Gi f.l ~b3D.38 P1 4-5" l '1 1 ,, c .;l._:l_ __. 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 SE .;...$. ~. .....:. Q. ~- ~ 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