The Responder - Daily Home

The day that we have all been waiting on is soon approaching. When the last drop of chemical munitions is safely destroyed at the Anniston Army Depot the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) will begin its close out phase. This time next year, CSEPP will be gone. But before we finish, let’s take a minute to be thankful for what CSEPP has provided for our community in the past 20 years or more.

• 67 CSEPP sirens throughout Talladega County that are used for Tornado Warnings or for a chemical incident at Anniston Army Depot.

• A shared 800MHz radio system shared with Calhoun County valued at approximately $100 million. This system allows responders, hospitals, schools and emergency volunteers to communicate seamlessly during disasters, training or every day communication needs.

• Remember the old Tone Alert Radios (TAR’s)? TAR’s were issued in the Immediate Response Zone (IRZ) in the northern end of the county and in special needs individuals homes throughout the county. Special facilities also received these units to assist with their emergency plans for their locations. Over the last two years, TAR’s have been replaced by FREE NOAA Emergency Alert Radios (EAR).

• Shelter in Place kits were first issued to areas designated at the Protective Action Zone (PAZ) before chemical munitions destruction began at the depot. Now these kits are available to any resident in the county. Although they were purchased with CSEPP funds, these kits can and should be used for any emergency where sheltering is recommended. Residents of Lomar Villa in Lincoln used them during the train wreck of 2006.

• A beefed up amateur radio system and repeaters. This system keeps us in contact with citizen responders. These people are our eyes and ears in the county. They alert us of any emergency situation that is developing. We were informed of the Oak Grove tornado several years ago by an amateur radio operator in the field before Birmingham weather could contact us with definite information.

• A yearly media campaign, some years totaling $200,000 or more, for all six counties to be able to provide emergency preparedness information on television, radio and in print media. In fact, this insert you are reading is part of the LAST CSEPP media campaign for the state of Alabama.

• Chemical detection equipment for Talladega County’s two HazMat teams in Childersburg and Lincoln. This is just some of the responder equipment provided to our county over the life of CSEPP. This is just a partial list of the good things CSEPP has provided for our community and its responders over the years. However, there continues to be some things brought on by CSEPP that you cannot put a price tag on. CSEPP has provided a platform for all responder agencies in the county to work together for a common goal: leaving a safer legacy for years to come.

In Case Of Emergency,Keep This

Insert Handy This special edition insert has been prepared to keep you informed of what to do in case of any type of emergency. The Talladega County Emergency knows that there is always the potential for emergency situations. For the past few years, in conjunction with the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) we’ve been informing you how to be ready in the event of a local chemical emergency. This insert has been prepared to help you “Be Ready - All Ways” in any local area emergency. In addition to the impor-tant CSEPP safety information, there’s also tips on thunderstorm and lighten-ing safety, proper ways to respond if a tornado is spotted in the area, flash flood tips, and information on the H1N1 virus, and information on how to handle extreme heat situations. And you’ll also find reminders on what items you need to always have on hand in your personal Disaster Supply Kit. We hope this insert is a helpful in keeping you and your family safe. For more information, please call the Talladega EMA office at 256-761-2125.

Hazards that could possibily effect

your communityBe Prepared All Ways For more information on each specific hazard and

safety precautions, check the inside of this special insert.

Thunderstorm & Lightining

Tornado

Heat Wave & Fire

For more information on how you can plan and prepare for a disaster, contact our office

at 256-761-2125.

Emergency Management Preparedness For All Hazards?DAY, April ??, 2011 St. Clair Times

Responderthe

( Is having the ability to respond before, during and after a serious emergency.)

Emergency Management Preparedness For All Hazards

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Talladega Daily Home

provided by: TalladegaCounty EMA

Leaving ASafer Legacy

Contact Talladega County EMA at (256) 761-2125 or log on to www.talladegaema.org

Paid for by the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program

beresponse/able

Your Talladega County Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security has provided many useful tools for you with Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness funding over the years. With CSEPP closing and public education funds going away, we wanted to take another opportunity to encourage your preparedness efforts at home, work, school and play. Don’t let your guard down because one risk to our county is gone. There are many other potential disasters for which we should remain prepared.

In Talladega County the question is not “IF” a disaster occurs, but “WHEN” it occurs. If, Talladega County and our citizens are not adequately prepared, it will seriously affect everyone emotionally and economically. During a disaster, it is not the time to decide how to respond.

We need your help. As a citizen in our county, you can play a powerful role in encouraging your family and others to prepare. You must first set the example and prepare yourself. Within the pages of this guide you will find information to assist you with preparing a plan, compiling a disaster supply kit and more.

In 2009 Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said “Preparedness is a shared responsibility that begins with the American people,”

In a publication from this agency in 2010 we reminded you that your family’s preparedness level is your responsibility. Let’s make 2011, the year we teamed up and made community wide preparedness, “our responsibility”. We will work to do our part and we ask that you do your part.

Once again, I ask you to take time and prepare your home, family, neighbors, churches and businesses for a disaster. I do realize we can never be prepared for everything. But, we can certainly do everything possible to make the impact less when it does occur.

A Message From The Talladega County

EMA DIRECTOR

TALLADEGA COUNTY AMATEUR RADIO EMERGENCY SERVICE

Deborah Gaither - Director, Talladega County EMA

Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) is sponsored by the Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL). The ARRL is the national organization of amateur radio operators. The ARES mission is to provide emergency radio communication when other forms of communication fail. Amateur radio is versatile and can be set up during or after an event using emergency power and simple antennas

Trained ham radio operators are proficient in transmitting messages and relaying information and requests. Talladega County ARES works closely with the Talladega County EMA. During severe weather ARES radio stations report high wind, hail, tornadoes, flooding, and property damage to the

EMA. ARES also provides emergency radio communication at Red Cross shelters when needed.

There is a ham radio station at the Talladega County EMA. The station uses very high frequency FM radios and high frequency single sideband radios to communicate throughout Talladega County, surrounding counties, and throughout Alabama and the United States .

Talladega County ARES is available to provide radio communication for public service events

such as marathons and bicycle races.

Any licensed amateur radio operator can become a member of Talladega County ARES. For additional information call Jim McIlwain at 256-362-8727.

Pictured L-R, William McGarity-KI4TEC, Jim McIlwain – W4LVT, Brian Gaither – AC4BB, George Webb – AG4MS

submitted by Jim McIlwain (W4LVT), RACES/ARES Command-



Responderthe Page 2Talladega Daily Home

A disaster supply kit, which includes the items below as well as other emergency supplies, can be invaluable to you and your family in the days following a disaster. Personalize your kits with the things you need daily. In a sturdy, portable container, have the following on hand:

• A flashlight and battery-operated radio (preferably an Emergency Alert NOAA Weather Alert Radio) with fresh batteries. • A three-day supply or more of drinking water, which consists of one gallon per person per day. • Pet food and portable cages for family pets. • Bedding. Wool blankets or good sleeping bags work well. • Comfort items such as books, crayons, toys and hard candy. • A three-day supply or more of non-perishable, ready-to-eat foods and a manual can opener. • Clothing for each family member. Rotate the clothing with the seasons, and as children grow in sizes. • Hygiene products such as soap, feminine supplies, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, diapers, etc. • A Class ABC fire extinguisher is designed to be used safely on any type of fire, including electrical, grease, gas and combustibles. • First aid kit. Include medications you need including prescriptions, and spare contacts and eyeglasses. • Money. During a disaster, cash is generally the accepted form of payment. Some businesses may not accept checks, credit or debit cards. If the power is interrupted, your ATM might not work. • Tools and supplies. An adjustable wrench for turning off gas and water utilities if it becomes necessary. Also matches, whistle, pocket knife, pliers, scissors, sewing kit, hammer, rope or string, duct tape, etc. • Copies of important documents such as insurance papers, wills, deeds, drivers license, social security cards, etc.

Assemble a Family Disaster Kit




Do you have the Ability to Respond to an

Unexpected Hazard?

Thunderstorm and Lightning SafetyResponding to the threat of dangerous thunderstorm

Safety Tips You Should

Know

- If you see or hear a thunder-storm coming, take cover in a house, large building or car.

- Stay away from lakes, streams and rivers. If you are swimming or boating, get to land immediately.

- Keep away from all metal objects (fences, power lines, bicycles, farm equipment and implements.) - Avoid using the telephone, except for emergencies. Also, avoid, bath tubs, water faucets and sinks because metal pipes conduct electricity.

- If you can’t get inside or feel your hair stand on end, which means lightning is about to strike, hur-ry to a low open space. Crouch down and place your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.

- In a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees.Lightning strikes can be powerful and deadly. Stay indoors, because no place outside is safe when lightning

is in the area.

Coping with Extreme Heat A heat stroke is a life threatening situation. The victim’s temperature control system stops working and as a result, the body temperature can increase high enough to cause brain damage or even death. If a heat wave is happening:• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity.• Stay indoors or in the shade as much

as possible.• Wear lightweight, lose fitting and light

colored clothing.• Drink plenty of water even if you do

not feel thirsty. In periods of high heat stress you body will demand extra water to stay properly hydrated.

• Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them.

• Eat small meals often. Avoid foods high in protein. Protein increases metabolic body heat.




More information

Tornado SafetyA tornado has been spotted near

your home. How will you respond?

A “Tornado Watch” means that conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Keep up-to-date with the latest weather information by listening or watching local EAS stations or monitoring a weather radio.

A “Tornado Warning” means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar and you must seek shelter immediately. Remember, tornadoes can occur with-out warning before you see them.

If you are at home, go to the lowest floor in the center of the house. Basements offer the best protection. Interior rooms such as bathrooms or closets offer good protection. Try to get under something sturdy such as a large piece of furniture. Avoid windows and large rooms such as the living room. Do not open windows.

If you are at school or work, designated shelters are best. Avoid windows and large open rooms such as auditoriums, lunchrooms and gymnasiums.

If you are in a shopping center or mall, go to the designated shelter or move to the lowest level. Stay away from glass doors, walls, windows and roofs. Do not go to your car.

If you are in a car or mobile home, leave immediately and go to a more substantial structure. If no structure is available, lie flat in a ditch and cover your face with your hands or a blanket. Be alert for possible flash flooding.

Act quickly. You may only have a few seconds to save your life and that of your family.

- Battery powered radio- Battery powered flashlight

- Extra batteries- 1 gal. of water per person/day

- Non-perishable foods- Manual can opener

- First aid kit- Sleeping bags/blankets

- Lighter, matches, candles- Fire extinguisher

- Change of clothing, shoes- Toiletries & personal needs

- Rain gear, work gloves- Money – cash & change

- Extra vehicle/house keys- Extra glasses, etc.

- Family information & documents- Important phone numbers

DisasterSupply Kit

You should be prepared to take care of yourself for at least three days during

and after an emergency. Your Disaster Supply Kit should include the follow-

ing basic items, depending on your needs:

Home Safety Tips: Fire PreventionMake sure each family member knows what to do in the event of a fire. Plan two escape routes out of each room. Make plans where to meet out-side the house in the event of a fire evacuation. Practice your fire evacua-tion plans this month.

Place collapsible escape ladders in upper level rooms. Keep a whistle in each bedroom to awaken household in case of a fire. Purchase and learn

how to use an A-B-C fire extinguisher. Install smoke detectors on every level of your home.

Teach family members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothing catches on fire. Smother oil and grease fires in the kitchen with baking soda or salt, or put a lid over the flame if it is burning in a pan. Sleep with your door closed and never open doors if they are hot.

Flood SafetyFacts you should know.

Flash floods are rapidly developing floods that can hap-pen with little or no warning. Flash floods are most often caused by intense heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms or breaks in a dam,levee or dike.Stay away from flooded areas–even though the moving water may look safe, it may still be rising. Never try to walk, swim or dive into the water, because it may be moving very fast.If you are in a car during a flood, get out immediately and move quickly and safely to higher ground. Throw away any perishable food that has come into contact with flood waters. Eating it could make you sick.“Flash Flood Watch” means flooding may occur. Be alert because the potential for flash flooding exists. Persons in flood-prone areas should make preparations as soon as the flood watch is issued.“Flash Flood Warning” means flooding has been reported in the area or is imminent. Take precautions and leave the area immediately.More information can be found at www.floodsafety.noaa.gov




In an effort to increase homeland security and emer-gency preparedness, the President’s USA Freedom Corps launched a nationwide program in 2002 called Citizen Corps. Talladega County has established its own Citizen Corps Council under the guidelines of the national program.The mission of Citizen Corps is, “To have everyone participate in making America safer.” Everyone can do something to be safer from the dangers we all face – natural disasters, terrorism, crime, public health is-sues and other medical and fire emergencies – and to help our communities be safer, too.Citizen Corps programs include Neighborhood Watch, Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), Commu-

nity Emergency Response Team (CERT), Fire Corps, and the Medical Reserve Corps. It’s the goal of the Talladega County Citizen Corps Council to promote and expand this program by increasing awareness and enlisting volunteers.The Talladega County Citizen Corps Council is made up of representatives from emergency management, law enforcement, fire, health and emergency medical services agencies throughout the county.

For the community, Citizen Corps benefits include:• A greater sense of security, responsibility and personal control• Community pride, unity and patriotism• Risk reduction, mitigation and preparedness

For professional responder agencies:• Year round support through volunteer programs• Reduction of burdens on professional responder

services and resources through mitigation and preparedness measures.• Well trained, better informed and better prepared citizens to take care of themselves and others during times of crisis and disaster. For more information about getting involved in any of the above programs, contact the Talladega County EMA at 256-761-2125.

Citizen Corps


The speed and amount of information being disseminated via the Internet is staggering. News today is driven by social media. The Talladega County EMA is very active in the social media world. Currently, sites like Facebook and Twitter are all the rage. However, the EMA is not necessarily using these sites to “socialize”.

EMA Public Information Officer Steve Dover explains. “We’ve had accounts on these sites for a while. However, within the last year, we really have gotten serious about using them for alert and notification and for getting our message out to a broader audience. Citizens can and do utilize technology- they are already online and on-phone with or without us and they want to know what’s happening near them.”

If you are not familiar with these services, here is a brief explanation.

Twitter: This is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that allows its users to send and read other users’ updates (otherwise known as tweets), which are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length. Updates are displayed on the user’s profile page and delivered to other users who have signed up to receive

them. Senders can restrict delivery to those in their circle of friends (delivery to everyone being the default). Users can receive updates via the Twitter website, SMS, RSS, email, or through various applications. These various distribution mechanisms allow for Twitter to be used in a variety of ways including public education and public notification.

Facebook: This is a popular, free-access social networking website that allows users to join networks organized by city, workplace, school, and region to connect and interact with other people. People can also add friends and send them messages and

update their personal profile to notify friends about themselves. The Facebook system also allows for further interaction through user-generated applications that are similar to traditional software except are free and limited to the Facebook network. These applications are dynamic and an excellent source of tools for all Talladega County Health Department operations.

NIXLE: The Talladega County EMA has begun using this new communications service that allows us to send important,

valuable community information directly to residents using the latest technology.

The Nixle Community Information Service allows us to create and publish messages to be delivered to subscribed residents instantly via cell phone text message and/or email. Notifications can also be accessed online at Nixle’s web site at www.nixle.com.

Messages may include weather warnings/watches/advisories, reports on road conditions, hazardous materials or chemical incident notifications, as well as other relevant safety and community event information. With one click of the mouse the NIXLE message can automatically be sent to the agencies Facebook and Twitter accounts for distribution. Dover added, “In an emergency, that timesaver can be invaluable.”

The messages can be sent specifically to residents registered within a ¼ mile radius, giving them the opportunity to receive trustworthy information relevant only to their neighborhood. Residents decide from which local agencies they want to receive information. Subscribers can also choose the way in which alerts are received, whether it is by email, text message, or over the web.

There is NO spam and no hidden cost. Standard text messaging rates do apply. “Nixle builds on the foundations of other public-to-public communication services, such as Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace, but adds a key component: security. When citizens receive information from our agency via Nixle, they know it can be trusted”, said Dover.

“Nixle is a first-of-its-kind tool for communities that need to provide critical information to their residents,” said Craig Mitnick, Founder and CEO. “In today’s world, you have to trust the source of your information. Residents of Talladega County can rest easy that the local messages they receive are authentic.”

Residents of Talladega County and those in neighboring communities can immediately begin receiving pertinent information via text message, email, and web by registering at www.nixle.com.

These services are reliable and free for our agency to use.

You can find the EMA on Facebook under Talladega EMA and on Twitter at readytalladega.

Social MediaFollowing the Talladega County EMA on

New Home On The Web

Recently, the Talladega County EMA rolled out its new cyber home. The new site, www.talladegaema.org, will serve the EMA and the citizens of Talladega County well. On the homepage you will find anything you need to help prepare for an emergency. Need help with your family or business emergency plan? You’ll find it. Need to find out where the closest community storm shelter is to your home? You’ll find it. Want to contact the EMA about a problem or concern.

Yep, there’s a link for that too.

The website hosts information for: News from the Director, EMA staff page, Media Releases, EMA News, photo gallery and up to date weather information. LEPC, VOAD, CERT, Citizen Corps information along with a link to the current EMA media campaign are there as well.

The EMA also included links to their Face-book, Twitter and NIXLE social media sites. In this ever changing digital world, the EMA is relying more and more on social media to help get the word out to citizens (read more about those sites elsewhere in this insert).

If you have the old EMA site saved in your

favorites, change it to the new web address. If you’ve never visited the EMA website, now would be a good time to surf over and make yourself at home.

www.talladegaema.org


ResponderthePage 6Talladega Daily Home

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said about volunteering, “Everyone can be great because anyone can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t even have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” Almost everyone has the capability of helping others. As Dr. King alluded to, the only thing required is compassion for others.

For whom or for what do you have compassion? For some, it is children. For others, it is animals. Whatever it is, there is probably a need that you can fill. There are many organizations around Talladega County that can use your help, from the Talladega County Chapter of the American Red Cross to the local Humane Society. These are organizations that are trying to make Talladega County a better place to live. If you can’t volunteer with one of these organizations, maybe you can just check on a disabled neighbor. Or perhaps you can make your relatives aware of the importance of having a disaster supply kit or family emergency plan. This is another form of volunteering, and can mean the world to the person you are helping. This is making Talladega County a better place to live,

by making your community a better place to live.

When a disaster strikes, such as Hurricane Katrina, the local government’s resources to help will often be strained in the initial phase of the response. People in your community may have to rely on each other. We often see this when a major tornado strikes. Getting to know your neighbors, forming neighborhood watch or improvement committees, and just promising you’ll be there is so important. As Ronald Reagan once said, “No matter how big and powerful government gets, and the many services it provides, it can never take the place of volunteers.”

Volunteering

Looking Ahead


Volunteers Needed for CERT Team

For more information or to volunteer,

contact CERT coordinatorat Talladega County EMACERT is training citizens for local

community preparedness

256-761-2125or visit www.talladegaema.org for more details

As Talladega County beings the transitions to a life after CSEPP, we cannot let our guard down. Public safety will continue to be paramount when making decisions on how to transition to the end of CSEPP and the funding it has provided.

As you know, the threat level to the public

from the chemical weapons at the depot has steadily decreased since operations began in August 2003. Munitions filled with nerve agent GB were the first to go and works was completed in March 2006. From July 2006 to December 2008, workers at Anniston Chemical Activity safely destroyed the depots stockpile of VX nerve

agent. The final campaign, destroying mustard-filled munitions, began in July of 2009 and continues today. That process is over 95% complete. With that in mind, readiness practices are being adjusted as the stockpile is destroyed and risk to the public decreases.

CSEPP closeout will involve planning and decision making at several levels: Organization/department, political jurisdiction (county and state) and community. Jurisdictions will still need to plan for and respond to emergencies, but they will have to do so without the financial support they currently derive from CSEPP.

While public safety is a priority, we also take seriously our role to be good stewards of public money. It is also our responsibility to make wise decisions about how and where the public’s money will be used in emergency preparedness. Decisions must balance safety and our responsibility to be good stewards of public funds.

Our community retains a CSEPP legacy in the form of specific resources and capabilities as well as better coordination and planning with neighborhood jurisdictions.



If you are told to Shelter In Place you should:

More information

Stay or Go?Depending on the emergency, officials might tell you to either EVACUATE or SHELTER-IN-PLACE. You should already have in your family/business emergency plan what actions you will take when these orders are given. Evacuation means to leave a potentially hazardous area and go to a safer area. You may need to evacuate for emergencies such as fires, floods and hazardous materials or chemical incidents. If you are instructed to evacuate, here are some helpful hints:

• Take an evacuation recommendation seriously – gather people and pets and leave the area.

• Take a battery-operated radio (preferably an Emergency Alert NOAA Radio)- don’t forget extra batteries.

• Tune to the Emergency Alert Station (EAS) for our area.• Take your emergency supplies kit and prescription medications.

• Close and lock your home or business.

• Do not attempt to pick up children from school or daycare. School officials have plans in place to care for children during emergencies.

• If evacuating because of a hazardous materials or chemical incident, keep vehicle windows closed. Turn off the heater/air conditioner and close the vents.

• Do not return until officials say it is safe.

Shelter-in-place means to remain inside your home, business or other permanent building. You may need to shelter-in-place for emergencies like tornadoes, hazardous materials or chemical accident. With proper prior planning, sheltering-in-place can be an effective protective action. Use these helpful hints if instructed to shelter-in-place:

• If you are outdoors, go inside immediately with pets, if possible.

• Close all window, doors and vents.

• Turn off heaters/air conditioners and exhaust fans.

• Close internal doors and go to the innermost room without windows.

• If sheltering because of a hazardous material or chemical accident, seal door gaps with plastic sheeting and duct tape.

• Do not attempt to pick up children from school or daycare. School officials have plans in place to care for children during emergencies.

• Listen to your Emergency Alert NOAA Radio or local EAS for updated information.

• Stay inside until officials say it is safe to leave.

CSEPP Sheltering & Evacuation Tips

• Remain Calm and only use the phone to report emergencies • Stay tuned to you EAS Station • If you are in a car, close the windows and vents • If you are not at home take shelter in a nearby building. • Children will be safe at schools/ day-care facilities. • Keep pets inside with you and stay there. • Close all outside doors and windows • Shut off outside air intakes for fans and air conditioners. • In cool fireplaces or furnaces close fireplace dampers. • If told to Evacuate, already know your evacuation route.

Chemical Accident Alert ActionsIf you are instructed to take shelter, Remain Calm andstay tuned to your EAS Station.If you are in a car, close the windows and vents.If you are not at home go inside a friend’s house, a store or other public building.Children in schools and day-care facilities will follow their plans and be safe.If you are at home, shelter farm animals in barns, shelters, etc.Keep pets inside with you and stay there.Close all outside doors and windows.

• STAY CALM.

• Stay indoors. If outside, go indoors immediately.

• Close and lock all doors and windows including your garage doors.

• Turn off heating or cooling systems, ceiling and exhaust fans, and other ventilation systems.

• Go into your pre-determined shelter room and listen to radio or TV for more information.

• If you have a child in school, know the emergency plan.

• Listen to radio or TV to find out what action, if any, that zone has been asked to take. If the school has been told to Shelter In Place, DO NOT attempt to pick up your child.

• When officials announce it is safe to do so, leave your shelter and open all doors and windows.


Emergency Management Preparedness For All Hazards?DAY, April ??, 2011 St. Clair Times

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Talladega Daily Home

provided by: TalladegaCounty EMA

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The Responder - Daily Home