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By Ernie Smothers
smothers@mckenziebanner.com |
Unknown forces existing beneath, above, and beyond
possess the capability to completely alter each of our
lives and surroundings without notice. Potential natural
disasters such as tornadoes, fire, ice storms and
earthquakes face each of us daily. Regretfully, we have
learned that not all disaster is of natural origin.
Terrorism has crept from the headlines of international
newspapers to the forefront of our collective dread.
Complacent in the assurance that our nation was safely
isolated and impenetrable to attack, America was forced
to re-examine its security structure following the
unexpected and deadly terrorist attacks of September 11,
2001.
We are not helpless. Positive, assertive planning and
preparation can ease many of the fears associated with
the unknown, allowing people to function in a far less
stressful manner. But, this serenity does not occur by
itself. As coaches often say, the best defense is a good
offense. The intent of this article is to provide
information that can assist you in preparing for
disaster. Remember-knowledge is power.
Carroll County Emergency Management Agency coordinator
Janice Newman and County Fire Department Chief Terry
Bradshaw represent the front line of defensive
preparedness for our region.
Carroll County Emergency Management
Agency Coordinator Janice Newman and County Fire Chief
Terry Bradshaw.
From their office located inside the Carroll County
Office Complex on 625 High Street, Newman and Bradshaw
earnestly discussed the important role that individual,
family and community awareness and preparedness play
before, during and after the occurrence of disaster.
Bradshaw began by stating, "The most important thing for
people to realize is they need to be prepared before
something happens. Get the necessary basic equipment
that can sustain you for several days in case we can't
get to you." He noted that disruption of communication
services due to tree or wind damage would greatly reduce
the effectiveness of search and rescue operations. "We
may not know your condition or your location.
Inevitably, bad storms happen. No one is exempt from
this sort of thing arriving at their doorstep."
Mobile Command Center.
Newman added, "We learned by aiding victims of Hurricane
Katrina that many survivors arrived in Carroll County
without their prescription blood pressure or heart
medicine with them, and some were without glasses. Those
are the kind of items that are absolutely essential."
Newman, leaning forward in her seat stated emphatically,
"The one thing that I have heard over and over again is
"It's not if--it's when. Don't wait until it is too late
to do something to prepare."
Tools for survival.
A disaster supplies survival kit should be readily
available when needed and easily transportable. The kit
should include: one gallon of water per person per day
stored in sealed, unbreakable containers. The water
containers should be dated and replaced every six
months. A supply of canned or packaged non-perishable
food items and a non-electric can opener. Pack extra
changes of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes for
each family member. Include blankets or sleeping bags,
personal hygiene items, and prescription and over the
counter medicines. Flashlights, lighters, and matches
are indispensable. A well equipped first aid kit,
battery powered radio, credit cards and cash, and an
extra set of car keys should also be included. If
providing for infants, elderly or disabled people, pack
items especially suited for their care. A list of family
physicians and important family information, such as
style and serial number of pacemakers and other health
devices is imperative. Family participation in the
preparation of a survival kit greatly aids in teaching
the importance of personal and group responsibility.
Adults should know how to turn off their home's water,
gas, and electricity.
Adults can help ease children's fears by discussing
dangers such as fire, severe weather, earthquakes and
other emergencies with them. Proper instruction and
practice of home evacuation; when and how to place phone
calls to 911, police and fire department; and general
observance of safety cannot be overemphasized.
Emergency generator and rescue supplies.
Tracking the storm.
Violent thunderstorms and tornados often impact
communities without warning, resulting in tremendous
damage and loss of life. With the continuing advent of
advanced weather tracking communications technology,
however, availability of information regarding
potentially devastating storms is now quickly
accessible. Television, radio, and the Internet now
provide accurate and pin-point tracking information that
provide advanced warning of approaching storms.
Newman stated that purchasing a NOOA weather alert radio
was crucial to family preparedness. She explained, "The
NOAA radio can operate on batteries and can be used even
when electrical power has been disrupted, allowing
people to stay informed and ready."
NOAA, the voice of the National Weather Service, is a 24
hour, seven day a week, no-cost comprehensive forecast
service that works in conjunction with multiple state,
federal, and media outlets to provide precise and timely
meteorological information. The radio, programmable to
sound an alarm and warn listeners in the event of
approaching storms, has likely saved countless lives,
especially by waking sleeping families unaware of
perilous conditions developing near their homes.
Bradshaw noted, "Typical Weather patterns have changed.
Storms often occur now out of season." The tornado
producing storms that impacted Paris, Bruceton and
surrounding communities on November 7, 2005 testify to
this dangerous and unpredictable trend. Our region's
susceptibility to late night arrivals of storms
increases the need for early warning.
Other informative items transmitted by NOAA are AMBER
alerts, hazardous chemical spill notification, and
climate and river stages. Short term and long-range
weather forecasts are also broadcast.
School preparedness.
Newman said each school system within the county
currently implements contingency planning for the
purpose of protecting its students and faculty. She
added, "A recent severe weather drill was conducted
state-wide, and over 5,000 children, teachers and
administrators participated. It was highly successful.
We are working very hard to improve safety for our
children."
Newman spoke highly regarding County Mayor Kenny
McBride's active role in damage assessment and damage
control management during stormy weather. "He'll be here
with us at 4 a.m. monitoring the situation. He truly
wants to help us and the people of Carroll County. You
can't say enough about his desire to be available and
willing to help." Regarding damage assessment, she
added, "We really want to encourage people to call us
and tell us about damages that have occurred in their
area." Once all the data is received, it is forwarded to
the Tennessee Emergency Management Administration (TEMA)
for evaluation. The governor is then informed and
decides what kind of response is needed for our area.
The Big One.
Bradshaw stated that one potential disaster, the threat
of earthquake, had been receiving much greater emphasis
lately. A native of Shelby County, he is quite aware of
the potential for devastation that an earthquake
originating from the New Madrid fault-line could cause,
especially to the bluff city of Memphis.
"It would be very bad for the city and area. Buildings
would probably fall, and wide-scale devastation and loss
of life could occur."
Memphis, built on sandy sediment, would experience
liquefaction of the ground during a large earthquake,
thus allowing the Mississippi river to impede the
stricken downtown area-not a pleasant scenario. Carroll
County, perched on a stronger rock based foundation,
would not likely survive completely unscathed.
Bradshaw stated, "Damage that might result in this area
would be proportional to the severity of the
earthquake."
One area that might be greatly affected would be Lake
County, home of Reelfoot Lake. The lake was created by a
massive, upper-register magnitude earthquake that shook
the region in the early 1800s. Historical records note
that the violent earthquake caused the nearby Tennessee
River to run backward for a period of time.
Insurance and Acts of God.
Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover
earthquake, flood, tornado, and other natural disasters.
It is wise to review policy coverage with provider
representatives. Existing insurance policies can often
be modified to include coverage for acts of God, with
coverage based on cost per unit purchased. What you
don't know can definitely cost you.
Fire.
One of the most prevalent sources of family disaster is
home fires. Quick and toxic, fires can overwhelm and
kill in little time. Newman explained that the purchase
and utilization of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide
warning devices was absolutely imperative for family
preparedness. "They are not that expensive, and will
alert and let you know when fire is present in your
home. Every family needs these."
Bradshaw noted that there are simple rules to remember
when dealing with a home fire. He said, "Stay as low to
the floor as you can, where the air is breathable. The
lower you are the less likely it is that you will
encounter poisonous fumes that rise during a blaze." He
suggested that preparation and practicing evacuation
from your home will allow for quick, decisive action
during disaster.
Purchasing a fire extinguisher and becoming
knowledgeable regarding its usage before the fact is a
very smart decision. Fighting small, isolated fires can
be dangerous, and large blazes should only be battled by
trained personnel. As emotionally difficult as it would
be to witness your possessions burn, remember that most
things can ultimately be replaced. People, however, are
not replaceable. Wisdom is the cornerstone to
preparedness.
Bradshaw stated that one of the main reasons for his
being hired as County Fire Chief was to improve the
region's fire rating. He said, "The fire rating system
ranges from zero to 10, the lower the rating, the
better."
Lowering of ratings would not only reflect efficient
safety planning but reduce fire insurance premiums
assessed to homeowners. Bradshaw noted that recent grant
funding has been utilized to acquire additional
equipment for the counties fire- fighting arsenal. "We
have replaced two older fire trucks with newer models,
added a newer model air pressure truck, and are
purchasing turnout equipment and fire fighting tools. We
have also upgraded our communications equipment. These
measures will definitely help us in our efforts to
achieve our goal."
Hazardous Material.
Bradshaw stated that Carroll County is home to five
fully trained and certified hazardous waste technicians.
He noted that training for hazmat personnel is thorough
and relentless; "Situations constantly change, and our
preparedness is ongoing. We meet for training at least
once a month. He added, "Hazmat requires serious
training, well beyond that required for fire fighting."
Hazmat equipment trailer.
He explained that hazmat personnel are prepared to
handle major chemical spills, Industrial accidents,
nuclear based situations, and incidents that involve
weapons of mass destruction. TEMA has developed
different districts throughout the state, with Carroll
being part of district 9. A level II team, Carroll is
aligned with the counties of Benton, Gibson, Crockett,
Dyer, Lake, Obion, Weakley, and Henry. "If required, all
teams can assemble and work as one, greatly increasing
response effectiveness," he added.
Bradshaw noted that many safety items have been added to
the county's defense arsenal as a result of funds
received from Homeland Security grants. The grant money
has been used to purchase: a command trailer that can be
utilized on site of a disaster, an equipment trailer
that will be packed with essential equipment such as
generators, air monitoring gauges and detectors, and
various tools and implements.
"We have also upgraded communications equipment in the
command and equipment trailer which will help
tremendously during emergency." He said, Grant funding
has also enabled the purchase of a contamination tent
and personal protective equipment (PPE). The PPE gear
cost $400 each and can only be used once. Some of these
items are quite expensive, but needed, he noted.
Terrorism 101.
Terrorism has become a major concern in urban and rural
communities, and Carroll County is not an exception.
Terrorism has few if any defining characteristics and
can occur anywhere, anytime. Don't be intimidated or
hesitant to report unusual occurrences and behavior to
the proper authorities. Your actions might possibly save
countless lives.
Preparedness and common sense.
Newman explained that for one week each October, Carroll
Countys Emergency Management maintains an information
booth at Huntingdon's Wal-Mart for the purpose of
providing free pamphlets to the public regarding
preparedness. The pamphlets provide invaluable
information that will assist you during times of
emergency. Knowledge is power. Knowledge saves lives.
Bradshaw concluded by stating, Each of us must pre-plan
and be prepared before disaster comes. |
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