Emergency manager magazine, No. 3 [i.e. 2] (Summer 1999)

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EMERGENCY MANAGER
http://www.state.ga.us/GEMA/
Governor Barnes Addresses School Safety Conference
by Karen Franklin SmteSchoolSt1fcl) Oxmlimror
Governor Roy E. Barnes recently spoke to a crowd of more than 400 education, emergency management and public safety professionals from throughout Georgia as part ofthe "Emergency Management in Georgia's Schools" conference. This conference, the fourth in a series ofconferences by this name since August 1998, was held on July 22 and drew the biggest crowd ever.
The Governor addressed the attendees stating, "By attending thisconference, you have taken an opportunity to gather new information on one ofthe biggest challenges we face in education and public safety today- creating and maintaining a safe environment for our children and our educators." Governor Barnes held a question and answer session for more than 30 minutes. "This helps me to stay current on the issues," he remarked. Topics discussed during the session included funding for safety equipment and school safety personnel. Other questions focused on legislative issues including a request to expand the school weapons statute to address possession ofammunition, which is frequently seized from students, although not covered by current statutes.
Another highlight ofthe conference was the premiere ofa new school safety training video entitled "Safe SchoolsPrevention, Planning, Response." This video, a partnership project between the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Bibb County Public Schools and Garrett Metal Detectors, will be provided to every school superintendent, and all emergency management and law enforcement agencies in the Georgia. This training video is designed to provide critical information on school safety. Conference attendees were provided a premier copy ofthe video.
Continued 011 Page 7

State School Safety Coordinator Karen Franklin introduces Arca School Safety Coordinators: Sonayia Shepherd, David Morris and Steve Harris.

Microsoft Donation

2

Disaster Related Stress/Children

3

Valdosta City Schools

4

Implementation of School Safety Law

5

Earthquakes in Georgia

6

Storm Preparedness Survey, Coastal

7

Cherokee County Crash Victim

Extricauon

8

Haralson County/SWAT Team

9

Chickamauga Mill Village Flood

Mitigation Project

10

GILEE Program

12

National Simulated Emergency Test

15

2

EMERGENCY MANAGER

SU:MMER 1999

.iifICR OSOFT DONATION AUTOMATION OF DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS

By Aaron Ilalabe MicroNews

Software Improves Tracking and Deliver,r' warehouses or disaster areas and help ease the stress on Process of Goods to Georgia Storm Vicdms human resources.

Georgians have become very familiar with the volatile weather that has beseiged the state in the last several years - winter and tropical storms, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes.
To help mi nimize the enormous injury and loss oflifc these storms can cause, Microsoft recently provided $17,000 in desktop and network software to the Salvation Army, which coordinates the collection and distribution of all donated goods during statewide disaster reliefefforts.
Microsoft's donation will help the organization convert from a pen-and-paper system to an Internet-based approach, using an online inventory-tracking solution. The new system will also help deliver reliefmore quickly to those in the midst of pain and suffering. The Salvation Army will now be able to inventory and distribute donated goods more quickly as the organization works with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to respond to crises.

GEMA Director Gary W. McConnell said, "Fortunately, the impact of these hazards can be significantly reduced through community awareness, planning and preparedness. This project reflects the critical importance ofcooperation
among government, the private sector and the volunteer I
community to enable us to respond quickly and effectively in the event ofa disaster."
I
"Displayinga strong partnership between Microsoft, the l' Salvation Army and GEMA to the overall Georgia community can effect a win-win-win situation for everyone," said Marty Paradise, Microsoft Southeast District General Manager.
EMERGENCY MANAGER
lllEOFFIOALNEWSLETTER OFTIIE
GEORGIA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

GEMA is the lead state agency that coordinates emergency and disaster-response activities. The agenly provides aggressive eme1genc:v preparedness, response and recoie1y programs to help save lives, protect property, and reduce the personal effects ofdisasters.

Last year, severe weather throughout Georgia caused 23 deaths, numerous injuries and substantial property damage. Approximately 1,000 volunteers distributed more than 34,000 meals, 140,000 gallons of water, 7,000 cleaning items and 300 blankets to disaster victims across the state.

Soon the Salvation Army staffand volunteers will be able to track warehouse storage and delivery ofsuppl ies. The system will eliminate the buildup ofexcess goods in fac ili ties, increase the efficiency ofsupply deliveries to

-- -

.. '"

Honorable Roy E. Barnes, Governor

Gary W. McConnell, Director

Pamela Swanson, Public Affairs Director

Ken Davis, Public Affairs Officer

Buzz Weiss, Public Affairs Coordinator

Frances Butler, Multi-'.\1edia Services,

I

Layout & Design

I

Published by the

Georgia Emergency Management Agency

Post Office Box 18055

Atlanta, Georgia 30316-0055

~

~

l~TRY-GEMA

(404) 635-7000

FAX (404) 635-7205

Web Site: http://www.state.ga.us/GE\1A/

Intranet: http://safetynet.gema.state.ga.us

3

EMERGENCY MANAGER

SUMMER 1999

DISASTER-RELATED STRESS CAN TAI<E HEAVY TCJLL ON CHILDRh1\r

By Bu// Weiss Public Affairs Coordinator

Weather disasters and other emergencies are highly stressful on the residents ofaffected areas, but children can be the most vulnerable to the disruption in their lives. Knowing what kind ofbehavior to expect in the wake ofa disaster, and understanding how to help children cope with their fears are essential to preparing and planning for possible emergencies.
"Knowing what to expect from a child and knowing how to help them cope with what has happened may be the single most important thing a parent can do in being prepared for an emergency," said Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) Director Gary W. McConnell.
McConnell pointed out that most children are not emotionally equipped to deal with the loss oftheir home and belongings, or with a period ofdisplacement, resulting from an evacuation. He said, it is essential for parents and adult family members, as well as emergency responders, to understand how children react to stress and to know how to address their needs and to reassure them.
"It is also important for emergency responders to understand how children react to disasters and to respond accordingly," McConnell added.
A child's reaction to a crisis depends on a number of factors, but various behavior patterns can be expected including distress, restlessness, anger and physical

aggression, fear and anxiety, reticence, guilt, symptoms of illness, and the return ofbehavior patterns ofyounger age.
The fears can be especially wide-ranging. Children can experiencean overwhelming fear ofleaving home orofbeing left alone. They may also fear the disaster, which disrupted their lives, will reoccur and feel anxiety over what will happen to them. Some children may even feel that they are somehow responsible for what has happened because of their previous behavior.
According to mental health experts, listening to children express their feelings and fears fol lowing a disaster is critical. They also recommend that adults talk with children about the disaster and about their own feelings, and repeat reassurances frequently. Physical contact is important, and parents should take the time to hold young children to provide comfort. Play opportunities should be provided to relieve tension. Returning to a routine as soon as possible is also helpful to children.
Children should also be given an opportunity to mourn or grieve over their losses, no matter how insignificant they may seem to an adult. The loss ofa favorite toy or "security blanket" can be extremely distressing.
"The most important response is to reassure your children that you care and that you are there to take care of them," McConnell added.

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4

EMERGENCY MANAGER

SUMMER 1999

VALDOSTA CITY SCHOOLS
CONDUCT YEAR-LONG SCHOOL SAFETI7 .bFFORT
By Nick Lacey Lowndes County 911!EMA Director

On April 1, 1999, the Valdosta City Schools participated in a full-scale exercise in close coordination with local emergency response services involving mass casualties. In addition to the host school staffparticipating in the exercise with the emergency response services, school staffs from other Valdosta City Schools reenacted the exercise scenario to practice their responsibilities during an emergency.
The Valdosta City Schools System has 11 separate facilities with approximately 7,000 students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. The Valdosta City Schools truly demonsrated a Tradition ofExcellence during this exercise.
The full-scale exercise was conducted on the second day ofa three-day comprehensive emergency response training. The first day was filled with tabletop type training, regarding emergency response procedures for about l70 school staff members. The third day was set aside for review ofexercise activities and other response processes. Thi s three-day endeavor focused mainly on school staff training. It was only a small portion ofa sweeping review

and planning effort to improve safety in the Valdosta City Schools for the students and staff.
Participants in the planning process involved many from the school staff, local emergency response services and other elements ofthe community, including parents. The purpose ofthe effort was to study the existing conditions in the school, identify strengths and weaknesses, put together viable plans which will prevent problems, manage crisis, and minimize the negative effect when the unexpected happens.
The year-long safety review process is coming to closure. However, the concern and concentrated effort on school safety will continue. Improvements in programs that focus on prevention, such as enhancements in curriculum regarding conflict resolution among students, policy changes, better communications with parents and other clements, will continue. According to Mr. Sam Allen, Valdosta City School Superintendent, "Protecting our children is a project worth the year-long effort. But it does not end here. We will continue to review, revise and practice our procedures and processes to better protect our students and staff."

Participants in the exercise included school staff and local emergency response services. Photo by Mike Tanner, Valdosta Daily Times.

5

EMERGENCY MANAGER

"It is resolve like this, when senior leaders like Sam Allen are deeply committed to the safety oftheir people and facilities, that makes my job easy," said Nick Lacey, director ofLowndes County 9 11/Emergency Management Center. "This full-scale exercise, though important, is only one aspect of many other elements to the Valdosta City School's comprehensive safety program that materially lowers the risk to their students and staff."

SUMMER 1999

A fu ll-scale exercise was cond ucted on the second day of a three-day comprehensive emergency response training. Photo by Mike Tanner, Valdosta Daily Times.

IMPLEJl,fENTATION OF SCHOOL SAFETY LAW

By Buu Weiss Public A/fairs Coordinator

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) continues to make substantial progress in the operation of its School Safety Project, as well as implementation of Senate Bill 74, which requires every public school in the state to have a school safety plan in place. Senate Bill 74 was introduced by Senator Richard Marable ofRome at GEMA's request, passed by the 1999 General Assembly, and signed into law by Governor Roy E. Barnes in April.
Although GEMA's School Safety Project was initiated last year, the passage ofSenate Bill 74, has given momentum to our efforts, as well as providing clear statutory authority.
"Our goal is to make the classroom safer for Georgia's more than 1.4 million students by helping local authorities to reduce the potential for school violence and to be better prepared to respond rapidly and effectively in the event an incident occurs," said GEMA Director G W. McConnell.

"Iwant to remind you that local emergency management directors are not only essential to the success of these efforts, but your participation is a necessity," McConnell continued.
Under Senate Bill 74, school safety plans arc to be prepared with input from a number ofsources including students, parents or guardians, teachers and other education personnel, community leaders, local law enforcement, fire service, other public safety representatives, and emergency management agencies.
Upon completion and after annual review, the plans are to be submitted to the localemergency management agency. If you have not already done so, you are encouraged to contact your local school superintendent, as well public safety officials and other community leaders to expedite the develo rnent oru datin oflocal school lans.

6
ByTyraGorc Pla1111er/Exercise Coordinator

EMERGENCY MANAGER
EARTHQUAK.b'S IN GEORGIA

SUMMER 1999

When earthquakes are discussed, Georgia is not the first state to be mentioned. Earthquakes in Georgia are rare when compared to the history ofdamaging earthquakes associated with Cal ifornia. Historical records of approximately 47 earthquakes in Georgia, with magnitudes

Store weed killers, pesticides and flammable products securely on bottom shelves and in closed cabinets with latches.
Identify safe places in each room (i.e., agamst an inside wall, away from glass such as windows, mirrors, pictures and away from bookcases or

ranging from 3.7 to 4.4 on the Richter scale, make it clear that earthquakes and their associated seismic hazards exist.

furniture that could fall over.) Locate safe places outdoors (i.e., m the open, away
from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines,

Based upon the historical seismicity, three levels of seism ic activity are apparent in the following areas of Georgia: Northwest, Piedmont and Coastal Plain. The least active area is the Coastal Plain of southern Georgia. Max imum damage from an earthquake will occur near its

overpasses or elevated expressways.)
+ Contact your local emergency management office
or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes.
DURING

epicenter. Counties located in the Central Georgia Seismic If indoors:

Zone and extension of the Southeast Tennessee Seismic

Take cover against an inside \.\all and hold on.

Zone have the greatest earthquake hazard in Georgia.

+ Stay inside. (The most dangerous thing to do during

The northern halfofGeorgia has experienced moderate

an earthquake is to try to leave the building because objects can fall injuring you.)

seismicity, with a magnitude 4.0 earthquake about every

I0 years. A magnitude of 4.0 earthquake is generally lfoutdoors:



perceived as a startling vibration that may rock objects off

+ \1ove into the open, a\vay from buildings. street
lights and utility wires.

shelves and may cause some cracking ofplaster.

+ Once in the open, stay there until the shaking stops.

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and \\. ithout Ifin a moving vehicle:

warning. Unlike tornadoes and other weather-related

+ Move to a clear area away from buildings, trees,

disasters, there wi ll be no opportunity for advanced

overpasses or utility wires.

notification ormobiliz.ation. However, identifying potential earthquake hazards and planning in advance can reduce

Stop quickly and stay in the vehicle. Once the shaking has stopped, proceed with cau
tion. Avoid bridges or ramps that might have been

.

the dangers of injury and loss oflife. Make sure all family

damaged by the quake.

members know how to respond before, dunng and after an

earthquake.

AFTER

BEFORE
Check for hazards in the home.
+ Secure shelves to walls. + Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
Store breakable items, bottled foods, glass and china m low, closed cabinets with latches.
+ Hang heavy items, pictures and mirrors away from
beds, sofas and sitting areas.
+ Brace overhead light fixtures. + Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas
connections. These are potential fire risks.
+ Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs
and bolting it to the floor.
+ Repair cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert
advice if there arc signs of structural defects.

Be prepared for aftershocks. Although smaller than the main shock, aftershocks cause additional damage and may bring weakened structures down. Aftershocks can occur in the first hours. days, weeks or months after the quake.

Pets:

Prepare an emergency pen for pets in the home that

includes a 3-day supply of dry food and a large

container of water. Pets may not be allowed into

shelters for health and space reasons. HO\o,:ever, some

shelters do accept pt.!ts
+ Leash dogs and place them in a fenced yard. The

behavior of pets may change dramatically after an

earthquake 'Jormally quiet and fncndly cats and

dogs may be become aggressive or defensive.

I

Watch animals closely.

7

EMERGENCY MANAGER

SU:NINIER a999

STO.Rftf PREPAREDNESS SURVEY: NEARLY HALF OF COASTAL LOCALES LACK DISASTER CLEANUP PLAlv

By Kenneth A. Dierks La11gle_1 and McDonald Co1poratio11

s Kenneth A. Deirks heads Langley and McDonald end of hurricane season, would generate less debris than

E11viro11mental Department. Deirks worked with the one that hits in August, when foliage is at its peak.

team that produced a debris management program for

Virginia Beach, Vilginia and Corpus Christi, Texas.

So many cities, counties and towns do not have a debris

management program in place. Written debris management

Forty-seven percent of coastal U.S. communities, responding to a survey, lack a written plan for dealing with the debris left by a natural disaster such as a hurricane.

plans enhance predisaster training, determine the capabilities of first-line and supplemental resources and allo\\ a community to identify reporting requirements for federal reimbursement.

Yet, nearly that same percentage -- 43 percent -- have experienced more than $1 million in storm damage within the last five years, according to the survey by Langley and McDonald engineers, surveyors, planners and environmental services ofVirginia Beach.

A critical part ofthe plan is to have contracts in place with private companies. They can be essential in providing staffand equipment. During a severe storm, local forces and contractors may not be available, due to damage to their own equipment and due to their own personal

The poll's 40 respondents said their storms generated emergencies. However, national companies have the ability

from less than I0,000 cubic yards ofdebris to 6.6 million to dispatch staffand equipment from areas that have not

cubic yards. The latter amount is equivalent to the loads been ravaged.

carried by 660,000 large tandem-wheel dump trucks.

The survey also found:

For a city of I00,000 -- (for example, Clearwater, Florida or Hampton, Virginia)-- one million cubic yards equals the total amount ofwaste deposited in the city landfill I over a five-year period. Potentially a city could suddenly confront as much waste in a few days as it would have ' accumulated in over half a decade! Many communities
'
have only two to three years' worth oflandfill space available at any one time.

87 % anticipate using pubIic and private forces to manage the debris, should a disaster strike.
55'0ofmunicipalities would use their public landfills for storm debris, 32 % would use public and private landfills and 13 % would use private landfills only.
69'0 of localities would use mechanical reduction and burning to save needed landfill

Aside from the size ofthe community and the severity

capacity.

ofthe storm, time ofyear is a factor in the amount ofdebris

a hurricane creates. A storm coming in late October, the

School Safety: Continued from Page 1

Bill Slade, Chief of Police from Pearl, Mississippi, summed up the mission ofthe conference when he remarked how wonderful it is to have so many people come together in a commitment to the safety ofGeorgia's schools. "You should be commended for your ongoing efforts for the safety ofGeorgia's children. It is truly amazing to see this many people continue to attend programs such as this."

Through this series ofconferences, more than 8, l00 education, emergency management, public safety and community service personnel have received training. For information on other school safety training opportunities, please call the School Safety Project at (404) 635-7000 or 1-800-TRY-GEMA.

8

EMERGENCY MANAGER

SUMMER 1999

CHER OI<EE COUNTY CRASH VICTIM EXTRICATION CLASS

Jim Killcreas Operations Ojjice1; Cobb County EMA

Cherokee County Fire/EMA held a Crash Victim Extrication Class from February 15-17. Cherokee County Fire ChiefJ. T. Whidby instructed the class.
Car construction and upcoming changes before the year 2000 were the primary topics.
The main purpose ofthe class was to ultimately increase the safety factor when retrieving victims from crushed vehicles. High on the list ofconcerns for the firefighters were air bags, seat belts, pretensioners and control rods for hatch back cars.

Based on the premise that knowing how to adequately

use the appropriate hand and power tools will enhance the

firefighter's capability to

save lives, students spent hours learning the proper way to use and maintain the tools used for extrication.

"Stabilization is the most important factor in extrication," Cherokee County Fire Chief J. T. Whidby.

Students were then allowed to test various tools and apply the new techniques taught in class. First, the students stabilized the cars and then cut them. Different hand tools were used to cut out locks and make entrances into the vehicles.

Cutting tools are divided into four categories: chopping tools, scissors, sni pping and handsaws.

Cribbing comes in three types: step or stair, block cribbing and wedge or shims.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Governor's Public Safety Awards Ceremony

October 26, 1999

Georgia Public Safety Training Center

Statewide Y2K Exercise

October 13, 1999

Georgia Emergency Management Agency/State Operations Center (GEMNSOC)

GEMNSOC Activation for Y2K

December 30, 1999 - January 3, 2000

9

EMERGENCY MANAGER

SUMMER 1999

SWAT TEAM BACI< IN ACTION

By Frank X. Ellis The Tallapoosa Journal

HaralsonCounty's four law enforcementjurisdictions

Members retain their law enforcement positions within

have refurbished a SWAT unit. The I2-member Special their respectivejurisdictions. However, the team does train

Weapons and Tactics team consists ofpolice officers from together on a monthly basis to practice tactics as well as to

the Bremen Police Department, the Buchanan Police sharpen skills.

Department, the Tallapoosa Police Department and the

HaralsonCounty Sheriff's Department.

"The team is able to be called into action at any location

within Haralson County. The call to action is authorized

The team is governed by a board comprised ofHaralson under the Georgia Mutual Aid Act," Godfrey explains.

County Sheri ffRonnie Kimball, BremenPoliceChiefLany

Hembree, Buchanan Police Chief Greg Bowers and

The unit has already been used on three occasions within

Tallapoosa Police Chief David Godfrey.

the past six months for a hostage situation as well as to

serve "high-risk" arrest warrants.

According to Chief Godfrey, the team has been

organized and equipped at virtually no cost to the taxpayers

As in hostage situations nationwide, the role of a

ofany ofthe municipalities or ofthe county.

negotiator(s) is ofthe highest importance in helping defuse

local potentially explosive situations. As a result, the team
I
"Most ofthe team's equipment was obtained from the is in the process of training several hostage negotiators;

Georgia Emergency Management Agency's Excess Godfrey has already completed that training.

Property Program or was purchased with funds raised by

the team itself," said Godfrey.

"We've actively supported it for a long time," said Chief

Hembree. "We have several officers involved with the unit.

The specialized equipment, which is at the team's I've strongly supported the concept ofthis unit and still do.

disposal for immediate use, includes items such as a secure It was first organized about 10 to 12 years ago and it's

communications system,a ballistic shield, gas masks, a night always been a Haralson Couty team but we've changed

vision device and what Godfrey called "flash-bang" some ofthe leadership and revitalized it."

distraction devices.

The team has been specifically trained by the U.S. Army's Military Police School in the use of tactics and weapons.

,I The unit will be used for very specific purposes when requested by one of the chiefs of police or the Haralson County Sheriff. The team would be called into action whenever a person is barricaded inside a structure or has taken a hostage, or whenever the situation calls for the use ofspecialized tactics or weapons.

I

The team can also be used to serve "high-risk" arrest

warrants, to execute "high-risk" search warrants, or for

surveillance ancl/or for drug enforcement operations.

10

EMERGENCY MANAGER

SUMMER 1999

CITY' OF CHICl..:Al~!AUGA, GEORGIA 11IILL VILLAGE FLOOD 11IITIGATION PRCJJECT

By Treasure H. Rogers, Jr. President Floodplain Management Sen1ices, Inc.
Through mitigation funds, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) has helped the City of Chickamauga rebuild homes damaged due to flooding. Over the past two decades, Chickamauga has experienced the following six flood events: March 1973, March 1980, February 1990, March 1993, March 1994, and October 1995. The October 1995 flood was a result ofbackwater flooding from West Chickamauga Creek. During periods of out-of-bank flooding, floodwaters from West Chickamauga Creek will back up the heavily developed residential floodplains ofCoke Oven and Crawfish Spring Branches. As a result of the flood of October 1995, Chickamauga applied for federal and state grants to implement a flood mitigation project.

In January 1996, Chickamauga consultant, Floodplain

Management Services, Inc.,

submitted to Georgia Emergency Management Agency a preapplication that proposed a combination of in-place elevation and the ;.cquisition of 51 houses. In

Tile Georgia Emerge11cy Ma11agement Agency receives and admi11isters 404 Hazard Mitigatio11 Gra11t Program f1111ds from tile Federal

September

1996, H111erge11c:y

Chickamauga submitted to Wa11ageme11t Agency

GEMA its final application (FEMA).

which consisted of two

plnses. Phase I proposed to address 29 houses and Phase

II proposed to address the remaining 22 houses. The flood

of 1995 inundated houses with finished flood elevations

(FFE) below 728.0 feet above mean sea level. Thus, Phase

I focused on 29 houses with a FFE below 727.0 and Phase

II will focus on 22 houses with FFE below 728.0 feet.

This application served as the basis for Chickamauga's

November 1996 application to the Georgia Department

of Community Affairs (DCA). Chickamauga sought

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from

DCA to serve as the local match for the GEMA funds.

In July 1997, Chickamauga received funding from GEMA in the amount of $632,914. In April 1997, Chickamauga received funding from DCA under its 1994

Supplemental CDBG program in the amount of$492.395. Chickamauga also contributed S 10,549. However, due to higher than anticipated construction cost, the GEMA amount was later increased to $978, 181 .

Actual construction did not begin until July 1998. The

delay was due to the time involved in obtaining the additional

funding from GEMA and FEMA. Currently, Phase 1is

about 80% complete. Ofthe 29 houses, two owners chose

not to participate, four ofthe six acquisition properties have

been acquired, and 19 of2 l houses to be elevated arc 75

100% completed. The work remaining consists of

elevating two houses, acquiring two properties, and the

demolition and/or sale ofall six acquisition houses. Only

I
1,

I

one house is suitable for resale and relocating out of the

1<

floodplain. The deadline for the conclusion ofPhase I was ,

1

the end ofApril.

Phase II began in early May. In November 1998, DCA awarded Chickamauga $532,364 for Phase II. 1 Chickamauga anticipates some savings from the GEMA Phase I award and will use these funds in combination with ~ the recent DCA award to implement Phase II ofthe Mill Village Flood Mitigation Project.

Elevadon Project Features

+ Finished Floor Elevation Elevated to one-foot above the projected I00-year frequency flood (headwater or backwater\\ hichever is higher).
+ Elevated Central Heat & Air Unit- Elevated to same elevation as finished floor.
+ Electric Service Meter Relocated or adjusted to the finished floor elevation with a pressure treated pedestal constructed for reading by the meter.
+ Ramp or Chair Lift Wood pressure treated ramp or mechanical chair lift for the handicapped and elderly with medical problems.
+ Sump Pump - Portable sump pump to remove water that is trapped below the bottom ofthe flood vents in the crawl space.
+ Flood Vents- FEMA required openings in the new foundation wall set at one-foot above exterior grade and sized at one-square inch per square foot offloor.

11
Preconstruction

EMERGENCY MANAGER

SUMMER 1999

+Plantings - Plantings for state designated historic houses to soften the adverse effects of the new elevated floor.
+ Code Compliance Repair - Where warranted, houses arc rewired and some water (flood) damaged floor joists are replaced.
+ Exterior Photographs - The exteriorand streetscape of each state designated historic house were photographed and filed with the state and local library.
Postconstruction

Acquisition Project Features
+ Preflood Market Values - Houses were professionally appraised at pretlood fair market values.
+ Uniform Relocation Act Benefits Federally mandated moving and relocation assistance for tenants ofacquired rental property.
+ Interior Photographs - The interiors of state designated historic houses were photographed and filed with the state and local library.

12

EMERGENCY MANAGER

SUMMER 1999

THE GEORGIA INTERNATIONAL LAW ENFOR CEMENT EXCHANGE GILEE PROGRAM

By Lee Smith Consequence Mamagement Director
The Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange Program (GILEE) was established in 1992 as a joint project ofGeorgia State University and the law enforcement community in Georgia. The focus ofthe program is law , enforcement executive development and international cooperation. The objectives ofthe program include:
To enhance interagency cooperation between State ofGeorgia law enforcement agencies and the police force of the State oflsrael.
To offer an educational professional program to senior Israeli law enforcement officials in Georgia, primarily in the area ofcommunity policing.
To offer an educational professional program to senior Georgia law enforcement officials in Israel , primarily in the areas of counter-terrorism and drug interdiction.

To date, GILEE has carried out 41 programs for 181 law enforcement executives from Georgia, Hungary and Israel.
The Georgia Law Enforcement Executives Visit to Israel: June 1-15, 1999
Arrival and Expectations The 14-memberdelegation representing local, state and
federal law enforcement agencies from Georgia departed the United States on June 1, 1999, headed for Israel. The members were chosen, following a demanding screening process, to participate in a unique international program that focuses on the exchange oflaw enforcement operations information. Expectations ran high as the group departed. The thought of learning directly from a police force recognized worldwide as one ofthe most experienced in dealing with terrorism was a part ofthe anticipation.
The GILEE Experience in Israel

GILEE has received financial, technical and logistical support from public organizations and associations, professional groups, private corporations and individuals.
Five large delegations ofsenior Israeli law enforcement officers have visited Georgia, and seven large delegations from Georgia have visited Israel. In June 1994, the program expanded to include Hungary. Four Hungarian police executives visited Atlanta to study Olympic Games, and the first Georgia delegation visited Hungary in October 1995. GILEE has also carried out professional programs that included the Israel Police (IP), Anti-Terrorist Unit commander consulting on Olympic Security; an JP delegation assessing computerized communication and ballistic identification equipment; IP'schiefmedical officer learning how law enforcement deals with infectious diseases, recruitment and detainees; the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the IP exchanging Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) agents in a specialized training program; the head of IP's Logistic Support review of Georgia law enforcement agencies; and the Hungarian National Police and Hungarian TV filming a documentary in Georgia on U.S. law enforcement.

Reception and Hospitality From the moment the delegation stepped offthe plane
in Tel Aviv, they were treated to a level offriendship and generosity that challenged the infamous notion of Southern Hospitality. As noted by Hapeville Assistant Police Chief Ed Attaway, ''The hospitality the Israel Police extended to us made me feel liker was a part oftheir family and not a stranger from a different country."
Historical Sites and Modem History Sites like Masada, Ben Gurion 's Tomb, Capemaum
and the Old City in Jerusalem provided an education in Israel history- old and new. The people oflsracl were rich with varied cultural histories. Sites such as the Air Force Museum and the Armored Corps Museum depicted the courage and dogged determination shown by the Israeli armed forces during times ofconflict. The visit to the Dead Sea Works exemplified the diligence ofthe people oflsrael.
The tour of the Ei lat area and the Golan Heights area provided insight to the difficult decisions that Israelhas faced and those that still lie ahead for the country. The military significance ofthe Golan is much better understood when looking down upon the Yam Kinneret (Sea ofGalilee).
-

13

EMERGENCY MANAGER

SUMMER 1999

A Special Ceremony

delegates now understand law enforcement as a profession

During the time spent in Jerusalem the group participated ofservice that transcends international boundaries and the

: in a special tree planting ceremony honoring Steve obstacles oflanguage.

SchiIdecker, a member ofa previous delegation who passed

away this past year. Fourteen stone pines were planted in

The rich cultural diversity ofIsrael makes itseem very

the President's Forest at the Jerusalem Hills, in honor of much like the United States. The issues that the police

Schildecker, a former law enforcement officer, chief, public face because ofthat same diversity are also very similar

safety director, and Georgia Emergency Management to the issues faced by Georgia's police officials. Organized

, Agency Director ofOperations. Steve had been very much crime, terrorism, domestic violence and youth violence

respected for his

are issues that law enforcement officials must face in both

integrity, dedication "Teamwork a11d

countries. In organized crime and domestic violence,

and devotion to the ClJoperatio11 betwee11 tire

Georgia's program has much to offer to the Israel Police.

core values ofservice to others and for his interest in international cooperation.
Presentations and Delegate Response
On the first full day in Israel the delegation began an

iarious bra11clres of tire Israeli Police sta11d as a 11wdel for all law enforce111e11t orga11izations. Tirey realize tlrat tire 111issio11 a11d goal are more importa/11 tlra11 itidfridual agemllls and individual glory," said Assista11t Chief Dewey Edward Attaway, Jr., l/apeville Police

rn combating terrorism, the U.S. continues to learn from Israel. On the issue ofviolence in schools and among the youth, it would appear that we learn together. Some of the iniatives being used in Israel have been ongoing programs in Georgia. The conceptofcommunity policing, for example, is a positive example of law enforcement identifying itselfwith a specific community and allowing the community to identify with the police officers.
The exchange also allowed for the development of

orientation to Israel Depart111e11t.

new fiiendships within the delegation. Law enforcement

with a discussion of

officials who had never met one another before this

the peace process in the Middle East. Led by a program gained a greater appreciation for their fellow

representative ofthe Ministry ofForeign Affairs, the initial officers from Georgia.

discussion outlined how compIicated the simplest actions Discussions ofpossible "Tire lasti11g memories could be. Later that same day, the delegation had a briefing solutions and programs slrared by both tire

from a representative ofthe Home Front, reviewing military already being used by Georgia delegates and

emergency management and activities directed towards other agencies both in their Israeli co1111terparls

preparedness for response to nuclear, biological or chemical Georgia and Israel were will be remembered for

events. Public safety organizations in the United States are shared with the group. years to come," said

addressing these same issues as they look at responding to Learning of th e Colo11el Walt Taylor,

domestic and international terrorism.

methodology used by the Israeli Police Force to

Georgia Depart111e11t of Naturnl Pe~ources.

I

The group received briefings from the Israel Police, the deal with both crime and terrorism, the members ofthe

General Security Service, the Border Police and the rsraeli delegation began to consider the pros and cons of using

Prison Service. Demonstrations ofdrug interdiction and the same programs in their localjurisdictions.

response to terrorist actions also were conducted.

Thanks

The visit to Rabin Square illustrated the dangers

We offer special thanks to Dr. Robert R. (Robbie)

' associated with personal security detachment operations Friedmann, Chairofthe Department ofCriminal Justice, I during occasions where political or religious fervor is running Founder and Director of the Georgia International Law ~

high. The need for constant vigilance and constant security Enforcement Exchange, both at Georgia State University.

was evident.

His willingness to share his insightful knowledge ofthe

Participating in GILEE Program provided significant history and culture of Israel added immensely to the

personal and professional growth for the delegates. The

Continued on Page 14 Ii

-

14

Ei\1ERGENCY ~IANAGER

SL1Mi\1ER 1999

Continued from Page 13
experience of the delegates. Conversely, his review of Georgia added to the knowledge ofthe Israeli delegates.

"Law e11forceme11t professionalism a11d integrity are a part of their culture. Our de/egatio11 had tire opportu11ity to experie11ce first/rand tire history a11d culture tlrat lras shaped tlrat professionalism and i11tegrity, ~aid Inspector Robert Ingram, Georgia Bureau of /11vestigatio11.

Teamwork and cooperation between various branches oflsraeli go\-ernment are emphasized.

GILEE Delegation Exchange Members

Israeli Delegation Brigadier General Shachar Ayalon, Deputy Commander
Tel Aviv District Commander ltzhak Cohen, Civil Guard Officer
Tel Aviv District Commander ltzhak Tai, Commander, Central Unit
Central District ChiefSuperintendent Haim Abu-Hatzeira Operations Officer
Northern Sub-District, Border Guard Chief Superintendent Michal Katz, I-lead
Administration Branch, Central District Chief Superintendent Dror Mijan, Head, Personnel Branch
Jerusalem District Chief Superintendent Drorit Porat, Patrol Division
Beit Dagon Police Superintendent Jackie Albocher, Deputy Head
International Relations Section Superintendent Jack Dan, Head of Investigations
Golan Heights Police Superintendent Osnat Tsur, Legal Counsel Division
Headquarters
United States Delegation Assistant Chief Dewey Edward Attaway, Jr.
Hapeville Police Department

Deputy Chief Wesley Foster Derrick Atlanta Police Department
District Director Thomas Paul Fischer Immigration and Naturalization Service
Deputy Chief George Steven Hogan Fulton County Police Department
Inspector Robert Franklin Ingram Georgia Bureau oflnvestigation
Major Caudell Jones Fulton County Sheriff's Department
Chief David Harold Kerr West Point Police Department
Deputy Chief Willie Clinton Lovett Savannah Police Department
Chief Lee New Cobb County Police Department
Chief William Dwayne Orrick Cordele Police Department
Sheriff Joel Henry Robinson Barrow County Sheriff's Office
Chester Lee Smith Georgia Emergency Management Agency
Colonel Walter G. Taylor Georgia Department of Natural Resources

15

EMERGENCY MANAGER

SUMMER 1999

NATIONAL SIMULATED EMERGENCY TEST RESULTS

Riley Land Directo1; Columbus Office ofEmergency Management

The results ofthe National Simulated Emergency Test (SET) conducted on October 10, 1998, have been compiled and published. I am proud to announce that the Columbus Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) group in cooperation with the Columbus Office of Emergency Management has posted the second highest score in Georgia. Further, the Chattahoochee Valley Emergency Net has posted the highest score in Georgia for the QST magazine. QST is the officialjournal of The American Radio Relay League and is distributed worldwide.
The SET is an annual event conducted throughout the United States designed to test the emergency capabilities and readiness oflocal amateur radio operators to support public safety and emergency response agencies in times of

disaster. The Columbus Amateur Radio Club, the local ARES, and Columbus Office ofEmergency Management conducted an exercise simulating the opening offive Red Cross shelters in response to a devastating tornado hitting Columbus, Georgia. The exercise lasted approximately four hours and simulated numerous health and welfare messages passed by radio as well as testing the problem solving skills and abilities ofthe participants.
The Columbus Office of Emergency Management gratefully acknowledges the efforts ofMark Sked, ARES emergency coordinator for Muscogee County, as well as all ofthe local volunteer operators that participated in the drill.

ou v\fV vvv

APPROPRIATE ROLES FOR AMATEURS

Alan Croswell N2YGK

There are some misconceptions - both among amateurs and emergency service officials - about the appropriate roles and abilities of Amateur Radio Operators in emergency situations. Amateur Radio Operators supplement rather than replace existing public safety and commercial communications facilities. They are volunteers who havejobs, personal lives and varied levels oftechnical and operating expertise. They are not professional communicators or emergency responders, but they do strive to approach their volunteer service with a high level of professionalism.

backup or supplemental communications at times when normal public safety and commercial communications systems are overloaded or otherwise busy with missioncritical traffic. With proper training, the typical technicallyoriented Amateur Radio Operator can prove to be a useful asset in filling the gaps in normal communication systems. Such amateurs excel in their abilities to respond to changing communication conditions and needs.
The annual Amateur Radio Relay League SET is one ofmany opportunities to train amateur radio operators.

Amateurs generally have the skills and personallyowned radio equipment necessary to provide effective

16

Sl ;\l~IER 1999

The Georgia LarF Enforcement Executives Visit to Israel: June 1-15, 1999

Israel is rich in culture. Many historical sites were visited by Briefings were given the group on topics ranging from dr ug

the group.

interdiction to response to terrorist actions.

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