Emergency manager magazine, No. 4 (Winter 1998)

10

EMERGENCY MANAGER

WINTER 1998

OPERATION LIFESAVER

Operation Lifesaver is a nationwide nonprofit public education program to reduce collisions, fatalities, and injuries at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings and on Railroad Rights-of-Way. There are approximately 300,000 public and private highway-rail grade crossings across the nation. Because thousands are seriously injured and hundreds are killed in nearly 4,000 highway-rail crossing crashes each year, the goal ofthe program is to help prevent and reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities, and improve driver performance.

In 1972, Union Pacific Railroad and community leaders in Idaho decided to band together and fight the growing number ofhighway-rail grade crossing crashes, injuries, and fatalities with a public education program. At the end ofthe first year, the highway-rail grade crossing fatality rate dropped a resounding 39%. A second program initiated in Nebraska demonstrated even more impressive results after 1 a one-year period- a 46% reduction in highway-rail grade crossing fatalities. Georgia was the fourth state to form an Operation Lifesaver program.

A crash at a highway-rail grade crossing is 40 times more likely to result in a fatality and to result in a disabling injury than any other type oftraffic collision. More than 50% of these crashes occur at highway-rail grade crossings equipped with bells, flashing lights, or gates. There are several possible reasons for this.
+ Many drivers do not cross railroad tracks
often enough to be familiar with the warning devices designed for their safety.
+ Often they are unaware that trains cannot stop
as quickly as motor vehicles to avoid a collision.
+ Others simply ignore all warning signs because
they are "in a hurry" and would rather play "beat the train" than wait.
Driver ignorance and impatience are the most common factors contributing to motor vehicle/train collisions at highway-rail grade crossings.

If you want to become involved or obtain more

information on training, videos, pamphlets, and brochures,

contact Ms. Jennie Glasgow, Georgia's State Coordinator,

at Georgia Operation Lifesaver, P.O. Box 76526, Atlanta,

Georgia, 30358; or (770) 393-2711.

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11

El\llERGENCY MANAGER

WINTER 1998

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CROSSINGS

What type of vehicle is unable to yield to

an emergency vehicle and why?

Never expect a train to yield to an emergency

vehicle. Ittakes an average freight train carrying

12,000,000 pounds and traveling at 55 miles

an hour approximately a mile and one-half to

stop. An eight-car passenger train traveling at

80 miles an hour requires approximately one

i' I

mile to stop.

When approaching a crossing, slow down or stop, ifnecessary; have all crew members look left and right to determine whether a train is approaching.
Assign one or two crew members the responsibility ofchallenging the driver face-toface in cases when he or she seems to be considering ignoring an oncoming train.

Which is louder; a train's horn and bell or

Ifa crossing has obstructions that block vision

an emergency vehicle's siren and horn?

or a severe curvature that interferes with the

A 1986 study conducted by the National

ability to see, stop the emergency vehicle and

Transportation Safety Board concluded that a

send a crew member on foot to ensure the safety

train's warning horn is effective for large

of the crew.

commercial and emergency vehicles only ifthe

driver stops the vehicle, idles the engine, turns

When approaching a crossing, turn off sirens,

off all radios, fans, wipers and other noise

air horns and any other sound-producing

sources in the cab, lowers the window and

devices, roll down the vehicle's window, slow

listens for a train horn before entering a

down and listen carefully and observe to

highway-rail crossing. Even ifemergency sirens

determine ifa train is coming.

and air horns are deactivated as an emergency

vehicle approaches a crossing, ambient noise

What does sirencide mean?

levels in the cab may still mask the sound of an

Sirencide is the term used to describe an

approaching train's horn.

emotional reaction sometimes experienced by

emergency vehicle operators. Sirencide

And, there are certain crossings at which trains

produces feelings ofpower and urgency, which

are not required to blow the horn, such as

can block out reason and prudence. Because

private crossings and those exempted by local

sirencide can lead to the careless operation of

ordinances.

an emergency vehicle and place the lives of

passengers injeopardy, emergency vehicle crew

For maximum safety, it is recommended

members need to work together as a team

that all emergency personnel be assigned

when approaching highway-rail crossings.

watch areas when the vehicle is approaching highway-rail crossings and keep the driver informed as to the status of these crossings.
What should an emergency vehicle operator do when approaching highway-rail crossings?
Familiarize yourself with the crossings in your

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12

EMERGENCY MANAGER

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS POSE THREATS
By Buzz Weiss Public Infonnation Coordinator

WINTER 1998

Technology has unquestionably improved our quality of substances can create toxic fumes, which severely irritate

life, but it has also created a variety of hazards which can the skin or respiratory system. McConnell recommended

pose serious threats to health and safety.

reading labels carefully before using products ofthis kind.

Tens ofthousands of chemicals and other substances are used in manufacturing, industry, agriculture, medicine, and research, as well as in the home. The unintended release of a hazardous substance can, however, occur where it is being used or stored, or while it is being shipped. While these substances result in conveniences, cost-savings, and cures, their accidental release or misuse can be potentially lethal.
Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Director Gary W. McConnell noted that although accidental spills or releases are infrequent, aggressive efforts are continuing to better educate emergency responders on how to identify hazardous matters and minimize the risks in the event they are released.

SAFETY TIPS ON HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
+ Keep household chemicals and cleaning
products clearly labeled and properly stored.
+ Read labels carefully before using household
chemicals.
+ Keep the phone number ofthe nearest poison
control center handy.
+ Keep clearly-labeled antidotes on hand for
chemicals in your home.

Trucks and railroad cars which carry hazardous materials are marked with placards to indicate what is being transported. Emergency response guidebooks have been made available to be placed in emergency vehicles to assist first responders in identifying the hazardous materials, determining the risks they pose, and initiating the appropriate response.
"Most every community in the state either has, or has access to, specially-trained and equipped hazardous materials teams," said McConnell. "What is critical in the early stages, though, is that people who come upon an incident need to keep their distance."

+ Report chemical spills immediately to 911 or
the appropriate local authorities.

+ Ifyou live near a facility where chemicals are
used or stored, or near a transportation route over which potentially hazardous materials are carried, be alert for emergency warnings and be prepared to leave the area ifnecessary.

For more information on chemical hazards call

CHEMTRAC toll-free at 1-800-424-9300.

+

McConnell warned that anyone who comes in contact with a leak or spill involving chemicals or other hazardous materials should remain upwind; avoid inhaling fumes, vapors, or smoke; avoid stepping in spilled materials; and evacuate the area if ordered to do so.

Although most people think of hazardous materials releases in the context ofindustrial spills or traffic accidents, McConnell pointed out that common household products can present serious risks. In some instances, mixing cleaning

13

EMERGENCY MANAGER

WINTER 1998

RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

By Charlie Dawson Planner/T'rainer

This past year has been another busy and productive year Emergency Management Institute training, local GEMA

for the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) training, and on-the-job experience.

Section. The staff of professional planners and trainers

continue to improve the extensive network ofprotections The effectiveness and quality of the plans and training

designed to ensure the public's safety around the nuclear are routinely tested by exercises both evaluated and non-

power plants in and near Georgia. Serving as the state's evaluated. During this past year, an extremely successful

lead agency, GEMA's REP section facilitates and FEMA evaluated Ingestion Pathway exercise was

coordinates the efforts of other state agencies, local conducted at Plant Hatch. The Ingestion Pathway

emergency response organizations, and the utility companies participant was Wayne County. FEMA evaluated exercises

in safeguarding the public from radiation hazards.

were also successfully completed at Plants Vogtle and
,;-"< f~ey. The Augusta Regional Hospital excelled in an

Primarily, this effort is to ensure that comprehensive;PJmis . eval{\ated Medical Exercise and credit for an exercise was

are in place, that responders are trained and that tho/ct1tirc grant .to Meadows Memorial Hospital in Toombs County !

sy~temis tested. This year@el~iii>};~~ ?.rxlllbf fort. espo~s.@oi'tfiuTw.:tu'a\event. In add~tion to t~ese

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''>h/ <..
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'~tla~e191UUP and staffing the Disaster
. . tQ.tm J<lt42 days in March and April. Our

Preparedness. Training sessipbs.wern comfo tcdin1h(:x-Prvf9fsi9. ahpkiy key1nle~ Team Chief, Action Officers,

counties around the nu~t~ar plants for~ vchLvcW tt~!Jntpl g,cnce()ffiersfr~the State Operations Center

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fort~~ atl~ dt~ing all acti\ttions.
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Assistance Centerffrairnng Site m Oak Ridge, Tenm\SSeC for training in the handling of radiation accident~~)i emergency personnel. Training of the REP staff and locm officials included a visit to the Dry Cask Storage Facility at the Surry Nuclear Plant in Virginia and attendance at professional conferences and meetings such as the semiannual Radiation Working Group, the National REP Conference, and the FEMA Region IV REP Conference. Finally, considerable effort has been invested in training and mentoring new staffmembers to include completion offormal

l'~pfery program for the citizens of Georgia m order to

s(tye lives, protect property, and reduce the effects of

alsasters. The REP section contributes greatly to the

accomplishment of this mission and stands prepared and

1

ready to respond to any requirements.



+

14
I!l.;.ij !;e~i~:::~~:~o'

CARROLL COUNTY EXERCISE

I On November 19thmore than 100 personnel participated
in a school violence exercise in Carroll County. The exercise, designed by the participating agencies supported by GEMA, centered on a shooting incident at the "After School Program" at the Villa Rica Elementary School. The Villa Rica Police Department and Carroll County Sheriffs Office were first to respond, followed by Carroll County Fire Rescue and American Medical Response units. With additional after school program students to safely shelter, the Carroll County Schools' faculty was joined by the American Red Cross, the Department of Children and Family Services, and the Department ofPublic Health to care for the physical and emotional needs of the uninjured students.

High school students and community residents volunteered to act as student victims, and although protected from any scenes of violence, children in the after school program and their parents participated in the registration and shelter segment ofthe exercise. According to participants in the 11hot wash11 , the exercise was an extremely valuable learning experience, and all involved were commended for their cooperation.

-~------

15

ElVIERGENCY MANAGER

WINTER 1998

GEMA ACQUIRES NEW MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS VEHICLE

By Jonna Wheeler Governor's Task Force on Warning and Communication Coordinator

On December 21, 1998, the newly acquired Mobile

Communications Vehicle (MCV) arrived at GEMA

headquarters in Atlanta. The acquisition ofthe MCV was

a key recommendation of the Governor's Task Force on

Warning and Communication. This Task Force was formed

in 1998 by Governor Zell Miller following the severe storms

and tornadoes that devastated northeast Georgia in March,

1998. The main objective of the Governor's Task Force

on Warning and Communication was to evaluate Georgia's

current system ofsevere weather forecasting and warning,

:I~ as well as the State's capacity to protect its citizens threatened by severe storm activity. Additionally, by

'
,

l ~

providing better response capabilities to these events, the adequate and timely action ofrecovery operations will be

~ maximized. The acquisition ofthe MCV is a key component

~ in this response.

"i '

Bombing Incidents Explosions

The MCV will provide public safety personnel, '
emergency responders and local officials with necessary ii

communications services, such as:

i 1

.[,i

r\

Programmable low band capability

f;

Programmable high band capability

Programmable 800 MHz capability

Satellite radio (push to talk) capability

Traditional LAN line phone capability

Traditional cellular phone capability

Satellite phone capability

HAM radio capability

800 MHz Southern Linc capability

WestCam aerial video surveillance reception

capability

911 emergency capability

-

I The MCV will be deployed to areas where
Ii;i communications capabilities have been severely ~ compromised due to the occurrence of a natural or man-
made disaster, such as:

f~ '

Tornadoes

~

Hurricanes

i:.

Floods

i;
[';

Winter Storms

r~--~--~--~-~----~~-~--c--~~----- 1
'

Other Severe Weather

- -----------------

In addition, the MCV contains a private room for command and coordination purposes, a satellite dish to receive national network news, and a traditional television antenna to receive local programming.

The services provided by the MCV will serve to reinstate vital communications services to the community in order to allow public safety personnel and emergency responders the necessary means to manage the disaster scene. The

MCV will provide the services required to establish order 1

during the chaos following a disaster to ensure that recovery

is achieved effectively and efficiently.

.

Continued on Page 16
I

16

E:MERGENCY MANAGER

Continued from Page 15

To request the services ofthe MCV when disaster occurs, or for demonstration or exercise purposes, please contact your local Emergency Management Director or the GEMA 24 hour Communications Center at (404) 635-7000 or 1800-TRY-GEMA in Georgia.

WINTER 1998

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: Frances Butler

Drivers and operators will be trained and on call to provide assistance.


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lictif1

EMERGENCY MANAGER

WINTER '98

http://www.state.ga.us/GEMA/

N0.4

PLANNING BEGINS FOR 1999 GOVERNOR'S
SEVERE WEATHER CONFERENCE
By Buzz Weiss Public Information Coordinator

Planning is now underway for the 1999 edition ofa major annual conference which brings together officials of the public, private, and volunteer sectors to hear from the experts and examine ways to better prepare for and respond to the severe weather that Georgians have come to expect and dread.

While the 1999 conference will continue the theme developed in 1998, "Together, Georgia Prepares," its scope will be drastically expanded with a new name. Previously called the Governor's Hurricane Conference, the program will be rechristened the Governor's Severe Weather Conference. The three-day program, to be held at the Jekyll Island Convention Center, is slated for May 10-12, beginning at 1:00 p.m., Monday and ending at noon Wednesday.

"As we have seen in recent years, Georgia is vulnerable to a wide range of severe weather," said Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Director Gary W. McConnell. "And we think it is appropriate to reflect that fact in renaming this conference."

Historically, the conference focused on the threat ofhurricanes, menacing Georgia from both the Atlantic Ocean and , the Gulf of Mexico. While hurricanes can impact the entire state with damaging inland winds, violent tornadoes and thunderstorms, and widespread flooding, conference planners felt that the name and focus may have been too parochial, failing to draw broader participation.

"The revamped conference will allow us to better address the entire spectrum of severe weather, from hurricanes to

floods to winter storms, and will hopefully attract participants from all 159

counties," said McConnell.

Inside This Issue

Although details ofprograms, workshops, and speakers have yet to be finalized, preliminary discussion has begun to focus on several tracks. They include planning and preparedness, communication and warning, community initiatives on awareness and education, and mitigation. Conference planners are also hoping the 1999 event will be more visual and interactive than in previous years.

Severe Weather Conference

cover

Improvement of Wireless 911

2

School Bomb Threat Management

6

Minimize Risks From Bombs

8

Domestic Violence Shelter System

9

More than 50 exhibitors and vendors are expected to participate. In addition,

GEMA will display a new mobile communications vehicle and a mobile Animal

Disaster Operations Clinic (ADOC), which are expected to be in service early

this year.

Continued on Page 5

Operation Lifesaver

10

Hazardous Materials Pose Threat

12

Radiological Emergency Preparedness 13

Carroll County Exercise

14

New Mobile Communications Vehicle 15

GEMA TAKES ON NEW ROLE IN EXPANSION,

IMPROVEMENT OF WIRELESS 911

~~ii

PHASES 1 & 2 OF FCC ORDERS COMING ON-UNE OVER NEXT TWO YEARS It~

By Candy Waylock Contributing Writer

~,,1

phones with a Mobile Identification Number (MIN) or its

~ ~

equivalent, be connected to the appropriate Public Safety ~

I

In a blinding winter storm two years ago, a South Dakota Answering Point (PSAP). Prior to that time, wireless

woman lost her way home, ending up stranded in a snow emergency calls were often routed to nonemergency

bank, miles off course and in the opposite direction ofher dispatchers or operators, with obvious delays in emergency

home. The woman's cellular phone was her only link to the response at times.

outside world, although she was unable to recognize

landmarks in the drifting snow to assist her searchers in While this FCC directive was a good step towards

finding her.

improving wireless 911 service, a problem still remained in

directing calls to the correct response agency.

It was not until two days later - with her cell phone

batteries dead and her provisions gone - that the woman ''The cell phone will search for the strongest signal to relay

was located, miraculously alive in the subfreezing in, and that sometimes is not the correct destination for the

temperatures. Her cellular provider was able to identify a call,'' said Don Ash, 911 director for Henry County, and a

sector from which her cell phone signals had originated, member of the 911 Advisory Committee in Georgia. "If

allowing rescuers to narrow down the search to a five mile YQlf ilfe at the far ends of Henry County, your call may be

radius.

sbiftqFayette or Spalding County."

Situations such as this one clearly illustrated to .tibththe This pfgplem of misdirected calls was addressed in part

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) andstatB~~ by Phruiff 1 of an FCC order, which took effect in April

local governments the need for a wiryle#kQU systern{() \ J.997, directing that enhancements be made to the 911

operate similar to landline 911, alkNving purJic safety n system to c1) allow the public safety office to call back the

personnel the ability to respond to eI11~rgygcH~~ with the caller in the event of a disconnect, and (2) pinpoint the cell

same efficiency and pinpoint accuracy. ........ ... ....

tower from which the call originated.

"911 services are the backbone of alll~mergency operations in the state," said Gary W. McConnell, Director ofthe Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA). ''And there is no public safety entity that can operate without good communication from the 911 [personnel]. They are the initial receivers of emergency information, and their attention to detail and their professionalism plays a vital role in many life and death situations."
In the past few years, enhancements to the wireless 911 system have been put in place to ensure the public, increasingly dependent on wireless communications, that lifesaving assistance is just a phone call away.
FCC WIRELESS 911 ACTION
On October 1, 1997, an FCC order covering wireless 911 went into effect r uirin all 911 callers usin wireless

Considerably more complex will be Phase 2 ofthe FCC order, scheduled to go into effect in October 2001, when wireless providers must be able to provide a call location within 125 meters, or 388 feet of the caller, when the information is requested by the PSAP.
Ash, who estimates up to 25 percent of all 911 calls into Henry County originate from cellular phones, believes wireless 911 service will be greatly improved once Phase 1 is implemented statewide, adding "the problems will be completely addressed, Ifeel, with the completion ofPhase 2."
SENATE BILL 572
With Phase 1and Phase 2 ofthe FCC regulations coming on line, it became apparent to public safety officials around the state that considerable expense would be needed to

EMER. G. ENC. Y MANAGER ;;..

WINTER 1998 ....

, upgrade the 911 system to comply with the federal The use ofrevenues generated from a charge on wireless

regulations. Although the FCC did not provide funding for phones is strictly outlined in the law. Thirty cents from each

the states to comply with the orders, it did allow for states dollar will be set aside in a Wireless Phase 1 Reserve I[.
to pass local legislation to recover the costs of Account to be used exclusively for installing and upgrading

implementation.

equipment needed to provide wireless 911 services,

maintenance, services, and network charges of a wireless
f
Public safety officials in search of funding found their service supplier. The balance ofthe funds - 70 cents from tj

advocate in State Senator Eddie Madden, a pharmacist each dollar- is earmarked for the general support of the 11

from Elberton, Georgia, who readily admits his initial scope 911 system, including training, personnel, equipment, and 'l

ofknowledge leaned more towards emergency medicine other operating expenses currently authorized by law. The ~

than emergency communications.

law prohibits any ofthe funds to be used for services outside

"The issue was called to my attention by David Murphy, the 911 director for Jackson County," explained Madden.

the scope of the 911 system.

~~

Madden explained in order to impose a 911 wireless ~

"He pointed out the federal order encourages counties to charge, a county must have in place an Enhanced 911 ij

implement (Phases 1 and 2 ofthe FCC order), but did not system, capable of providing Automatic Number ~J
provide any funding to purchase additional equipment and Identification (ANI) and location ofthe cell site from which fj

technology."

the call originates. Counties with only Basic 911 services !1

will not qualify to receive funding.

ii

Madden agreed to sponsor Senate Bill 572, introduced

during the 1998 session ofthe Georgia Legislature, allowing Madden said it is difficult, if not impossible, to estimate '
counties and cities to impose a 911 charge 911dHlUla_r or how much revenue will be generated statewide with the "

wireless phones. Previously, government entities wercpnly cht\f:ge on wireless phones, noting "cellular providers are authorized to charge a fee for 911 services on \Vi~c:lplw~1es. viff reluctant{() telease the number of customers they

Madden's bill, which passed quickly through the htgiMature hihte..they don'Hvant the data to get into the hands oftheir t

and became Georgia Law No. 811 upon the8;lghature of ()mpetitors."

~

Governor Zell Miller, initially allows counties and cities to .

charge customers up to $1.00 per wireless device per Neverthelesk Madden said the new law will assist

month. After October 1, 2001, that cap will be raised to counties, especially those in rural areas, to generate funds

$1.50 per device per month. This higher cap, explains to improve and upgrade their 911 systems, and, in some

Madden, is contingent upon equipment being in place to cases, install 911 systems. The law allows for two or more

comply with Phase 2 of the FCC order allowing the 911 counties which are not currently providing 911 services to

system to pinpoint the exact location ofthe cell phone. The charge customers $2.50 per wired line for up to 18 months.

law also encourages the more rural counties to form This will allow those counties to generate up-front funds to

partnerships with neighboring counties to impose the fees and generate more revenue.

install 911 services. Currently, 49 counties do not have 911 ~

services, and several others offer only Basic 911.

~

,;

'

Partisan politics in the State Legislature was nonexistent, GEMA'S NEW ROLE IN 911
notes Madden, when it came to an issue that benefited

everyone.

In addition to providing afunding mechanism for Phase 1

"No one objected to allowing counties to generate funding for improvements to the 911 system, especially when you consider 40 percent ofcellular phone users cite safety reasons as the main reason they have a wireless phone,'' said Madden.

and Phase 2 mandates, Senate Bill 572 also transferred the oversight responsibilities for 911 services statewide from the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) to GEMA. This action allows GEMA to develop guidelines for mutual aid, training, equipment, and the coordination :.1 between local governments, services suppliers, and state

agencies as it relates to 911 services across the state.

4

EMERGENCY MANAGER

WINTER 1998

Transferring oversight authority to GEMA was a logical Forsyth. Third party installers of wireless equipment,

move, according to GEMA officials, who note 911 services including Bell Atlantic, BellSouth, XY Point, and SCC

fall into the realm ofcoordinating and working with the entire Communications, were on hand to give presentations on

public safety community, a primary mission for GEMA. the status of their company's progress on Phase 1initiatives.

The consensus among the installers was, for the most part,

"(911 service) is part of the whole emergency they are now capable, or close to becoming capable, of

management picture, and it goes hand in hand with what complying with Phase 1directives ifrequested by a county.

we do everyday at GEMA," said Valerie Hartness, 911 At that meeting, the 911 directors were asked by GEMA

project coordinator for GEMA.

personnel to rank their top three priorities related to 911

services in Georgia. They listed training, recognition as a

"It's a natural fit for us, especially in the years to come as public safety profession, and equal treatment with regard

cellular phones begin to be a much larger part ofthe overall to training and funding as the primary issues facing 911

911 system and the public safety community in general. I operators today.

believe 911 has really found a home at GEMA," said

Hartness, who added 911 services were originally put under

the direction of DOAS because that department has

; 1
'

oversight responsibility for the telecommunications industry

"We've taken the results from that survey and we set a
1:~ lot ofgoals for the next year," said Hartness. "And training,
funding, and recognition are all at the top ofthe list, while

in the state.

. . . \V~~ continue our efforts to encourage and promote

iihplementation of 911 across the state."

Although it is difficult to put an exact figure on the nllmber

ofwireless phones in Georgia, a conservative estimate puts Recognizing 911 personnel as key figures in the public

the number at more than 600,000 in the Metropolitan Atlanta safety family has already moved ahead since July when

area alone, based on a formula that the number ofwi1gJ13:g~ / QpMA assumed authority for the program, said Director

phones equals 20 percent of the population in metro l\tfoConnell, noting "911 operators were honored for the

counties. In rural counties, that number is estimated at 12 first time ever [at the Governor's Public Safety Awards in

wireless phones per 100 residents.

October], along with other public safety personnel, for their

IMPLEMENTING PHASES 1 & 2

. pqntributions to the improvements of their profession". GEMA is also working with the State Legislature on a

nuniber ofissues related to recognition ofthe 911 providers, The status of Phase 1in Georgia is one of much interest added McConnell.
and attention, but no implementation to date, as counties

concentrate their efforts more on training, funding, and upgrading equipment and technology.
'
j Several counties and cities have passed resolutions to

The 911 Advisory Committee has also made training and funding issues a priority for the committee's focus in the near future.

, begin collecting fees for wireless 911 services, said Hartness, i and have submitted these passed resolutions to GEMA along
with plans on how they intend to expand their current 911 system to provide wireless 911. Once these plans have been confinned by GEMA, the wireless provider has six months

"We are obviously looking at the overall picture of 911 services in Georgia, especially in those 49 counties that do not n have any 911 services," said Ash. "But our primary focus " right now is on technical and training issues related to 911.''

in which to comply with Phase 1ofthe FCC order for that approved county. Beginning in October 2001, the grace period for compliance ends, said Hartness, and wireless providers will have to immediately comply with both Phase 1and Phase 2 directives when requested by a county.

A second meeting on wireless 911 services held on December 14 again brought together 911 directors to hear presentations from wireless providers currently conducting i business in Georgia. The meeting provided a forum for 911 directors to ask specific questions related to Phase 1

and Phase 2 implementation. Directors of 911 services from across the state attended

a Wireless Phase 1 meeting, sponsored by GEMA, in

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5 HISTORY OF 911

EMERGENCY MANAGER

WINTER 1998

The idea of a nationwide emergency telephone number was first proposed by the National Association ofFire Chiefs in 1957, although it took another decade before the government and the communication industry took steps to carry out that proposal.
In 1967, the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) and the FCC joined forces to establish a universal emergency number that could be implemented quickly and nationwide. A year later, AT&T selected the digits 911 as the emergency code to be put in place across the United States.

brief, easily remembered, and could be dialed quickly, and two, it had not been designated as an area code, office code, or service code.

On February 16, 1968, the first 911 call was placed by

Senator Rankin Fite in Haileyville, Alabama. One week later,

Nome, Alaska became the second community to establish

911 emergency service. Today, nearly 85 percent of the

United States population has access to 911 service, with

95 percent of that service Enhanced 911. Canada has also

adopted 911 as its single emergency number, giving 911

international significance.



The code 911 was selected for two reasons: one, it was

Continued from Page 1

Participants in the conference are expected to include: emergency managers, law enforcement officers, fire service and EMS personnel and other health care practitioners, 911 administrators, state agency personnel, public works officials, educators, meteorologists, representatives ofthe private and volunteer sectors, and local elected officials.

Other organizations include: Georgia Municipal Association; Association County Commissioners of Georgia; National Weather Service; Weather Channel; Georgia Sheriffs' Association; American Red Cross; Salvation Army; Georgia Power; and Emergency Management Association ofGeorgia (EMAG).

Planning ofthe conference involves the efforts and input of a broad cross-section of agencies and organizations in addition to GEMA. The current planning team is comprised of representatives ofstate government agencies, including: the Departments of Public Safety; Human Resources; Natural Resources; Agriculture; Industry, Trade and Tourism; Corrections; Transportation; and Education; the Georgia Forestry Commission; the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; the Governor's Offices ofConsumer Affairs; Planning and Budget; and the Georgia National Guard.

Through expansion ofthe conference planning team and the conference direction, community and state participation is expected to be greater than ever. Conference room rates are available at the Jekyll Island Inn, Comfort Inn, and the Clarion Buccaneer.

Additional information on the conference can be obtained

by calling Buzz Weiss or Ken Davis at 404-635-7000 or

1-800-TRY-GEMA.

+

6

EMERGENCY MANAGER

WINTER 1998

SCHOOL BOMB THREAT MANAGEMENT

By Karen Franklin Victims Awareness Coordinator

School bomb threat management is a realistic issue that opportunity to practice medical evacuation techniques in

must be discussed and planned for in advance ofan incident. this setting can serve as invaluable tactical training. School

Emergency management and public safety agencies must holidays and summer break serve as an excellent time to

be involved in the planning and implementation ofemergency hold school crisis exercises involving the local public safety

procedures. These agencies can offer diverse expertise community. Student volunteers can play the part ofinjured

I and experience to educators who typically are not trained victims. This allows emergency responders the opportunity
I in these types ofpublic safety issues. They can ensure that to practice triage of child patients without the stress of an

"}> Ir... the school's emergency operations plan is consistent and actual emergency. realistic for local emergency management resources. They
k can offer suggestions for environmental design that assist in All bomb threats should be reported to the local public

[I both the prevention of and efficient response to critical safety community. Local law enforcement agencies may

I :::!~:~i':~:~~:~~e":i~~;';:n~:!ps:~;":?i 1;

be aware of other threats in the community that may be

related to the same perpetrator(s). Withholding this

fl assesses the threat level and vulnerability ofthe school facility information can be a major obstruction to the criminal
I; and grounds. These site surveys should be incorporated investigation. Ifa decision to evacuate the school is made,

I, into other public safety and community emergency response emergency responders must be notified. This allows these

plans and mutual aid agreements.

agencies the opportunity to be on "stand-by" in case rapid

mobilization and response become necessary. These

During a crisis, critical seconds can be lost ifemergency agencies should be informed ofthe location where students

responders are not intimately familiar with the school site and staff have been evacuated, so that they may bring in

and its emergency operations plan. Many emergency any emergency vehicles and equipment appropriately and

responders rarely see the inside of a school. However, the efficiently.

The selection ofemergency evacuation sites is a critical element ofbomb threat management. All assembly areas for bomb threats should be at least 1,000 feet from the facility or perceived bomb location. This compensates for the potentially fatal negative blast pressure effect that is caused during an explosion. This distance is consistent with what many states have established as the "School Safety Zone". Violations of weapon, drug, and traffic statutes in this zone are held to the same accountability as if the offense occurred on school grounds.

Before students and staff are evacuated, the assembly area should be swept for secondary devices. Trained school personnel who are familiar with the facility can be used for preliminary searches. These personnel can quickly spot things that do not belong in their area. It is likely that during a bomb threat, the evacuation of students will be carried out before first responders are notified and arrive on the scene.

7

EMERGENCY MANAGER

WINTER 1998

Once the students are evacuated, all school staff should sustain vigilance throughout the evacuation period. The 1998 shooting in Jonesboro, Arkansas is an example of a terrible tragedy that occurred at an assembly site. Control and strict accountability of all students must be maintained.
Another critical element of effective bomb threat management is the need to vary the evacuation assembly area. A criminal who is determined to cause great harm may call in multiple bomb threats in order to monitor the pattern ofthe school's response.
A complicated issue is the school's administrative response to bomb threats. School bomb threats are not pranks. They are a serious violation of local, state and federal criminal law. All perpetrators of bomb threats should be held accountable for their criminal activity. Severely punishing a minimum number of students for such behavior can save the lives ofhundreds.

Information on how parents should pickup their children during an emergency should be clearly communicated in information sent home to parents. A central "family reunification" area should be established close to the school, but away from any perimeter that may be established by law enforcement. Again, it is crucial to include local law enforcement when writing this piece ofthe response plan. Administrators should not disclose the location of offcampus evacuation sites, but should incorporate transportation of students to the family reunification area in the school emergency operations plan. Documentation of all students who are released to a parent/guardian must be maintained as a part of the emergency operations records.

The elements ofa bomb threat management plan can be

applied to many other types of crises. Schools and the

public safety community have the opportunity to take no

action in response to the threat, a spontaneous reaction, or

a well planned, practiced response.

+

In the event of certain types of emergencies, an offcampus evacuation may become necessary. It is vital that school administrators consider this possibility when designing the school emergency operations plan.

Another tragk: example

of

school.

violence. :

o. ct..'ll..rre' d....r..e. ce.. -n' t:l-..y.:

at

..th. e

Ctmb'al HigbSchool in Carroll C-01mty.

Details. will be provided in the next. issue. of

tlli~ E.nmrgency Manager,

Innocently at play, children are often unprepared for an emergency response or evacuation.
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8

EMERGENCY MANAGER

WINTER 1998

MINIMIZE RISKS FROM BOMBS, EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS

By Buzz Weiss Public Infonnation Coordinator

. The threat ofbombings, both at home in the United States Explosives experts say that any suspicious device or

; and overseas, has heightened public fear about domestic material should be left alone and that the person who finds

terrorism. Planning and preparedness can, however, reduce it should leave the area and call their local law enforcement

! the risk of death, injury or property damage in the event an agency, fire department, or emergency management agency,

explosive device is found or a threat is made, according to which can determine how the situation should be safely

the Georgia Emergency Management Agency.

resolved.

"Employees of businesses or offices, either public or 1 private, should be alert to anything that is unusual in their
workplace, and know how to respond to the discovery of . a package that could contain an explosive device," says
GEMA Director Gary W. McConnell. "There are also protocols to follow in handling bomb threats that can help law enforcement to identify potential suspects."
McConnell says businesses receiving packages should be wary of parcels which have irregularities such as
inaccurate mailing information, incorrect names and !itles, I misspellings ofcommon words, excessive postag~, or stains
! or discolorations. In the event bomb threats afo th~de by
! phone, the calltaker should try to determiric the location
I ~~~c~7;~~~;:e:i~~~.~~~~::~i~:~~a;:!~~~~~:rs:
that may aid investU~i~tqm, >
I :::~~t~~E
! 679-5170.
i McConnell no::!!ll~~1i:11:11!:ntialfor danger
: comes not only from devicillkwHKtiare intentionally planted, but from materials which may have a legitimate use.
i ''Not all explosive materials are linked to criminal activity," says McConnell. "Explosives such as dynamite, for i example, can be found throughout the state.'
"People, particularly in rural areas, have stored dynamite in barns of sheds to use for legitimate reasons, such as - clearing tree stumps, but over time, it can become unstable and extremely dangerous," McConnell explains.

SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE CHECKLIST

The following are indications that a package or letter could contain an explosive device:

+ Is addressee familiar with name and address of l;J

sender?

+ Does package or letter have a return address? + Is addressee expecting package or letter? If

I::

so, veryify expected contents.
+ Title, but no name.

+ Wrong title with name.

+ Handwritten or poorly typed address.

+ Misspellings ofcommon words. + Return address and postmark are not from

same area.
+ Stamps instead of metered mail, excessive

postage or unusual stamps.

+ Special handling instructions on package (eg.

Open by Addressee Only).
+ Restrictive markings, such as "confidential" or

"personal."

+ Overwrapped, excessive securing materials

such as masking tape or string.

+ Oddly shaped or unevenly weighted packages.

+ Lumpy or rigid envelopes.

+ Oily stains or discolorations.

+ Strange odors.

+ Protruding wires or tinfoil. + Visual distractions (Drawings, unusual

statements, hand-drawn postage).


,.'

,,:

~---------------- --------------~--~ 11111!_111111111!~-11!!--~- --~--~--' ...........

_ _. _._._.___._

. . . ._.____.__._._____. .___..-.-. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -______________

9

El\!IERGENCY MANAGER

WINTER 1998

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER INFORMATION SYSTEM

By Karen Franklin Victims Assistance Coordinator

Studies have shown that incidents ofdomestic violence increase in the aftermath of a natural disaster. This is a frightening reality as local law enforcement resources are often overwhelmed in the aftermath of a disaster.

fuApril 1998, GEMA was awarded a Victims' of Crime Act Grant from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) to develop an intranet information and case tracking system for the domestic violence shelters throughout Georgia. This secure system, known as the Georgia Connect Project, allows the shelters to communicate with one another electronically and access statewide resources such as bed space availability. The system also provides a uniform method of reporting statistics on victims served. Additionally, this innovative system provides a method to share information regarding grants, legislation, and professional practices.

Director Gary McConnell addresses training participants. The Georgia Connect Project is a partnership between the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, the University of Georgia Information Technology Outreach Services, and the Georgia Coalition on Battered Women.

This system is unparalleled by any victim service case tracking software available and allows the shelters to electronically compile service reports for the Victims of Crime Act and Violence Against Women Act Grant Programs.

Training Shelter personnel on the intranet system -- Traditionally, battered women's shelters have served on the fringes of the public safety community. The Victims' Awareness Project has worked to integrate these service providers into the mainstream of public safety and emergency management.

On November 2-3, 1998, GEMA hosted the project implementation training in the State Operations Center. Each shelter received a computer and printer, and a full day of instruction on operating the system. Sixty-three shelter personnel attended these sessions. The attendees were briefed by Gary McConnell, Director of GEMA, and Martha Gilland, Director of the CJCC.

Through this initiative, the Victims' Awareness Project

has also used this opportunity to provide technical assistance

to the domestic violence shelters on emergency operations

planning and crisis management. A model emergency

operations plan for domestic violence shelters was

distributed to all shelters and local emergency management

agencies.