Dec. 3, 2008
The Commonwealth has a new mobile command post available to support local emergency response efforts upon request through the Virginia Emergency Operations Center. The MCP can communicate using VHF low- and high-band, UHF, 800 MHz, amateur radios and the Statewide Agencies Radio System. These systems are interoperable with each other and with local systems, so that they can provide a communications network when local networks are overwhelmed. The MCP is 50 feet long, 13 feet high and weighs more than 50,000 pounds. Both sides expand to increase the width to 14 feet, providing more than 600 square feet of usable space and 16 work stations to support command and control operations. The MCP can provide satellite, audio and video communications and operate for several days before it needs to refuel. It also provides wireless Internet, Voice over IP and analog telephone access, as well as a video feed from the area surrounding the unit. Two 12.5 kW generators provide power for up to 12 laptop stations, digital broadcast and satellite television receivers, and communications equipment.
Governor proclaims Winter Preparedness Week
Gov. Tim Kaine has proclaimed Nov. 30 - Dec. 6 as Winter Preparedness Week, a time for Virginians to focus on winter weather and the hazards it can bring. All Virginians should be prepared for freezing temperatures, blocked roads and downed power lines by getting a kit, making a plan and staying informed. Preparedness materials, including printable worksheets, are available at http://www.ReadyVirginia.gov.
Resolve to be Ready in 2009
Fewer than half of Virginians have taken steps to get ready for emergencies. Ready Virginia reminds all Virginians to make a New Year's resolution to create a family disaster plan now, before disaster strikes.
To make a plan, a family should discuss what they would do and where they would go in case of an emergency in the area. Decide on a meeting place and choose an out-of-town friend or relative as a point-of-contact for family members. Make sure that each member of the household carries this contact information with them at all times. In addition, families should choose a destination for themselves and their pets in case they ever needed to evacuate their homes for any period of time.
Printable worksheets about making a family plan are available at http://www.ReadyVirginia.gov. The Web site also provides information about emergency supplies and how to respond to all types of emergencies, including natural and human-caused disasters. A companion Web site, http://www.ListoVirginia.gov, is available for Spanish-speaking Virginians.
Surry Power Station Exercise Tests Security Procedures
Dominion Virginia Power and VDEM conducted a full-scale exercise on Dec. 2 at the Surry Power Station to test preparedness and response procedures involving plant security. The exercise involved Dominion Virginia Power personnel and nearly two dozen local, state and federal agencies, including the Surry County Sheriff, Virginia State Police, the U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Bureau of Investigation, local fire and rescue squads, and other Surry County emergency responders.
The Commonwealth also conducts the annual Virginia Operations Plan Exercise, or VOPEX, every year, alternating between the Surry and North Anna power stations. VOPEX tests the ability of the station and state and local governments to respond to an accident at the station.
2009 Mobile Command & Communications Vehicle Rally
Police, fire & EMS field commanders and supervisors, emergency managers, emergency communications center operators or supervisors, and anyone interested in mobile command/communications vehicles are invited to the 2009 Mobile Command & Communications Vehicle Rally, Wednesday, May 20 at the Chesterfield County Fair Grounds. The rally will feature local, state and federal mobile command and communications vehicles from central and eastern Virginia, including VDEM's new mobile command post. All vehicles will be open for tours and questions.
Register online at http://www.chesterfield.gov/EmergencyManagement/Rally/ or contact Chesterfield County Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator Curt Nellis at (804) 796-7068 or nellisc@chesterfield.gov.
Homeland Security Grant Program guidance
The Department of Homeland Security has released FY09 guidance for 14 programs that comprise the Homeland Security Grant Program. DHS will distribute more than $3 billion through these programs to help territories, urban areas and transportation authorities bolster national preparedness capabilities and protect critical infrastructure.
- Homeland Security Grant Program: $1.71 billion
- State Homeland Security Program: $861.3 million
- Urban Areas Security Initiative: $798.6 million
- Metropolitan Medical Response System: $39.8 million
- Citizen Corps Program: $14.6 million
- Infrastructure Protection Program: $845 million
- Emergency Management Performance Grants: $306 million
- Urban Areas Security Initiative Nonprofit Security Grant Program: $15 million
VDEM serves as the State Administrative Agency for these grants and will work with the Office of Commonwealth Preparedness to host Regional Preparedness Advisory Committee stakeholder meetings in each of the seven regions.
For more information about the grants, visit the Virginia Office of Commonwealth Preparedness Web site at http://www.commonwealthpreparedness.virginia.gov/initiatives/dhs_grants09.cfm.
Coordinator's Briefing presentations posted
The presentations used during the 2008 Coordinator's Briefings are now available for download at http://www.vaemergency.com/library/2008coordbrief/. The files, in Microsoft PowerPoint® format, include "Weather Information for Decision Makers," "Knowledge Centre and NIMS Compliance," and "Virginia Search and Rescue Program."
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