10 
 
J 
 
Georgia Public Safety Intranet 
 
J 
 
Continues to Evolve 
 
I 
.~ by Jonna Wheeler 
 
.j Public Safety Intranet Coordinator 
 
1The Georgia Public Safety Intranet, one of GEMA's 
 
, 
 
newest initiatives, was introduced in the Fall 1997 
 
edition ofEmergency Manager. Since then, the 
 
:~ system has undergone some renovations. 
 
In addition to the main focus areas highlighted in that article (Newsroom, Meetings and Events, Marketplace, Library, Grants, and Attorney General), several new areas are now present on the Public Safety 'Net. These areas are Secretary ofState, Professional Practices, and Public Safety Links. 
 
The Secretary of State page, currently under construction, will soondisplay informationprovided directly from the office ofLewis Massey, Georgia Secretary ofState. This page will contain items pertinent to the public safety community, such as regulatory and investigative practices. 
 
Professional Practices is an area within the Safety 'Net that is aimed at management and administrative practices within public safety agencies. Information such as model job descriptions, standard operating procedures, shift schedules, model trends, and initiatives is described in this area. We urge agencies participating in the Safety 'Net to have users post administrative operations in this area so that other agencies may benefit from the practices ofpeers. Professional Practices focuses mainly on management level users, but has information which will benefit all users. 
 
Links to the websites and homepages ofstate and local public safety agencies are featured in the Public Safety Links' area. The Safety 'Net staff continuously monitors the Internet for public safety agencies in Georgia which have websites. This area is designed to highlight these sites so users may be aware oftheir public safety family members on the Internet. 
 
An Alert section has been added to the Safety 'Net as well. This function allows users and administrators to post information ofan urgent and time sensitive nature. TheAlert section was utilized by displaying updates immediately following the January bombing at an abortion clinic in Birmingham, Alabama, and the recent Anthrax scare in Las Vegas, Nevada. This function is highly effective in updating users of current events when they are unable to get the information from the News. 
 
During the legislative session, updates have been posted 
 
to the Newsroom section ofthe Safety 'Net. Bills that could 
 
influence and impact the public safety community are tracked 
 
andmonitoredbyGEMA staffand activity surroundingthose 
 
bills is posted on 
 
"The Public Safety Intranet is an the Safety 'Net 
 
ever growing and ever evolving sothatuserscan 
 
information network." 
 
keep track of 
 
their status. 
 
These changes are only a few made to the system. The Public Safety Intranet is an ever growing and ever evolving information network. Individuals participating in this network are encouraged to provide input and share information on the system in order to benefit other users. GEMA maintains The Safety 'Net, but users drive it. 
 
Currently, there are over 500 subscribers to the Public Safety Intranet. The user population represents approximately 200 different public safety agencies. This populationconsists ofmembers ofall disciplines ofthe public safety community. The number ofusers continues to grow daily. 
 
The Public Safety Intranet is open to any individual employed by a governmental public safety agency. The Intranet Advisory Board determines the eligibility of applicants who do not fall in this category. 
 
Anyone interested in subscribing to the Georgia Public Safety Intranet may register online at http:// safetynet.gema.state.ga.us/. 
 
Besides the addition ofthese three areas, other cosmetic changes are present on the Safety 'Net. Several of the public safety icons on the homepage have been redesigned and all functional areas have been made more user friendly and organized. 
 
For more information on the site, contact Jonna 
 
Wheeler, Public Safety Intranet Coordinator, at (404) 635- 
 
7000, 1-800-TRY-GEMA, or by e-mail at 
 
jwheeler@gema.state.ga.us. 
 
+ 
 
 USDA Issues Agricultural Disaster 
 
The Declaration 
 
i 
 
( 
 
f. 
 
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 
 
f 
 
declared 119 Georgia counties an agricultural 
 
E 
 
disaster area on February 6. Thirty-six (36) 
 
[: additional counties were included as "contiguous" counties. 
 
i 
 
l.:... 
 
"The shoybeban, peandut, and cffiottondcrbopsh, espec1hall~; 
 
_ appear to ave een a verse1y a ecte y t e weat er, 
 
t~' ~ 
 
said Governor Zell Miller. 
 
k 
 
f 
~ 
 
The Governor requested a statewide agricultural 
 
I damage assessment on December 17 and an agricultural disaster declaration for the entire state on January 23 from 
 
I Secretary ofAgriculture Dan Glickman, according to Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) 
 
~ 
"' -- r~-1 
 
Director Gary McConnell. 
 
~ 
 
i:; 
lf.;\ 
 
USDA based the declaration on damages and 
 
~ significant agricultural production losses caused by severe 
 
Idrought and excessive rainfall between February 1and December 31, 1997. The declaration covers the State of Georgia and as a result, family farmers in affected counties 
 
r~ 
rL,, 
~ 
 
may be eligible for various forms ofassistance including low-interest emergency loans at 3.75 percent. 
 
'i:. 
 
![;; 
 
"I would like to thank Secretary ofAgriculture Dan 
 
!. Glickman for his approval ofmy request for an agricultural !~ disaster declaration for Georgia. I also appreciate the 
 
t' assistance the Farm Service Agency, the Georgia 
~ Department ofAgriculture, and GEMA provided with 
 
l~ notification to farmers, local elected officials, state 
I] legislators, emergency management agencies, and the media 
 
[, in the affected counties," Governor Miller said. 
 
i L 
 
ts 
 
1~ ; 
 
Applications should be submitted no later than September 30, 1998. Local Farm Service Agency offices 
 
r~fl 
 
can provide affected farmers with applications and further information. 
 
Ii 
 
~: it: 
 
The 119 primary counties in Georgia are Atkinson, 
 
Bacon, Baker, Baldwin, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bibb, Bleckley, 
 
Brooks, Bulloch, Burke, Butts, Calhoun, Chattahoochee, 
 
Chattooga, Clay, Clayton, Coffee, Colquitt, Columbia, 
 
Cook, Coweta, Crawford, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dooly, 
 
Dougherty, Early, Echols, Elbert, Emanuel, Evans, Fannin, 
 
Fayette, Floyd, Gilmer, Glascock, Gordon, Grady, Greene, 
 
Gwinnett, Habersham, Hancock, Haralson, Harris, Hart, Henry, Houston, Irwin, Jasper, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Jones, Lamar, Laurens, Lee, Liberty, Lincoln, Long, Lowndes, Macon, Madison, Marion, McDuffie, Mcintosh, Meriwether, Miller, Mitchell, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Murray, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Peach, Pierce, Pike, Polk, Pulaski, Putnam, Quitman, Rabun, Randolph, Richmond, Schley, Seminole, Spalding, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taliaferro, Tattnall, Taylor, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Towns, Treutlen, Turner, Twiggs, Union, Upson, Walker, Walton, Ware, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Whitfield, Wilcox, Wilkes, Wilkinson, and Worth. 
 
The 36 contiguous counties in Georgia are Appling, 
 
Banks, Barrow, Bartow, Brantley, Bryan, Candler, Carroll, 
 
Catoosa, Charlton, Cherokee, Clarke, Clinch, Dade, 
 
Dawson, DeKalb, Effingham, Forsyth, Franklin, Fulton, 
 
Glynn, Hall, Heard, Jackson, Lanier, Lumpkin, Muscogee, 
 
Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, Screven, Stephens, Toombs, 
 
Troup, Wheeler, and White. 
 
+ 
 
This year's cotton crop along with soybeans, peanuts, and other agricultural commodities have been affected by adverse weather. 
D D D 0 0 Ei G D C: C C C Ll 0 D D c:; C L C D 0 CJ C EJ C 0 C .._. ::::: G C C 
 
Continued from Page 7 
 
FEMA Regional Director John Copenhaver said, "In 
 
the final analysis federally funded mitigation projects can 
 
and do help limit losses in floods, windstorms, and other 
 
natural disasters that strike this state. It's simply in the best 
 
interest ofall our citizens to prepare as best we can for 
 
hazardous events, even though we hope they will never 
 
occur." 
 
I 
 
The education program, funded by FEMA's Hazard fr 
 
Mitigation Grant Program and administered through fi 
 
GEMA's Hazard Mitigation Empowerment Initiative, is the l~ 
 
direct result ofpast Presidential disaster declarations which 1 
 
have been issued in Georgia. 
 
 , 
 
1 
 
 Consequence Management Expands to Include Victims' Awareness 
by Lee Smith Consequence Management Coordinator 
 
T he Victims' Awareness Project is the newest addition to the Consequence Management Program in GEMA's Special Projects Division. GEMA 
 
trauma, legal rights ofvictims, and the responsibilities of public safety agencies under the Victim's Bill ofRights. The American Red Cross presented information on the Aviation 
 
created the Victims'Awareness Project to provide training Disaster FamilyAssistanceAct. GEMAVictims'Awareness 
 
and technical assistance concerning victim needs and Coordinator Karen Franklin anticipates offering additional 
 
services to public safety personnel. Issues, such as mass Victims' Awareness Seminars this year at the GPSTC. 
 
casualties and fatalities, financial assistance for victims, Upcoming seminar dates will be announced. 
 
death notification, and trauma will be a part ofthis project. 
 
The Victims' Awareness Project focuses on victims of Karen came to GEMA in January. She worked in the 
 
terrorism; however, many ofthe issues and needs reach area ofprosecution based and nonprofit victim services for 
 
across all types ofvictimization. 
 
seven years prior to joining GEMA. She has served as a 
 
trainer for the Prosecuting Attorney's Council and has 
 
Instructors recently conducted the first Victims ' worked on many grant programs. 
 
Awareness Seminar offered as a part ofthis project at the 
 
Georgia Public SafetyTraining Center (GPSTC) in Forsyth 
 
For more information about the Victims' Awareness 
 
on March 27. The seminar focused on the psychology of Project, please call Karen Franklin at (404) 635-7000 or 
 
1-800-TRY-GEMA. 
 
+ 
 
 SPRtNG.1998 
 
Some Parts of Georgia Earthquake Prone 
by Buzz Weiss Public information Coordinator 
W hile earthquakes are a rare event in Georgia, residents should be aware that they are possible, even here. Minor to moderate seismic events have occurred in various locations over the years, and the likelihood ofa more serious one occurring is on the rise, according to seismologists. 
Four seismic areas pose an earthquake threat to Georgia: the New Madrid fault, centered in Missouri; the southwestAppalachians, which affect northwest Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; and the Georgia Piedmont Province, which runs from the Fall Line in Middle Georgia to the Chattahoochee River bed. 
Minor, non-damaging earthquakes felt in Heard County early last year were centered in the Piedmont Province. Among the other Georgia counties which have experienced earthquakes are: Baldwin, Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, DeKalb, Elbert, Gwinnett, Hancock, Harris, Jones, Lincoln, Muscogee, Putnam, Rockdale, Twiggs, Walker, and Whitfield. Georgia Tech seismologist Dr. Timothy Long cautions, however, that counties which have experienced earthquakes are not necessarily any more susceptible to seismic incidents than other areas. 
 
can be taken to reduce the risk ofdeath, serious injury, and property damage during and after larger earthquakes, should they occur. He said that with appropriate planning, the loss oflife and property can be reduced by half. 
 
People who are indoors when an earthquake occurs should take cover under a sturdy desk or table, stand in a doorway, or kneel next to an inside wall. They should avoid heavy shelves or furniture which could fall. Ifin bed, pull the covers and pillows over your head. Occupants ofmultistory buildings should move to stairwells. 
 
Ifoutdoors, experts recommend moving to an open area away from trees, buildings, signs, utility poles, and overhead wires. Crouch or lie down. Motorists should stop their vehicles, but remain inside, avoiding underpasses, bridges, buildings, power lines, and trees. 
 
McConnell also noted that caution needs to be 
 
exercised following an earthquake. Homes and buildings 
 
should be checked for structural damage and utilities should 
 
be inspected for leaks or shorts. Closets and cabinets 
 
should be opened slowly and carefully to protect against 
 
falling objects. 
 
+ 
 
36 Folded 
Appalachians 
 
* SEISMICITY OF GEORGIA Stations + <3.0 mb 0 3.0-4.0 () 4.0-5.0 
 
34 At least 50 percent ofthe state's population lives in 
 
areas vulnerable to seismic activity. While damaging 
 
earthquakes are considerably less frequent in Georgia than 
 
in California, they can be substantially more destructive. 
 
Because ofthe geologic structure in the southeastern United 
 
States, the waves caused by an earthquake are felt in an 
 
area at least 20 times larger than in California. 
 
32 
 
Coastal Plain <> 
 
A New Madrid earthquake with a Richter Scale magnitude of 6.0, for example, occurs about every 80 years. The last one occurred in 1895 and seismologists say there is a 50-50 chance of another occurring by the year2000. 
GEMA Director Gary W McConnell says residents in vulnerable areas should be aware ofsimple steps which 
 
+ 
 
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30~~~...___._~_,_____._~_,_____._~_.______._~..__----'-----' 
 
86 
 
84 
 
82 
 
80 
 
Georgia will have earthquakes. More than 50% of the state's population lives in areas at risk of seismic activity. 
 
 States of Emergency in Georgia Winter 1997-98 
High winds, torrential rains - signed December 31, 
1997. Ten (10) counties: Appling, Bacon, Ben Hill, Coffee, Dodge, Irwin, Telfair, Treutlen, Turner, and Wilcox. 
Severe thunderstorm with heavy rain and wind - 
signed January 8, 1998. One (1) county: Greene. 
High winds, torrential rains - signed January 12, 
1998. One (1) county: Pulaski. 
Severe low pressure system; heavy wind, rain, and flooding- signed February 11, 1998. Nine(9) counties: 
Bleckley, Crisp, Dodge, Jefferson, Johnson, Laurens, Pulaski, Screven, and Treutlen. 
Sporadic torrential downpours, severe thunderstorms, andmajorflooding- signed February 
24, 1998. Three (3) counties: Charlton, Clinch, and Wayne. 
 
Presidential Disaster Declaration, March1998 
Severe storms, flooding, tornado (DR 1209)- signed 
March 11, 1998. Eighty-three (83) counties: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bibb, Bleckley, Brantley, Brooks, Bulloch*, Burke, Butts*, Calhoun, Candler, Carroll, Charlton, Chatham*, Clinch, Clay, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crawford, Crisp, Dawson*, Decatur, Dodge, Dooly, Dougherty, Douglas, Early, Emanuel, Evans, Glynn, Gordon*, Grady, Habersham*, Hall, Haralson, Heard, Henry*, Irwin, JeffDavis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lamar, Laurens, Lee, Macon, Mcintosh, Miller, Mitchell, Monroe, Montgomery, Muscogee*, Pike, Pulaski, Quitman, Rabun*, Randolph, Richmond*, Screven, Seminole, Spalding*, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Tattnall, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Ware, Webster, Wheeler, White, Wilcox, Wilkinson, and Worth. (*Individual assistance only) 
 
Torrential downpours, severe thunderstorms, and majorflooding- signed March 9, 1998. Fifty-nine (59) 
counties: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Ben Hill, Berrien, Bleckley, Brantley, Brooks, Burke, Calhoun, Carroll, Clay, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crawford, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Dougherty, Early, Emanuel, Gordon, Grady, Haralson, Heard, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Lamar, Lanier, Laurens, Lee, Mcintosh, Meriwether, Miller, Mitchell, Monroe, Montgomery, Quitman, Pike, Pulaski, Randolph, Seminole, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Telfair, Terrell, Tift, Toombs, Turner, Webster, Wheeler, Wilcox, and Worth. 
Torrential downpours, severe thunderstorms, and major flooding - signed March 10, 1998. Nine (9) 
counties: Bibb, Butts, Dooly, Douglas, Harris, Jenkins, Macon, Thomas, and Upson. 
Torrential downpours, severe thunderstorms, and major flooding - signed March 13, 1998. Four (4) 
counties: Candler, Effingham, Evans, and Ware. 
 
Agricultural Disaster Declaration Includes Five Northeast Georgia 
Counties 
(ATLANTA)-The U.S. Department ofAgriculture recently declared five Area 1 counties as agricultural disaster areas. The declaration was made based on damages and agricultural production losses caused by a late season frost, hail storms, and continued drought conditions betweenApril 10 and October 31, 1997, according to GEMA Director Gary McConnell. 
The declaration was issued to cover Oconee County, South Carolina, but includes the contiguous counties of Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Rabun, and Stephens in Georgia. As a result ofthe declaration, family farmers in these counties may be eligible for various forms ofassistance including low-interest emergency loans. 
 
Severe thunderstorm, heavy rain and wind, tornado 
- signed March 20, 1998. Five (5) counties: Dawson, Habersham, Hall, Rabun, and White. 
Torrential downpours, severe thunderstorms, flash floods, and river flooding - signed March 24, 1998. 
Two 2 counties: Gl and Tattnall. 
 
The application deadline is August 10, 1998. Additional information and applications for farmers in Habersham, Rabun, and Stephens Counties can be obtained from the Farm Service Agency, 555 Monroe Street, Clarkesville, or by phone at (706) 754-4211. Farmers in Franklin and Hart Counties should contact the Farm Service Agency at 88 Maret Street in Hartwell or call (706) 376-5451. + 
 
 Blakely-Early County EMA Constructs Vehicle Decontamination System 
 
" Blakely-Early County Emergency ManagementAgency recently increased their capability to decontaminate vehicles 
 
in the unlikely event ofa radiological emergency at nearby Plant Farley. Pictured is the vehicle decontamination 
 
wash rack designed by Blakely-Early County EMA with support from Southern Nuclear Power Company. 
 
~ 
 
Director Ray Jarret (r) and Deputy Director Phillip Moore (1) designed the wash rack using schedule #80 PVC pipe. The capabilities ofthe vehicle decontamination rack will be demonstrated during the upcoming September 1998 FEMA 
 
graded radiological emergency preparedness exercise. (Photos by Cashwell Photography)+ 
 
'~ 
 
~,, 
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 New Plan Streamlines Damage Assessment, 
 
by Buzz Weiss Public Information Coordinator 
 
The severe weather events which slammed nearly half ofGeorgia's counties in March also ushered in what state and federal officials hope will be a streamlined way to assess damages and expedite aid to local governments faced with rebuilding damaged infrastructure. 
The new procedures will make it possible for local authorities to write their own damage survey reports (DSRs) in some cases, rather than awaiting inspections by state and federal emergency management experts. The locally initiated DSRs would be limited to damages ofless than $47,100. The program only addresses damage to public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and public buildings. It does not change the way in which individual assistance requests for residents and business owners are handled. 
 
(GEMA) Director Gary W McConnell. "It will also keep the applicant more directly involved from the very beginning." 
Under the new plan, applicant briefings continue to be held by GEMA and FEMA personnel to give city and county officials a better understanding ofwhat is needed to apply for assistance. One-on-one meetings are held after these briefings to provide additional information and assistance under the new plan. 
Each applicant agency is then offered the option of preparing their own DSRs, requesting a GEMA/FEMA team to prepare the DSRs for them, or requesting GEMA/ FEMA technical assistance to aid them in their preparations. 
 
"Our goal is to more quickly provide assistance to the 
 
This year's floods and tornadoes mark the first time 
 
affected local governments and reduce the number of the new process has been utilized. The pilot is being 
 
appeals," said Georgia Emergency ManageII1entAgency coordinated by GEMA's Public Assistance Division. + 
 
GEMA 
Public Information Office Post Office Box 18055 Atlanta, Georgia 30316-0055 
http ://www.state.ga.us/GEMA/ 
 
Attn: Emergency Manager Magazine 
 
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FLOOD/TORNADO DISASTER '98 
 
by Frances Butler Planner 
A s a result of the severe storms on March 7 and 8, rivers and creeks in central and south Georgia began to rise. Extensive flooding caused school closings, washed out roads, The t<'llnt River again flooded the campus of Albany State University following severe storms and evacuations in dozens of Georgia on March 7 and 8. The newly constructed portion of the campus was not damaged. (Photo by counties. Even so, no one expected the Steve Williams) 
cumulative effects from the rain storms to have a more widespread impact than the 1994 floods from Tropical Storm Alberto. 
 
Then without warning on Friday, March 20, a violent tornado tore through Hall and White Counties early in the morning, killing 13 people and causing extensive damage. Approximately 77 homes were totally destroyed, an additional 
 
Continued on Page 2 
 
Inside This Issue 
 
Lanier Elementary _School in Hall County received extensive damage during the March 20 tornado, which killed 13 people in northeast Georgia. Fortunately, the school was unoccupied when the storm hit. (Photo by Buzz Weiss) 
 
Wreckage of Schoolbus 
 
4 
 
Hazard Mitigation Grant 
 
5 
 
Facilities Studies 
 
6 
 
Hurricane Conference 
 
7 
 
Hazard Mitigation Awareness 
 
7 
 
In Focus: Director Ricky Mathis 
 
8 
 
Public Safety Intranet 
 
10 
 
Agricultural Disaster Declaration 11 
 
Victims Awareness 
 
12 
 
Earthquakes in Georgia 
 
13 
 
NE Georgia Agricultural Declaration 14 
 
States ofEmergency 
 
14 
 
Vehicle Decontamination System 15 
 
 Commission began assisting with evacuations in Lee and Coffee counties while county ~ auth01ities were searching for a lost child in Carroll County. The American Red Cross also began opening shelters throughout the effected , areas. The SOC staff began to process requests, primarily from EMA directors, for items typically requested during a flood: sandbags, heavy equipment for diking, dump trunks, backhoes, front-end loaders, machetes, blankets, food, cots, etc. 
 
These elevated homes in Lee Collnty weathered the flood with minimal damage. Mitigation measures, such as this, save money and grief. (Photo by Steve Williams) 
 
After nine days ofcontinuous operation in response to the floods, the State Operations Center closed at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18. Two days later on March 20, Director McConnell reactivated the " SOC at 7: 15 a.m., only 45 minutes afterthe ' 
 
43 suffered major damage, and 60 sustained minor damage. - Two schools suffered major damage and were closed. Area 
agriculture was also impacted with 14 chicken houses destroyed or damaged, killing 46,000 chickens. The powerful storm also killed 40 cattle. 
 
By the end ofMarch, 72 counties had been approved 
 
for individual assistance (IA) and public assistance (PA) 
 
~ ' 
 
by the March 11 Presidential disaster declaration with four counties being declared for IA only. After Alberto, 55 
 
counties were declared for IA and PA with only two being 
 
declared for IA only. 
 
devastating storm struck Hall County. Representatives from nine state agencies and numerous Volunteer Organizations , Assisting in Disasters (VOAD) groups returned to work in the SOC in response to the tornado. 
;~ 
Flood and tornado survivors with immediate needs such ~ 
as shelter, clothing, housing, food, or other such services ~ ;.1 
were assisted by local authorities and VOADs, including ~ the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, various churches, private groups, and individuals. 
Continued on Page 3 
 
~ When a disaster occurs and local resources are not 
q adequate to deal with a threatening situation, the Governor 
may declare a state of emergency. This allows state resources to be used to assist local governments. 
 
It is at the discretion of the Georgia Emergency ManagementAgency (GEMA) director to activate the State Operations Center (SOC) with or without the declaration of a state ofemergency. To manage severe disasters, the 
II.SOC is designed to accommodatethe emergencycoordination staffofmorethanten state agencies, 18 support organizations, : and numerous volunteer organizations on a 24-hour basis 
until all local and state needs are met. 
 
I1; After two days ofheavy rain, GEMA Director Gary W McConnell activated the SOC at 6:30 a.m. on March 
~~ 9th. Immediately, the Department ofNatural Resources, the Georgia National Guard, and the Georgia Forestry 
 
 The Governor requested a Presidential ~ declaration on March 10th. Then, as soon 
 
~ as was feasible, damage assessment teams 
 
!~ surveyed every county where flooding or 
~ tornado damage occurred to determine 
 
~ which counties were eligible to be added to 
 
~1 
,;J. 
 
the disaster declaration. 
 
With a disaster 
 
~ declaration, individuals and business owners 
 
~ are eligible for assistance that includes grants 
 
" to help pay for temporary housing needs, 
~ minor home repairs, and other serious 
 
~ disaster-related expenses. Low interest 
 
~ loans from the U.S. Small Business ~ Administration are also available to cover 
[ residential and business losses not fully ~ compensated by insurance. 
 
The de~asting tornado demolished se~eral mobile homes ~11 Mt. Vernon Roade, just across from North Hall High School. Strewn debris littered a wide area. (Photo by Buzz Weiss) 
 
. ~ 
 
of applying for assistance. Although the GTACs are 
 
: 
 
@: ~ 
 
; ~ 
 
Governmental entities and certain nonprofit selected by GEMA, they are primarily staffed by county 
 
organizations can get assistance with the eligible costs to representatives. 
 
repair or replace damaged infrastructure such as roads, 
 
bridges, utilities, and public facilities to their predisaster 
 
The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Albany, 
 
condition. This assistance also includes money to reimburse Georgia opened Saturday, March 14, providing a one-stop 
 
f:J eligible costs associated with emergency protective 
~~ 
~~ measures and debris removal. 
~ Individuals and business owners in the declared counties ~ may apply for assistance by calling the toll-free registration 
~ number, 1-800-462-9029. (See page 14 for a listing of ~,{.~;,'. declared counties.) People with hearing or speech 
 
facility where those affected by the floods could meet with representatives from a variety offederal and state agencies for assistance. The day following the tornado, two State/ Federal Service Centers were opened in northeast Georgia. These centers, located in Clermont and Cleveland, are providing similar assistance to tornado victims. 
 
,. impairments may call 1-800-462-7585. Both lines are open ~ between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily. Georgia Telephone ~l Assistance Centers (GTACs) were also established in many i~ ofthe declared counties to help victims through the process 
 
As expected, each component of public safety and each level ofgovernment pulled together to make every effort to accommodate these individuals in their time ofneed.  
 
Dozens of Albany residents fill sandbags to help protect homes and neighborhoods from the rising waters of the Flint River. (Photo by Steve Williams) 
 
 WRECKAGE OF SCHOOL BUS A REMINDER 
 
by Buzz Weiss ,~ Public Information Coordinator 
~ vehicles of all sizes and shapes littered the northeast Georgia landscape in the wake of the killer 
tornado which roared through Hall and White counties in the early morning hours ofMarch 20. 
 
Among the vehicles was a school bus. 
 
Fortunately it was empty when it was hurled 
 
through the air, but its destruction underscores 
 
Winds lifted this empty school bus and hurled it approximatley 200 yards 
 
the importance of evacuating vehicles in the from where the driver had parked it. (Photo by Andrea Booker) face ofa tornado. 
 
i 
~ 
 
i said Georgia Emergency ManagementAgency (GEMA) ~ 
Hall County School transportation officials say the 64- Director Gary W McConnell. "If this bus had been 
 
passenger bus was apparently thrown at least 200 yards occupied, the results would have been horrible." 
 
~ 
 
from the driveway where it was parked to an empty field on Ransom Free Road. The roofhad been sheared from the bus, which was found resting upside down on the tops ofthe seatbacks. 
"In a tornado, any vehicle, no matter how large, can be thrown around like a toy causing death or serious injury," 
 
I GEMA recommends that any vehicle, including a school 
 
~ bus, be evacuated when a tornado is encountered. The 
occupants should take shelter in a ditch or low-lying area 
 
until the tornado passes over. The recommendation is ~i 
 
~~: 
endorsed by the National Weather Service and the Georgia ~r~ 
 
State Patrol. 
 
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Buses are built to withstand crash rollovers. However, tornadoes exert significantly more force than rollovers. Authorities 
 
I 
 
do not know whether wind or debris sheared the roof off this Hall County bus. (Photo by Jack Scott) 
 
 5 
 
by Ken Davis Editor 
 
Hazard Mitigation Grant Provides Weather Warning Net in Georgia 
 
A grant enabling 82 Georgia counties and nine state agencies to install automated weather warning equipment was recently announced jointly by the Georgia Emergency ManagementAgency (GEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 
The equipment will establish a satellite weather-watching link to individual counties and state agencies to help them prepare for approaching severe weather events. The program is part ofa long-range plan to reduce disaster losses through hazard mitigation at the local, state, and federal level. 
Use ofa satellite to observe weather will ensure that independent information is available to emergency officials even iftelephone service, television reception, and, in most cases, electrical power, are disrupted by violent weather conditions. 
 
Clayton, Clinch, Colquitt, Cook, Coweta, Dade, 
i Effingham, Evans, Fannin, Jefferson, JeffDavis, Jenkins, 'I 
Jones, Lamar, Long, Madison, Miller, Murray, Newton, Pike, Polk, Pulaski, Schley, Tattnall, Taylor, Terrell, Thomas, ~ Toombs, Twiggs, Union, Upson, Washington, Wheeler, and Wilkes. The first group ofstate agencies receiving DTNs through this grant are the Department ofPublic Safety, the Georgia Building Authority, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. 
 
As this project is implemented, it will expand and ,, 
 
expedite access to critical weather information for local 
 
and state emergency officials in Georgia. 
 
 
 
"These Data Transmission Network (DTN) systems will be located in 24-hour emergency operations or communications centers, most ofwhich have generators in case ofelectrical power outages. Ifthese sites lose electricity, they will have backup power and can continue to receive important weather information," said GEMA Director Gary McConnell. "It is vital that local and state agencies be capable ofreceiving and sending weather warnings through various methods," he added. The system will provide comprehensive weather coverage that includes watches and warnings for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, high winds, winter storms, freezing rain, and dense fog. 
 
Currently, equipment for 40 counties and five state agencies has been ordered. GEMA will order the remaining equipment as information from the other applicants is received. FEMAgavethe state $137,609 in the first phase ofthe project and the state and locals contributed $60,445. This will equip 68 counties that currently participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The remaining 14 counties will receive the equipment as they join NFIP. 
I 
I The counties receiving the first order ofDTN systems 
t include Bacon, Baker, Bryan, Burke, Butts, Chattooga, 
c 
 
The DTN Weather Center System wHI provide local emergency response agencies with unlimited access to comprehensive time sensitive weather information. (Photo courtesy of DTN) 
 
 EMAs Conduct Facilities Studies, Receive Computer Systems 
by Ken Davis Editor 
L ocal emergency management agencies in Georgia are nearing completion ofcritical facilities studies whichwill identifybuildings and other structures that ' are essential to maintaining necessary city and county services in the event ofa disaster. 
The local studies are being conducted in conjunction with GEMA which employs a strategy for identifying worthy ; mitigation projects called the Georgia Mitigation Empowerment Initiative (GMEI). This initiative takes an innovative and comprehensive approach to identifying opportunities to lessen the impact ofdisasters within the communities ofGeorgia GMEIprovides the means for local governments to highlight and prioritize potential mitigation projects in their jurisdiction, as well as to catalogue and transmit the information to GEMA. 
To accomplish these goals, GEMA plans to complete distribution of powerful computers, installed with Geographic Information System (GIS) software, to all 159 Georgia counties by year's end. As ofMarch 15, a total 
1 of 140 counties have received computer systems. In 
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addition to the computer and GIS software, GEMA has f 
provided intensive computer training, necessary data layers ~ 
for local communities and for the state as a whole. GEMA i: 
 
provides local EMA's a modem and connectivity software  
 
to communicate with a central location accessible to the [1 
 
entire state. 
 
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II "This program is essential to reducing the impact and 
cost of disasters," said GEMA Director Gary W. McConnell. "It also underscores the importance of 
 
cooperation between state and local governments." 
 
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Administered by GEMA, the program is funded largely through the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. 
 
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Director McConnell noted that mitigation is a key 
I component ofemergency management. It is the ongoing 
effort to lessen the impact disasters have on people and 
I property. Mitigation involves keeping homes away from 
 
floodplains, engineering bridges to withstand earthquakes, '' 
 
creating and enforcing effective building codes to protect 
 
property from high winds, and more. 
 
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In the end, it is hoped that local governments andl~,; 
 
GEMA continue their commitments to predisaster planning . 
 
and mitigation which will help build stronger, more resilient :1 
 
communities. 
 
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'foombs County EMA Director Ron Widner (center) observes Bill Meeks, Toombs County EMA's Communications Officer, during the latest GMEI class. Jeff Davis County EMA Director James Dunn (foreground) logs on to the system that he received following the class. (Photo by Ken Davis) 
 
 SPRING 1998 
 
Plans for Hurricane Conference Move Ahead 
 
. by Buzz Weiss 
 Public Information Coordinator 
 
! plans for "Together, Georgia Prepares," t~e 1998 
 
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Governor's Hurricane Conference, contmue to 
 
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move forward. GEMA staffand representatives of 
 
! other state agencies and community organizations are finalizing topics for break out sessions and workshops, and 
 
re identifing the speakers and presenters who will lead the :,~ conference. 
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The conference will be held May 11-13 at the Jekyll 
i Island Conference Center. The theme, "Together, Georgia 
Prepares," emphasizes the importance of cooperation -_ . among state and local governments, the private sector, and 
community agencies and organizations in preparing for emergencies throughout the state. 
 
The opening session, "PreparingTogetherwith Business and Industry," will focus on the partnership between emergency management and the private sector in lessening the impact ofdisasters on business and industry to include employees, facilities, and the community. Other general 1, sessions will address: long-range climatological forecasts; r changing demographics and population trends; new initiatives implemented by GEMA; and the development ofcommunity awareness/preparedness programs. 
 
Workshop topics will include: the impact ofevacuees on "host" areas; the effect of disasters on emergency responders and their families; unusual responses to disasters; dealing with people who refuse to evacuate in the face ofa r hurricane; and, ongoing implementation of the new EmergencyAlert System (EAS). Other workshops will address communications and community education, 
! planning for public utilities, the role of volunt~er 
organizations, caring for pets during disasters, and lesserung [ the financial impact ofdisasters. 
 
Presenters and speakers will include: Georgia Chamber ofCommerce President and former Congressman Lindsey Thomas; nationally-known meteorologist Bob Sheets; University ofGeorgia sociologist Dr. Doug Bachtel; and, l, emergency management consultant Dr. Grady Bray. 
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GEMA Director Gary W McConnell emphasized that 
 
the conference is targeted not only to emergency managers, 
 
public safety personnel, and community agency staff 
 
volunteers, but also local elected officials and policymakers. 
 
He also reiterated that hurricanes can impact the entire state, 
 
not just the coastal area or southwest Georgia. 
 
 
 
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For registration information visit GEMA's website i 4 
at www.state.ga.us/GEMA/ or call 404-635-7000 or ..,1 
 
1-800-TRY-GEMA. 
 
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il Campaign Aims to Increase Local 
 
Hazard Mitigation Awareness 
 
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I ore than $100,000 is being funded for a 
campaign to alert Georgia county governments ~ 
M to the availability offunding for hazardmitigation I~ 
 
projects designed to limit losses in future disasters. 
 
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The Georgia Emergency Management Agency . (GEMA) received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to fund a two-year education campaign designed to inform county officials about available hazard mitigation programs, policies, and funding. It will be ajoint effort between GEMA, FEMA, and the Association County Commissioners ofGeorgia (ACCG), a private nonprofit organization representing all 159 counties in Georgia. 
 
ACCG Executive Director Jerry Griffin said, "We expect to help counties develop better mitigation plans and more disaster resistant communities. ACCG will showcase sellable mitigation projects and increase statewide exposure ofhazard mitigation through our annual meetings, monthly magazine, weekly newsletter, and the Internet." 
 
"The state's goal is to encourage local governments to incorporate hazard mitigation concepts into daily operations thereby lessening their exposure to disaster damage and making safer communities for all Georgians," said GEMA Director Gary McConnell. 
 
Continued on Page 11 
 
 management. We've written a policy, and this exercise will help tell us ifthat policy works." 
 
The scenario centered on Towns County Comprehensive High School, where exercise controllers hid two simulated explosive devices. Although the exercise was conducted on a holiday, administrators, faculty, and staffwere present for a workshop day, and eleven students from the school's occupational management class volunteered to act as victims. 
 
In-Focus 
Towns County EMA Director Ricky Mathis 
by Ralph Reichert GEMA Exercise Training Officer 
T he north Georgia mountains were the scene ofa major terrorism full-scale exercise on January 19. Towns County EMA Director Ricky Mathis ' organized and designed the exercise in response to heightened concerns regarding terrorist and bomb events throughout the country. "Even though we're a remote county;' Director Mathis said, "we take all threats seriously. This exercise will help us evaluate and develop the county's standard operating procedures regarding bomb incident 
 
A telephoned bomb threat initiated an evacuation and search for the device. During the evacuation, a simulated secondary device targeting evacuees detonated outside the school. Emergency response personnel from the Towns County Fire Department, Sheriff's Office, Emergency Medical Services, and EMA responded along with Hiawassee Police. Authorities immediately set up a perimeter and triage site outside a I000-foot safety zone. 
Towns County EMA called GEMA's Area I Field Coordinator, Jack Scott, who requested that Habersham County EMA Director Barry Church respond in GEMA's Mobile Command Post (MCP) 3 to assist Towns County with incident management. "MCP 3 is permanently located at Habersham County EMA," said Scott. "This is a central location forthe northern counties inArea 1, and Church is happy to bring it to any county with an emergency." 
Cherokee County sheriff's deputies arrived with bomb sniffing dogs to locate the device hidden within the school. 
 
GBI Special Agent Terry Pelfry examines one of three simulated explosive devices. (Photo by Jack Scott) 
 
 SPRING"1998 
 
GBI Bomb Squad members also participated, using their to use the robot. Special Agent Terry Pelfrey suited up in 
 
robot to render the discovered device safe. Special Agent protective gear and removed the device to a safe area. 
 
Joel Criswell said, "We try to exercise our render safe 
 
capabilities as often as possible. We were glad to be 
 
"We had no knowledge how the simulated devices 
 
invited to this exercise by Director Mathis and we were constructed," said Agent Pelfrey. "We had our 
 
appreciate the cooperation ofall ofthe agencies involved supervisor build and place them so that we wouldn't have 
 
in dealing with explosive device scenarios." 
 
any advantage. We wanted to maintain our focus in 
 
identifying and properly handling each device." 
 
The GBI also brought the DeKalb County EMS team 
 
which accompanies the Bomb Squad on all calls. "Having 
 
About 130 people from a variety oflocal and state 
 
the DeKalb EMS people here was really educational for agencies participated in the exercise, with six GEMA staff 
 
our local EMS team," said Mathis. "That squad is specially serving as evaluators. 
 
trained in treating explosive shock and trauma injuries, 
 
and they helped instruct us on treatment before and during 
 
This exercise challenged responders and accomplished 
 
the exercise." 
 
what Towns County wanted to do. The exercise 
 
successfully identified the new policy's strengths and 
 
Towns County EMS and Fire Rescue used the "load weaknesses by allowing the local EMA to assess the 
 
and go" principle, spending as little time in the "hot" zone county's emergency response capabilities. Everyone came 
 
as possible retrieving "victims" and transporting them to away feeling that they learned a great deal about bomb 
 
the triage site. Incident Command was established in MCP incident management. 
 
3, with Mathis, Towns County SheriffRudy Eller, and 
 
other agency personnel directing the response effort. 
 
Following the exercise, Towns County EMA treated 
 
everyone to lunch before the "hotwash" critique began. 
 
The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office dogs located "We really appreciated the participation and cooperation 
 
the device hidden in the school and the GBI's render safe ofall those involved," said Mathis. 
 
robot retrieved it. The robot removed the device from the 
 
buildingjust as EMS personnel transported the last ofthe 
 
"We feel that this exercise was tremendously 
 
injured to the Chatuge Regional Hospital. But the exercise worthwhile. We learned more about the dangers ofprimary 
 
was not yet over. 
 
and secondary explosive devices, but we hope we never 
 
have to actually respond to 
 
As the moulaged 
 
"Everyl[)uU! came away feeling that tihey [e1R,nu::;l an event such as this." 
 
victims arrived at the a great deal aboFAt bomb itccidene maeuigemerzi," 
 
hospital, medical staff 
 
GEMA Director Gary W 
 
assessed injuries and provided treatment. With 11 victims McConnell said, "Exercises are one ofthe most important 
 
arriving within a short period of time, hospital staff functions ofemergency management. I am encouraged by 
 
responded with call-ups ofstandby personnel to assist the growing number oflocal EMAs conducting terrorism 
 
with the overflow. Some cases were admitted, and some exercises. As our video, Surviving the Secondary Device: 
 
were stabilized for simulated air evacuation to other trauma The Rules Have Changed, shows and news reports 
 
centers for specialized treatment. The discovery ofa third confirm everyday, the rules really have changed." 
 
explosive device in an ambulance parked at the emergency 
 
room entrance only mildly disrupted the hospital staff's 
 
Last spring, GEMA produced the 15-minute video that 
 
efficient delivery ofmedical services. 
 
dealt with bomb incident management and terrorism 
 
through a grant from the U.S. Department ofJustice. The 
 
"The third device really taxed our response Bureau ofJustice Assistance reproduced and distributed 
 
capabilities," said Mathis. "Establishing a safe perimeter the video to 63 ,000 public safety agencies nationwide to 
 
at the hospital while continuing to deal with the device at share knowledge gained from three bombings in metro 
 
the school was a difficult task for the GBI Bomb Squad." Atlanta in 1996 and 1997. 
 
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The GBI responded, but because ofthe location ofthe 
 
device and the need for quick action, it was decided not