June 18, 2008
Capt. Jim Judkins, emergency management coordinator for the city of Suffolk, recently testified before the U.S. House of Representatives' Transportation and Infrastructure Committee about improvements to the Emergency Alert System. The "Assuring Public Alert Systems Work to Warn American Citizens of Natural and Terrorist Disasters" hearing offered several witnesses the opportunity to talk about the way the system currently works, which requires residents in an affected area to actively listen to local television and radio stations or to pre-register with a service to receive alerts. The Committee is investigating possible ways to alert residents who are not listening for alerts and who haven't registered to receive them in any other way.
Judkins testified on behalf of the survivors of the April 28 tornadoes in Suffolk (where there were no fatalities) that EAS alerts saved many lives:
"In my 28-plus years [of] experience, I find there is no one perfect alert system. Sirens fail, either mechanically or [people do not hear them] due to the use of headphones on personal listening devices. Weather radios are turned off for unexplained reasons. More and more people are watching or listening to satellite radio and television where local warnings are not available. Subscriber-based weather warning services require pre-registering. My grandmother once said, 'You can lead a mule to water but you can't force him to drink.' The same thing applies to warning systems. Each of us has a responsibility to our families for their safety and well-being. That responsibility includes knowing your community's warning system and having a method to receive emergency messages. Three simple phrases say it all. Get a kit, have a plan and stay informed."
Judkins' entire testimony and that of each witness, including representatives from the International Association of Emergency Managers, the Federal Communications Commission, FEMA and the National Emergency Management Association, are available at http://www.iaem.com/publications/news/news.htm#hearing060408.
Two VDEM programs chosen as best practices
The Emergency Management Accreditation Program has recognized VDEM's Resource Management Plan and Statewide Mutual Aid program as best practices. Under Emergency Support Function 7, Resource Management provides state and local governments with emergency relief supplies, facility space, office equipment, office supplies, telecommunications, contracting services, transportation services, security services, and personnel required to support immediate response activities. VDEM's plan contains specific lists of resources for different emergencies, including fire, tornado and hurricanes according to strength. It also includes known resources available throughout the state, so that they can be deployed more quickly and efficiently.
Through the SMA program, localities can either directly coordinate the transfer of resources , such as equipment and personnel, during response and recovery efforts or ask VDEM to coordinate the process. Mutual aid agreements provide, among other things, consistency concerning the insurance and liability coverage of emergency workers when deployed from one locality to another.
For more information about VDEM's Resource Management Plan and Statewide Mutual Aid program, contact Resource Management Coordinator Kenny Hayes at Kenny.Hayes@vdem.virginia.gov.
EMAP is a voluntary review process for state and local emergency management programs. Accreditation is a means of demonstrating, through self-assessment, documentation and peer review, that a program meets national standards for emergency management programs. The Commonwealth received EMAP accreditation in 2005.
Statewide preparedness study
VDEM has created a short online survey to assess the public's perception of their level of preparedness. The study will help determine Virginians' awareness of potential hazards and threats in their area, the steps they have taken to get ready for disasters and the level of participation in disaster response volunteer groups. The survey is available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=dlV_2b262GQMCPjiW02a3WTw_3d_3d.
Chesapeake OEM publishes emergency supply kit guidebook
The city of Chesapeake Office of Emergency Management has created a booklet that helps families create four different emergency supply kits. "Building Family Disaster Supply Kits" describes in detail the process and necessary items to make an "At Home Disaster Kit," a "Grab & Go Kit" for each family member, a "Pet Kit" and a "Car Kit." The booklet provides a schedule to collect items for all four kits in six weeks. The booklet was published with support from the Chesapeake Medical Reserve Corps and Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. For more information or to receive a printed or electronic copy, contact the Chesapeake OEM at (757) 382-6464 or EMOffice@CityofChesapeake.net.
Southeast River Forecast Center outreach
The National Weather Service's Southeast River Forecast Center has created a 13-minute online video that explains the current drought situation in the southeastern states. The "Water Resources Outlook" is an experimental product that provides long-term hydrometeorological information relevant to river systems across Southern Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida and a portion of Mississippi. The outlook will be updated every two to four weeks. The video is available at http://www.srh.noaa.gov/alr/wro/default.html.
Also, the SRFC has partnered with local emergency management and the U.S. Geological Survey to highlight the impact of flooding, using strategically placed high water mark signs in high-traffic areas. Franklin, Va. participated in the pilot program last year, placing a sign that commemorates the severe flooding the town suffered as a result of 1999's Hurricane Floyd, when the Blackwater River rose to nearly 24 feet above sea level. The SRFC is looking for more sites in the southeast that have been impacted by flooding; they plan to place one sign for each Weather Forecast Office. For more information, visit http://www.srh.noaa.gov/alr/hwm/HWMproj.htm.
Disaster Recovery Center survey
VDEM is currently working with localities to identify potential sites for Disaster Recovery/Assistance Centers throughout the state. In addition to providing information to impacted citizens about available assistance from federal and state agencies, local government and volunteer organizations, they signal that government is responding to their needs quickly. Having potential sites pre-identified will help responding localities establish these centers more quickly. In the past, the state has established these facilities in coordination with localities and the Federal Emergency Management Agency in federally declared events; however, recent events have demonstrated the need to open these facilities before or without a federal declaration. Once a statewide list is compiled, an annual review of this list will occur to maintain its currency. For more information about the survey, contact Individual Assistance Program Manager Larry Braja at Larry.Braja@vdem.virginia.gov or (804) 897-6500, ext. 6538.
Exercises...
School shooting tabletop exercise
The Lancaster County Department of Emergency Services sponsored a school shooting tabletop exercise at Lancaster Middle School on Saturday, April 26. The scenario had three modules designed to test the response plans and capabilities of law enforcement, county emergency services, school systems and other supporting responders. The county exercise planning committee is planning to organize a field exercise of the same scenario in the fall.
The more than 40 participants represented the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, Kilmarnock Police Department, Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department, Kilmarnock-Lancaster Co. Volunteer Rescue Squad, Town of Kilmarnock, Lancaster County Department of Emergency Services, Lancaster County EMS, Lancaster County Public School System, Lancaster Chapter of American Red Cross, Rappahannock General Hospital and the Three Rivers Health District.
EM Update is the best way to communicate best practices and to get a heads up on issues that might affect you. Articles include case studies, cost/resource-saving local programs, examples of partnerships and regional cooperation and recognition of emergency managers who receive awards and honors in the field.
Please don't hesitate to contact the editor whenever you have a project that might benefit localities or want to highlight an important issue concerning Virginia's emergency response community. Contact Jolie Shank at (804) 897-6510 or by e-mail at pio@vdem.virginia.gov.
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by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management
10501 Trade Court, Richmond, Virginia 23236