Emergency manager magazine, Winter 2011

Emergency
Manager

WINTER 2011
Georgia Braves Unexpected Cold Winter
Georgia Secures New Mobile Radiation Lab
FEMA Loss Avoidance Study: What it Means for Georgia

Emergency Manager is the official magazine of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/ Homeland Security
Lisa Janak Newman, Editor
Honorable Nathan Deal Governor
Charley English Director
Donna Burns Deputy Director of
Administration
Ken Davis Public Affairs Director
Crystal Paulk-Buchanan Public Information Officer
Lisa Janak Newman Public Information Officer
Katherine Huggins Constituent Services
Coordinator
Robert Pierce Website Management
Specialist
Published by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/ Homeland Security Post Office Box 18055 Atlanta, Georgia 30316
PHONE 1-800-TRY-GEMA
(404) 635-7000 FAX (404) 635-7205
Web site www.gema.ga.gov
You are welcome to submit original articles for publication consideration. Please e-mail your submissions to lisa.janak_newman@gema.ga.gov
Cover image of Douglas County streetscape courtesy of Bob Smith,
Smithimages Photography www.bobsmithphoto.net

From the Director
The year 2010 was a year of unpredictability. Before the hurricane season even began, forecasters were already predicting that 2010 would be one of the most active hurricane seasons in modern history due to a moderate La Nia. But was it? As the hurricane season ended, not a single hurricane hit the continental United States, even though it was the third-busiest hurricane season ever recorded.
Climatologists also predicted this winter would be one of the warmest and driest winters in recent Georgia history. However, along with weeks of below-average temperatures, North Georgia celebrated its first white Christmas since 1882. Moreover, a snow and ice storm blanketed much of the state just after the New Year.
It might be easy for some to discount 2010 as a slow year because there were no presidentially declared disasters in Georgia. However, I would urge naysayers not to be lulled into a false sense of security, because hazards come in many forms. Last year saw several incidents and local disasters in Georgia, including a wildfire, multiple tornadoes, a major train derailment, a drought, snowfall, and ice. Globally, we have been affected by devastating earthquakes in South America and Haiti, floods in China, a volcanic eruption in Iceland, and the Gulf oil spill, just to name a few.
This year, we must remember the lessons of 2010. It is essential that emergency managers not rely solely on forecasts because we must stay prepared and remain vigilant for all possible hazards. Disasters will happen, and one of our duties is to mitigate those dangers as best we can. It only takes one natural or man-made disaster to affect our communities. Disasters are unpredictable, and we must never let our guard down.

1

Winter 2011 EmErgEncy managEr

Exceptional EMA

Lonnie Oliver, Fannin County

When I spoke with Fannin County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Lonnie Oliver in early January, he was recovering from working 18-hour days during a record Christmas snowfall and bracing for an onslaught of more wintry weather.
"It was the biggest snow since the blizzard of 1993," Oliver says. "We evacuated a paraplegic, an elderly woman, and 13 people from a private development who couldn't get their cars off the mountain."
Dubbed the "gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains," Fannin County is a community of approximately 24,000. It's scenic mountain views, excellent trout fishing in its lakes and rivers, and pristine wooded horseback trails are a haven for nature-lovers and sports enthusiasts, drawing a steady flow of tourists, retirees, and second-home owners each year.
In addition, the Appalachian Trail begins at Springer Mountain, in southern Fannin County. That, and the Cohutta Wilderness Area are popular hiking destinations. Unfortunately, however, inexperienced and unprepared hikers frequently get lost in the hilly landscape. "There is a lot of steep terrain, and motorized vehicles aren't allowed in wilderness areas," says Oliver. "This makes search and rescue (SAR) particularly challenging. There has to be special circumstances before we can use all-terrain vehicles."
Fortunately, Oliver has a strong team of trained volunteers who assist with public safety. "We don't have a lot of paid staff," he says. "We depend on 130 volunteers." These dedicated individuals help extinguish fires and perform SAR.
Several volunteers have undergone the rigorous specialized training needed to perform wilderness SAR. This physically demanding discipline requires teams to navigate steep slopes over rough land using a map and compass for guidance, sometimes in the dark, all while carrying a heavy back-
EmErgEncy managEr Winter 2011

Fannin County EMA Director Lonnie Oliver.
pack. They must have basic survival skills and be able to extract victims and descend steep slopes to safety. "These teams helped us during a very trying call last year when a Navy jet crashed and burned during a training mission. Four people were killed," Oliver says. "They also help us with body recovery on the Appalachian Trail."
"We also use mounted SAR teams to find lost people," Oliver continues. "Sometimes they have to go six or seven miles into a remote area, and horses don't disrupt the trails."
The county has implemented Enhanced 9-1-1 Phase 1 and 2, enabling calltakers to automatically see the caller's name and location, even if they are calling from a cell phone. "That helps us find people better," Oliver explains.
Fannin County is susceptible to all forms of severe weather. "I became EMA director in 2000. That same year, we had an ice storm," Oliver recalls. "Also, we occasionally get strong winds from hurricanes that cause us trouble, like Hurricane Opal in 1995 that took down trees and power lines. The Toccoa River flooded in 1990, and after that we put in flood gauges to monitor the rivers and lakes closely."
Oliver works diligently to maintain the county's hazard mitigation plan, which documents primary hazards and makes the county eligible for increased federal disaster aid. When he needs assistance, he relies on mutual aid

agreements with neighboring Murray, Gilmer and Union counties, and bordering Polk County, Tenn.
"You depend on resources from other counties in the middle of a disaster, and these folks are always happy to help out," Oliver says.
Citizen preparedness also is a priority. "I tell people that it's a necessity to have a form of heat not dependent on electricity, as well as a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water and extra medication," says Oliver. "I learned that during the blizzard."
He also develops close ties with his local media to get his message out before, during and after disaster. "I meet with our local newspaper twice a week, on Monday and Thursday morning, to let them know what's going on," he says. "They tend to print positive stories."
Oliver began his public safety career in EMS nearly 30 years ago. "I got started in EMS when my 19-yearold sister was killed in a car accident," he says. "It was a life-changing experience, and a driving force in my life. I became a paramedic because of that tragedy."
He worked in emergency medical services (EMS), fire and rescue before getting involved in emergency management. Not only is he EMA director, he also is EMS director, and he is over the county's fire department and 9-1-1 center. In addition, he is a member of the Fannin County Board of Health, serves on the Executive Committee of the Region 1 EMS Council and he is on the county's Zoning /Transportation Committee. "I have a lot of irons in the fire," Oliver admits. "It can be a challenge to keep up with everything. But, I have a background in EMS, and I've learned to triage your priorities.
"But I like to help people, and I love emergency services," Oliver concludes. "It seems to be my calling." n -- Lisa Janak Newman
2

Media Matters A Ray of Hope

As I was heading out the door from my retirement soiree, parting gifts in hand and good wishes still ringing in my ears, I promised I'd maintain my ambitions and my plans for a productive retirement and not sit at home squandering my days watching "Oprah" and "Judge Judy."
I've kept my word. I still have no idea what channel "Judge Judy" is on, and I don't have a clue as to whether Oprah was true to her word and did, indeed, retire. Can't even tell you who's hosting "The Price is Right" these days.
But even as I blaze new trails -- or at least light a few small fires -- I have been able to spend a little more time watching news and analyzing media trends.
In the process, I've uncovered some good news -- a ray of hope that makes me feel a little better about the quality of public awareness.
Think about it. Seemingly clear warnings about a killer storm fell on deaf ears in 2005 as Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast. Also, a disturbing report last year revealed that more Americans can recognize the five members of the "Simpsons" family than know their rights enumerated in the First Amendment. We've used the Ready Georgia program to beat people over the head in hopes of somehow implanting a message of preparedness. Although we've met with success, we still have a long way to go.
Back to that good news and the ray of hope I alluded to above. You may recall that over the last couple of years we've examined changes in the journalism profession and the news business, as well as how people get their news. Our findings have been largely disappointing and disheartening.
However, a late summer survey by the Pew Research Center has given us
3

Buzz Weiss
cause to step back from the ledge. It reveals that an expansion of news sources has resulted in the public spending more time getting more news from more sources. Traditional platforms are being supplemented by newer platforms such as online sites, social media, podcasts and e-mail.
Traditional media, although not on its deathbed, remains relatively stagnant. But according to the survey, Americans are increasingly integrating new technologies to access news. Thirty-four percent say they went online for news, while 44 percent got their news from one or more Internet or mobile digital sources. When the math is done and the smoke has cleared, Pew says 36 percent of Americans got their news from a combination of traditional and digital sources.
Pew's research concludes that, " ... instead of replacing traditional news platforms, Americans are increasingly integrating new technologies into their news consumption habits."
The survey also says Americans continue to spend an average of 57 minutes a day gleaning news from newspapers, radio and TV. However, now they spend an additional 13 minutes getting their news online and from other contemporary sources. That's a total of 70 minutes per day that people are spending expanding their horizons.

The findings lend credence to the "shotgun approach" that I have always preached. Disseminate your message as far and as widely also possible. Yes, that includes social media, notwithstanding my oft-stated misgivings. Let no one say I'm stubborn.
Whatever else we might infer is admittedly anecdotal, but the increased pursuit of news may account for the seemingly unprecedented interest in this year's mid-term elections and the corresponding healthy voter turnout, and for the relatively cogent discourse I have encountered on the BP oil spill and other events of interest this year.
Before we break out the champagne or kill the fatted calf, however, let's note that the data from this Pew survey isn't all good. You knew that was coming, didn't you?
While news-hungry citizens are availing themselves to more news from more sources, the number of Americans who remain ill-informed remains disturbingly high. According to the survey, 83 percent of the population reads or views news in some form or fashion every day. Which in turn means that 17 percent get no news, a statistic that has remained pretty constant.
A few other statistics for your cogitation before we part: While 26 percent of Americans read a daily newspaper, only eight percent under age 30 read print newspapers. More men than women get their news online or from digital platforms. 33 percent use search engines to locate news stories or items of interest.
As we noted, the trend is good. So, 'til next time, we'll keep an eye on the news -- and the folks watching it. n
Buzz Weiss is a retired a GEMA public affairs officer and owner of BuzzWord Consulting in Roswell.
Winter 2011 EmErgEncy managEr

In Brief

Pictured from left to right. Front row: governor nathan Deal, gEma/Homeland Security Director charley English. middle row: ga Forestry commission Director Bob Farris , Emergency management association of ga President Lanita Lloyd, national Weather Service (nWS) - Peachtree city meteorologist-in-charge Lans rothfusz, FOX 5 atlanta chief meteorologist Ken cook, cBS atlanta news meteorologist markina Brown, ga Public Service commissioner Doug Everett, assistant adjutant general of ga maj. gen. maria Britt, metro atlanta american red cross cEO Tim English. Back row: ga Department of agriculture commissioner gary Black, ga association of Broadcasters President Jere Pigue, WSB-TV channel 2 meteorologist David chandley, nWS Warning and communications meteorologist Barry gooden, ga Voluntary Organizations active in Disaster President mike yoder, ga Department of Transportation commissioner Vance Smith, and ga Department of administrative Services Supplier relations manager Hugh Farley.

Gov. Deal Proclaims Feb. 7-11 as

Severe Weather Awareness Week

With an early January snow and ice storm fresh in our collective memory, Governor Nathan Deal and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA)/Homeland Security encouraged all Georgians to participate in this year's Severe Weather Awareness Week, Feb. 7-11.
"Take time now time to prepare for the extreme weather the rest of the year can bring," said Charley English, director of GEMA/Homeland Security. "Tornadoes, storms and floods can devastate our communities, but this devastation can be minimized if we're prepared."
EmErgEncy managEr Winter 2011

The week's activities began with Family Preparedness Day on Feb. 7, when all Georgia households were encouraged to program their NOAA Weather Radios and create Ready Profiles at www.ready.ga.gov to get a customized checklist of emergency supplies and a tailored family communications plan. On Wednesday, a statewide tornado drill was issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). Severe Weather Awareness Week's specific observations were: Monday, Feb. 7 Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day

Tuesday, Feb. 8 Thunderstorm Safety Wednesday, Feb. 9 Tornado Safety and Statewide Tornado Drill (issued by NWS) Thursday, Feb. 10 Lightning Safety Friday, Feb. 11 Flood Safety (and alternate tornado drill date)
"By preparing for one emergency, you are actually arming yourself against many types of disasters," continued English. "It may take up to three days for help to arrive. Our goal is for all residents to be their own first responders and to be able to help others in the event of a natural or manmade disaster." n
4

Congratulations to National Preparedness Month Art and Essay Contest Winners

Essay Winners First Place: Kayla Paige, L.O. Kimberly Elementary School, Atlanta Second Place: Kami Page, Coker Elementary School, Chatsworth Third Place: Ev Baston, Notre Dame Academy, Duluth

Art Winners

First Place: Noah

Mooney, Briarwood

Academy, Warrenton

Second Place: Parker

Lefton, Johns Creek

Elementary, Duluth

Third Place: Alexa

Romare, Minor

This informative mobile by noah mooney of Briarwood

Elementary, Lilburn

academy took first place in the "ready, Set, go" art contest. Honorable Mention

Jessica Williams, L.O.

For the seventh year, September

Kimberly Elementary School, Atlanta

has been designated as National

Kanija Williams, West Town Elementary

Preparedness Month to encourage

School, Albany

Americans to take simple steps to pre- Shelby Satterfield, Coker Elementary

pare for emergencies in their homes,

School, Chatsworth

businesses and communities.

Taylor Scott, Brentwood School,

Last September, the Georgia

Sandersville

Emergency Management Agency's

Gavin Hersey, Quitman Elementary

Ready Georgia campaign asked stu-

School, Quitman

dents to showcase their talent by com-

"It's rewarding to see how stu-

bining creativity with emergency pre-

dents apply the information they've

paredness know-how to create "master- learned about emergency preparedness

pieces" that describe the steps for

and translate it into art and essay

emergency preparedness and its impor- form," said Charley English, director

tance at home and school.

of GEMA/Homeland Security. "Each

Participants submitted original art- entry displayed insight of the process

work and essays incorporating the

necessary to avoid what could be a life-

theme, "Ready, Set, Go!" and were

threatening situation. We were

encouraged to draw upon personal

impressed with every submission, mak-

experiences of how their families pre-

ing it a challenge to select winners."

pare for emergencies or how they plan

First, second and third place win-

to help their families prepare. Entries

ners in each category were awarded

ranged from personal stories and fic-

prize packages from Imagine It!, Seed

tion to collages, mobiles and figurative Factory, Chick-fil-A at Chamblee Plaza

art. Winners hail from across Georgia. and The Home Depot. n

5

If You See
Something,
Say Something
Campaign at
Walmart
If you have been to your local Walmart recently, you may have noticed a short video message from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano at some store checkout stations. Napolitano's message reminds customers to watch for and promptly report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
The ads are part of DHS's "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign, which encourages people to speak up if they see something suspicious.
"This campaign will make citizens aware of the fact that they can play a role in preventing acts of terrorism," says Gary Kelley, deputy director for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA)/Homeland Security. "It educates them on who to contact in case they come across information related to an act of violence or terrorism."
The partnership between DHS and Walmart will help the American public play an active role in ensuring the safety and security of our nation. "The more eyes we have in the community, the better off we'll be," says Kelley.
The "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign was originally implemented by New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority and adopted by DHS. n
Winter 2011 EmErgEncy managEr

Plant Hammond Full-scale Exercise Tests Inter-agency Cooperation
By Crystal Paulk-Buchanan, Public Information Officer

On a rainy morning last fall, workers at Georgia Power's Plant Hammond, just outside the City of Rome, had a very bad day. First, a toxic chemical was released inside the coal plant; then the facility was struck by a tornado. First responders quickly arrived on the scene, immediately followed by ambulances that transported 31 victims and two fatalities to the local hospital. Media soon converged across the street for a press conference, demanding answers.
Fortunately, it wasn't real. The events were part of a drill hosted by the Rome/Floyd County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) to test the ability of private and public sectors to work together
EmErgEncy managEr Winter 2011

Plant Hammond was the scene of an exercise hosted by the rome/Floyd county Local Emergency Planning committee (LEPc) to test the ability of private and public sectors to work together during a major emergency.
during a major emergency. Participants included Floyd County's police department, E9-1-1 center, emergency medical services (EMS) and emergency management agency (EMA), Rome/Floyd Community Emergency Response Team, Redmond EMS, Rome Police Department, Floyd County Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Georgia State Patrol, Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA)/Homeland Security and Rome Fire Department, along with staff from Plant Hammond, Floyd Medical Center and Redmond Regional Medical Center. According to Floyd County EMA Director Scotty Hancock, one of the key challenges was coordination between the public and private sectors. It took nearly a year to plan this exercise, and frequent meetings helped build relationships that will serve the community in the event of an actual disaster. "Overall I think everything went extremely well," Hancock said. "There is always room for improvement, but that is why we do the exercise." "We were able to identify some areas that we need to improve on, and

we found some areas we excelled in," said Michael Patterson, resource and emergency operations coordinator for Floyd County EMS. For instance, in the exercise review, several participants mentioned the need to improve communications.
Hancock concurred, noting that the rural terrain in western Floyd County where the plant is located creates inter-agency communication problems. However, most of these challenges will be addressed with a $26.6 million unified emergency communications network funded through the county's 2009 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). The project is expected to go out for bid in February 2011.
Jeff Wilson, spokesman for Georgia Power, said the drill provided an excellent opportunity to work closely with the public safety community, and the plant management will continue to reassess disaster plans using lessons learned during the exercise.
The drill was evaluated by representatives from GEMA, including Public Affairs Officer Lisa Janak Newman and Jeff Morrison, senior planner with the GEMA's Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program.
"Sometimes getting information to the media and public is an afterthought because other issues seem more critical, but in a real emergency, providing information as soon as possible can save you a lot of trouble later," JanakNewman said. "We were glad to see representatives from different agencies speaking with one voice during the press conference."
The Rome-Floyd LEPC is one of just two dozen multi-jurisdictional LEPCs in Georgia. Floyd County EMA receives a grant each year to coordinate similar exercises. n
6

Midville Train Derailment

Leaks Chemicals
By Marc Hyden, Contributing Writer, Public Affairs Division

Quick action by the Burke County Emergency Management Agency and the Norfolk Southern Railway Corporation helped prevent any fatalities or injuries when an eastbound Norfolk Southern Railway train transporting hazardous materials was derailed on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2010, in Midville, Ga., a town of approximately 500 residents located 55 miles south of Augusta Ga.
Thirty-nine of the 90 train cars jumped the track, 14 of which were carrying potentially toxic materials. Three cars with chlorine, sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, which is an ingredient used in Oxyclean, and methyl ethyl ketone, which is used in the production of airplane glue, started leaking. Fortunately, these cars were located far enough apart to prevent any cross contamination, and immediate tests concluded that air quality had not been compromised.
Nevertheless, as a precaution, 27 homes and 63 residents in a quarter-
7

mile radius were evacuated. Norfolk Southern reimbursed the evacuees for hotel rooms, food and other necessities. In addition, as a safety measure, Highway 17 was closed from Millen, Ga., to Midville, Ga., around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21 until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2010.
Only three hours after the incident, hazardous materials teams began arriving on the scene to patch the leaks, test the soil and air, and start cleaning up. The train car that contained chlorine residue was immediately patched, and emergency crews began the process of turning the chlorine into less-toxic bleach to prevent any additional hazards. The cars that were leaking sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate and methyl ethyl ketone also were mended.
However, the clean-up process was only beginning. Emergency workers began digging up the contaminated soil and removing it from the area. By Tuesday, the wreck had been cleared, and undamaged cars were rerailed and

transported out of the area. By Wednesday afternoon, new railroad track had been laid, and the railroad once again became fully operational.
Although this section of the railroad was only interrupted for three days, the costs to Norfolk Southern were staggering: $1 million per day. Moreover, while the railroad was being repaired, all trains moving from Macon to Savannah were rerouted, which caused delays from 24 hours to 48 hours.
Although the railroad is fully operational, clean-up efforts continue. Emergency workers and environmental crews are testing the soil and investigating what may have caused the derailment. Several damaged cars on the side of the tracks at the site will remain there until they are eventually disassembled and sold as scrap metal.
Norfolk Southern Railway is a major Class 1 railroad that operates in 22 Eastern U.S. states and into Canada, and it maintains approximately 21,000 miles of track. n
Winter 2011 EmErgEncy managEr

Georgia Secures a New Mobile Radiation Laboratory
By Stephen Clark, Contributing Writer, Radiological Programs Division

Georgia faces many hazards, both natural and technological. One of the technological hazards we face is the potential for accidents involving radioactive materials.
Georgia has three nuclear power plants -- Plant Vogtle in Waynesboro, Ga., Plant Hatch in Baxley, Ga., and Plant Farley, located on the GeorgiaAlabama border in Dothan, Ala. -- that could directly affect the state in the unlikely event of an accident. Additional potential radiological hazards include the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site, other defense-related facilities, radioactive material transportation, industrial radiological applications, medical radiological applications, and the illicit use radioactive materials in the form of a radiological dispersal device and an improvised nuclear device.
This means there is a wide variation in the potential severity of radiological incidents, which makes having the right equipment at the right place at the right time critical to accurately assess radiological conditions. A key resource Georgia has to facilitate the rapid analysis of radioactive materials is the Georgia Mobile Radiation Lab (MRL), which can quickly deploy to any incident.
The Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA) is responsible for the coordination of radiological response, and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is responsible for radiological technical response. EPD's responsibility under the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan (GEOP) includes determining the nature and magnitude of any released radioactive materials, determining the consequences, and recommending measures to protect the public. This requires the ability to detect the presence of radioactive

georgia's new mrL was stationed at Hatch Forward Emergency Operations center (FEOc) in Vidalia, ga., during an Ingestion Pathway exercise last fall.

materials and to identify and quantify those radioactive materials. Unfortunately, however, the MRL purchased in 1993 has exceeded the original design life of 10 years.
GEMA began looking for funding sources to acquire a new MRL. Fortunately, GEMA maintains a close partnership with Southern Nuclear Operating Company to ensure that the state is prepared and has the resources to respond to an accident at one of the three Southern Nuclear power plants. In 2007, on EPD's behalf, GEMA requested funding from Southern Nuclear to replace the existing MRL. Southern Nuclear agreed to the need for a mobile laboratory capability and fully funded the project. In 2009, GEMA worked closely with EPD Environmental Radiation Program staff to purchase and then transfer ownership to of the MRL to EPD.
EPD will use the MRL to test environmental samples that are now being tested in a laboratory. Regular use will ensure that the MRL and staff

are prepared to respond when needed and also save the state money. The MRL was successfully demonstrated in the federally evaluated Plant Hatch Ingestion Pathway Exercise in September 2010. In addition to supporting Southern Nuclear facilities, the MRL will participate in non-nuclear plant radiological preparedness exercises and be ready to respond to any radiological incident in the state, regardless of cause.
Georgia's new MRL ensures that we have the right equipment at the right place at the right time. The new MRL is housed inside a 40-foot shipping container, mounted on a dual-tandem axle trailer and towed with a heavy-duty commercial truck. Advanced analytical equipment, redundant communications capability and a generator ensures EPD Environmental Radiation Program staff can analyze radiological conditions near the scene of a radiological incident, critical to rapid and accurate accident assessment.n

EmErgEncy managEr Winter 2011

8

FEMA Loss Avoidance Study Has Many Implications for Future Hazard Mitigation Projects.
By Shana Slay, Contributing Writer, Hazard Mitigation Division

When severe flooding strikes,

buildings included in the study was approximately

there is rarely any

$27.4 million,

discussion of what

while the sum of

wasn't destroyed or

the project costs

damaged. Instead,

equaled $48.8 mil-

the focus is assess-

lion. This reflects a

ing the destruction

Return on

from the floodwa-

Investment (ROI)

ters and providing

of 56 percent for

assistance to those

the storm events

affected. However,

studied, meaning

even while the

that the communi-

attention is centered

ties have saved 56

on disaster victims,

percent of the

some county offi-

costs of the proj-

cials are thankful

ect through their

that they took

avoided

advantage of

The cobb county Disaster recovery center (Drc) was open during epic flooding in losses.

Georgia's Hazard Mitigation Program, which gave them

September 2009 to provide affected residents with disaster agency services. although cobb county was hit hard, damage was mitigated because 69 homes that would likely have suffered similar destruction and loss had been previously removed.

Cobb County has a total of 61 residential proper-

the opportunity to permanently move residents out of harm's way before the next flood.
After the epic flooding of September 2009, FEMA embarked on a mission to analyze the effectiveness of some of Georgia's Hazard Mitigation Grant projects and the losses avoided as a result of the mitigation measures. Its Loss Avoidance Study: Georgia, Building Modification Projects selects 29 building modification projects that were completed between 1997 and 2009. These projects comprise 171 residential buildings and one school in Chattooga, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas and Gwinnett counties.
FEMA uses benefit-cost analysis as part of its application procedures for its Hazard Mitigation building modification grants, which includes acquisition, elevation and flood-proofing.

This ensures federal funds are awarded to projects where the demolition or alteration of the structure will eliminate or greatly reduce the risk of future flood losses. This process estimates long-term project benefits and compares it to the estimated costs of the project to determine whether the project will produce enough of a benefit to offset the cost. If a project does not meet benefit-cost analysis, then it will not be funded. The Loss Avoidance Study determined whether those estimated benefits have been realized.
According to the study, "Costeffectiveness was evaluated by comparing the cost of the projects to the losses avoided in all floods that had occurred since the projects were completed, including the flooding in 2009." The sum of avoided losses for all of the

ties included in the study that were demolished with funds from an acquisition Hazard Mitigation Grant. The greatest loss avoidance in Cobb County was realized during the September 2009 flooding. Since the county did not complete any projects since the August 2008 flood event, its total mitigation costs were still approximately $8.6 million, however the calculated avoided losses totaled an impressive approximate $9.3 million, which when calculated provided an ROI of 108 percent.
The study also analyzed avoided losses for the less severe flooding events in March 2006, November 2006 and August 2008. At the time of the 2008 flooding, Cobb County had completed projects that totaled approximately $8.6 million. The calculated losses avoided for those flood events

9

Winter 2011 EmErgEncy managEr

Cellar
Photo courtesy of george armstrong/FEma

was $144,995, providing an additional ROI of 3 percent. When all mitigation costs are considered against all total losses avoided for all four events included in the study, Cobb County shows an ROI of 110 percent.
Each structure included in the study is also given an individual ROI assessment. These assessments range from 0 percent for those homes unaffected by the previous floods to upwards of 200 percent, 300 percent, even 400 percent. One Cobb County property had a 604 percent ROI, which clearly shows how beneficial the various hazard mitigation projects can be for flood-prone areas such as the area in which that particular home was located.
Bill Higgins, division manager of the Cobb County Stormwater System, explains how they intend to continue using mitigation grants to reduce the impact of future disasters. "Since 1999, Cobb County has partnered with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA) and with FEMA through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and Flood Mitigation Assistance programs to acquire 69 homes subject to chronic flooding. Most of these homes were constructed in the southwestern portion of Cobb County, before the first floodplain maps were published in 1979.
"In September 2009, the southwestern part of Cobb County was devastated by an epic flood, which received in excess of 20 inches of rainfall over a 24 hour time period. The flooding in this area of Cobb was well in excess of the 500-year recurrence interval and defied USGS's efforts to quantify. Although the devastation in this part of Cobb County was overwhelming and complete, it was mitigated by our previous collaborative efforts with GEMA and with FEMA in having previously removed 69 homes that would likely have suffered similar destruction and loss."
According to Higgins, acquiring floodplain properties is the most effective long-term mitigation measure in the county's arsenal of flood prevention and avoidance measures. It allows areas most vulnerable to repeated
EmErgEncy managEr Winter 2011

flooding to be turned into parks and greenspace for the entire community to enjoy.
"However, it's also important to maintain an updated Pre-Hazard Disaster Mitigation Plan (PDMP) to minimize loss of life and property damage resulting from potential natural hazards, such as the floods," says Cobb County Deputy Emergency Management Agency Director Lanita Lloyd. "The plan documents vital information that aids in the process to determine strategies for reducing or eliminating damage, reconstruction and repeated damage, and supplies a framework for developing feasible and costeffective mitigation projects." Cobb's

PDMP includes the need for future property acquisitions."
This loss avoidance study has many implications for future hazard mitigation projects. A community such as Cobb County can clearly see how its mitigation efforts have paid off after the September 2009 floods.
It also can look at and individual home's ROI to determine where its hazard mitigation projects might provide the most benefits in the future. Even areas not included in the study can look to it for proof of realized benefits for hazard mitigation projects. As long as counties continue to mitigate, they will continue to see a decline in flood losses. n

the storm

Debunking tornado myths.

MYTH: You can outrun a tornado in your vehicle. FACT: An automobile is absolutely the WORST place to be during a tornado. Tornadoes are unpredictable, and they don't follow the rules of the road, and you may get stuck in traffic. The safest thing to do is to get out of the tornado's path, or to seek shelter in a sturdy, well-constructed building. Lying flat in a ditch, ravine, or culvert also offers protection from flying debris.
MYTH: When you see a tornado while driving, hide under an overpass. FACT: an overpass may be one of the worst places to seek shelter from a tornado. This puts you at greater risk of being killed or seriously injured by flying debris. The safest thing to do is to get out of the tornado's path, or to seek shelter in a sturdy, wellconstructed building. Lying flat in a ditch, ravine, or culvert also offers protection from flying debris.
MYTH: Windows should be opened before a tornado approaches to equalize pressure and minimize damage. FACT: Opening windows allows damaging winds to enter the structure. Leave the windows alone; instead, immediately go to a safe place.

Adapted from: A PREPAREDNESS GUIDE Including Safety Information for Schools U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service September 1992 (NOAA, FEMA, The American Red Cross)
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Drought Continues in Georgia
By State Climatologist David Emory Stooksbury and Editor Lisa Janak Newman

In the late summer and fall, Georgia depends on tropical weather to bring much-needed rain. However, last fall was very dry. In fact, most of the state received less than 70 percent of normal rain. Worse, some places in the coastal plain and coastal Georgia received 50 percent or less of normal rain.
As a result, drought conditions have expanded since August to include most of Georgia, with the exception of north-central and northeast Georgia, where conditions are rated as abnormally dry, as defined by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Bibb, Crawford, Macon, Peach and Houston counties in central Georgia also are classified as being abnormally dry.
The bountiful rain that Georgia experienced last winter and spring

helped keep stream flows near normal for most of the fall, as streams respond to drought slower than soil moisture. However, stream flows have been decreasing recently. Flows are particularly low in northwest Georgia, where most streams are at the 10th percentile or lower, meaning stream flows would be greater 90 years out of 100 years in this area.
Due to these dry conditions, the risk of wildfire has increased across the state. Everyone is encouraged to be cautious when using equipment outdoors that can cause sparks. In addition, special vigilance is needed with any outdoor fires. Check with your local fire department or the Georgia Forestry Commission for restrictions and outdoor burn permits.
In addition, water restrictions

remain in place. The Georgia Water Stewardship Act, which went into effect on June 2, 2010, permits the outdoor watering of plants between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. Other outdoor water uses, such as washing cars, are permitted on an odd-even basis, with odd-numbered addresses permitted to use water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and even-numbered addresses permitted to use water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Gray water, or reclaimed waste water, can be used any time for irrigation. Water from private wells or surface water used by the owner or operator of such wells or surface water is also allowed any time.
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced recently that federal economic injury disaster

Outdoor Water Use

Information
The Georgia Water Stewardship Act went into effect statewide on June 2, 2010. It allows Georgians to run automated irrigation systems, lawn sprinklers or water by hand daily from 4 p.m. until 10 a.m. Outdoor water use for any other purposes, such as power washing or washing cars, is still restricted
Odd-numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Even-numbered and unnumbered addresses are allowed to water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
If you have questions about outdoor water use, please contact your local water provider. n

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Winter 2011 EmErgEncy managEr

loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and private non-profit organizations in Catoosa, Dade, Fannin, Murray, Walker and Whitfield counties as a result of drought. Under this declaration, the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible organizations that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster.
For more information or to get an application, call the SBA's Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800877-8339 for the hearing-impaired) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or by e-mail at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications also can be downloaded from the SBA's website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. The deadline is August 8, 2011.
Winter-weary Georgians are longing for the warmth of spring. However, early spring conditions depend on the strength of the La Nia pattern. A strong La Nia pattern increases the likelihood that North Georgia will have a warmer-than-normal and drierthan-normal winter and early spring. A weak La Nia pattern typically means that North Georgia will be wetter than normal during early spring. Climatological spring begins March 1.
On the bright side, says Todd Hamill, service coordination hydrologist with the Southeast River Forecast Center, this winter's frigid temperatures bring a better chance for rainfall. "This cold is beneficial because it brings more precipitation --although we're still below-normal," he points out. Soil moisture and stream flow conditions should improve in early spring since moisture loss due to evaporation and plant water use is lower during cool months, however, Georgia remains very dry.
Information on dry conditions across Georgia can be found at www.georgiadrought.org. Updated weather conditions can be found at www.georgiaweather.net.
David Emory Stooksbury is the state climatologist and a professor of engineering and atmospheric sciences in The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. n
EmErgEncy managEr Winter 2011

georgia Body recovery Team K-9, Bella, a black Labrador retriever, alerts her handler, Dawn Welch, to a human remains source hidden in the shrubs at the first annual "Fun, Fur and Flags" working dog training, held at Six Flags Over georgia.

Working Dog Training Conference Held at Six Flags Over Georgia

There are many risks and dangers that may threaten Georgia, be they man-made or natural, and the state's public safety canine teams will be prepared to answer the call of duty.
These dogs and their handlers charge fearlessly to fight the war against drugs, terrorist attacks, armed and dangerous fugitives, as well as search and locate missing people and detect potential threats to our food supply.
The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA)/Homeland Security, the Georgia State Patrol, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Department of Corrections conducted the first annual "Flags, Fur and Fun" Georgia canine training conference on Feb. 1, 2011, at the Six Flags Over Georgia theme park in Austell.
This conference provided more than 120 governmental canine teams of various disciplines and missions the opportunity to train together over a two-day period. The Six Flags Over Georgia park offers a unique set

of challenging venues that allowed working dogs and their handlers to practice their skills in agility, narcotics and bomb detection, tracking and trailing, human remains detection, and patrol.
According to Tracy Sargent, training, exercises and canine program director for GEMA, the park's large size was ideal, allowing for specific areas to be dedicated to a particular skill, and ensuring that dog teams did not interfere with one another.
"The unique buildings at Six Flags provided venues for the narcotics and drug dogs, while the outside structures, ponds, open areas and woods provided venues for the human remains dogs," explains Sargent. "There were large wooded areas and `urban' settings for the tracking and trailing dogs, and other areas to set up `fugitive' scenarios for the patrol dogs. There also was a great jungle gym for agility work for all dog teams. To have all of these types of venues in one place is extremely rare and unique." n

12

Georgia Braves Unexpected Cold Winter
By Lisa Janak Newman, Editor

Old Man Winter sucker punched us. How else can you explain several outbreaks of Arctic cold and a rare Christmas snowfall during a winter season that was supposed to be warm? Heading into it, meteorologists reported that Georgia is in a La Nia pattern, which usually produces a warmer-than-normal and drier-than-normal winter. However, now many of us are confused as to why
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this winter is not going according to plan, and wondering why we are so cold.
According to Todd Hamill, service coordination hydrologist with the Southeast River Forecast Center, the La Nia pattern is competing with an Arctic Oscillation (AO), which is in a "negative phase." This occurs when atmospheric pressures are high over the high latitudes and low over the

middle latitudes, resulting in a northto-south Arctic flow. "We came out of it in December, but we went right back into it," Hamill explains.
"It may warm up for a day or so, but this cold is not going away -- we are still concerned about winter weather," he warns. Bad news for those of us who want to hang up our winter coats for good.
The AO made itself known during a winter storm Jan. 9-10, 2011, which brought up to 7 inches of snow to North and Central Georgia, according to the National Weather Service. Days prior to the winter weather event, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA)/Homeland Security actively monitored the impending storm and prepared for its impacts.
GEMA also provided conference calls and briefings with the National Weather Service (NWS), the Governor's Inauguration Committee, and local, state and federal partners to ensure everyone was fully aware of the pending weather and taking necessary precautions. In addition, GEMA worked with the media to urge residents to prepare.
The public seemed to listen. By Sunday evening, most grocery store shelves were devoid of staples such as bread, milk and eggs. Many public gatherings were canceled or postponed, including planned inaugural activities. Newly elected Governor Nathan Deal was forced to scale back his inaugural celebration: The swearing-in ceremony was moved indoors, and non-essential activities such as a morning prayer service and Governor's Inaugural Ball were canceled.
By Monday afternoon, metro Atlanta had been transformed into a winter wonderland. Children and adults, enjoying an unexpected day off from school and work, could be found sledding and building snowmen in
Winter 2011 EmErgEncy managEr

Photo courtesy of Paulding county Photo courtesy of carroll county

many neighborhoods. However, the snow was quickly followed by freezing rain and a half inch of ice accumulations that froze on roadways, disrupting travel across metro Atlanta for several days and creating headaches for many adults.
His last day in office, former Governor Sonny Perdue, in close coordination with Governor-elect Nathan Deal, issued a State of Emergency to allow state resources to be available for response and recovery activities and activate the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan. The state operations center (SOC) was activated Jan. 10-14, 2011, and all state agencies involved in winter weather response had representatives in the SOC, including the Georgia Department of Transportation, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Forestry
EmErgEncy managEr Winter 2011

Commission, the Georgia National Guard and Georgia State Patrol. Fortunately, there were no widespread power outages, as many feared.
Although treacherous roads crippled travel in metro Atlanta counties for several days, others fared better. "Our department of transportation was out clearing roads on Sunday. We broke the county up into four sections, and by Monday evening, our 500 miles of county roads were in great shape," says Johnny Payne, Bartow County Emergency Management Agency director. "Also, everyone stayed home, which helped tremendously because we didn't have to remove cars on the side of the road."
Payne describes how the entire community pulled together to get through the worst of the storm. The sheriff 's office used its four-wheel

drive vehicles to transport nurses to work at hospitals. Landscape companies offered the county ice-melting chemicals to help remove ice from roads, if needed.
"It went very smoothly," says Payne. "Everything was pretty much back to normal on Tuesday. A lot of residents and businesses called our county commissioners to say they were glad we got everything cleaned up."
Following the storm, Governor Deal issued an Executive Order creating an Emergency Operations Command at the agency-head level that gives more responsibility for storm response to GEMA. Members of the command also include the director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, and the Adjutant General. n
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GEMA Post Office Box 18055 Atlanta, Georgia 30316-0055
www.gema.ga.gov
Address Service Requested

PrSrT STD U.S. POSTagE
PaID aTLanTa, ga PErmIT nO. 8116

Principles for Georgia Emergency Management Agency Employees
We will be Decent, ethical and Honorable The First Principle guides how we interact with each other and with our external customers, partners and stakeholders. As GEMA employees, we are expected to be Decent, to be Ethical at all times and to Honor our commitments.
We will be Servant Leaders The Second Principle guides our commitment to those in need in times of an emergency. As employees of the state's emergency management agency, we are expected to always be mindful that our purpose is to Serve those in need and to provide Leadership in times of an emergency.
We will Show Up and Do Our Best The Third Principle guides our personal commitment to the Agency and our co-workers. As GEMA employees, we are expected to make a commitment each day to "Show Up" and to "Do Our Best." Every day we make a commitment to give our best effort to the challenges we face and to be fully present in all our actions and thoughts.
We will have an attitude of Success The Fourth Principle guides our attitude. As GEMA employees, we are expected to approach our responsibilities from the perspective of "How can I make this work?" by adopting an Attitude of Success.
We will embrace a Team Spirit The Fifth Principle guides our commitment to our professional careers in the field of emergency management. As GEMA employees, we are expected to embrace a Team Spirit, to respect each other as fellow professionals, to ask for and/or provide assistance when needed, and to recognize that "None of us are above doing anything asked of us" if GEMA is to be successful in fulfilling our mission.
We will be Ladies and gentlemen The Sixth Principle guides how we interact with the general public. As GEMA employees, we are expected to always Act as Ladies and Gentlemen and to treat others as if they were Ladies and Gentlemen.
We will have Open Doors The Seventh Principle guides how we interact with our supervisors. As GEMA employees, we are expected to be welcoming and have an Open Door.