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Thursday, April 21, 2011 Thursday, April 21, 2011
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Emergency Management Preparedness For All Hazards provided by: Cleburne County EMA Emergency Management Preparedness For All Hazards
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be
response/able
(Is having the ability to respond before, during and after a serious emergency.)
“Be Ready”
Says Cleburne County EMA You may be familiar with Cleburne County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). You may have seen ads advising you to Be Ready, received EMA publications in the mail, or heard an EMA spokesperson on local news programs. But do you know what EMA is? Cleburne EMA uses a four phase approach to ‘manage’ emergencies – mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. The cycles are a framework for understanding an emergency and how prepare for it, how it unfolds and how to cope when an emergency occurs. Throughout the cycles, EMA acts as a central manager. It identifies and coordinates resources, facilitates communication among community organizations, and plays other roles to move the county through the cycles. “Emergency managers play a critical coordination role to have resources and systems in place to help their community recover from a disaster,” said Dr. Jane Kushma, Associate Professor of Emergency Management
Volunteers are a key factor in Cleburne County’s ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from a disaster. To learn how you can help, contact Cleburne EMA at 256.463.7130
at Jacksonville State University. “Their work beforehand helps save time and money when a disaster happens.” Mitigation and preparedness activities occur before an emergency. During mitigation, steps are taken to make the community less vulnerable to loss of life or property. Building codes, land use regulations and insurance are efforts to reduce risk and lessen the effects of a disaster. Preparedness includes developing response plans, educating the community and conducting training and exercises. “What you can’t prevent, you can plan for. Training and exercise allows responders to improve their skills and test emergency plans before a realworld event occurs,” said Steve Swafford, Cleburne County Administrator and EMA Director. “Our community education campaigns remind residents to create and practice their plan as well.” Cont’d on page 5
Contact Cleburne County EMA at (256) 463-7130 or log on to www.areyoureadygoEMA.com or www.cleburnecounty.us Paid for by the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
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Cleburne News
Emergency Management Preparedness For All Hazards
Tornado Safety be
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Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. They can appear suddenly without warning and can be invisible until dust and debris are picked up or a funnel cloud appears. Planning and practicing specifically how and where you take shelter is a matter of survival. Be prepared to act quickly. Keep in mind that tornadoes can occur at any time of the year.
Step 1: Get a Kit Get an Emergency Supply Kit. Store it in your shelter location
Disaster Supply Kit
Step 2: Make a Plan Prepare Your Family Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning:
You should be prepared to take care of yourself for
Storm cellars or basements provide the best protection. If underground shelter is not available, go into an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls. Go to the center of the room. Stay away from corners because they attract debris. A vehicle, trailer or mobile home does not provide good protection. Plan to go quickly to a building with a strong foundation, if possible. If shelter is not available, lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Be aware that flash flooding is possible. Plan to stay in the shelter location until the danger has passed.
Step 3: Be Informed Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a tornado hazard. A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area. A tornado warning is when a tornado is actually occurring, take shelter immediately.
at least three days during and after an emergency. Your Disaster Supply Kit should include the following basic items, depending on your needs:
- 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
Contact Cleburne County EMA at (256) 463-7130 or log on to www.areyoureadygoEMA.com or www.cleburnecounty.us
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Emergency Management Preparedness For All Hazards
The Emergency Alert System Your Best Source of Information
Before, during and after an emergency, the Emergency Alert System (EAS) is the best source of information. Cleburne County’s EAS includes local radio and television stations and emergency alert radios.
Radio Stations WTDR FM 92.7 WVOK FM 97.9 WJCK FM 88.3 WKNG FM 89.1 TV Stations WJSU ABC 33/40 WBRC FOX 6 WVTM NBC 13 WIAT CBS 42
Keep a list of local EAS stations posted near your television and radio. Through the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program, free emergency alert radios have been distributed to homes, churches, schools, businesses and other locations in Cleburne County. Your radio should be programmed to receive alerts for Cleburne County; use SAME code 001029. Have extra batteries for your emergency alert radio and battery-powered AM/FM radio. During a power outage, you need to be able to receive information about local conditions.
Contact Cleburne County EMA at (256) 463-7130 or log on to www.areyoureadygoEMA.com or www.cleburnecounty.us
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Lessons Learned from the 2011 Winter Storms be
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Last year ended with a white Christmas in Cleburne County but 2011 got off to an icy start. Sleet, snow and freezing temperatures closed county schools and offices and resulted in a local state of emergency. Roads throughout the county became impassable with some roads being closed for nearly a week. “Maybe the Christmas snow was a trial run for us,” said Dan Hopkins, Hollis Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department Chief, “and we learned from it. During last week’s severe weather, everything worked together like a well-oiled machine. EMA had a well-thought out plan in place. They coordinated information and resources so we could take care of the public.” As the National Weather Service forecast ice and snow to impact the county, Cleburne County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) began implementing plans to respond to and recover from the severe weather. On Jan. 9, the county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated to serve as a central point for emergency response coordinators and other organizations. “It seems simple but emergency management is about managing the emergency,” said Steve Swafford, Cleburne County Administrator and Director of the county Emergency Management Agency. “When EMA was notified of the severe weather threat, we immediately began sharing information with the public, emergency response agencies and others in our county who would be impacted by the storm.” The county EOC was staffed 24 hours a day during the emergency with EMA personnel and representatives of county law enforcement, fire departments, public works and Alabama National Guard. The Guard also had personnel at the fire stations in Ranburne, Fruithurst, Hollis Crossroads and Heflin. “We provided a transportation asset. Our Humvees can travel in conditions when an ambulance or patrol car can’t,” said SSG Jonathan Thompson of the Alabama National Guard. “We helped the Sheriff’s Department with patrols Tuesday night during the curfew, assisted with accidents on Interstate 20 and provided support for EMS and the fire departments.”
EMA requested the National Guard’s assistance on Saturday before the severe weather hit. Early Monday morning, Guard members from McClellan and Sylacauga units arrived in the county. “We had calls that weren’t necessarily life-threatening but people needed help and we just didn’t have the resources to deal with the ice,” said Carl Smith, Chief of Ranburne Rescue Department. “The Guard helped us meet that need.” The Sheriff’s Department issued a curfew on Jan. 11 after ‘black ice’ conditions made travel on local roads treacherous. “The snow and ice melted during the day but the roads would freeze again at night. I wanted people to take the hazardous driving conditions seriously. Maybe people who don’t pay attention to closed roads would pay attention to the curfew,” said Sheriff Joe Jacks. “I believe it helped keep accidents down and we didn’t have any traffic fatalities.” EMA also requested support from the American Red Cross. The Red Cross was prepared to provide shelter support to the county. Officials were not only concerned for local residents but also travelers on Interstate 20 who were strandedv “The Red Cross was activated and ready to respond for sheltering,” said Carol Kirk, former Director of American Red Cross of Calhoun and Cleburne Counties. “We had a representative at the county EOC and volunteers at Heflin Recreation Center to manage the shelter activities.” Kirk added it was an opportunity to identify areas that need to be strengthened. More local volunteers are needed to support shelters. “The shelter manager and feeding supervisor came from Calhoun County,” she said. County residents are part of the team that helped Cleburne County weather the storm. They prepared for the severe weather and avoided travel on the icy roads which allowed emergency responders to focus on other community needs. “People listened to us and did what we asked,” said Smith, “which was a good thing for everyone.”
Contact Cleburne County EMA at (256) 463-7130 or log on to www.areyoureadygoEMA.com or www.cleburnecounty.us
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“Be Ready” Says Cleburne County EMA
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such as conducting search and rescue operations, opening shelters and facilitating evacuations. When the immediate threat has passed, work begins to meet new demands cause by the disaster. In the early recovery period, EMA and other agencies take actions to help reduce casualties, prevent further property damage and expedite the community’s recovery time. Short-term efforts may include debris removal, coordinating assistance from state and federal agencies and identifying needs created by the disaster.
Long-term recovery may include rebuilding infrastructure and other efforts to bring the community back to normalcy. “While considering the long-term recovery, emergency managers also begin to think about how to mitigate for the next disaster. They apply lessons learned from the current event to improve their community’s ability to respond and recover from a future event,” said Kushma. “Ultimately those actions create safer communities and improve our quality of life.
Mission Statement Cleburne County EMA’s mission is to protect people and property.
Our mission is accomplished through:
Mitigating
Exercising
Reducing the level of threat or risk posed to the public. Involves taking steps to make the community more disaster resistant. Examples are distributing emergency alert radios and educating the public as to how to protect themselves.
Conduct yearly disaster drills that incorporate many different facets of emergency response.
Responding
Manning the Emergency Operations Center and serving as a centralized information and coordination point for the County during times of disaster or community emergency.
Training
Providing training to individuals who have response roles during emergencies, thus providing them a greater level of capability in performing their roles.
Recovering
Address and apply for State and Federal disaster declarations and manage damage assessment and the claims process for Cleburne County. This includes disaster assistance for the uninsured (residential and business) and Federal governmental assistance to the County and Municipalities.
Coordinating
Serving as a coordinating agency between Local, State and Federal agencies in addressing the County’s needs as a whole in the time of disaster.
Contact Cleburne County EMA at (256) 463-7130 or log on to www.areyoureadygoEMA.com or www.cleburnecounty.us
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EMA Updates on Facebook
2,600+ Friends! Cleburne County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) now has over 2,620 friends – on Facebook that is. The county agency uses the networking site to share important information before, during and after emergencies. “With so many people receiving their information via the internet, we want to take full advantage of it as a resource,” said Steve Swafford, Cleburne County Administrator. “Using Facebook has been a good decision for EMA.” Before severe winter weather hit the county, EMA had 1,250 Facebook friends. During the snow and ice, EMA passed the milestone of 1,500 friends and just kept growing. What is Facebook? It is a social networking site intended to connect friends, families, businesses and other organizations. Cleburne EMA’s friends include people who live or work in the county, businesses and others who have an interest in the county. Recent severe weather events highlighted how well that connection works. During the winter storms, EMA posted constant updates about icy roads and other hazardous con-
ditions around the county as well as passing along information from the county school system, sheriff’s department and other local agencies. Calhoun County EMA utilized Cleburne EMA’s Facebook network to alert residents to road closings since many Cleburne residents visit and work in Calhoun County. EMA’s Facebook friends kept the site active, not only by posting questions, but also by offering information about conditions in their communities. Recent heavy rains caused flooding in many parts of the county. EMA staff and their Facebook friends used the site once again to provide updates on weather and road conditions and to report public safety hazards. When Cleburne County is not facing severe weather or other hazards, EMA posts weather forecasts, emergency preparedness tips, community events and other local information. If you want to be a friend of Cleburne EMA, go to www.Facebook.com and search for Cleburne EMA.
Contact Cleburne County EMA at (256) 463-7130 or log on to www.areyoureadygoEMA.com or www.cleburnecounty.us
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What’s in an Emergency Supply Kit? When preparing for a possible emergency
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
situation, it’s best to think first about the basics
Can opener for food (if kit contains
Consider additional clothing if you live in
of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit: Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food Battery-powered AM/FM radio and emergency alert radio, and extra batteries for both Flashlight and extra batteries
canned food)
a cold-weather climate.
Local maps
Household chlorine bleach and medicine
Cell phone with chargers
Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit: Prescription medications and glasses Infant formula and diapers Pet food and extra water for your pet Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
First aid kit
Cash or traveler’s checks and change
Whistle to signal for help
Emergency preparedness information from
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Cleburne EMA. Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a
dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners. Fire Extinguisher Matches in a waterproof container Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels Paper and pencil Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
cold-weather climate. Complete change of clothing including a long
Contact Cleburne County EMA at (256) 463-7130 or log on to www.areyoureadygoEMA.com or www.cleburnecounty.us
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First Aid Classes
Take a moment to imagine the unthinkable. You may be spending time with a friend when he grabs his chest and loses consciousness or maybe you’re having lunch with your child and she starts choking and can’t speak. Would you know what to do? In an emergency, you are the first responder. Through Red Cross training, you can learn to help an ill or injured person until a medical professional arrives. When you are better-prepared for any emergency, your family and friends are safer and you help create a safer community. Cleburne County EMA is sponsoring free American Red Cross First Aid and CPR classes. Class participants will learn vital skills to help them
respond to life-threatening situations. The Red Cross training teaches you to care for conscious and unconscious choking victims; perform CPR for adults, children and infants; give first aid for a variety of injuries including burns, wounds and heat- and coldrelated injuries; and manage sudden illnesses, stroke, seizure and poisoning. To help you review the skills after training, you will receive a participant workbook and CPR and First Aid skill cards. The free classes are available to churches, businesses and other groups in Cleburne County. To learn more about the training or to schedule a class for your group, contact American Red Cross at 256.236.0391.
Contact Cleburne County EMA at (256) 463-7130 or log on to www.areyoureadygoEMA.com or www.cleburnecounty.us
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