weather spotters and holding emergency exercises. There are now 22 StormReady communities in Georgia. They include Appling, Bartow, Bibb, Chatham, Cherokee, Clayton, Columbia, Douglas, Effingham, Fayette, Gwinnett, Habersham, Hall, Jackson, Richmond, Union, Upson and Ware.
EMERGENCY MANAGER Spring 2002

Bureau of Justice Assistance Benefits Program to Cover Emergency Managers

The Public Safety Officer's Benefits (PSOB) Act has been amended to include disability and death benefits for local, state and federal emergency personnel impacted during a federally declared disaster or emergency, according to the Bureau of Justice and Assistance (BJA).
The PSOB Act was passed in 1976 to provide one-time financial benefits of $100,000 to the eligible survivors of public safety officers who died as a direct and proximate result of a traumatic injury sustained in the line of duty. Those who are permanently and totally disabled by a catastrophic personal injury sustained in the line of duty that prevents the officer from

performing any gainful work may also receive the benefits.
In October of 2000, the PSOB Act was expanded to cover local, state and federal emergency management or civil defense agency employees suffering disabilities or loss of life performing duties related to a declared major disaster or emergency that occurred after October 30, 2000.
Eligible survivors or disability claimants may file claims directly with the BJA or through the public safety agency, organization or unit where they served. For more information about the PSOB, contact the BJA at 1-800-421-6770 or 202-307-1480 or at ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/html/new1.htm.

Pint-sized Heroes

January 24 was declared 9-1-1 Appreciation Day in Georgia. As part of the festivities, Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor honored the children of Georgia who properly and successfully dialed 9-1-1 in an emergency. Joining him for a photo are (front row, left to right) Hunter Crigler, Trenquise Gaudlock, Isabel Marroquin, (middle row, left to right) Shanese Ewing, Robert Manton, Migual Marroquin, Skylar Wooten, and (back row) Angelique Delgado, who is holding the baby sister she delivered with the help of a 9-1-1 operator. Missing is Derric Muncher.
8

Gang graffiti in metro Atlanta.

FACTS ON
GANGS:
What You Need to Know
By Sheri Russo Area School Safety Coordinator

According to a 1996 nationwide survey of law enforcement agencies conducted by the National Drug Intelligence Center's Violent Crimes/Gang Program, gang activity was reported in 68 percent of jurisdictions that served a population of 25,000 or less. Clearly, gangs are no longer just an inner city problem.
Violent gang activity can be found in cities, suburbs, small towns and rural communities across Georgia. In Augusta, two gang members died from gunfire the day after Thanksgiving last year. In DeKalb County, a gang member received a life sentence for shooting and killing a rival gang member to settle a score. Highly publicized gang-related crimes also are increasing in Gwinnett County. Last year, the death of a 24-year-old college student outside a restaurant was linked to gang violence. And in November 2000, two girls were shot by two other girls in a Norcross soccer complex for being disloyal to their gang. Although one died after being shot twice in the head and stabbed in the abdomen, the other managed to make it to a pay phone to call for help after being shot in the throat.
Investigators in the Lawrenceville area are finding that gangs are merging with each other. For example, gangs known as the Brownside Locos and Malditos 13 are beginning to identify themselves as "Browntown."
Because the majority of gang members are 17 years old or younger,
9

gang violence is a significant problem for schools. Acts of vandalism, graffiti, intimidation, even shootouts between rival gangs can transform the learning environment into a place where children are more focused on their safety rather than learning their ABCs.
Who joins a gang? Gang involvement is appealing to children who: q Live in poverty q Have poor self-esteem q Possess poor decision-making and communication skills q Are victims of domestic violence q Have parents in denial of a gang problem q Live in a gang-infested community
Make sure your child does not join a gang: Tips for parents q Become involved: Learn as much information as you can about gangs. q Learn about Gang Resistance, Education, and Training (GREAT): This program provides children with the skills necessary to combat the stresses that set the stage for gang involvement. q Read to your children: Studies show that the number of prison beds that will be filled in the future correlates to the number of third graders who cannot read. q Know your child's friends: If your child is hanging out with a known

gang member, it is very likely that your child will become involved in a gang. q Communicate: Develop open and frequent communication with your child. q Set limits: Older gang members target curfew breakers. q Encourage healthy activities: Get children involved in athletics, arts, music and any other healthy activities that will allow them to gain a sense of belonging. q Avoid denial: Do not think that gang involvement is just a phase. Older gang members will use the younger members to take all the risks. q Say no to gangs: Make it clear to children that gang activity will not be tolerated.
Stay informed, involved and aware. Help your children choose to refuse gang membership by becoming more involved in their lives, building their self-esteem at home, and working to combat the gang problem in your community.
Common gang slang Gang Banger: An active gang member Jump In: Gang Initiation OG: Original Gang member Tagger: Someone who uses graffiti Wannabe (Want To Be's): Youngster who wants to be a gang member. (very dangerous due to the fact they will do anything to be like a gang member) Packing: gang member with a gun
Spring 2002 EMERGENCY MANAGER

Safety Guidelines for Portable Classrooms
By Steve Harris, School Safety Project Manager and John Cleveland, Area School Safety Coordinator

In the last ten years, the number of students in public schools has grown by approximately 300,000 to total more than 1.4 million, and this number continues to rise. To deal with increasing populations, many school districts across Georgia use an estimated 7,500 portable classroom units. Because of the large number of portable units located on school campuses, it is imperative safety guidelines are in place. Below is a sample checklist of necessary safety standards.

Mobile or Modular Unit Safety and Security Checklist

Are mobile unit doors locked during instructional hours to prevent unregistered or unwanted visitors from gaining access to the unit?

Are mobile units clearly marked on several sides with a large, distinguishing number or letter to assist public safety officials in their response efforts in the event of an emergency?

This portable classroom does not have skirting to restrict access beneath the unit. Also, cars are parked too close to the portable classrooms, blocking emergency evacuation routes and creating a possible fire hazard.

Do mobile units have two-way communication to the main office? Can the mobile unit occupants hear all intercom announcements?
Do the mobile units have a smoke detector, fire alarm pull station, or audible fire alarm speaker located inside the units? Is the system separate from the main building's system?
Are the trailer hitches exposed as a possible pedestrian hazard?
Are the mobile unit's exterior, power boxes locked or easily accessible to provide for possible electrocution accidents or vandalism?
Is the area surrounding the mobile

unit(s) or covered pedestrian walkway leading to the units provided with adequate exterior lighting?
Are the units equipped with some type of skirting to restrict access beneath the units to prevent placement of contraband, arson activity or vandalism?
Is vehicle parking restricted within 10 feet to 20 feet of the mobile units to prevent possible fire hazards or block emergency evacuations?
Are teachers' names visible on the mobile unit doors? This may provide the public with an easy identifier to target specific teachers.
Are bricks, blocks or metal objects

being used as door props for the units? These items would be very accessible to be used as weapons or objects of vandalism.
Are the mobile units equipped with ground tie-downs that meet windstorm and tornado safety regulations?
Are the stairways or entrance inclines providing access to the mobile units safe and in good condition?
Have tornado shelter areas been designated inside the main building for the mobile unit occupants?
Are all mobile unit teachers equipped with a master key to the main building to provide quick entry in times of a crisis?

EMERGENCY MANAGER Spring 2002

10

Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army.

This letter from children who lost their father when the World Trade Center towers fell expresses their feelings of sorrow and loss.

How to Help Kids Heal When Hate Hits Home

The following guidelines were developed by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency's (GEMA) School Safety Project after the events of September 11 to help children cope with acts of terrorism and disaster.
Recognizing distress signals Even though Georgia was not directly impacted by a terrorist act on September 11, all Georgians were emotionally affected by this national tragedy. Children are more likely to feel frightened and vulnerable during these difficult times. Therefore, it is important that parents and teachers become familiar with the behavior children may display when attempting to cope with a traumatic event.

Early recognition and intervention is essential in helping them return to their pre-crisis level of functioning. Below are some of the signs that could indicate that a child or adolescent is experiencing emotional distress.
q Crying q Physical complaints q Not wanting to talk q Anger q Wanting to be alone q Separation anxiety q Not wanting to go to school q Fear of reoccurrence q Lack of concentration q Misbehavior at school q Sleeping or eating problems q Nervousness

11

Spring 2002 EMERGENCY MANAGER

Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army.

Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army.

q Use of drugs or alcohol q Irritability q Excessive daydreaming q Regressive behaviors, such as
bedwetting q Excessive worry q Feelings of helplessness
What parents can do The following is a list of things parents can do to assist children during times of tragedy. If signs of emotional distress continue, consult a mental health professional. q Spend extra time with your child. q Talk about the tragedy. q Reaffirm the future. Talk in hopeful terms. q Be a role model for the expression of feelings. q Encourage children to write or draw their feelings. q Help them get counseling if they need it. q Relax rules or chores temporarily if a break in routine is needed. q Practice the safety measures to be taken in future disasters. q Encourage social activities.
What schools can do School officials may take the following measures to support students. Create a "drop-in room," which is a quiet area where students may grieve and receive mental health support services. The drop-in room should be established as soon as possible after an incident and remain open for several days. Students who display intense traumatic reactions or signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder during this time should be referred to another mental health resource for counseling. It is important to get back to a routine, but allow students the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings. When talking with students about the tragedy, be honest, but keep the discussions age and developmentally appropriate. If children are anxious or fearful, let them know when they are having normal reactions to abnormal situations. Reaffirm your support, and reassure them that measures are being taken to keep them safe. Review your school safety plan. School officials should be on the lookout for potential spin-off incidents. Also,

A collection of teddy bears honors the children of the victims of the September 11 World Trade Center disaster and the loved ones they lost.

review school threat assessment and

management procedures and sign up for

additional training, if needed.

Remember, children respond to

trauma in different ways and at different

times. Some may want to talk about the

details, some may grow quiet and

concerned, and others may want to get

back to normal as quickly as possible.

Patience and support are necessary in

helping children integrate the traumatic

experience into their lives. Emotional

expression should be encouraged.

Adolescents may rebound from a

traumatic event more quickly if they

assist in the recovery efforts of their

school or community. They also should be

encouraged to interact with their friends

for additional support.

Keep in mind that anniversaries, such

as birthdays, holidays, or the date of the

incident, also may trigger strong

emotional reactions that could require

additional support.

The way children process a traumatic

event could impact them for the rest of

their lives. Use this opportunity to help

children build the values and skills they

will need to succeed in life.

For more information, call GEMA's

School Safety Project at (404) 635-7000

or toll-free in Georgia at

1-800-TRY-GEMA

or

visit

www.gema.state.ga.us.

EMERGENCY MANAGER Spring 2002

12

Preparing Georgia for America's New War on Terrorism
By Lisa Ray, Public Affairs Director and Lisa Janak, Editor
Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army.
13

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) activated its State Operations Center (SOC) less than two hours after terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon to prepare for any further incidents and to reassure an anxious public. If Georgia became a target, GEMA was ready to manage the consequences.
While no state could have been totally prepared for the horror that struck New York and Washington, GEMA has learned many lessons from past disasters that have helped it prepare for future crises. As a result, Georgia is one of the best-prepared and experienced states to manage the consequences of a terrorist attack.
Terrorists have attacked Georgia before, bombing Centennial Olympic Park, an abortion clinic and a gay nightclub in the Atlanta area. GEMA also has responded to 16 large-scale disasters since 1990, including deadly tornadoes in south Georgia and major flooding that inflicted more than $1 billion in damage. In addition, GEMA helped to coordinate the largest evacuation effort in the United States in response to Hurricane Floyd, when more than 3 million people fled the coast in search of safety and shelter.
With each incident, GEMA improved its planning, training, equipment and communications capabilities.
Making sure Georgia's prepared GEMA helped create the
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) working group in January 1999, and, after September 11, the group grew to include more than 30 agencies. Each agency is assigned specific tasks to ensure that Georgia is adequately prepared to respond to and recover from a large-scale terrorist attack, including:
q continuation of services q succession of government q identification of critical
services/workforce q protection and continuation of
financial operations q identification of alternate work
locations q threat/target analysis
Spring 2002 EMERGENCY MANAGER

q target hardening where needed q refining of existing plans and
procedures q training and education of new issues
where appropriate.

The American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), comprising the state's largest companies, has been part of the WMD working group since its inception. This group will be instrumental in notifying the private sector if a terrorist incident occurs. Members include Georgia Power, Cousins Property, Insignia, Allied Security, SunTrust Bank, Childress Klein Property, Concert Corporate Security, Southern Company, AT&T and BellSouth.
In October 2001, Governor Roy E. Barnes created the Homeland Security Task Force, which works with the WMD Working Group. The following agencies and organizations are members:

q GEMA

q Georgia Department of Public Safety

q Georgia Department of Defense

q Georgia Department of Natural

Resources (DHR)

q Georgia Department of Human

Resources

q Georgia

Department

of

Transportation

q Georgia Sheriffs' Association

q Georgia Association of Chiefs of

Police

q Representative from a civil fire

protection agency (Cobb County Fire

and Emergency Services).

Governor Barnes also established the Georgia Information Sharing and Analysis Center (GISAC), an antiterrorist intelligence hub that is currently located at GEMA and staffed by Georgia Bureau of Investigation, GEMA, Georgia Army National Guard, Georgia Technology Authority (GTA), Georgia Sheriffs' Association, Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The center will be responsible for collecting, evaluating and disseminating threat information for Georgia.

Training the first line of defense against terrorists Firefighters, emergency medical services and other first responders are
EMERGENCY MANAGER Spring 2002

Olympic visitors created an impromptu memorial at the base of the AT&T sound tower in Centennial Olympic Park, where terrorists placed a pipe bomb that exploded, killing one.

often the first professionals on the scene

of a potential terrorist attack, and they

must be able to recognize the effects of

biological and chemical weapons or

WMD immediately.

Last year, GEMA trained more than

8,500 first responders through its

hazardous material and rescue field-

delivered courses. More than 3,200 public

safety personnel have been trained in

counter-terrorism procedures since

November 1998.

Handling potential terrorist incidents

is the focus of new seminars sponsored by

GEMA and the Georgia Public Safety

Training Center (GPSTC). Since October

2001, more than 1,700 local first

responders, public health, law

enforcement, medical examiners, 9-1-1

personnel and emergency management

representatives have received training on

how to respond effectively to terrorism.

GEMA also helped coordinate the

state's first executive exercise on

combating terrorism with the United

States Department of Justice, Office for

Domestic Preparedness.

Held

Last December, the exercise brought

together Governor Roy E. Barnes and key

state agency heads for the purpose of

discussing the State's response should a

Weapons of Mass Destruction event occur

in Georgia.

In addition to knowing how to

recognize an incident, first responders

must protect themselves when handling

the consequences of a potential terrorist

attack. After the September 11 attacks, GEMA re-released its "Surviving Weapons of Mass Destruction" and "Surviving the Secondary Device: The Rules Have Changed" videos to first responders.
After anthrax-laden letters were mailed September 18 and October 9, 2001, killing five people in the United States, potential targets were warned to be on the lookout for dangerous letters and packages. As a result, GEMA facilitated training for the Governor's Office, DHR, Georgia Department of Administrative Services, Capitol Security and other state agencies. to safely handle mail and recognize suspicious packages. In addition, GEMA met with representatives from Capitol Hill mail operations to discuss and identify measures to enhance the security of letters disseminated to the State Capitol and the Legislative Office Building.
Cooperation is key An effective response to a terrorist attack not only depends on planning and preparedness, but also the ability to collaborate with local and federal government as well as private industry. Through organizations such as the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and the Georgia Municipal Association, GEMA has helped local governments assess training needs and develop contingency plans to ensure that critical government functions continue in the event of a terrorist attack. GEMA also has recommended that background checks be conducted on all local government employees who perform key functions, such as water and sewerage treatment plant operators. GEMA has teamed up with the FBI for its Critical Incidence Management Task Force, which will guide joint operations in the event of a terrorist attack in Georgia. Also, GEMA is a recipient of the Department of Justice's first Domestic Preparedness Equipment Procurement Grant. Funds from this $1.2 million, three-year grant will be used to buy hazmat suits and other equipment. Working with the Department of Justice Grant Program, GEMA has compiled a threat analysis on terrorism for the state. The agency is in the process of identifying equipment needs and a state response team based on these findings.
14

Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army.

On the Frontlines: The Salvation Army's Response to September 11
By Jeff Jellets, Territorial Disaster Services Coordinator, The Salvation Army and Douglas Watson, Georgia Divisional Disaster Director, The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army's response to the September 11 attacks is one of largest relief operations in the organization's history. It began minutes after the first hijacked plane collided with the north tower of the World Trade Center and will continue for many months, if not years, to come.
It brought together Salvation Army officers, staff and volunteers from all over the country. To date, more than 23,000 men and women have served with The Salvation Army at the disaster sites in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. The experience has left few unchanged.
15

Altered reality "As soon as we knew that one tower got hit with an airliner, it clicked: This is big," recalls Moises Serrano, disaster services director for The Salvation Army's Greater New York Division. "We started pulling people in from all over." Serrano coordinated The Salvation Army's initial response to the New York attack, deploying 21 mobile feeding units. As the units began to arrive, the scale of the disaster shocked even veteran disaster workers. "It was a scene that was surely the stuff of nightmares, of movie unreality,"

recalls Linda Johnson, a Salvation Army worker. "An F-16 streaked overhead. Humvees and men in camouflage patrolled the streets. The lobby of a once elegant skyscraper had been converted into a makeshift morgue. It is our new American reality."
Ash choked the air in a nuclear winter of gray, gritty dust. Breathing scraped throats raw, even through masks. Volunteers and rescue workers developed a characteristic "World Trade Center cough" and scrawled messages in the soot that seemed to be everywhere. "God Bless America," one message read.
Spring 2002 EMERGENCY MANAGER

Another declared, "God forgives. We don't. Get the bastards!" Sadly, many more began, "Looking for ..."
One street, which had led into World Trade Center Plaza, now abruptly ended. Two skyscrapers stood like bookends, holding up a four-story mountain of rubble. Down another street, a vacant lot became a bone yard for abandoned vehicles fire engines, police cruisers and an ambulance, all mangled beyond recognition when the towers fell.
The area around the World Trade Center was dubbed the "red zone." Encircled by orange barricades, police officers and military checkpoints, the zone was crowded with skyscrapers, apartments, offices, businesses, banks and restaurants, many of which remained inaccessible for weeks. What remained of the twin towers stood at the center of the red zone, the twisted iron of the buildings' superstructures looming over a mound of debris, smoke still rising from the rubble, an American flag flapping overhead.
Service in the Red Zone The disaster site in New York extended far beyond the World Trade Center complex. Nearby buildings also felt the effects of the towers' collapse. Many looked as if they had been sprayed by gunfire. Windows were broken. Ornate facades were pitted with debris. Other skyscrapers suffered more substantial, structural damage. Engineers continuously monitored these buildings for signs of collapse. In the shadows beneath these damaged buildings, rescue workers toiled. One of the first challenges of the relief operation was to provide emergency housing for displaced residents. Part of the long-term relief effort involved providing aid to those who could not work while access to the red zone was restricted. On the ground, The Salvation Army's most recognizable service mass feeding continued to grow. The kitchen prepared more than 1,000 meals an hour. To date, the Army has served more than 2.3 million meals. The Salvation Army also established four hydration stations near the center of the World Trade Center complex. Because of the threat of airborne contamination, prepared food was not served at any of these sites. Instead, the
EMERGENCY MANAGER Spring 2002

hydration station provided water, drinks and sealed snacks that were essential to the health of rescue workers laboring in the grueling heat of the smoldering World Trade Center ruins.
The Pentagon Meanwhile, at the Pentagon, a mixture of smoke, jet fuel and gas was still rising as some of the first Salvation Army units arrived at the scene of the terrorists' second wave of attacks. Firefighters struggled to contain the blaze that raced through portions of the building. The Pentagon suffered widespread damage on the building's fourth, fifth and sixth corridors, and the impact tore a gaping hole in one side of the building. "The outer ring was completely destroyed," says Salvation Army Colonel Danny Morrow, "And there was an enormous hole through several of the other layers. It looked like the plane had punched out a tunnel in the building." Security around the Pentagon complex was tight. Disaster workers were identified by badges and had to pass

through checkpoints manned by armed

officers and bomb-sniffing dogs. In

addition to being a crime scene, the

terrorist attack had scattered reams of

classified documents. "These documents

had to be collected and special military

personnel assigned to read through the

paperwork. Each document had to be

either reclassified or destroyed," says

Morrow.

Camp Unity

The U.S. Department of Defense set

up Camp Unity to provide rescue workers

with a temporary respite from the

physical and mental rigors of working

within damaged sections of the Pentagon.

Located in the Pentagon's south parking

lot, the camp included mobile kitchens,

portable grills, logistical supply tents,

buffet-style serving lines that were open

around the clock, and a large dining tent,

complete with six televisions. Rescue

workers could also find stockpiles of

donated goods, gloves, boots, flashlights,

and counselors ready to provide

emotional and spiritual support.

But the heart of Camp Unity was its

food court, with a variety of options that

Salvation Army volunteers prepare food for rescue and recovery workers at a mobile kitchen located at West and Murray Streets in New York. The Salvation Army served more than 2 million meals at the World Trade Center and Pentagon after the September 11 attacks.
16

Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army.

Photo courtesy of The Salvation Army.

Created by the U.S. Department of Defense, Camp Unity quickly became the heart of the Pentagon recovery efforts. Rescue workers who came here to regroup and refuel left with their supplies, stomachs and spirits renewed.

would make most malls envious. Rescue workers could dine on food provided by Burger King, McDonald's, Outback Steakhouse, Starbucks and Tyson chicken, or they could choose meals from relief organizations.
The spirit of cooperation between agencies seemed to touch all who served at the Pentagon site. A commemorative t-shirt sported The Salvation Army shield on one sleeve and the American Red Cross logo on the other. "This is a new way of working, a better way," says Salvation Army Major Todd Smith.
In-kind donations It was not the way donations are typically distributed during a disaster. Clustered alongside the Salvation Army's feeding units was a mismatched collection of tents and temporary sheds.

Some served as dining halls, with folding chairs and tables borrowed form nearby restaurants. Other tents were packed with supplies which rescue workers could take as needed.
Many of these items would seem out of place at other disasters. Rescue workers asked for new boots, gloves, underwear, socks and sweatshirts as their clothing became torn, wet and contaminated with dust from the disaster area. They asked for phone cards, batteries, flashlights, toothbrushes and masks. Aspirin and nasal decongestants also were needed, and chocolate bars, used to provide rescue workers with a quick burst of energy, became more prized than dollar bills.
One of the oddest requests -- an appeal for bat traps -- came from workers at the Pentagon. As the 24-hour rescue

operation continued, the flying rodents were attracted to the powerful searchlights used to illuminate the sight after dark. Regardless of how bizarre the request might seem, The Salvation Army tried to fill it.
Unfortunately, within hours of the disaster, it became clear that the stream of donations would soon become a flood that could easily overwhelm the entire disaster relief operation. While goods were needed at the disaster sites, the requests were very specific. Items were becoming lost in an avalanche of supplies.
"We had over 100 tractor-trailers [delivering supplies] in the first five days," said Salvation Army Major Stephen Langford of the Greater New York Division. "We had to shut down 14th Street one day because there were so many lined up outside." Donations were piled along two sweeping staircases leading into The Salvation Army's division headquarters and spilled halfway across the city's sidewalk.
The Salvation Army opened multiple warehouses to help handle the incoming donations. A 100,000 square foot facility was opened in Springfield, Virginia, for contributions to the Pentagon site. Twenty-four warehouses, totaling more than 1 million square feet, were secured in the greater New York area for the World Trade Center operation.
The day after the attack, Wal-Mart employees cleaned the shelves of a store so new that it had not even had its grand opening for supplies needed at the disaster area. Later, the Wal-Mart staff got the largest warehouse an airplane hanger provided by John F. Kennedy Airport up and running.
"The generosity of the American people has been overwhelming," said one warehouse worker. "At times, it's been more than we need. But giving is part of their healing process. Everybody wants to do something to help and this is one way of doing it."
Kindness matters Small things made all the difference. One of the most significant services offered by The Salvation Army during this disaster was spiritual and emotional support. In a practice known as "engagement," ordained Salvation Army ministers listened, laughed and cried with rescue workers and disaster victims.

17

Spring 2002 EMERGENCY MANAGER

"This isn't clinical counseling," one Salvation Army officer explains, "But we want to these folks to know they aren't alone in this. Sometimes all it takes is a pat on the back or a bottle of water and they start talking."
Salvation Army Captain Sue Dewan described one experience while handing out dry socks and underwear to a United States Army soldier at the Pentagon. "He looked so stressed," she said. "I told him, `You're not alone. We're all behind you.' And he looked at me and said, `We won't let you down ma'am.' It was obvious that he was trying hard not to cry. I just hugged him."
At the New York City Medical Examiners office, two police officers approached Salvation Army workers with a special request for six American flags. When the flags were delivered a few hours later, one police officer thanked them through tears. "See those three semi trucks down the street?" he asked. "They have the bodies of our fellow officers in them, and we want to identify those trucks with flags."
The Salvation Army provided emotional support to more then 54,000 people at the disaster sites. More than 156,000 people came to The Salvation Army to pray.
After the disaster While we have always known that disasters can have profound emotional affects on relief workers and disaster victims, the intensity of the September 11 attacks hit harder than any other catastrophe. Even seasoned Salvation Army workers were deeply affected by what they saw and heard. Debriefing services became a critical priority for The Salvation Army as these workers began returning home. In addition to an on-site debriefing, provided before workers left the disaster site, local Salvation Army units held seminars, where disaster workers could interact directly with critical incident stress counselors and share their experiences with other disaster workers. In addition, The Salvation Army established a 24-hour toll-free hotline for workers. As one disaster worker observed on the way home, "You may be leaving the disaster, but the disaster won't leave you." For more information, visit www.salvationarmy.org.
EMERGENCY MANAGER Spring 2002

September 11 Baby Brings New Hope
By Lisa Janak Editor

We watched in disbelief on September 11 as terrorists destroyed the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center and severely damaged the Pentagon, and we knew the world would never be the same. However, even as we mourned those who were lost, new life entered the world.
Johnson County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Shawn Wombles and his wife, Denise, welcomed their son Rhett at 6:05 p.m. on September 11. It was tragic day for all of us, even more unbelievable for the Wombleses.
Four days overdue, Denise awoke the morning of September 11 feeling ill, but determined to have her baby that day. She had begun having contractions around 3:00 a.m., and the anxious couple rushed to the doctor's office later that morning without even turning on the news as usual. They first heard about the attacks on their car radio.
Stunned, Denise called her father from her cell phone and asked him to be at the hospital when she had the baby. This seemingly normal request took on a new urgency in light of the morning's events: Denise's father was supposed to be on United Airlines Flight 93, but fortunately he did not go on his trip due to a scheduling conflict.
At the hospital, Shawn monitored the attack on America as well as his wife's condition as the day unfolded. He was constantly in contact with his Johnson County co-workers. "We've got a good group of guys there," Shawn says.
Forces of nature also conspired to make Rhett's arrival as turbulent as possible. A violent storm began at approximately 5:00 p.m., and the hospital suddenly lost power. Although back-up generators kicked on, the lighting was dim, there was no air

Denise and Shawn Wombles hold their son Rhett, who was born September 11.
conditioning, and an alarm shrieked through the darkened corridors.
However, just as Rhett emerged, power was suddenly and dramatically restored bright lights blazed, and the screams of the fire alarm were replaced by the wails of a newborn baby boy. A nurse at the hospital told Shawn it was the most exciting delivery she had ever experienced in her life. Shawn was just relieved that his wife and baby were alive and well.
At the time, the significance of the date of Rhett's birth did not sink in. "We knew America was under attack, but we didn't even think of his birthday being 9/11," says Shawn. "It's sad on one hand, but a blessing on the other." He says having Rhett helps to alleviate some of the horror of that day.
When Rhett joined the world, he became a symbol of the nation's rebirth. In December, he and six other babies were featured in a photo essay by USA Weekend's Magazine celebrating the new lives that began September 11. After the article was published, the Wombleses received many phone calls from people across the United States expressing support.
Despite all the horrific events that happened in 2001, "We had a wonderful year," says Shawn. The Wombleses look forward to sharing their experiences with their son one day.

18

GEMA Training Director Helps New York Recover
By Lisa Janak Editor

While the nation watched

Moore has worked numerous disasters since

in horror as

joining GEMA

terrorists slammed

more than seven

two planes into the

years ago, and has

World

Trade

extensive exper-

Center in New

ience operating

York, emergency

Disaster Field

officials scram-

Offices

and

bled to assemble

Disaster Recovery

resources to assist

Centers (DRC),

in the response

where victims learn

and recovery

about federal, state

efforts. The State

and local aid

of New York

programs and

requested goods,

benefits, including

services, and

housing assistance,

trained personnel

rental resources and

from emergency

low-interest loan

m a n a g e m e n t Grant Moore stands in front of the rubble applications from

agencies in ten that once was the World Trade Center.

the Small Business

states, including

Administration.

Georgia. In response to New York's

In New York, Moore trained

request, Grant Moore, training director representatives from state and local

for the Georgia Emergency Management agencies to staff the DRC.

Agency (GEMA), left on September 19 to

Victims of the World Trade Center

work with the State of New York as state disaster included not only those injured

liaison to the City of New York and the when the towers collapsed and the

Federal Emergency Management Agency. survivors of those killed, but also those

"collateral victims" who lived in

Upcoming Training

apartments near the World Trade Center who could not return to their homes, those

Governor's Emergency Management Conference April 29-May 1, 2002

who lost their jobs, families who lost their primary source of household income, and those who needed help with medical and funeral expenses, death affidavits, legal

Hazardous Materials Contingency Planning July 23-26, 2002

counsel, and crisis counseling. By the end of Moore's two-week
stay, the New York DRC was processing approximately 800 applications a day.

Mass Fatalities Incident Response August 20-22, 2002

"I was privileged to go to New York," says Moore. "Many people wanted to help, so many that New York had to

For more GEMA training courses, visit www.gema.state.ga.us.

turn some away. America's spirit was put to the test, and we passed. We should all be proud so many Americans were able to

assist the victims of this disaster."

19

Don Stephens (right) discusses Pentagon operations with an American Red Cross employee.
Impressions from the Pentagon
The message below was written by Don Stephens, general manager of emergency community services for the American Red Cross, as he directed the Red Cross disaster relief operation at the Pentagon.
Monday, September 17, 2001 9:05 p.m.
Please share with the volunteers and staff my gratitude for all they have done and are doing. In many, many ways they are just as important to these disasters doing a great job there as they could be on a disaster operation. I'm hearing such great things about Atlanta and out of state. You just can't imagine how proud I am to be from Georgia.
The carnage is indescribable, the hurt and pain of the entire community is visible where ever you go, it is in their hearts but shows so sadly on their faces.
Be thankful that you only have to witness this tragedy via TV, it is almost unbearable on site. I know it is even more severe in New York; to me this is incomprehensible. Without question, this is the worst experience of my life and career in the American Red Cross, and as you know, I've seen a lot in my career.
Spring 2002 EMERGENCY MANAGER

What Communities Can Do To Prepare For Terrorism
By Judy Jaeger Planner

When local emergency management agency directors revise their Local Emergency Operations Plan (LEOP), they rank the hazards most likely to have a major impact on their community and prepare accordingly through training and exercises. Before September 11, 2001, only a few local directors perceived terrorism as a real threat to their communities. In light of the attacks on New York and Washington, however, local emergency management agency directors undoubtedly stopped thinking, "It cannot happen here," and began re-evaluating their LEOPs.
The process of planning and preparedness is essential to effective response and recovery. The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) teaches, "If you fail to plan, then you must plan to fail." Working an actual incident is not the time to begin to develop resources. The time to ensure that resource directories are updated, current and comprehensive is yesterday.
A well-developed plan will effectively organize the community's response resources to assess potential threats, mitigate the effects of a terrorist attack, protect responders and provide medical care to victims.
Like car thieves, terrorists look for easy targets. Potential targets in communities must be identified and "hardened" by taking extra security measures to make the terrorist event less likely.
Plans must be formulated with input from all responders, including emergency management, fire, public health, law enforcement and medical personnel. All responders should be aware of what part they would play in the event of a terrorist attack.
The best way to ensure that your community is prepared is to brainstorm a worst-case scenario, then discuss how this scenario could be prevented from happening with representatives from all
EMERGENCY MANAGER Spring 2002

response agencies. Available resources should be assessed, and gaps in service should be addressed. Complete grant applications or enter into mutual aid agreements for materials your community is lacking, and sign up for additional training if needed.

GEMA's planning staff is available to provide technical assistance, facilitate a local plan orientation meeting, or assist with a draft of a new plan. Local EMA directors may contact their planners at (404) 635-7000 or toll-free in Georgia at 1-800-TRY-GEMA.

THE STORM

CELLAR

How much do you know about anthrax?
1) Is anthrax a contagious disease that can be spread from person to person? a) Yes, it is highly contagious b) People with weakened immune systems can catch the disease from others c) The respiratory form is occasionally contagious d) No, it is not contagious
2) Which is not a possible symptom of anthrax? a) Fever b) Blurred vision c) Fatigue d) Cough and chest discomfort
3) What elements constitute a "credible" threat involving a suspicious package? a) A musty odor b) A letter or package with a material present c) A threat the accompanies a letter or package d) B and C
4) How quickly do symptoms of anthrax appear? a) Within 12 hours of exposure b) Within 1-7 days c) Within 1-7days, although the incubation period can be as long as 60 days d) Within 20-30 days

Answers 1) d; 2) b; 3) d; 4) c

20

How Safe Are Georgia's Nuclear Power Plants?
By Lisa Matheson Director of Public Affairs Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Management Agency

Seventy of Georgia's 159 counties and approximately 1.5 million residents are in the planning zone of a nuclear power plant. Georgia is home to the Alvin W. Vogtle Nuclear Electric Generating Plant in Burke County, the Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Electric Generating Plant in Appling County, and just over the Georgia border, in Houston County, Alabama, is the Joseph M. Farley Nuclear Electric Generating Plant. These plants, which are managed by The Southern Nuclear Operating Company, provide more than 20 percent of the electricity used in Georgia and Alabama. In addition to these facilities, the Savannah River Site defense waste processing facility of the United States Department of Energy is located near the Georgia border in South Carolina.
Since the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, concerns have been expressed about the security of the nation's 103 nuclear power plants. All have remained on a high level of alert since September 11.
Nuclear power plant security has been a top priority for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) even before September 11. GEMA's Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) team has long

prepared for radiological emergencies in the unlikely event that radioactive contaminants were released from a nuclear reactor or in a transportation accident.
Exercises GEMA's REP team participated in 18 exercises in 2000 to test Georgia's Radiological Emergency Plan, including evacuation and sheltering operations, hospitals' ability to handle mass casualties, contamination control, and public information dissemination. These exercises test cooperation among local, state and federal agencies as well as procedures. Each agency has a specific role to play. Local emergency management agencies activate the emergency alert system and coordinate their emergency response personnel. The Environmental Radiation Section of the Department of Natural Resource's Environmental Protection Division assesses radiological and weather conditions that would affect a radioactive release. GEMA works with federal, state and local agencies to coordinate the appropriate response. Although exercises are evaluated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Nuclear Regulatory

The Edwin I. Hatch nuclear plant in southeast Georgia generates more than 12 mwh of electricity each year.

Commission, other participating agencies also evaluate them to address any potential problems or concerns.

Meetings and training

In addition to exercises, the REP

team continues its mission to protect

Georgians and to ensure that response

plans keep up with the latest population

and technology trends through meetings

and training sessions.

GEMA hosts biannual radiation

working group meetings and other

brainstorming sessions with state and

local radiological emergency response

agencies from Alabama, South Carolina,

North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida.

GEMA's REP team is committed to

ensuring that healthcare professionals and

shelter volunteers receive radiological

emergency response training between

exercises. Since January 2000, more than

300 local emergency response personnel

and volunteers were trained in Georgia on

topics such as personal radiation

protection, radiation survey instrument

training, field monitoring and emergency

medical services.

In light of the September 11 attack,

federal regulators are reviewing anti-

terrorist safeguards. However, they stress

that such events are highly unlikely, and

maintain that all appropriate protective

measures have been taken to ensure the

safety of Georgians.

To learn more about nuclear power

plants, contact The Southern Company at

http://www.southerncompany.com/southe

rnnuclear/home.asp. To learn more about

radiation, contact the Federal Emergency

Management

Agency

at

http://www.fema.gov/fema/radiat.htm.

For a historical timeline of nuclear

technology in America, contact the Public

Broadcasting

System

at

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/three/tim

eline/index.html.

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Spring 2002 EMERGENCY MANAGER

Software Helps Emergency Managers Keep Tabs on NOAA Weather Radios
By Gary Bruey Hazard Mitigation Specialist

Last year, the 155 counties in Georgia that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) received more than 17,000 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radios through the Georgia Emergency Management Agency's (GEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The radios were placed in public facilities such as schools, nursing homes, day care centers and offices.
In order to help emergency managers keep a record of which facilities received NOAA Weather Radios, GEMA's hazard mitigation division developed Warning Capability Assessment Tool (WCAT) software. WCAT is a user-friendly program that enables emergency managers to store and analyze data to create a unified profile of their county's NOAA Weather Radio network. The software also helps emergency managers update their local mitigation plans to better serve the citizens in their community.
Users begin by entering data about the facilities where the NOAA Weather Radios are placed. To make the job easier, WCAT comes already loaded with information about more than 9,000 community facilities statewide. Once information about the facility is entered, files can be sorted by address, name, type

of facility and the population served. Emergency managers may choose to also log data in the system about outdoor warning sirens.
To make programming the radios easier, users can generate a table showing transmitter frequencies and Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) codes, which are required to set up the radios, for specific counties.
WCAT helps emergency managers determine the disasters their community is most likely to experience and identify future mitigation projects. The software

Drought Conditions Remain

State Climatologist Dr. David Stooksbury says Georgia remains in the clutches of a severe drought. While a snowstorm that struck north and central Georgia in January provided a short-term reprieve, the long-term outlook remains critical.
Unless a hurricane or tropical storm

generates significant rainfall, Dr. Stooksbury warned that there is little chance of long-term relief. Meanwhile, statewide watering restrictions, issued by the Department of Natural Resources' Environmental Protection Division, remain in force.
Buzz Weiss

includes a needs assessment survey that enables emergency managers to select, inventory and rank their warning and communication project priorities.
After this data is compiled, emergency managers can generate reports for GEMA, which will be used to determine whether additional radios are needed. Furthermore, data derived from the completed needs assessment surveys will allow GEMA to set funding priorities for future HMGP grant solicitations.
"We are extremely pleased with our partnership with the local emergency management offices in this effort to protect the lives of Georgia's citizens," said GEMA Director Gary W. McConnell. "Using WCAT, we will not only be able to immediately assess the coverage of weather radios across the state, but we will be able to target future mitigation initiatives to meet the varying needs of our counties."
For more information about WCAT, or the HMGP, call GEMA at (404) 635-7000 or toll-free in Georgia at 1-800-TRY-GEMA.

EMERGENCY MANAGER Spring 2002

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Governor Roy E. Barnes poses with award recipients.

Fourth Annual Governor's Public Safety Awards Honors Georgia's Heroes
By Jonna Wheeler Special Assistant to the Director

Every day, thousands of public safety professionals put their lives on the line and make numerous personal sacrifices to ensure the safety and well-being of Georgians. On October 25, 2001, 19 public safety professionals from across Georgia were honored for their contributions at the fourth annual Governor's Public Safety Awards (GPSA) at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth.
Public safety professionals were recognized in the following two categories: "Act of Heroism" Recognizes those who performed an exceptional deed that resulted in saving lives and/or protecting property. "Outstanding Contribution which Enhanced the Profession" Recognizes job performance that had an overwhelming positive affect on the overall profession.
Personnel from every public safety discipline, as well as state employees with public safety authority, are eligible for the awards. A total of 89 nominations were submitted.
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"We often take for granted the profound impact the public safety community has on our well-being and quality of life," says Governor Roy E. Barnes. "This award gives us the opportunity to honor those public safety professionals who daily risk their lives and sacrifice time away from their families to protect Georgians."
Barnes officially proclaimed the week of October 21-27, 2001, as Public Safety Appreciation Week in Georgia.
Recipients of the 2001 Governor's Public Safety Awards are:
Acts of Heroism Brian Jay, Emmons Perry Police Department; Kevin Garren, Bartow County EMS; David J. Herring, Georgia State Patrol; Bennie Kennedy, Valdosta Fire Department; Larry Landers, Georgia Bureau of Investigation; Mike Nash, Georgia State Patrol; Karen Nesbitt, Wilkinson County Sheriff's Office/9-1-1; Brad Parks, Georgia Bureau of Investigation; Roger D. Shivers, Sheriff of Clay County; and John Vickers, Valdosta Fire Department.

Outstanding Contribution to Profession William T. Baker, Atlanta City
Department of Corrections; John Cary Bittick, Sheriff of Monroe County; John H. Creasy, Banks County Fire and EMS; Joe Griffin, Paulding County E-9-1-1; Ruben H. Hairston, Troup County Marshal's Department; Jack J. Krakeel, Fayette County Fire and Emergency Services; Jack Mallard, Cobb County District Attorney's Office; David A. Norwood, Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency; and Paul Williams, Georgia Emergency Management Agency.

GEMA congratulates all the

recipients and nominees.

The GPSA program was initiated in

1998 to recognize the outstanding

accomplishments and commitment of the

men and women of Georgia's public

safety community.

This year's nomination form will be

distributed in April.

The GPSA program can be found on

GEMA's

Web

site

at

www.gema.state.ga.us.

Spring 2002 EMERGENCY MANAGER

Dr. Williams of GEMA Wins Public Safety Award
By Lisa Ray Public Affairs Director

As a young research associate working with the United States Army and National Institute of Health three decades ago, Dr. Paul Williams was charged with identifying biological agents and emerging pathogens encountered during the Vietnam conflict. Little did he realize that this experience would eventually come into play in dealing with bioterrorism issues on American soil.
This knowledge, combined with his dedication to help Georgia better prepare for disasters that affect the animal industry and food supply, has earned Williams the honor of being the recipient of the Governor's Public Safety Award for Outstanding Contribution to Profession in the State Agency category. Williams, a consequence management special assistant for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), received this distinctive award during a ceremony at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center on October 25, 2001.
"Dr. Williams is a professional who has demonstrated both dedication and determination to make Georgia a safer place," said GEMA Director Gary W. McConnell. "His insight on the animal industry, agriculture and bioterrorism have added a critical dimension to this agency during a time when we need it most. We are proud to have him be a part of our GEMA team."
When Williams joined GEMA last year, he became the first veterinarian on staff at a state emergency management agency, bringing with him more than a decade of experience in the emergency management field. Prior to joining GEMA, Williams was assistant state veterinarian and state disease eradication veterinarian with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, where he designed and implemented the emergency operations plan for the United States Department of Agriculture's international equine
EMERGENCY MANAGER Spring 2002

Dr. Paul Williams (center) poses with Governor Roy E. Barnes (left) and GEMA Director Gary W. McConnell after receiving his Public Safety Award.
quarantine center at the 1996 Olympic Games. Williams also has the distinction of being the first veterinarian to provide technical support under the national Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), when he assisted North Carolina during the Hurricane Floyd disaster in 1999.
Williams has chartered new territory, playing a key role in creating policies that address animal protocol during disasters. As a result, Georgia's plans are often used as a national and international model. For example, Williams helped develop guidelines for pet-friendly shelters, and many other states have used Georgia's plans to develop their own.
Williams also took the lead in coordinating and developing the nation's first "agri-terrorism" exercise with 16 states. Included was a scenario where terrorists attacked the Southeastern livestock industry with a biological agent.

In addition, Williams served as an evaluator for a tripartie exercise that addressed Foot-and-Mouth Disease in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and he currently represents GEMA on Georgia's Foot-and-Mouth Disease and West Nile virus task forces.
With his strong background in veterinary science and agriculture, Williams has emerged as a national leader and expert in clarifying the role of emergency management in handling such crises. "These diseases not only endanger the nation's livestock industry, but the economy and health of the United States as well," Williams says. He also is an underlying force in driving the goal to have the nation's food supply recognized as a key component of the country's critical infrastructure.
Williams has had no time to rest on his accolades, however. Since the September 11 attack on America, he has been busy explaining the merits of a DOFF-IT kit (which provides privacy while individuals remove contaminated clothing) or responding to questions from local and national media on Georgia's preparedness for dealing with terrorism.
With ongoing threats of bioterrorism, Williams' expertise has proven invaluable. He has been instrumental in the formation of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Working Group. In addition, he is working with the Department of Justice Grant Program to compile a preliminary threat analysis on terrorism for the State. GEMA is in the process of identifying equipment needs and a state response team based on these findings.
"After our planning for the Olympics and Y2K, GEMA is better prepared for terrorism than many other states. I am proud of the progress and plans we have made. Our challenge now is to take what we know to the local level for first responders, public safety and public health," Williams concludes.
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The Big (Wind) Chill
By Buzz Weiss Public Affairs Coordinator

Following a year of research and review by a consortium of government, academic and professional organizations from the United States and Canada, the National Weather Service announced a new wind chill temperature index this winter, which forecasters say provides a more accurate reading of how cold air feels on human skin.
The old formula measured how fast cold temperatures, combined with wind speeds 33 feet above ground, make water freeze. However, the new index is based on: q A wind speed calculated at a height
of five feet; q A revised heat transfer theory, which
takes into account heat loss from a body to its surroundings; q A consistent standard for skin tissue resistance; q A lower calm wind threshold; and q Clear night sky conditions. For example, under the old index a temperature of 20 degrees with a 15 mph wind would yield a wind chill of 5 degrees. Under the new index, the wind

chill is 6 degrees. The new index also indicates the amount of time it takes for exposed skin to experience frostbite.
Forecasters note that wind chill does not reflect a change in the actual temperature, but rather the way the temperature feels to human skin.

Wind chill calculations date back to Antarctic explorations in the late 1930s and were further developed by the military during World War II.
For those who are interested, the new wind chill formula is 35.74 + 0.6215T 35.75(V0.16) + 0.4275T(V0.16).

A Deluge of Flood Warning Improvements

The National Weather Service's Southeast River Forecast Center (SERFC) has formed a partnership with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to test and demonstrate a state-of-the-art system that enables users to exchange information about heavy rains and flooding.
Fx-Collaborate (FXC), a graphical coordination tool, has been installed at SERFC and GEMA's State Operations Center (SOC). With this program, a wide variety of hydrometeorological

information, such as rainfall forecasts and areas of expected flooding, may be conveyed remotely from SERFC to the SOC.
What makes FXC particularly effective is that it enables the SERFC hydrologist or meteorologist to brief emergency management officials using a broad range of graphical products. Furthermore, its "collaboration" capability enables all users to view any annotations or changes.
During a major flood, SERFC will provide high quality hydro-

meteorological briefings to state officials at a moment's notice. FXC is also linked to GEMA video conferencing equipment, allowing for even greater flexibility.
FXC was developed by the NOAA Forecast Systems Laboratory in Boulder, Colorado. GEMA and the SERFC will conduct routine tests of FXC on the first Monday of each month.
John Feldt, Hydrologist in Charge, Southeast River Forecast Center, National Weather Service

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Spring 2002 EMERGENCY MANAGER

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE
2002 Governor's Emergency Management Conference
THE CHANGING FACES OF DISASTERS
April 29 - May 1, 2002 Jekyll Island, Georgia

Registration fee: $125 Registration deadline: April 8, 2002 Make checks payable to: GEMA
For more information, call (404) 635-7000 or toll-free in Georgia at 1-800-TRY-GEMA, or visit www.gema.state.ga.us.
Please mail payment along with this form to:
Governor's Emergency Management Conference Coordinator, Post Office Box 18055, Atlanta, Georgia
30316-0055
EMERGENCY MANAGER Spring 2002

cut here or photocopy

Registration

Name: Title: Agency/Organization: Address: City: Telephone Number:
T-shirt Size (please circle one)

State:

Zip:

Fax Number:

S

M

L

XL XXL XXXL

Would you like to register for the NWS Severe Weather Exercise)? (circle one) yes no If yes, please indicate if you would like to be a participant or observer. (Participants are limited to the first 30 registrants. The exercise will count as two workshops.)

Guests will be admitted to the Monday reception and/or Tuesday luncheon for an additional $15 per event. Please complete the following section and enclose payment with registration: Guest Name:
will be attending Reception ($15) Luncheon ($15)

$______ for _____ number of registrants, at a fee of $125 per person $ ______ for guest fees
Enclosed is my payment in the amount of $ ________
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GEMA Post Office Box 18055 Atlanta, Georgia 30316-0055 1-800-TRY-GEMA
www.gema.state.ga.us
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