Emergency manager magazine, No. 2 (Summer 1998)

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EMERGENCY MANAGER

SUMMER1998

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Hurricane Video Released

By Buzz Weiss " Public Information Coordinator
As emergency managers prepare for the possibility



More than 30 individuals and representatives of various organizations including: local emergency

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management and law enforcement agencies; the Georgia 1

of an active hurricane season, GEMA recently debuted Departments of Agriculture, Human Resources, and

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a 12-minute video on hurricane preparedness, which GEMA officials hope will better prepare Georgians for

Defense; the Weather Channel; and the Chatham County Commission participated in the production ofthe video.

the possibility of damaging tropical weather.

Filming was done at several locations in Atlanta, coastal

Georgia, and southwest Georgia. WSB-TV news

"Together, Georgia Prepares," was unveiled at the reporter Mark Winne provided the narration.

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1998 Governor's Hurricane Conference May 11 at Jekyll Island. The video focuses on evacuation and

Funded by a grant from FEMA, the video was

(, sheltering issues, including: the importance of produced by Atlanta-based Jernigan Productions, Inc.,

~f~ evacuating areas in the path of hurricanes when instructed to do so; the preparation of family disaster ~~. kits; destination alternatives for evacuees;

which has produced several other videos for GEMA including "Surviving the Secondary Device: The Rules Have Changed," an instructional resource for emergency

~ familiarization with evacuation routes; the special needs responders, released earlier this year.
~ population; and re-entry following an evacuation.

The hurricane and bomb videos are the first ofwhat

Nearly 700 copies of the video were produced for GEMA Director Gary W. McConnell says will be

distribution to local emergency management directors, several videos to be produced this year. An instructional

state agency emergency coordinators, local school video for local officials on applying for public

systems, and libraries to expand public awareness. assistance grants for infrastructure repair is slated to

Copies of the video, along with 30-second public be released this summer. GEMA was also awarded a

service announcements will also be made available to $20,000 grant by the Department ofNatural Resources'

cable TV systems around the state.

Coastal Resources Division for a second hurricane

video, which will address mitigation issues.

-Co-nti-nu-ed f-rom-P-age-1 --------------------------------

Georgia Army National Guard helicopter crews completed on-scene emergency training in water bucket drops on June 17 and began attacking the fire from the air the next morning. Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement officers helped evacuate people and animals from threatened areas. Georgia State Patrol troopers assisted the Charlton County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies with traffic control, road closures, and evacautions. Salvation Army, Georgia Baptist, and American Red Cross disaster response teams assisted evacuees and firefighters.

Three GEMA Area Coordinators, Deral Dukes, Jack Hutto, and Chuck Ray, responded to help coordinate the delivery ofstate assets. Atkinson County EMA Director Diane May, Clinch County EMA Director Foster Smith, Pierce County EMA Director David O'Neal, Ware County EMA Director Jack Hobbs, and Wayne County EMA Director Allen Robinson also responded to assist Charlton County EMA Director Momoe Todd. In addition, GEMA dispatched State Training Officer Grant Moore, Rescue Training Officer Bryan Adams, and Momoe County EMA Deputy Director Davis Hall from the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Mobile Command Post #2 to assist with communications and coordination efforts.

Joining local and state agencies, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service helicopter from the Okefenokee Wildlife , Refuge made water drops throughout the duration ofthe fires. King's Bay Naval Base sent a firefighting team and kept additional personnel and equipment on standby, ifneeded.

WIPPMedical Training Begins Along Interstates 20, 59
l By David Dennis
I; REP Planner ~ The first in a series of four classes for WIPP instructor used a member of the class to demonstrate ? Medical Training was conducted May 29 at the Medical how to put on protective clothing while one of the College of Georgia in Augusta. Instructors from the students simulated being a victim. The instructor also Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site, demonstrated how to cut and remove contaminated REAC/TS in Oakridge, Tennessee, presented the eight- clothing while controlling further contamination ofthe hour course to members of the emergency room and victim and the emergency room. The class concluded hospital radiological safety staff. Instruction included a with a demonstration on properly removing four-hour presentation on the characteristics of contaminated clothing from emergency room staffwhile radiation, radiation exposure and contamination, controlling contamination. radiation effects on the body and radiation injury. The class received instruction on the use of radiation Future classes are being scheduled for three instruments and survey techniques. The class also additional hospitals along the I-20 and I-59 WIPP demonstrated how to control contamination in the corridor routes and will begin after September 28. emergency room while treating the injured. The
WI PP Corridor Counties Along Interstates 20, 59 and 285 (South Loop)

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90 Miles

April 1998

SpecialAnnouncements fromFEMA's Communiry & Famiry Preparedness Program

Emergency Management Guide Helps Business & Industry

Your "good ideas" can help others make a real difference in disaster education.

Are you working on your company's first emergency management plan? Enhancing an ongoing contingency program? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has information for you. And it's free.
The Emagency Management Guide for Business & Industry is a 78-page step-by-step approach to emergency planning, response and recovery for companies of all sizes.
The FEMA guide, applicable to almost any emergency, offers a 4-step planning process: 1) how to establish a planning team, 2) how to conduct a vulnerability analysis, 3) how to develop the plan, and 4) how to implement the plan.
The guide has emergency planning checklists covering such issues as: training, direction and control, communications, life safety, property protection, community outreach, recovery and restoration, and preparedness guidance on a range of hazards.

By drawing upon the experiences of disaster educators in the field, the CFP Program seeks to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on how to organize and run an effective disaster education program.
Information is requested on such topics as: (1) How to organize community, neighborhood, workplace and school-based programs; (2) How to build effective partnerships and leverage financial resources; and, (3) How to reach persons with disabilities, children, and other special audiences.
If you know about any unique partnerships, volunteer projects or innovative approaches to disaster education, please e-mail a short summary to valca.valentine@dc.ogilvypr.com or call Ralph Swisher, FEMA CFP Program Manager (202) 6463561.

To download the guide from FEMA's Web site (http://www.fema.gov), click on "Preparedness, Training and Exercises Room" in the "Virtual Library", or call 1-800-480-2520 to order a hard copy.
The approaches described in the guide are offered as recommendations, not regulations. There are no reporting requirements associated with the publication.

CD-ROM for Disaster Educators Now Available
With a click ofa mouse, emergency managers, fire safety educators and community volunteers now have instant access to brochures, fact sheets, activity guides and other resources for raising awareness and educating the public about disasters.
The FEMA Disaster Preparedness & Mitigation Library is now available on CD-ROM.

Program Case Studies on Disaster Education Sought
To meet the growing needs of disaster educators nationwide, FEMA's Community & Family Preparedness (CFP) Program is expanding its "Good Ideas Book" to include additional information and case studies on the most effective approaches to disaster education.

FEMA's CD-ROM library offers: ready-to-print materials on floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, winter storms, wildland fires and other disasters; information on disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery; emergency planning guidance for businesses and manufacturers; and FEMA's Good Ideas Book with activities, case studies and resources for educating children, homeowners, and others.

Governor'sPublic SafetyAwardsandRecognitionProgram

By Frances Butler
1
Consequence Management Planner
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Earlier this year, Governor Zell Miller, a long-time

t1i supporter ofthe public safety community, established a

rt~~I special task force for the purpose of developing an

1,i awards program honoring the public safety personnel t[1~ in the State ofGeorgia. This task force, the Public Safety
Ii Awards and Recognition Event Committee, is chaired
rj by Mr. Gary W. McConnell, Director of the Georgia
~ Emergency Management Agency.

1'7;

fl The committee consists ofrepresentatives from state

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.,1".'.,: agencies and organizations that represent public safety

interest, and include a group ofrepresentatives from the
. U\,'. private sector who have exhibited support of public

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safety in Georgia over the years.

Iir:J The awards will be given yearly honoring the best
I of all the various public safety services. Two members

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~ Continued from Page 2

It further required that as of January 1, 1999, every dispatch center with more than 10 employees shall have at least one TDD trained/certified officer on duty at all times and that no communications officer shall be employed after that date without the training.

Because of concerns that this would provide a hardship on smaller emergency dispatch facilities, efforts were made to have the bill amended so that the training and certification would not have to be done prior to hiring. The bill was not amended, however, so corrective language was added to SB 572 to block the provision that training and certification be completed prior to hiring.

Both bills were signed into law and further concerns were raised about the conflicting language. To clear the air, GPSTC's director requested an opinion from the State Attorney General, which was issued in midMay. According to the Attorney General, 911 centers will, in fact, be exempt from the pre-hiring requirements, while other communications facilities will not. Legislation is expected to be introduced in the 1999 General Assembl to correct this situation.

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of each discipline will be given an award. One of the ,J

awards will be for outstanding heroism; the other will be for meritorious efforts in a non-emergency situation. There will be a total of 14 awards given for seven areas

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of public safety service.

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~ Each recipient will receive a medallion with a seal
and a ribbon in a presentation box. The names of the
honorees will be etched in marble on a marble monument

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located at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center. ;j

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The Governor's Public Safety Awards will provide ;]
an opportunity for the men and women in the public 'j

safety family to be recognized for outstanding service 1

to their communities and contributions to their

profession. The recipients will be given their awards
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at a Public Safety Recognition Event scheduled for ~

October. A final date will be published later for those J

who want to attend.

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TropicalStormWatch

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Asfue=~::::::mon~ I

the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says its Tropical Storm Watch (TSW) page on the World Wide Web is busier than ever; more than one million hits/week - even when there are no major disasters.

The TSW page (http://www.storm98.com) offers hurricane preparedness information, fact sheets, maps and links to other key sites with weather satellite images and forecasts. The FEMA Web site is updated daily, with news releases, situation reports, tracking maps, and graphics. As a hurricane approaches landfall, users can see the projected path of destruction and learn how FEMA is coordinating the federal government's efforts to help state and local governments cope with the impending disaster.

FEMA's homepage address is http://www.fema.gov. In addition to a set of key topic buttons, the homepage layout provides users with a quick view of the latest news.

Columbus Metro Emergency Response Team Conducts TerrorismExercise

E By Riley Land Director, Columbus Office of Emergency Management

The Columbus Metro Emergency Response Team (CMERT) conducted a full-scale terrorism response exercise in late April. Members ofthe Columbus Police Department (CPD), Columbus Fire Department (CFD) Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Muscogee County Sheriff's Office, Muscogee County Marshall's Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), and FBI comprise the team.
A four-person team, all CMERT members, developed the scenario. The scenario development team included Columbus Fire Captain Jerry Fountain, Columbus Police Lieutenant Bill Rawn, Columbus Police Sergeant David Hopkins, and Columbus Office ofEmergency Management Director Riley Land.Using a "real time/live play" scenario, they designed the exercise to test CMERT's ability to safely and effectively respond to a bombing incident.
The drill began with the detonation of a live device in an automobile at the CPD's training facility. Proper response required CMERT members to utilize their previous training regarding secondary devices, command post operations, and other safety and procedural protocols. Responders then processed the crime scene using correct scene security, evidence preservation, evidence collection, and forensics techniques.

The scenario, taken from a real incident, involved a distraught husband who detonated an explosive device, killing himself and his wife. The explosion occurred as they argued while sitting in separate vehicles parked side by side, driver's door to driver's door. After the explosion, 911 received reports of the incident and dispatched police, fire, and CMERT to the scene.
Fort Benning's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team constructed the device, a pipe bomb capable of being detonated by remote control. The EOD team placed the bomb in a cardboard box and covered the box with '.; Christmas wrapping paper. This construction simulated the device in the real incident mimicked by the scenario.
CMERT acquired two vehicles from a wrecking yard and brought them to the CPD training facility. Controllers placed the cars in an open field where CMERT members and CFD personnel prepared both vehicles for detonation and took photographs for later comparison. CFD personnel also filled the vehicles fuel tanks with water to minimize the possibility ofa secondary gasoline explosion.

CMERT also permitted members

of the Columbus Public Safety Explorer Post to participate during the second day of the exercise. The Explorers gained experience with various facets of law enforcement , during a terrorism incident.

A pipe bomb, constructed by a U.S. Army EOD team from Fort Benning,

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provided the catalyst for the drill. (Photo by Riley Land)

Everyone used great care throughout the construction, wrapping and placement ofthe live device. Exercise controllers evacuated all personnel a safe distance away from the vehicles to prepare for detonation.

With the evacuation complete, members of the CMERT exerciseplanning group, along with members BOD team, detonated the device in vehicle one.

Two strategically located video

cameras captured the explosion for The bomb destroyed "vehicle one" blowing its roof 75 to 80 feet into the air. later review. After detonation, a fire The top landed 150 feet away. (Photo by Riley Land)

erupted in vehicle one but EOD and

CMERT bomb technicians detained fire department scenario development team members slipped away

personnel until the area could be declared safe for entry. during the briefing and planted an inert device, equipped

When bomb techs gave the "all clear" signal, fire with an alarm clock set to go off in about 45 minutes,

department personnel extinguished the blaze with hand near the scene. This device was placed to determine if

lines.

arriving personnel would conduct an area sweep for

secondary devices.

The explosion and ensuing fire caused extensive

damage to vehicle number one. The force of the blast When responders reached the scene, they immediately .

blew the roof of vehicle one approximately 75 to 80 began establishing a command post. Some team members

feet into the air. The roof landed 150 feet away, seven surveyed the vehicles and the immediate area around

seconds later. The second vehicle sustained a fair amount the scene. No one searched the area where the secondary

ofcollateral damage to the driver's side door with some device was placed before the alarm clock sounded.

fragments traversing the vehicle and embedding in the

passenger side door. The powerful blast also blew out After the alarm went off, controllers instructed all

glass from both vehicles and littered the surrounding response personnel to return to the command post where

area with unidentifiable fragments.

they were informed that they were among the casualties.

Exercise controllers then conducted a follow-up

At the end ofday one, CMERT stabilized the vehicles briefing on secondary devices before allowing response

and secured the scene with crime scene tape and signs personnel to resume the investigation.

to prevent tampering overnight.

CMERT established teams to address specific

The following day, all participants reported to the functions ofthe investigation according to previous ATF

training range, well away from the vehicles, for briefing post blast training. Specialized teams focusing on scene

by Captain Jerry Fountain, co-leader of the CMERT. photography, scene diagramming, evidence collection,

The briefing consisted ofa review ofbomb scene safety grid search ofthe blast area, and forensics were formed.

procedures and crime scene protocol.

One or two Explorers were assigned to each team.

The participants then proceeded to the scene and began the investigation. Unknown to them, two CMERT

Continued on Page 16

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16

EMERGENCY MANAGER

SUMMER l998i

Continued from Page 15

Various methods of evidence collection were rolled onto its side to allow investigators to search the employed. Physical searches of both vehicles and the ground underneath the vehicle. Participants used both i surrounding area yielded several bomb fragments. At screen sifters and metal detectors in the search for one point after an extensive search, vehicle one was evidence.

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Lessons Learned

1. Reinforce secondary device awareness training. Remind responders, when dispatched, to be aware of the probability of secondary devices.
2. Re.fine the CMERT call out roster. They have now categorized bomb incidents as Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 events. Each level clearly dictates, in writing, what members will be called to respond to the threat.

3. You will need twice as much equipment as you bring to the scene. Outfit a dedicated vehicle with various equipment such as additional sifting screens, metal detectors, shovels, rakes, weed wackers, etc., to respond to actual detonations.
4. Never rush a bomb investigation. The bomb tech sets the pace for the response. Never rush the post blast investigation; you will surely overlook evidence ifyou do.

GEMA
Public Information Office Post Office Box 18055 Atlanta, Georgia 30316-0055
http://www.state.ga.us/GEMA/ http://safetynet.gema.state.ga.us
Attn: Emergency Manager Magazine

GA
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.'~;o;,;~~':!1i.fip~Y7WWW:smie:jiaXis76F:MA/
Governor Issues State ofEmergency in Char"/ton County Wildfire
By Ken Davis ' Editor i
J A wildfire, burning for weeks in Florida, spread to Charlton County, on June 15, prompting Governor Zell Miller to issue a state of emergency
I, for the southeastern Georgia County on June 17. A state of emergency
.~~---~
authorizes the use of state equipment and personnel to assist local governments with emergency response and recovery activities.
_;,
"Due to the fire and limited visibility from the smoke, authorities had to close several state highways. Over 16,000 acres burned in Charlton County in the Georiga Bend near St. George. Containment efforts were moderately successful when winds subsided during evening hours, however, hot afternoon winds usually caused more flash points. The Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC), the lead state agency for fire services, reported that firefighters managed to keep structure damage to a minimum. We are thankful that no lives were lost and no homes were destroyed," said Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Director Gary W. McConnell.
GEMA coordinated additional mutual aid resources as the fires burned. Firefighters and equipment from Appling, Camden, Clinch, and Ware Counties joined forces with the GFC and Charlton County Volunteer Fire Department. Additional firefighters and equipment from Baker, Clay, and Nassau Counties in Florida also battled the blazes.
Several state agencies sent people and equipment to help the GFC, including the Department ofCorrections, which sent two firefighting companies and inmate details to suppress flash points near residences and other structures.
Continued to Page 10

GEMA Responsibility for 911

2

Governor's Weather Task Force

3

Disaster Volunteer Leave Bill

4

Hall County Tornado Recovery

5

In-Focus: Director Daniel Yeargin 6

Project Impact Launched

8

Hazard Mitigation Grant Projects 9

Public Safety Intranet Update

9

Hurricane Video Released

10

WIPP Medical Training Begins

11

FEMA Special Announcements

12

Tropical Storm Watch Online

13

Public Safety Awards & Recognition 13

Fast moving wildfires fed by dry brush and stead winds scorched thousands ofacres in Charlton County.

Columbus Metro ERT Terrorism 14

r' (Photo by ChiefDeputy Kenneth Johnson, Charlton County Sheriff's Office)

Exercise

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2

EMERGENCY MANAGER

SUMMER 1998

GEMA Assumes Responsibiliryfor 911

By Buzz Weiss Public Information Coordinator

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency law will help raise their professional standing in the

(GEMA) assumed responsibility for oversight of 911 public safety community.

emergency communications systems in the state on July

1. The new authority is based on Senate Bill 572,

A 12-member 911 Advisory Committee was also

which was passed by the General Assembly, and signed established under the new law, which includes

into law by Governor Zell Miller on April 20.

representatives of the Georgia Municipal Association,

.,

the Association County Commissioners of Georgia SB 572 was initially introduced to permit 911 (ACCG), and local 911 systems.

surcharges to be levied on wireless/cellular telephones,

as they currently are on landline systems. The

A related measure, HB 812, was also passed and

legislation was spurred by increasing use of cellular signed into law, creating some concern by 911 managers

phones and by new Federal Communications about training requirements for 911 personnel. The

Commission (FCC) regulations which will require legislation would require that, effective July 1, the basic

public safety answering points to be able to identify the training course for communications officers shall include

number from which a cellular call is made, as well as training the use ofTDD equipment and that no one shall

the location of the call. It is estimated that at least 25 be certified by POST as a communications officer

percent of the calls made to 911 centers come from without the training.

cellular phones, and that the number ofcalls from these

Continued to Page 13

sources will continue to rise drastically.

A legislative study committee held a series of hearings on the issue at the State Capitol and the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth during the latter half of 1997 prior to the bill's introduction.
After its initial passage by the Senate, the bill was amended to shift responsibility for 911 from the Department ofAdministrative Services to GEMA. The new law gives GEMA the authority to "promulgate rules and regulations to establish minimum standards relating to (911) training and equipment." The Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (POST) will retain responsibility for the actual training ofcommunications officers and their certification.
"Our goal is to ensure a certain level of quality for emergency communications throughout the state," said GEMA Director Gary W. McConnell.
McConnell noted that emergency communications officers do not currently fall under the clear purview of any professional organization and predicted that the new

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Governor's PanelMakes Recmnmendation

on Severe WeatherForecasting, Warning
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If By Buzz Weiss

j, Public Information Coordinator
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A special task force, formed in the wake ofa killer

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tornado which tore through northeast Georgia in March,

~ submitted its recommendations to Governor Zell Miller

I calling for, among other things, a dramatic improvement ofcommunications and warning systems and expanded

' research into severe storms forecasting.

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The report by the Governor's Task Force on Warning and Communications recommends that severe

weather communications and warning systems be

I upgraded, including expansion of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather

radio transmitter sites. NOAA weather radios are tone-

activated receivers which turn on automatically when

a tone is transmitted by the National Weather Service

preceding a severe weather alert. Not all areas of

. Georgia are currently able to receive NOAA weather

radio coverage, however.

Governor Zell Miller (center) thanks members of the Task Force on Warning and Communications for their work after accepting the panel's report at the State Capitol. (Photo by Buzz "Neiss)

Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Director Gary W. McConnell said a preliminary grant application has been prepared for submission to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to fund expansion ofthe NOAA weather radio systems. He said research has already begun on tower locations.

Another key recommendation calls for a feasibility

, study on the installation of at least one state-owned

Doppler radar in northeast Georgia to provide badly

needed coverage in an area ofmountainous terrain that

~ limits current radar reliability.

~ ~ ~

The task force is also recommending establishment

~ ofa Severe Storms Research Center at the Georgia Tech

~ Research Institute. The Center would serve as a focal ~ point for severe storm research in Georgia and play a

key role in implementing the recommendations of the

panel.

Research conducted by the Center would focus on the design and testing of new tornado detection technology including not only the continued modernization of Doppler radar, but of alternative and

complementary technology. It would also initiate a program to more accurately document tornado occurrences.

In addition, a collaborative effort would also be undertaken with the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, Oklahoma, the National Weather Service Office at Peachtree City, and GEMA to test experimental severe storm forecasting technology in Georgia four to six years before it is tested elsewhere in the United States.

Other recommendations include:

GEMA's acquisition of a mobile communications vehicle, with satellite phones and satellite image downlink capabilities, to facilitate the rebroadcast ofcritical response and recovery communications.

Implementation of an aggressive public education

and awareness program on severe weather.



41 Condnued on Page

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EMERGENCY MANAGER

SUMMER 1998

Disaster Volunteer Leave Bill Gets Green Light

By Buzz Weiss, Public Information Coordinator
State lawmakers have passed and Governor Miller has signed legislation paving the way for some state employees to volunteer their services to aid disaster victims in Georgia and neighboring states.

The disaster leave can be implemented upon the request of the Red Cross, with the approval of the employing agency, and coordinated through GEMA. The leave can be taken to assist in disasters within the state or in contiguous states which have reciprocal agreements.

HB 1266, the Disaster Volunteer Leave Act, will allow state employees who are American Red Cross certified disaster volunteers to take up to 15 days paid leave per year to participate in specialized disaster relief services conducted by the Red Cross.

The law applies only to state employees, and not to employees of local government. It is permissive, and agency heads are not required to grant disaster leave requests if they would interfere with the agency's performance of its duties.

Continued from Page 3

Exploration of the use of storm track data from Doppler radar operated by television stations to augment National Weather Service radar.
Expansion of the "Skywarn" tornado-spotter network.
Creation of a program to use state aviation assets to investigate unreported tornadoes characterized by surface damage in remote areas, in an effort to better identify the locations of tornadoes and determine the existence of "tornado alleys."
Development ofa system to provide hurricane and flood warning information to a clearly understandable format to more effectively encourage immediate evacuation or other protective action if necessary.
"These are ambitious recommendations, but we believe they will help to save lives and reduce injuries," said McConnell. "Our next step will be to provide the Governor with an implementation plan which we will have ready by next month."

The Task Force was created by Governor Miller following the March 20 tornado which roared through Hall and White Counties, killing 12 and injuring at least 100, and causing millions ofdollars ofdamage to homes, farms, and schools. Governor Miller instructed the panel to review the current weather forecasting system and the severe weather warning system to determine their strengths and weaknesses, and to make recommendations on how they can be improved.
In addition to GEMA, which was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Task Force, other participants included representatives of: FEMA, the Association County Commissioners ofGeorgia; the Georgia Municipal Association; Georgia Public Television; Georgia Institute of Technology; the University of Georgia; the Georgia Departments of Administrative Services and Defense; the Hall County Emergency Management Agency; the National Weather Service; the Georgia House ofRepresentatives; and the offices of U.S. Senators Paul Coverdell and Max Cleland, and Congressman Nathan Deal.

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F~ By Ma:ty Lou Weber
GEMA Grants Manager

In the early hours of Friday, March 20, 1998, a devastating tornado moved through the northern part of Hall County, killing 12 and injuring over a 100 people. The twister caused extensive damage to private homes and two public schools - Lanier Elementary and North Hall High School.

Although Lanier Elementary

was badly damaged, classes were

partially resumed in six days.

some Lani er students were Repair work began within days after a powerful tornado heavily damaged Lanier Elementary School in Hall shuttled to other schools in the County. (PhotobyAndreaBooker)

county system. Bag lunches were

provided until the cafeteria reopened in April. Repair to provide a safe haven for students and teachers during

work and assessment of possible structural damage a tornado or other storm threat is currently under review.

occurred immediately. Classes resumed at North Hall Hardening of over 3000 square feet of corridor walls

High School on March 30. Repairs were already at the Lanier Elementary School is scheduled for

underway and classrooms were shuffled to construction during the summer months, while 800

accommodate all students.

square feet of hardening will be erected at North Hall

High School. Hardening of a section or room of a

Both the Georgia Emergency Management Agency structure is designed to provide a storm-safe shelter

(GEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management within the confines ofa larger facility. It is a reasonable

Agency (FEMA) provided immediate response and way to provide occupant protection during a high-wind

quick recovery efforts were instigated through the Public event. The concept is to redesign an internal area of a

Assistance Program. Damage Assessments were building in order to resist the forces that extreme winds completed and inspection for the first group ofDamage place upon it, as well as providing ventilation in the

Survey Reports (DSRs) was completed on March 25. roof to offset the pressure drop that accompanies a Funding was provided to the school system for both tornado.

schools for debris removal, building repair and replacement, fencing, school streets, and repair of recreational facilities. All repair work to both schools will be performed utilizing current building codes and standards.

In light of the historical occurrences of severe tornadoes in northeast Georgia since the beginning of the twentieth century, it is hoped that this mitigation effort will go a long way in protecting the lives ofHall County's children and creating an environment in which

Plans and specifications are currently being they feel safe to learn.

reviewed for GEMA/FEMA funding for mitigation

efforts to assuage future events of this magnitude. A

plan to 'harden' the corridors of both schools in order

littered among the debris around the aircraft itself, and in the lake nearby. Just as emergency personnel treated and began to transport the injured from this site, the call went out that the high school had been hit by a tornado, causing multiple injuries.

In-Focus

Although the exercise may appear a bit complicated, it was designed to accommodate the desires ofthe many participants. EMA Director Dan Yeargin wanted to conduct an exercise which would be beneficial to the agencies involved, while encouraging widespread participation from county and city of Hartwell responders. He called a meeting of department heads, and asked what functions they would like tested.

Hart County EMA mrector Daniel Yeargin
by Ralph Reichert GEMA Exercise Training Officer
On June 2, scenes of disaster could be found throughout Hart County. During the daylong exercise, three different scenarios tested the county's emergency response capabilities. First responders, hospital staff, school personnel, law enforcement officers, public works personnel, and others participated in the drill.

SheriffCordell wanted to exercise his department's response to bomb incidents, along with the department's diving team. Principal Dusty Brown wanted to test school plans and procedures in response to a tornado and multiple injury event. City Police ChiefCecil Reno wanted to test the city's ability to use police and public works in conjunction to establish "safe lanes" between a disaster site and the hospital. Hospital, EMS and fire personnel wanted to test their abilities in search and rescue, triage, transport and treatment for casualties. Finally, Dan wanted to test his newly established EOC, located at 800 Chandler Street in Hartwell.

The day's activities began with a confined space rescue to extricate a victim from an induction pipe at the Hartwell Lake Dam. The exercise called for this rescue to be followed immediately by two additional incidents resulting from severe weather; an airplane crash at a campground on the lake, and a tornado strike at the Hart County High School. Ironically, just as the call for the second phase ofthe exercise went out, severe weather actually struck with a tornado warning issued for Anderson, South Carolina, just across the lake from Hart County. Local volunteers acting as victims took cover as an ominous wall cloud blew over exercise sites.
Once threatening weather passed, the exercise continued with responders facing hysterical campers and mass casualties at the site of an aircraft crash. Of course, this would be no simple site! Bombs were

With a large majority of the county's emergency response personnel involved in the exercise, Dan turned to his neighboring counties and the state for evaluation assistance. Sam Cunningham, Director ofGeorgia EMS was joined by staffers Rich Elliott and Earl McGrotha to evaluate elements of the exercise, along with Sam Stone ofLanier Technical Institute and Chris Thelkeld, Director of Elbert County EMS.
During the hotwash it was quickly established that while not everything went according to plan, the exercise was a complete success. Although the response at each site was well coordinated and executed, each of the participating agencies identified areas for improvement in their response plans or activities. Evaluators were pleased with the exercise and overall response, and could offer few suggestions or recommendations for improvement.

Emergency responders "recover" the aircraft used during the June 2 disaster exercise in Hart County. (Photo by Jack Scott)
At the end of the day, Director Dan Yeargin was satisfied that the exercise provided a complete test of the county's emergency responders. "It was easy to plan this exercise with the enthusiastic participation of all of the elected and appointed officials in Hart County and the city ofHartwell," he said. "Once they identified what they wanted tested, we worked together to come up with a set of scenarios that accomplished the exercise objectives. From staffing in the EOC to the grid search ofthe aircraft site at the lake by sheriff's office and coroner's staff, we accomplished all of our goals," he said.
EMS personnel treat an "tornado victim" during the disaster exercise at Hart County High School. (Photo by Jack Scott)

ProjectImpactLaunchedin CoastalArea

By Rebecca Bowers Public Information Intern

On June 3, 1998, three coastal Georgia counties

preventive actions must be decided at the local

were selected to launch a natural disaster prevention

level;

initiative by the Federal Emergency Management

private sector participation is vital; and,

Agency (FEMA) in conjunction with the Georgia

long-term efforts and investments in prevention

Emergency Management Agency (GEMA). Glynn,

measures are essential.

Mcintosh, and Camden counties were invited to

participate by Director James Lee Witt ofFEMA and

"The counties were selected for Project Impact

will be part of this new initiative: Project Impact - because oftheir high risk for hurricanes and flooding,"

Building a Disaster Resistant Community.

said John B. Copenhaver, FEMA regional director in

Atlanta. "I congratulate all three

Project Impact is a national

of them for their foresight,

program which aims to change

commitment, and contribution to

the way local governments deal

changing the way America deals

with disasters by encouraging

with disasters."

communities to come together to

assess vulnerabilities to hazards,

Glynn, Mcintosh, and

and to implement strategies to

Camden Counties are among

limit damage before disasters

nearly 70 local governments

occur.

chosen from around the nation to

participate in Project Impact this

"For years we have worked with FEMA to assist year. FEMA will provide between $300,000 and

communities in the state in recovery efforts after natural $1,000,000 directly to the three counties. The remaining

disasters occurred," said GEMA Director Gary W. coastal counties are expected to be approved next year.

McDonnell. "We are eager to shift that focus and work

with FEMA in advance of disasters to build stronger

FEMA has offered expertise and technical assistance

and safer communities in Georgia."

from both the national and regional levels. FEMA

officials say they are encouraged by the benefits they

McConnell noted that the program is about building have seen and the determined level ofcommitment that

public/private partnerships and identifying risks. A is flourishing at the local level in the seven pilot

critical part ofthis program involves enlisting the active communities selected last year. These communities ~J

support of businesses across the country in taking include: Deerfield Beach, Florida; Oakland, California; i~
measures to protect their companies, employees, and Pascagoula, Mississippi; Seattle, Washington; and ~

communities.

Wilmington/ New Hanover County, North Carolina, ~

among others.

~

McConnell said the Georgia Chamber ofCommerce

and the Association County Commissioners ofGeorgia

"The increasing number and severity of natural ;t

(ACCG) have also been asked to provide their disasters demand that Americans take actions to protect ~,~

~.:. assistance and expertise to the three counties in their families, homes, and businesses," said President ~1

developing their local programs.

Clinton. "Through Project Impact Americans can build

stronger communities before disaster strikes."

~

Project Impact bases its work and planning on three principles:

~ ~

HazardMitigation GrantProgramPrqjects

The staff of GEMA's Hazard Mitigation Division sent out a total of 192 requests for full grant applications.

has been working closely with local governments in From this distribution, GEMA received a total of 178 order to develop eligible projects for both the FEMA completed full applications. At this point, 50 projects j
I 1033andFEMA1209 disasters. In a Memorandum of have been approved by FEMA, mainly for warning and I
Agreement between FEMA and GEMA, it was agreed communication enhancements.

that the two agencies would combine forces in order to expedite the full grant application review process

I
Pre-applications for FEMA 1209 were due to 1j

for both programs. Representatives from FEMA are GEMA in May, and a total of 142 pre-applications ~1

;: currently working with staff at GEMA in a review totaling $35.2 million were received. From this, GEMA

.. process for FEMA 1033 projects, while full sent out a total of 120 requests for full grant applications, 1

I applications for the FEMA 1209 disaster have just including 63 applications for warmng and

!: recently been mailed.

'j1
communications projects. Completed applications must

be returned to GEMA no later than August 29.



The full grant applications for FEMA 1033 are

'.j

currently being reviewed by both GEMA staff and

Other News: GEMA has applied for monies 1

FEMA representatives. Earlier this year, a total of throughFEMAforfundsfromHUDtomeetunmetneeds i

197 pre-applications totaling $146 million were resulting from the most recent disaster declarations. I received from local governments. From this, GEMA
I i Public Safety IntranetNamedFinalist

By Jonna Wheeler Public Safety Intranet Coordinator

in StateAwards Program

I

1

executing their duties and providing cost-effective ~1

service to citizens.

:;1

At a luncheon held April 7, the Georgia Public Safety Intranet was named as a finalist in the first annual Awarding Computing Excellence (ACE Awards) Program. This awards program is administered by the Information Technology Policy Council.
The overall purpose of the Awards Program is to recognize and encourage outstanding efforts by state agencies to develop applications of information technology that will benefit the State of Georgia. The Public Safety Intranet was nominated in the category of Intergovernmental Applications. Programs in this category were awarded for intergovernmental use of technology to link federal, state and local governments to improve efficiency and provide services to citizens.
This program marks the first time that the state of Georgia has honored outstanding achievements in the field ofinformation technology. Emphasis was placed on recognizing those information technology initiatives which best assist government officials in innovatively

A total of 41 nominations from 25 state agencies ;1

were received. Of these, 18 programs were named "l

finalists including the GEMA Public Safety Intranet.

'.I 01

Team members, agency heads, corporate sponsors, ,
;j1
judges and council members were honored at the awards

luncheon held April 7 at the Georgia Public :;1.l Broadcasting Building.

The Georgia Public Safety Intranet is designed to l~

provide a secured, electronic information sharing forum for exclusive use by the public safety community.

~

:~:::~. Currently, there are 622 active users on the Public Safety

~
1

These users represent 378 public safety !.'.

For information regarding the Georgia Public Safety Intranet, please contact Jonna Wheeler, Public Safety

,~I

Intranet Coordinator, at (404) 635-7000, 1-800-TRY-

GEMA in Georgia, or e-mail at jwheeler@gemastate.gaus.

You may also register online for access by pointing

your web browser to http://safetynet.gema.state.ga.us.