LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Rebuilding your home and life is emotionally taxing to families after a disaster, but help is available for Kentuckians affected by the July severe storms, flooding and mudslides. A Federal Emergency Management Agency grant is supporting crisis counseling services. "Project Recovery" is managed by the Kentucky Community Crisis Response Board. Counselors are available to talk with residents and refer them to appropriate agencies. Callers can speak directly with a crisis counselor by calling the following numbers: Carter and Rowan counties: 24 hours toll-free: 800-562-8909 Lewis and Mason counties: 606-796-3021, after hours: 877-852-1523 Madison County: 800-928-8000 Pike County: 24 hours toll-free 800-422-1060 Statewide Kentucky Community Crisis Response Board: 888-522-7228 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255), Veterans press 1 "Property damage from the storms and flooding is obvious, but disasters leave behind less visible issues," John W. Heltzel, Kentucky Division of Emergency Management director said. "We want those in need to be aware there is help available for coping with the loss and the stress of this disaster." Stress can manifest itself in many ways and may last for days, weeks or even months. The disaster recovery process can be unsettling and quite often symptoms of stress get worse as exhaustion sets in. There are signs. Common reactions to a disaster may include: nightmares, difficulty sleeping, feelings of being overwhelmed, fear of the weather, anxiety about the future, difficulty making decisions, hopelessness, disappointment with outside help, headaches, increased anger or aggression, domestic violence, frustration and feelings of powerlessness. These feelings can be exhibited by people of all ages, including children. Additional information, photos and links for this and other open disasters can be found at www.kyem.ky.gov and www.fema.gov. FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=52412

"NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Working with the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) Emergency Alert System , NWR is an "All Hazards" radio network, making it your single source for comprehensive weather and emergency information. In conjunction with Federal, State, and Local Emergency Managers and other public officials, NWR also broadcasts warning and post-event information for all types of hazards – including natural (such as earthquakes or avalanches), environmental (such as chemical releases or oil spills), and public safety (such as AMBER alerts or 911 Telephone outages)."

As of today's date we have only had 4 people contact us to report flood damage. If you did experience damage from the recent flooding in Scott County please call 502-863-7848 to report and then register online with FEMA.gov. For more information go online to: http://www.fema.gov/assistance/index.shtm

Total rainfall Saturday and Sunday: 7.27 inches On May 1 during the am the height of the creek at Cardome Park was 4.5 inches with a flow of 80 cubit feet per second; at 10:45 this morning the height of the creek was 12.15 inches with a flow of 8,550 cubit feet per second. I received at call at 11:20 am that the creek near Oser’s Landing Park appears to have crest/ crested.

75 people attended the NWS Severe Weather Spotter Training held April 27 at the Scott County Emergency Operations Center. "The effects of severe weather are felt every year by many Americans. To obtain critical weather information, NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, established SKYWARN® with partner organizations. SKYWARN® is a volunteer program with nearly 290,000 trained severe weather spotters. These volunteers help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather to the National Weather Service. Although SKYWARN® spotters provide essential information for all types of weather hazards, the main responsibility of a SKYWARN® spotter is to identify and describe severe local storms. In the average year, 10,000 severe thunderstorms, 5,000 floods and more than 1,000 tornadoes occur across the United States. These events threatened lives and property." http://www.nws.noaa.gov/skywarn/

NWS Severe Weather Spotter Training. Date: April 27, 2010 at 7pm. Location: Scott County Emergency Operations Center.

Welcome to EMA/ OHS's newest class of recruits: Bob Griffin, Earl Smith, Brian Shorkey, Crystal Caudill and Gene Thomas. These members will be stating their recruit training on March 31, 2010.

Tonight, March 17, 2010 - Officers Meeting 1800 hrs., Staff Meeting 1830 hrs.

Last night (February 23, 2010) over 50 people attended the latest CERT Academy in Scott County. More than 30 were new recruits! If you are interested in joining this academy call 502-863-7848 before the next class beginning February 30 at 6:30pm. It's NOT too late; join CERT!!

After two cancellations due to severe winter weather the CERT Academy is now scheduled to begin on February 23, 2010.

Due to dangerous road conditions because of the recent snowfall and impending additional snow tonight the start of the CERT Academy has been postponed until February 16, 2010.

The location is the Emergency Operations Center, 2200 Cincinnati Pike in Georgetown, Kentucky. "CERT provides training in emergency preparedness and basic response techniques enabling citizens to take a more active role in personal and public safety. Each CERT member completes 20-24 hours of training on disaster preparedness, basic disaster medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, and other essential topics. The training also includes a disaster simulation in which participants practice skills they learned throughout the course. In the event of an emergency, CERT members can provide immediate assistance to victims, assist in organizing spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site and provide critical support to first responders." For more information about CERT and how you can become involved contact the Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security at 502-863-7848.

The News-Graphic and the Georgetown/ Scott County EMA/ OHS have teamed up to provide you with current severe weather via your telephone. Sign up today to receive the Mobile Alerts! Go to: http://georgetown.zebramm.com/

Coming soon, check back often with this website for more information...

by Orlando Fonseca.......................... It seems Yemen is becoming another base similar to what Al Qaeda enjoyed in Afghanistan before 9-11-01. There are some similarities in that AQ operated freely with the consent of the Taliban in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. In Yemen, AQ has merged with militants in the east province of Hadramuth and Saudi Arabia and have made it their haven under the leadership of Nasir al-Wahishi. ............................................ The recent attack on board Flight 253 by the 23-year-old Nigerian Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab is linked to AQ in Yemen who has claimed responsibility for the coordination and execution of the attack. A recent article in Vol. 15, No. 3 of the IACSP's Counter Terrorism & Homeland Security Reports written by Olivier Guitta expounds on this fact as well. The title of his piece is "Iran and Saudi Arabia at War in Yemen". See links below for AP report and article by Joost R. Hiltermann............................ http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091228/ap_on_re_us/us_airliner_attack http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/65730/joost-r-hiltermann/disorder-on-the-border

Terrorists Inside U.S. and Planning to Strike, Says DHS Secretary By Matthew Harwood ---- Home-based terrorists are currently inside the United States and are looking to strike targets here and abroad, the Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano said in a speech last night. “Home-based terrorism is here. And like violent extremism abroad, it is now part of the threat picture that we must confront,” Napolitano told the America-Israel Friendship League in New York City, according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) press release. Spencer S. Hsu of The Washington Post called Napolitano's statements last night her "bluntest assessments yet of terror threats within the country" a night after President Obama announced he will send an additional 30,000 U.S. service members to Afghanistan to fight Taliban militants and al Qaeda terrorists in an effort to stabilize the war-torn country. According to Hsu, Napolitano listed two recent cases to support her statement that jihadist radicalization has gained traction inside the United States. Napolitano cited the case of Najibullah Zazi, a Denver airport shuttle driver arrested in September after allegedly training with al-Qaeda in Pakistan. Zazi allegedly tested homemade bombs, styled after those used in the 2004 Madrid transit bombings, before driving cross-country to New York from Denver. He faces charges of conspiring to use weapons of mass destruction. Separately, U.S. prosecutors in October accused David C. Headley, a Chicago businessman, of conspiring with members of Lashkar-i-Taiba, an extremist Islamic group in Pakistan allied with al-Qaeda, to plot attacks in Denmark and India. It's a thesis also put forward recently by terrorism expert Peter Bergen, a fellow at The New America Foundation, after the alleged shooting rampage of Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan at Fort Hood, Texas, that killed 12 soldiers and one civilian. Surveying the many foiled terrorism plots over the past few years, Bergen concludes: The constellation of terrorism cases that surfaced during the second Bush term and during Obama's first year in office suggests that a small minority of American Muslims are not immune to the al Qaeda ideological virus. And quite a number of those terrorism cases were more operational than aspirational, unlike many of the domestic terror cases that had preceded them after 9/11. The jihadists in these cases were not just talking about violent acts to a government informant but had actually traveled to an al Qaeda training camp; fought in an overseas jihad; purchased guns or explosives; cased targets; and, in a couple of the cases, actually killed Americans. According to the DHS press release, Napolitano also spoke about DHS' commitment to sharing information with its federal, state, local, and tribal partners through fusion centers and Joint Terrorism Task Forces. The secretary's speech last night was the second in two days that explored the threat of domestic terrorism. Two days ago, Napolitano outlined the threat of terrorists using improvised explosive devices on U.S. soil at Interagency Council for Applied Homeland Security Technology's Counter-IED Symposium.

Sign up for Emergency Preparedness tips... (https://service.govdelivery.com/service/subscribe.html?code=USDHS_111) US Department of Homeland Security

Subscribe to bi-weekly Department of Homeland Security Family Preparedness e-mail for tips and guidance on preparing for and responding to a variety of threats. https://service.govdelivery.com/service/subscribe.html?code=USDHS_111

This holiday season the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is reminding the public to be on guard against cyber criminals who continue to aggressively create new ways to steal money and personal information. Scammers use many techniques to deceive potential victims including fraudulent auction sales, reshipping merchandise purchased with a stolen credit card, and sale of fraudulent or stolen gift cards through auction sites at a discounted price. In fraudulent auction scams, Internet criminals post classified ads or auctions for products they do not have. If you receive an auction product from a merchant or retail store, rather than directly from the auction seller, the item may have been purchased with someone else’s stolen credit card number. Contact the merchant to verify the account used to pay for the item actually belongs to you. Be wary of unfamiliar websites or individuals offering reduced or free shipping to customers. In many instances, a fraudulent seller will provide shipping labels to their customers without first paying the delivery company. Packages shipped with these labels are intercepted and identified as fraudulent. Purchasing gift cards from auction sites or classified ads can be risky. If you need a gift card, it is safest to purchase it directly from the merchant or another authorized retail store. If the gift card merchant discovers the card you received from another source or auction was initially obtained fraudulently, the merchant will deactivate the gift card number and it will not be honored for purchases. Here are some tips you can use to avoid becoming a victim of cyber fraud: Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) e-mail. Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail. Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Avoid filling out forms contained in e-mail messages that ask for personal information. Always compare the link in the e-mail to the link you are actually directed to and determine if they actually match and will lead you to a legitimate site. Contact the actual business that supposedly sent the e-mail to verify if the e-mail is genuine. www.fbi.gov

Givens, James Loyd, 76, of Lexington, died Wednesday, Oct 28, 2009 at Central Baptist Hospital. He was the loving husband of Sue Givens for 33 years. A native of Harlan, KY, he was the son of the late Oney and Margaret Givens. He was a retired plumber and founder and chief of BlueGrass Search and Rescue for 27 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his four children, Karen (Steven) Logan, Terry (Tina) Givens, David Givens and Jimmy Givens; two step daughters, Jeanie (Brad) Metcalfe and Darnell Henry; brother, Roy (Alma) Givens and sister, Louanne Ratliff; as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Special thanks to the Pallative Care Unit at Central Baptist Hospital. Services will be 11 AM Fri at Milward-Southland. Burial will follow at Lancaster Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 PM Thurs. ******************************************* Our hearts and prayers go out to Jim's wife Sue, his family and the BlueGrass Search and Rescue Team. Jim was a loving individual with a heart for rescue. His faith and relationship to the Lord was extremely important to him. Jim Givens, you will be missed!

Reporting from Washington - The plot for the Sept. 11 attacks was set in motion in late 1999 from a cluster of Al Qaeda training camps near Kandahar. In those dusty Afghan compounds, Osama bin Laden and his lieutenants signed off on the plan, set up a special training program, and selected lead members of the hijack team. Ten years later, could Al Qaeda return to Afghanistan and use it again as a launching pad for terrorist strikes? The question has taken on heightened urgency as the Obama administration searches for a new war strategy, and Pakistan carries out its first major military offensive in the tribal region that Al Qaeda has called home since the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. The issue is also a source of surprising disagreement within the counter-terrorism community. Some are skeptical that Al Qaeda would return to Afghanistan, even in the event of a substantial U.S. military drawdown. Doing so would mean leaving a sanctuary in Pakistan that has afforded significant protection for eight years, despite a barrage of U.S. Predator drone strikes. Others argue that Al Qaeda is under mounting pressure in Pakistan, and that a return to Afghanistan is all but inevitable if President Obama endorses anything other than a full-scale, counterinsurgency campaign there. The polarity of these positions helps to explain why, 10 months after taking office, Obama is still struggling to set a course for Afghanistan -- caught between the military's request for an additional 40,000 troops and calls to wind down the war in a country where Al Qaeda is no longer based. Bruce Riedel, a CIA veteran who served as a White House advisor on Afghanistan earlier this year, said it was conceivable that Al Qaeda could be contained even while the U.S. ceded ground to Taliban militants. But there are substantial stakes. "Do you want to bet the safety and security of the United States on [the] calculation that Al Qaeda wouldn't find a way back in?" Riedel said. "It's possible. But I think I might seriously consider moving out of metropolitan areas." There is broad agreement among U.S. intelligence officials that Al Qaeda has a minimal presence in Afghanistan and would probably like to return there if it had the chance. One senior U.S. counter-terrorism official said the number of Al Qaeda operatives in Afghanistan is in the "dozens," and that most function as low-level fighters with no significant leadership presence. "Al Qaeda brings very little to the fight in Afghanistan," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject. Militarily, he said, "if you removed Al Qaeda from the equation in Afghanistan, it wouldn't matter." That may be by design. Over the last eight years, Al Qaeda has burrowed deep into Pakistan's tribal belt, and fostered a closer relationship with local Taliban elements that are focused on carrying out attacks against the Pakistani government. The Afghan Taliban, by contrast, has sought to distance itself from Al Qaeda, and to portray its insurgent campaign as a local fight. A statement last month attributed to Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar urged the West "not to be deceived" by Obama's assertions that the Afghanistan war is necessary because of the Al Qaeda threat. "The West does not have to wage this war," Omar said. The message resonates with some senior counter-terrorism officials who argue that the Taliban learned its lesson after its ouster because of its alliance with Al Qaeda. "I'm not sure that if the Taliban took over in Afghanistan that they would necessarily welcome Al Qaeda back," Richard Barrett, who heads the United Nations committee responsible for sanctions on Al Qaeda, said in a recent speech. "They perhaps don't want to make that same mistake again." But others are skeptical that the Taliban would truly sever its Al Qaeda ties. U.S. intelligence officials said there is little sign of an active relationship at the top of the organizations, and probably no contact whatsoever between Bin Laden and Omar. Still, they point to ongoing coordination at lower levels. And in his recent military assessment, U.S. Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal said Al Qaeda aids the insurgency with "ideological motivation, training and financial support." There are reasons that Al Qaeda might be reluctant to relocate. The protective, rugged terrain of Pakistan's Waziristan region and the group's ties with the tribes there offer advantages the terrorist network would struggle to replicate in other places such as Somalia or Yemen. Pakistan has served as such an effective haven that after eight years, the trail for Bin Laden "is not just cold, it's frozen over," Riedel said. Moving across the border would expose Al Qaeda operatives to risks of detection by satellites, CIA drones or spies on the ground. And even if the U.S. was to withdraw forces from Afghanistan, America is likely to have a substantial military presence there -- and freedom to operate, unlike in Pakistan -- for years to come. Since the Sept. 11 attacks, Al Qaeda has increasingly come to be seen as a less hierarchical organization, one that has adapted to the Internet and spread its tentacles around the globe. But experts believe having a sanctuary still plays a crucial role. "Since 2004, every major terrorist attack or plot against the United States or our European allies has emanated" from the lawless border region where Al Qaeda makes its home, said Bruce Hoffman, a counter-terrorism expert at Georgetown University. Over the last 18 months, that home has become considerably less secure. A stepped-up campaign of CIA unmanned drone aircraft strikes has wiped out a layer of Al Qaeda's senior leadership. U.S. intelligence officials said at least 13 high-value targets in Pakistan have been killed. In his speech, Barrett indicated that damage is due in large part to a growing network of spies. Alluding to infiltration of Al Qaeda by the CIA and its Pakistani counterpart, the Inter-Services Intelligence agency, Barrett, the former counter-terrorism chief in Britain, said, "Human sources have begun to produce results." The success has prompted some in the Obama administration, including Vice President Joe Biden, to argue against sending more troops to Afghanistan, and focus instead on pursuing Al Qaeda through covert operations and more Predator strikes. But there are concerns that Afghanistan could become a safety valve for Al Qaeda as the pressure in Pakistan mounts. Spilling across the border would provide an escape not from the Predator aircraft, but from the spies guiding the drones to their targets. Hoffman and others argue that intelligence on Al Qaeda could wither if U.S. forces are not in position to protect Afghan villagers and persuade them to give up suspected terrorists. Military firepower "is not what wins this type of war," Hoffman said. "It's intelligence on the ground." Al Qaeda may never replicate the type of sprawling terrorist camps it operated before the Sept. 11 attacks. At least three major compounds figured prominently in that plot. The plan was mapped out in meetings involving Bin Laden, alleged mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and other leaders at a facility called Al Matar. An elite training program was established at another site known as Mes Aynak. Before departing, leaders of the hijack team videotaped their wills and watched a speech by Bin Laden at Tarnak Farms. "I certainly don't think Al Qaeda is going to move out of [Pakistan] until it's pretty damn sure that Afghanistan is safe," said the senior U.S. counter-terrorism official. "But a Taliban-run Afghanistan would give the Al Qaeda folks an option to relocate they don't have right now." Copyright © 2009, The Los Angeles Times

President Obama has declared the H1N1 flu epidemic a National Emergency to ensure best possible care for patients affected by the disease. Citizens can receive care faster with fewer paperwork delays and with more flexibility. US officials said that last week swine flu activity was widespread in 46 states with over 1,000 deaths linked to the virus. Although figures are hard to verify, it is thought H1N1 has hospitalized about 20,000 people in the US. Section 1135 of the Social Security Act permits the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive certain regulatory requirements for healthcare facilities in response to emergencies. Two conditions must be met for the Secretary to be able to issue such "1135 waivers": first, the Secretary must have declared a Public Health Emergency; second, the President must have declared a National Emergency. Then, healthcare facilities may petition for 1135 waivers in response to particular needs within the geographic and time limits of the emergency declarations. This weekend, the president fulfilled this second requirement paving the way for healthcare facilities to better cope in case the number H1N1 patients suddenly increases dramatically. The requirements that may be waived under Section 1135 include those related to Medicare, Medicaid or the Children?s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These requirements provide important protections for patients during normal day-to-day operations, but they may impede the ability of healthcare facilities to fully implement disaster operations plans that enable appropriate care during emergencies. Questions and answers about what this means for you and your family Q: Why do this now? The H1N1 epidemic is moving rapidly. By the time regions or healthcare systems recognize they are becoming overburdened, they need to implement disaster plans quickly. 1135 Waivers still require specific requests be submitted to HHS and, in some cases, to individual states to comply with state laws. It is in the best interest of the public to reduce administrative delays, particularly if a step can be done proactively as the President has just done. Q: What will this NEA Declaration enable and what will this allow hospitals to do? If requested, and HHS grants an 1135 waiver, healthcare facilities will be able to utilize alternate care sites, modified patient triage protocols, patient transfer procedures, and other actions that occur when they fully implement disaster operations plans. Q: How can waivers be used? Hospitals can request to set up an alternative screening location for patients away from the hospital?s main campus Hospitals can request to facilitate transfer of patients between ERs and inpatient wards between hospitals Critical Access Hospitals can request a waiver of a 25-bed limit and average patient stays of less than 96 hours Skilled Nursing Facilities can request a waiver requiring CMS approval prior to increasing the number of certified beds Q: Has the authority to grant 1135 waivers been granted before? Yes, there are several instances where 1135 Waiver authority has been granted healthcare facilities cope with large patient burdens. Recent examples include Hurricane Katrina (2005), Hurricanes Ike and Gustav (2008), and the North Dakota flooding (2009). Q: Is the HIPAA Privacy Rule suspended during a national or public health emergency? No; however, the Secretary of HHS may waive certain provisions of the Rule. If the President declares an emergency or disaster and the Secretary declares a public health emergency, sanctions and penalties may be waived against a covered hospital that does not comply with certain provisions of the HIPAA Privacy Rule: the requirements to obtain a patient's agreement to speak with family members or friends involved in the patient?s care the requirement to honor a request to opt out of the facility directory the requirement to distribute a notice of privacy practices the patient's right to request privacy restrictions the patient's right to request confidential communications Q: When and to what entities does the waiver of the HIPPA Privacy Rule apply? 1. In the emergency area and for the emergency period identified in the public health emergency declaration. 2. To hospitals that have instituted a disaster protocol. The waiver would apply to all patients at such hospitals. 3. For up to 72 hours from the time the hospital implements a disaster protocol. When the Presidential or Secretarial declaration terminates, a hospital must then comply with all the requirements of the Privacy Rule for any patient still under its care, even if 72 hours has not elapsed since implementation of its disaster protocol. NewsEmergency.com

Very good video on H1N1... http://www.oldhamcountyems.com/h1n1.shtml

CERT training/ meetings (for members who have already graduated the CERT Academy) are the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm. They are held at the Scott County EOC.~~~~~~~EMA/ OHS staff training/ meetings are held the third Wednesday (this is a change) of every month at 6:30pm. They are held at the Scott County EOC.~~~~~~~ EMA/ OHS responders check the members area on the website for updates often.

As of 27 September 2009, worldwide there have been more than 340,000 laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 and over 4100 deaths reported to WHO. As many countries have stopped counting individual cases, particularly of milder illness, the case count is significantly lower than the actually number of cases that have occurred. WHO is actively monitoring the progress of the pandemic through frequent consultations with the WHO Regional Offices and member states and through monitoring of multiple sources of data. Transmission of influenza virus and rates of influenza-like-illness (ILI) continue to increase in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. In North America, influenza transmission is geographically widespread and continues to increase. Levels of ILI have continued to increase and remain above the seasonal baseline for the past 4 weeks in most regions of the United States. In Mexico, a high intensity of respiratory diseases has been reported for two consecutive weeks (week 37 - 38), with large increases in cases being reported in the north and northwest of the country. In Europe and Central and Western Asia, although overall influenza activity remains low an increase in transmission has been noted in a number of countries and continues to intensify in others. Rates of influenza-like-illness continue to be above baseline levels in Ireland, parts of the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland), Israel, and France; in addition, more than 10 other countries in the region have reported geographically localized spread of influenza. In Japan, influenza activity has continued to increase above the seasonal epidemic threshold since week 33. These increases in ILI activity have been accompanied by increases in laboratory isolations of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 in most of these areas. In the tropical regions of the Americas and Asia, influenza transmission remains active but the trends in respiratory diseases activity are mixed. Although respiratory disease activity is geographically regional to widespread throughout the tropical region of the Americas, many countries have been recently reporting a declining trend (Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Panama, Paraguay, Venezuela), while others recently reported an increasing trend (Columbia and Cuba). In tropical regions of Asia, there continues to be an increasing trend in respiratory diseases in parts of India and in Cambodia, while other countries in the Southeast Asia have been recently reporting declining transmission. In the temperate regions of the southern hemisphere, influenza transmission has largely returned to baseline (Chile, Argentina, and New Zealand) or has declined substantially (Australia and South Africa). All pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza viruses analyzed to date have been antigenically and genetically similar to A/California/7/2009-like pandemic H1N1 2009 virus. See below for a detailed laboratory surveillance update. Weekly update (Virological surveillance data) Systematic surveillance conducted by the Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN), supported by WHO Collaborating Centres and other laboratories, continues to detect sporadic incidents of H1N1 pandemic viruses that show resistance to the antiviral oseltamivir. To date, 28 resistant pandemic H1N1 influenza viruses have been detected and characterized worldwide. All of these viruses show the same H275Y mutation that confers resistance to the antiviral oseltamivir, but not to the antiviral zanamivir. No new resistant pandemic H1N1 influenza viruses have been officially reported to WHO during the past week. Worldwide, more than 10,000 clinical specimens (samples and isolates) of the pandemic H1N1 virus have been tested and found to be sensitive to oseltamivir. *Countries in temperate regions are defined as those north of the Tropic of Cancer or south of the Tropic of Capricorn, while countries in tropical regions are defined as those between these two latitudes. Qualitative indicators (Week 29 to Week 38: 13 July - 20 September 2009) The qualitative indicators monitor: the global geographic spread of influenza, trends in acute respiratory diseases, the intensity of respiratory disease activity, and the impact of the pandemic on health-care services. Human infection with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus: updated interim WHO guidance on global surveillance A description of WHO pandemic monitoring and surveillance objectives and methods can be found in the updated interim WHO guidance for the surveillance of human infection with pandemic (H1N1) virus. http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_10_02/en/index.html

Just a friendly reminder that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano will deliver a major speech on national preparedness TODAY, Tuesday, September 29, 2pm EST. Even better, the speech will be streamed live at www.DHS.Gov. Secretary Napolitano will thank all of our Citizen Corps volunteers, our Ready Campaign, our national partners, and the thousands of others in the National Preparedness Month Coalition for all their hard work. She’ll also challenge our country to see preparedness as a shared responsibility, and urge Americans to build a year-round culture of readiness and resilience in our communities. If you can’t watch live, the speech and additional resources will be posted at www.Ready.Gov later in the day. This is a great chance for us to build on our momentum and all the hard work we all put in this month. And so I urge you to watch today at 2pm EST.

You may have heard that McNeil Consumer Healthcare (the makers of ) is voluntarily recalling certain lots of Children's and Infants' TYLENOL® liquid products that were manufactured between April, 2008 and June, 2008. All products manufactured met internal specifications. However, the company is implementing this recall because during this period, an unused portion of one inactive ingredient did not meet all quality standards. Therefore, as a precautionary measure, it was decided to recall all Children's and Infants' TYLENOL® liquid products listed below, which were made during this time. Parents and caregivers who have questions or concerns should contact their child's health care provider or our consumer call center at 1-800-962-5357 (available Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time). Consumers can find the lot numbers on the bottom of the box containing the liquid product and also on the sticker that surrounds the product bottle. The lot numbers of the affected products are listed below. These actions do not apply to Children's TYLENOL® Meltaways and Junior Strength TYLENOL® Meltaways. The voluntary recall applies only to select lots of Children's and Infants' TYLENOL® liquid products. Recalled Products - Full List Lot # Product Description SBM041, SBM067, SCM037, SDM027, SEM109 Children's Tylenol Plus Cold MS Suspension 4 oz. Grape SBM042, SCM015, SCM036, SDM034 Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Grape SBM043, SBM044, SCM029 Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Bubble Gum SBM045, SCM011, SCM030, SDM035 Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Strawberry SBM064, SCM033, SDM020 Infant’s Tylenol Grape Suspension Drops 1/4oz. SBM065, SCM005, SCM006, SDM032 Infant's Tylenol Suspension 1/2oz. Cherry SBM066, SCM068 Children's Dye Free Suspension 4oz. Cherry SBM068, SCM035, SCM070, SCM080, SDM005 Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Cherry SBM069, SBM070, SCM081, SDM006 Children's Tylenol Plus Cough & Runny Nose 4oz. Cherry SCM012, SCM067, SDM007, SDM068 Infant's Tylenol Suspension Drops 1/2oz. Grape SCM013, SCM014, SCM069 Children's Tylenol Plus Flu 4oz. Bubble Gum SCM016, SFM024 Children's Tylenol Plus Cold Suspension 4oz. Grape SCM017 Children's Tylenol Plus Cough/ST Suspension 4oz. Cherry SCM082, SDM039, SDM040 Infant's Tylenol Suspension Drops 1oz. Grape SCM083, SCM084, SDM008 Infant's Tylenol Dye Free Suspension 1oz. Cherry SDM064 Children’s Tylenol Pediatric Suspension 1oz. Cherry SDM038, SDM009 Infant's Tylenol Suspension Drops 1oz. Cherry SDM033 Children's Tylenol Plus Cold/Allergy 4oz. Bubble Gum SDM078 Infant's Tylenol Drops 1oz. Grape SCM034 Infant’s Tylenol Grape Suspension Drops H/G 1/2oz. SDM028 Children's Tylenol Suspension 4oz. Cherry, Hospital Govt. http://www.tylenol.com/page.jhtml?id=tylenol/news/subpchildinfantnews.inc

While NWS meteorologists do everything in their power to send out timely and accurate warnings, it is up to you to receive them. One of the best ways is via NOAA Weather Radio (NWR), which airs all severe weather warnings within seconds of their issuance. Most NWR's have an alarm that will switch the radio on when a warning is issued, and can be programmed so that they will only go off for certain counties and warnings that you select. There are also devices for the hearing impaired such as pillow shakers and strobe lights. Many folks get their warning information from local television or radio media, which are yet another excellent source of information. On-air meteorologists will often cut into programming to bring you the latest important weather news within moments of issuance by the NWS. http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lmk/?n=cool_season_severe_weather

Three Familiar Scams Release Date: September 12, 2009 Release Number: 1857-009 » More Information on New York Severe Storms and Flooding » 2009 Region II News Releases ALBANY, N.Y. -- Fraud can be a big problem in areas struck by disasters, according to officials from the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The damage caused by the August storms and flooding in western New York may leave many homeowners, renters, and business owners vulnerable to fraudulent offers of help, state and federal disaster officials say. As a result, residents of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua and Erie counties may be the target of some familiar scams. Phony contract workers: After meeting life-sustaining needs for food, water and shelter, contracting for repairs tops the list of most needed services after a disaster. Anyone whose home or apartment suffered damages needs the services of a contractor and is eager to find one. If the home damage is plainly visible, a phony contractor may see it as an opportunity to make fast money. Homeowners should refuse offers from contractors knocking on doors offering to make repairs. Avoid this scam by using licensed local contractors, asking for references and checking them before entering into a contract. Legitimate contractors will have more work than they can handle after a disaster. Be sure to ask for a written estimate from at least three contractors, including labor and materials. Make sure they are insured and read the fine print. Fake offers of help getting state or federal aid: Some scam artists walk around carrying a clipboard with official-looking forms; this is no proof they are with a state, federal or voluntary agency serving those affected by the disaster. Never reveal personal information when you are unsure of the person or organization. FEMA-contracted inspectors call to schedule an appointment before visiting a home. The inspectors always wear a photo ID and know the applicant's name and registration number. Never pay a fee for help. Remember FEMA never charges for disaster assistance. Bogus solicitations: It can be hard to resist online pleas for a donation to help flood survivors. Many who may not have suffered damage themselves are often eager to help fellow New Yorkers in need. A solicitation may arrive by email, someone may call or you may get a knock at the door. Research the charitable organization by getting an exact name and phone number or call the charity directly and confirm the person asking for funds is an employee or volunteer. To be safe, you may want to donate to one or more of the major voluntary organizations. FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capabilities to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency has a toll-free telephone Helpline available to applicants with concerns about their applications for disaster aid. The Helpline is available everyday until further notice between 6 a.m. and midnight by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired. Helpline operators can: Check on the status of an application; Make applicant information changes; Request a property re-inspection when appropriate; Give information about federal disaster assistance programs; and Refer applicants to other federal/Commonwealth programs and services. Individuals who sustained damages from the Aug. 4 severe storms and flooding and have not yet applied for assistance from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration or the Commonwealth, can register by calling the Helpline numbers. Applicants also may register online by going to the FEMA website at www.fema.gov. Once registered, applicants who would prefer a face-to-face meeting with disaster officials can do so by visiting one of the two Disaster Recovery Centers located in Louisville. The centers are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice. Their locations are South Louisville Community Center, 2911 Taylor Blvd. and the Old Trolley Barn, 1701 Muhammad Ali Blvd. Representatives from the Commonwealth, FEMA and the SBA will be on hand to answer questions at the centers. FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585. FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for Other Needs Assistance such as medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. www.FEMA.gov

The flu is a serious illness, and the 2009 H1N1 virus is a serious flu virus. We know that it spreads among people easily and is affecting younger people disproportionately. We also know that a number of people, many with underlying conditions, have died from this virus. We are taking it very seriously, and the President and the Administration are actively engaged in combating the spread of H1N1 and developing a national action plan that builds on the efforts and lessons learned from this spring’s initial onset to prepare for the possibility of a serious fall flu season. We are closely monitoring the spread of the disease across this country and watching what is happening in the Southern Hemisphere, where the flu season has already begun. Our concern is what will happen this fall when we head into flu season in this country, and we are monitoring the H1N1 virus to see how it evolves and whether it is expected to produce more severe disease. So far the disease has been moderate, but Americans have died and many have fallen ill. As we prepare for the fall flu season, we will be working closely with our partners in the medical community to develop, test, produce, distribute, and administer an H1N1 flu vaccine and to distribute and dispense antiviral medications for those who may require treatment for the H1N1 virus. (Information from DHS, HHS and Dept. of Education)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection says it will temporarily deploy a Predator B unmanned air vehicle (UAV) to patrol the border along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence Seaway, “where cigarette and drug smuggling have been a continuing problem,” according to reports. The aircraft, manufactured by San Diego-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, has been a mainstay of the CIA and U.S. Air Force in the skies over Afghanistan and Iraq for nearly a decade, and in recent years has also been added to the inventories of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. In Autumn of 2005, Predator was selected by the Department of Homeland Security as the platform from which border patrol and drug interdiction surveillance above the borders of the United States would be conducted. Predator had been deployed to Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. in early February 2009 — word of its planned use along the northern border first surfaced several months prior. The notion of UAVs patrolling American skies is directly referenced in the 9/11 Commission Report, which recommended the use of a wide array of high-tech equipment such as video cameras and ground sensors that detect heat, motion, and metal, to prevent illegal crossings into the United States. While the focus of the news articles about this new deployment has been about drugs and cigarettes — and there have been some massive drug and contraband busts up in the Northern Tier in recent years — the 9/11 Commission Report was most concerned that the Canadian border could become an entry point for Jihadists and other extremists. A CPB report to Congress last year echoed that apprehension, stating that the agency had “significant concern” that extremists could slip across the northern border. The remote-controlled aircraft has a 64-foot wingspan, can stay aloft for up to 18 hours at a typical operational altitude of 19,000 feet, is packed with high-tech surveillance equipment including synthetic-aperture radar and electro-optical/infrared sensors, and can capture high-definition and infrared video of anything within a 25-mile radius of its position. Predator reportedly will be based at the U.S. Army's Fort Drum base, and will fly out of Wheeler-Sack Air Field, located about an hour away from Syracuse, N.Y. For several years, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has used the Predator aircraft with great success in operations conducted on the Mexican border and in the Caribbean. According to our sources, CPB possesses seven Predators, each of which costs an estimated $10.5 million. With three aircraft reportedly based in Arizona for patrol over the U.S.-Mexican border, at least one known to be on station at the Canadian border, two others in California being converted for use in coastal marine surveillance, there is at least one aircraft unaccounted for — at least according to the open-source intelligence to which PoliceOne has access (including the Associated Press, the Canadian Press, and several aviation-trade publications which have been reporting on this issue). (From PoliceOne magazine)

Georgetown, Ky. – The Georgetown/Scott County Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security have teamed up with law enforcement agencies including the Georgetown Police Department, the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, Lexington Police, along with State and Federal Agencies in gathering information to detect and deter many types of incidents affecting our community. “With the upcoming Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games coming to the area next year, as with any other public event, it is best to be proactive when the safety of the community is concerned”, states Rocco Pepe, Intel Analyst for the county’s Homeland Security Office. Rocco added, “As long as it is determined there are potential threats directed towards our citizens, we won’t let our guard down. Now, with that said, I do feel comfortable stating that people can and should enjoy their lives and not worry about it being negatively interrupted or impacted. That is our main mission of the Office of Homeland Security.” Bobby Hammons, Sheriff, Scott County Sheriff's Office, “Welcomes the opportunity to partner with The Georgetown/Scott County Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security and The Georgetown Police Department to seek, detect, deter, and prevent any and all incidents that pose a threat to our county and communities.”

Georgetown, Ky. – The Georgetown/Scott County Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security have teamed up with Eastern Kentucky University and Georgetown College in Kentucky to start an internship program to allow progressive students the opportunity to gain experience in the field of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “This program allows the students to observe and participate in the daily activities of each field so they can better understand the career they have chosen,” states Jack Donovan, Director of GSC EMA/OHS. The program was originally thought up by Dr. Michael Collier, an Associate Professor at Eastern Kentucky University. Dr. Collier approached Thomas Preston, Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, and General John Heltzel, Director of Kentucky’s Division of Emergency Management with the idea of conducting an internship program. Both Directors were eager to participate. Rocco Pepe, an Intel Analyst for GSC EMA/OHS, and student of EKU studying for his degree in Homeland Security, requested Dr. Collier allow him to be part of this opportunity.

May 4, 2009: Public Health Reports Probable H1N1 Swine Flu Case in Hardin County Resident Specimen Has Been Sent to CDC for Further Testing FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 4, 2009) The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) will report Kentucky's fifth probable case of H1N1 (swine flu), involving a Hardin County toddler, to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today. "We continue to investigate and identify possible cases of H1N1 swine flu in Kentucky," said William Hacker, M.D., commissioner of DPH. "There are no special recommendations to individuals other than to stay informed and focus on practicing good health habits. In partnership with local health officials, we evaluate the circumstances surrounding all cases we detect to ensure the appropriate precautions are taken to help prevent the further spread of the illness.” The new probable case in Hardin County involves a toddler with a history of recent travel to an affected area in the U.S. The child has not been hospitalized. Health officials from the Lincoln Trail District Health Department are investigating the case, and will evaluate close contacts for illness and possible preventive treatment. The child attends a child care center on Fort Knox and local health officials have been working closely with Fort Knox officials. Fort Knox officials have voluntarily closed the child care center through at least Wednesday of this week. Parents of children who attend the Fort Knox child care center are encouraged to keep their children at home and to notify their physician if their child develops any flu-like symptoms. Last week, DPH reported Kentucky’s first cases of swine flu, a confirmed case involving a Warren County woman who is hospitalized in Georgia and probable cases in the Barren River Health District, Fayette County, Montgomery County and Daviess County. Results from CDC on the samples for those cases are not yet available. Kentucky health officials continue to ask that Kentuckians who have traveled recently to Mexico or other countries or communities within the U.S. where the new H1N1 influenza strain known as swine flu has been reported, or who are planning such travel, be alert for the symptoms of swine flu in the following ways: - Monitor yourself and travel companions for symptoms of fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and vomiting or diarrhea. - If symptoms of illness develop within seven days of travel return, seek evaluation by a health care provider as soon as possible. - Be sure to tell your health care provider about your recent travel and suggest testing for influenza. - Stay home from work, school and other public places until you are feeling well. People who have been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with swine flu or who reside in communities where there are one or more confirmed swine flu cases should also be alert for these symptoms. "Kentucky is taking every precaution in responding to this new strain of H1N1," said Gov. Beshear. "Health officials are working to detect all possible cases of swine flu and respond with the appropriate preventive measures. Individuals should continue to monitor this situation as it develops and practice basic measures to stay healthy, such as hand washing and staying home when sick." Common sense precautions to prevent illness include: avoiding close contact with those who are ill; staying home when sick; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth; and frequent hand washing. Currently, there are more than 141 confirmed cases of swine flu reported in the U.S., a number that is expected to continue to grow. The World Health Organization and CDC have reported numerous human cases of a severe respiratory illness in at least three different regions of Mexico. The number of cases has risen steadily during April 2009. Laboratory testing of patient specimens has confirmed infections with swine influenza ("swine flu") A/H1N1 virus. This is a newly emerging, animal-origin virus that is now being spread from an infected person to another person. For more information on swine flu, visit: http://cdc.gov/swineflu. Individuals can also visit http://healthalerts.ky.gov for information on swine flu and Kentucky, or follow KYHealthAlerts on Twitter to be notified when new information is posted at the Web site. The Lincoln Trail District Health Department's Web site is: www.ltdhd.ky.gov. CASES IN KY: 5 X Probable (Fayette, Hardin, Daviess, Montgomery, Barren River District) 1 X Confirmed (The woman from the Barren River area who is still hospitalized in Georgia) Due to lab backups, there is a good possibility there are more out there (see below) SNS PPE: The Strategic National Stockpile cache of PPE is being distributed throughout KY today. The goal is to have all distribution points in the State receive theirs by @ 1900 tonight. Several counties in our Regions have received theirs already, and more is being distributed. Per DPH: these stockpiles of PPE will leave in the jurisdiction, and the recipient agency will KEEP THEM at the conclusion of this event. SNS Medications: The Antiviral medications have been received by the State, but they will not be distributed to local jurisdictions at this time. It is STILL the plan for local jurisdictions to utilize the locally available commercial stock, prescribed by local physicians for cases meeting the definition. While it is important to keep track of what you have locally, DPH is discouraging the Local Health Departments (LHD’s) from contacting pharmacies directly…….. The DPH DOC is tracking the availability of the antivirals, and keeping a running inventory at the State level. The reason for this request (per DPH) is pharmacies are leery of letting this information out on the risk that it could become public. New bottom line: The State will know when our Regions are approaching the thresholds for release of the State stockpile… LHD’s are encouraged to work with clinicians to try and ensure that the antivirals are only being prescribed for “appropriate” cases… If the State Stockpile is released, the DPH DOC is developing a system to identify Regional Pharmacies to send the medications to. Providers will write the appropriate prescriptions for patients, etc… Indigent patients will be referred to their LHD for vouchers for the medicines if they meet the criteria. DPH reiterated that prophylaxis for First Responders is NOT being recommended. This is based on clinical reasons. Antivirals should only be prescribed for those meeting the “Suspect Case Definition” and immediate contacts. STATE LAB: The State Lab is EXTREMELY backed up. Updated criteria on which samples should be forwarded from local jurisdictions are being promulgated today. By the end of the week, the State Lab should be able to run the same tests as the CDC to more rapidly make POSITIVE test results official. In the interim, a State Lab determination of PROBABLE is still the threshold to begin appropriate interventions. In order to improve turn around time, anticipate a narrowing of the criteria for forwarding to the State Lab. COMMUNITY MITIGATION: Educational materials are being pushed out to schools and businesses from the State, and from LHD’s. Still looking to clarify School Closure guidance, since we are technically still in the CONTAINMENT phase, as opposed to the MITIGATION phase. For example, if 1 student is declared probable, should the entire school be shut down? Should the entire District?? Awaiting further guidance from DPH PRIVACY ISSUES: Two of the counties where PROBABLE cases have been identified are receiving complaints from affected family members, etc that too much information is being put out about their cases. For example, in a small town, lots of people probably know who is going to college in Massachusetts……(Daviess). This is starting to cause reluctance on the part of people to cooperate in the epidemiological investigations… On the other hand, one of the PROBABLE cases became public because a family member released the information…

What is swine flu? Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people. Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.? In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation. Is this swine flu virus contagious? CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people. What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people? The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. How does swine flu spread? Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. How can someone with the flu infect someone else? Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. What should I do to keep from getting the flu? First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Are there medicines to treat swine flu? Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others? People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination? Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. How long can viruses live outside the body? We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces. What can I do to protect myself from getting sick? There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health: * Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. * Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. * Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. * Try to avoid close contact with sick people. * If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing? If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze. What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing? If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze. What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu? Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands. What should I do if I get sick? If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: * Fast breathing or trouble breathing * Bluish skin color * Not drinking enough fluids * Not waking up or not interacting * Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held * Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough * Fever with a rash In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: * Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath * Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen * Sudden dizziness * Confusion * Severe or persistent vomiting How serious is swine flu infection? Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death. Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork? No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm

More Information on Kentucky Severe Winter Storm and Flooding FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Mild spring weather can have a down side after a hard winter. On sunny days people tend to take advantage and do outside chores, which may include burning debris left by last winter's ice storm. These fires can be, and often are dangerous, even deadly. Just recently during a two-day period of good weather, two separate deaths resulted from debris fires. A Marshall County man died after his clothing caught on fire, and in adjoining McCracken County a fatal heart attack came from efforts to put out a debris fire that had spread to a house. A third death came not long afterward. On the other side of the state in Powell County, an uncontrolled debris fire caused a gas line to explode, killing the man tending the fire. These tragedies point to a larger problem, warn officials of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Kentucky Division of Forestry. Wildfires large and small tend to follow storms that leave woody debris. Uncontrolled burning of debris has caused many injuries and ruined many acres that are not publicized like the high-profile cases described above. "In early spring," said Leah MacSwords, director of the Kentucky Division of Forestry, "most vegetation is dead, brown and highly combustible. There is also very little green vegetation to serve as a barrier for spreading wildfire. We try to remind people of these conditions and we strongly discourage them from conducting any type of outdoor burning." As the weather warms and recovery from the ice storm progresses, remember the do's and don'ts of debris burning: When... * When the weather's wrong, don't burn. If it's windy, sparks can fly. If it's dry, flames can spread. * When a burn ban is in effect, heed it. Kentucky is under a burn ban each year in the driest months. Sites within 150 feet of wooded areas are allowed fires only in evening hours, between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The yearly ban periods are Oct. 1 through Dec. 15 and (now in effect) Feb. 15 through April 30. Also, check local ordinances for any special restrictions. What... * Have the proper equipment ready. Be ready to drown the fire with water from an adequate source or bury it with a shovel. * If possible, have additional assistance with you. How... * Before burning contact your local fire department and advise them of your intent. * Choose a burn location that is not under trees or other overhead hazards. * Be sure it is not near utility lines, some of which may be buried out of sight. * Separate debris into small, manageable burn piles. * Locate burn piles an adequate distance from one another, and from structures. * Make sure a radius of at least 10 feet is cleared around a burn. * Stay with the fire. Watch continuously until it is completely out. * If the wind rises or the fire seems to be spreading, put it out immediately. For more information visit the Kentucky Division of Forestry's website, forestry.ky.gov/ or call the local office of the Kentucky Division of Forestry: Northern District - Morehead 1-800-866-0052 Kentucky River District - Hazard 1-800-866-0503 Southeast District - Pineville 1-800-866-0504 Central District - Elizabethtown 1-800-550-6601 Green River District - Madisonville 1-800-866-0770 Western District - Mayfield 1-800-866-0802 Bluegrass District - Frankfort 1-800-866-0876 South-Central Dist. - Campbelltown 1-800-866-1007 Eastern District - Betsy Layne 1-800-866-0048 FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters. Release Date: April 6, 2009 Release Number: 1818-036 FEMA.gov

U.S.: Hezbollah Linked To Mexican Cartels - Report - Does this surprise anyone? U.S.: Hezbollah Linked To Mexican Cartels - Report March 27, 2009 Hezbollah is strengthening its ties to Mexican drug cartels — and using the same routes they do to smuggle narcotics and people into the United States, the Washington Times reported March 27. The Shiite militant group long has been known to fund operations through drugs and other types of criminal activity, and to operate in the tri-border region of Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. But a recently retired U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration operations chief, Michael Braun, has said Hezbollah is working with and relying on the same criminal facilitators as Mexican cartels. Six U.S. officials — including law enforcement, defense and counterterrorism specialists — who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed his remarks. Thomas Chiginsky - LINKEDIN

There will be a National Weather Service Severe Weather Spotter Training Class held on March 25, 2009 at the Scott County Emergency Operations Center. The time of the class is 7pm. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. Call 502-863-7848 for more information.

A significant snow and ice storm has hit Scott County including its three cities. Emergency response and road crews are working around the clock helping citizens who are in need. The electric has been out for a large portion of the county and a shelter has been set up at Georgetown Middle School. A temporary shelter was set up in Stamping Ground. All cities as well as the county have signed emergency declarations.

The location is the Emergency Operations Center, 2200 Cincinnati Pike in Georgetown, Kentucky. "CERT provides training in emergency preparedness and basic response techniques enabling citizens to take a more active role in personal and public safety. Each CERT member completes 20-24 hours of training on disaster preparedness, basic disaster medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, and other essential topics. The training also includes a disaster simulation in which participants practice skills they learned throughout the course. In the event of an emergency, CERT members can provide immediate assistance to victims, assist in organizing spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site and provide critical support to first responders." For more information about CERT and how you can become involved contact the Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security at 502-863-7848.

On behalf of the staff of the Georgetown/ Scott County Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Jack Donovan, Director

A semi-tractor trailer drove off the shoulder of US 25 North and lost control. The semi went down an embankment causing major damage to the truck. Inside the trailer was 3,200 pounds of used vehicle batteries. There was a small amount of battery acid (sulfuric acid) spilled inside the trailer. The acid was cleaned up and fortunately there were no injuries.

Three people were transported via ambulance and one person was airlifted to the University of Kentucky trauma center. A passenger car drove over the yellow line into the path of the semi. The Semi was transporting a small amount of hazardous materials but there was no product leak. The semi did rupture one saddle tank spilling diesel into a ditch. The semi struck a tree and then a telephone pole. US 421 was closed for several hours to clean-up the spill.

HELTZEL APPOINTED NEW KENTUCKY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY DIRECTOR... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 14, 2008 Contact: David Altom, 502-607-1562, cell 502-229-3227 Frankfort, Ky. -- Gov. Steven L. Beshear today announced the appointment of John W. Heltzel of Lawrenceburg as Executive Director of Kentucky’s Division of Emergency Management (KyEM). Heltzel will begin his new duties immediately, overseeing the daily operation of the state’s emergency management agency. Most recently the president and managing partner of CyberDefenses, Inc., an Austin, Texas-based computer security firm, and a Brigadier General in the Kentucky Army National Guard, Heltzel was chief information officer for the Department of Military Affairs and Kentucky National Guard from 1984 to 2006. He also previously served in the Division of Emergency Management as one the agency’s initial Staff Duty Officers where he directly assisted in development of the first duty officer handbook and establishment of internal standing operating procedures. “John Heltzel’s rise from the rank of Duty Officer in the state Emergency Operations Center to becoming a nationally recognized leader in the information technology and operational planning arenas speaks volumes about his personal drive and dedication to serving others,” said Gov. Beshear. Kentucky Adjutant General Edward W. Tonini applauded the appointment. “John’s recent performance as principle architect and director of the largest disaster response exercise ever jointly conducted by the Kentucky National Guard and Division of Emergency Management was absolutely superb! He clearly is the right person to transform Kentucky’s emergency management agency into the flexible, rapidly responsive organization the people of commonwealth deserve.” A native of Franklin county and 1979 graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, Brig. Gen. Heltzel holds a masters degree in Public Affairs from Kentucky State University, as well as a Chief Information Officer masters-level certificate from National Defense University in Washington, DC. In 2001 he was selected for the Army War College Senior Fellowship Program at Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in Boston where he completed coursework in International Security Studies at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He and his wife Donna are the parents of two sons.

Charles Dedman and Rocco Pepe will be finalizing their probation period on May 30, 2008. I would like to congratulate them. They have worked hard during this period and have proved their worth to the agency.

At 5:37 this morning a moderate 5.4 earthquake rocked southern Illinois. The quake was centered near the town of New Salem, Illinois which is near Evansville, Indiana. Kentucky Emergency Management officials have received scattered reports of small damage across western Kentucky and in Louisville. So far we have received 6 reports from people who felt the quake here in Scott County. Locations: Davis Road, 2 calls from Mallard Point Area, North Hamilton Street, Gaines Road, and the Frogtown Road area. Scott County EMA/ OHS has received no reports of damage.

The Georgetown/ Scott County Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security hosted a SkyWarn severe weather training session on Tuesday evening (03/11/08) at the Emergency Operations Center. Forty people were in attendance and they learned: the basics of thunderstorm development, fundamentals of storm structure, identifying potential severe weather features, how to report information and basic severe weather safety. SkyWarn training is held in Scott County annually. For more information please contact the Georgetown/ Scott County Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security at 502-863-7848

7-10 inches of snow (depending on where you might live in Scott County) caused numerous accidents in Scott County Friday and Saturday (03/07/08, 03/08/08). A double semi tractor/ trailer accident halted traffic on I-75 Southbound for several hours. One person was transported to the University of Kentucky Hospital.

Our agency dealt with the results of severe weather that reeked havoc in Scott County. After partially activating the Emergency Operations Center to monitor the path of the storm early Wednesday morning, EMA/ OHS crews started the task of assessing damage across the county. Reported so far to the agency were 3 businesses that sustained roof damage, multiple downed trees, roads blocked, an overturned mobile home, leveled barns and damage to private residences. Scott County EMA/ OHS also offered support and responded its mobile command post to a local Holiday Inn structure fire. The hotel was destroyed in the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The 4th CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Academy completed their training Saturday, January 5, 2008 at the Emergency Operations Center. The day consisted of a final written exam and an outside practical evaluation. The academy teaches disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact our area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. Scott County CERT is sponsored by the Georgetown/ Scott County Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security. The graduates were: Don Wesner, Rocco Pepe, Mark Portwood, Rob Dunn, John Carter, Earl Smith, Cynthia Lewis, Leslie Huett and Jody Knelson.

Governor Steve Beshear named Adam H. Edelen, an executive with Thomas & King Inc. in Lexington, as the Executive Director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. That office has been led under former Governor Ernie Fletcher by Alecia Webb Edgington, a retired Kentucky State Police major. Edgington, a Republican, is now running in a special election for an open state House seat in Northern Kentucky. Edelen, whose firm manages area Applebees restaurants, returns to government where he worked as an aide to former Democratic Governor Paul Patton. He also has served as vice president of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce.

Charles Dedman served 22+ years with the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserves and Kentucky National Guard. While in the military he was trained in communications; nuclear, biological and chemical warfare; decontamination; crowd control and electronic warfare. Charles retired as E-8 Master Sgt. He worked for 3 years as reserve police officer in Lexington. He is a trained responder for post earthquake damage assessment for State of Kentucky. He is a trained responder for post disaster damage assessment. Charles is a member of Amateur Radio Emergency Service in Scott & Fayette Counties. In addition to his duties with Scott County EMA/ OHS Charles is an EOC Communications coordinator for the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government and is a Certified Building Inspector in Lexington. Charles is married with two children, two step-children, three grand children and 1 great grandchild. We are honored to have Charles as part of our team. Rocco Pepe recently moved to Georgetown after retiring from the Military having served for over 20 years, with active time in the Marine Corps and active duty in the Oregon Air National Guard. Rocco served in two different wars and numerous campaigns. His vast knowledge in contingency operations and emergency response is an asset to the community. Rocco is currently attending Eastern Kentucky University to achieve his degree in Homeland Security. Rocco stated "I have always wanted to continue to help our community and I know I have found my niche." We welcome Rocco to our team and we're glad he wants to serve with us.

Scott County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Academy # 3 Schedule Set... Disaster Preparedness 2.5 hrs. – 11/27/07 6:30pm; Fire Safety 2.5 hrs., 1 Disaster Medical Ops. 2.5 hrs., 2 Disaster Medical Ops. 2.5 hrs. - 12/08/07 9:00am; SAR Ops. 2.5 hrs. - 12/11/07 6:30pm; CERT Organization 1.75 hrs., Disaster Psychology .75 hrs. - 12/17/07 6:30pm; Terrorism and CERT 2.5 hrs. - 12/27/07 6:30pm; Review and Simulation 4 hrs. - 01/05/08 8am-12noon

CoCoRaHS went live in the state of Kentucky on October 25th, 2007. CoCoRaHS stands for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. CoCoRaHS is a unique, non-profit, community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow). By using low-cost measurement tools, stressing training and education, and utilizing an interactive Web-site, our aim is to provide the highest quality data for natural resource, education and research applications. We currently operate in many states across the country. The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, better known as CoCoRaHS, has recently expanded into Kentucky and is looking for volunteer weather observers. CoCoRaHS, based at Colorado State University and started in 1998, is a unique, non-profit, community based network of volunteer weather observers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and report precipitation amounts (rain, hail and snow). By using low-cost and self-provided measurement tools and stressing training and education and utilizing an interactive website, the aim of CoCoRaHS is to provide the maximum amount of data for natural resource education as well as research applications, because, as we say “every drop counts”. This effort in Kentucky is especially important given the importance of water in our everyday lives. Our state sees a great variation in our precipitation with 52 to 54 inches of rain on an annual average basis in our southern most counties to only 40 inches of rain on an annual average basis in the Northern sections of Kentucky! CoCoRaHS, in addition to Kentucky, is currently up and operating in Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New York, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin as well as Wyoming. This is truly a fun, educational community-based project. Everyone can help - young and old and in between. Here are the basic requirements for being a CoCoRaHS weather observer... (1) Have access to the internet and the ability to browse the CoCoRaHS web site, (which is where you will enter your daily precipitation data) although reports by mail and telephone are perfectly welcome. (2) Have an official-type CoCoRaHS rain gauge (you can buy one inexpensively on our website) or contact your local coordinator. (3) Have a good site on your property with good exposure (as tree and obstruction free as possible) where you can place the rain gauge about five feet off the ground. (4) Be willing to enter your precipitation data on a daily basis between 6-9AM through our Internet web site. What are the benefits of being a CoCoRaHS observer? Well, we don’t offer a pay check, but one of the neat things about participating in the CoCoRaHS network is walking away with the feeling that you are making an important contribution that helps others. By providing your daily precipitation data, you truly help in filling in a a piece of the puzzle that affects many in your part of Kentucky in one way or another - whether it’s farmers and ranchers, emergency management personnel or the National Weather Service as they study the long term climate record. CoCoRaHS also provides a great way to learn more about weather and water by participating collaboratively with many local scientists. How do you become a CoCoRaHS observer? You can go to our website (www.cocorahs.org) and click on the “Join CoCoRaHS” emblem on the upper right side of the main website. If you have questions, you may drop a note to Ron Malinowski, the Scott County Coordinator for CoCoRaHS (cocorahs@scottky.us). Scott County EMA/OHS has been proactive in measuring rainfall in the county, and adopted the CoCoRaHS equipment and observing procedures earlier this year, and have manually kept records on the EMA website (www.scottema.com)of rainfall data Now the data is near real-time reported each morning and made available to the general public on the CoCoRaHS website and is made available instantly to the National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, city utilities (water supply, water conservation, storm water), insurance adjusters, USDA, engineers, mosquito control, ranchers and farmers, outdoor & recreation interests, teachers, students, and neighbors in the community are just some examples of those who visit our Web site and use our data. CoCoRaHS, through Colorado State University, is supported nationally through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

The location is the Emergency Operations Center, 2200 Cincinnati Pike in Georgetown, Kentucky. "CERT provides training in emergency preparedness and basic response techniques enabling citizens to take a more active role in personal and public safety. Each CERT member completes 20-24 hours of training on disaster preparedness, basic disaster medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, and other essential topics. The training also includes a disaster simulation in which participants practice skills they learned throughout the course. In the event of an emergency, CERT members can provide immediate assistance to victims, assist in organizing spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site and provide critical support to first responders." For more information about CERT and how you can become involved contact the Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security at 502-863-7848 or apply online through this website.

"National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. National Preparedness Month 2007 is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The goal of the month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action. Throughout September, Homeland Security will work with a wide variety of organizations, including local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector, to highlight the importance of family emergency preparedness and promote individual involvement through events and activities across the nation." )US DHS) Scott County has many activities planned. For more information about National Preparedness Month or to request our agency to do a presentation please call (502)863-7848.

On September 13 staff from the Scott County Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security (EMA/ OHS) conducted a presentation on preparedness for Boy Scout leaders from the central Kentucky region. There were approximately 40 Boy Scout leaders in attendance at the Harmony Christian Church which is now located at the old Wal-Mart building. Areas covered were severe weather and man-made disasters or incidents such as bomb threats, school violence and homeland security. The role of EMA/ OHS was explained and time was allotted to answer questions from those in attendance.

Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat. Historically, from 1979-2003, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States. During this period, more people in this country died from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. In 2001, 300 deaths were caused by excessive heat exposure. People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions related to risk include age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use. Because heat-related deaths are preventable, people need to be aware of who is at greatest risk and what actions can be taken to prevent a heat-related illness or death. The elderly, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk. However, even young and healthy individuals can succumb to heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people can reduce their risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned. Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be balanced with measures that aid the body's cooling mechanisms and prevent heat-related illness. This pamphlet tells how you can prevent, recognize, and cope with heat-related health problems. What Is Extreme Heat? Temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region and last for several weeks are defined as extreme heat. Humid or muggy conditions, which add to the discomfort of high temperatures, occur when a "dome" of high atmospheric pressure traps hazy, damp air near the ground. Excessively dry and hot conditions can provoke dust storms and low visibility. Droughts occur when a long period passes without substantial rainfall. A heat wave combined with a drought is a very dangerous situation. During Hot Weather To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, remember to keep cool and use common sense. The following tips are important: Drink Plenty of Fluids During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot. Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugar—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps. Replace Salt and Minerals Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. These are necessary for your body and must be replaced. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. However, if you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets. Wear Appropriate Clothing and Sunscreen Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids. It also causes pain and damages the skin. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) along with sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels) 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions. Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body's thermostat will have a chance to recover. Pace Yourself If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or at least into the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint. Stay Cool Indoors Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library—even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home. Use a Buddy System When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day. Monitor Those at High Risk Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Infants and children up to four years of age are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids. People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature. People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat. People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness. People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat. Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching. Adjust to the Environment Be aware that any sudden change in temperature, such as an early summer heat wave, will be stressful to your body. You will have a greater tolerance for heat if you limit your physical activity until you become accustomed to the heat. If you travel to a hotter climate, allow several days to become acclimated before attempting any vigorous exercise, and work up to it gradually. Do Not Leave Children in Cars Even in cool temperatures, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes. Anyone left inside is at risk for serious heat-related illnesses or even death. Children who are left unattended in parked cars are at greatest risk for heat stroke, and possibly death. When traveling with children, remember to do the following: Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open. To remind yourself that a child is in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. When the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver. When leaving your car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car. Do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car. Use Common Sense Remember to keep cool and use common sense: Avoid hot foods and heavy meals—they add heat to your body. Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and minerals in your body. Do not take salt tablets unless under medical supervision. Dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella. Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and in places of potential severe exposure such as beaches. Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car. Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area. Hot Weather Health Emergencies Even short periods of high temperatures can cause serious health problems. Doing too much on a hot day, spending too much time in the sun or staying too long in an overheated place can cause heat-related illnesses. Know the symptoms of heat disorders and overexposure to the sun, and be ready to give first aid treatment. Heat Stroke Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Recognizing Heat Stroke Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following: An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally) Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating) Rapid, strong pulse Throbbing headache Dizziness Nausea Confusion Unconsciousness What to Do If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following: Get the victim to a shady area. Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously. Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F. If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions. Do not give the victim fluids to drink. Get medical assistance as soon as possible. Sometimes a victim's muscles will begin to twitch uncontrollably as a result of heat stroke. If this happens, keep the victim from injuring himself, but do not place any object in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim on his or her side. Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. It is the body's response to an excessive loss of the water and salt contained in sweat. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment. Recognizing Heat Exhaustion Warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following: Heavy sweating Paleness Muscle cramps Tiredness Weakness Dizziness Headache Nausea or vomiting Fainting The skin may be cool and moist. The victim's pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. Seek medical attention immediately if any of the following occurs: Symptoms are severe The victim has heart problems or high blood pressure Otherwise, help the victim to cool off, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour. What to Do Cooling measures that may be effective include the following: Cool, nonalcoholic beverages Rest Cool shower, bath, or sponge bath An air-conditioned environment Lightweight clothing Heat Cramps Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body's salt and moisture. The low salt level in the muscles may be the cause of heat cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion. Recognizing Heat Cramps Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms—usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs—that may occur in association with strenuous activity. If you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet, get medical attention for heat cramps. What to Do If medical attention is not necessary, take these steps: Stop all activity, and sit quietly in a cool place. Drink clear juice or a sports beverage. Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside, because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Seek medical attention for heat cramps if they do not subside in 1 hour. Sunburn Sunburn should be avoided because it damages the skin. Although the discomfort is usually minor and healing often occurs in about a week, a more severe sunburn may require medical attention. Recognizing Sunburn Symptoms of sunburn are well known: the skin becomes red, painful, and abnormally warm after sun exposure. What to Do Consult a doctor if the sunburn affects an infant younger than 1 year of age or if these symptoms are present: Fever Fluid-filled blisters Severe pain Also, remember these tips when treating sunburn: Avoid repeated sun exposure. Apply cold compresses or immerse the sunburned area in cool water. Apply moisturizing lotion to affected areas. Do not use salve, butter, or ointment. Do not break blisters. Heat Rash Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in young children. Recognizing Heat Rash Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases. What to Do The best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less humid environment. Keep the affected area dry. Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort. Treating heat rash is simple and usually does not require medical assistance. Other heat-related problems can be much more severe. This information provided by NCEH's Health Studies Branch.

Scott County EMA/ OHS will play an active role in planning for the 2010 World Equestrian Games. The location of the games in 2010 will be the Kentucky Horse Park (http://www.kyhorsepark.com/). The Horse Park is located in Fayette and Scott County Kentucky. We want to ensure that the visiting public as well as residents of our county have a safe and enjoyable time during this event. "The World Equestrian Games, held every four years, are comprised of the world championships for eight equestrian sports - show jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, reining, vaulting, endurance and para-equestrian. The inaugural games were held in 1990 in Stockholm, Sweden, and have never taken place outside of Europe. The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010™ in Kentucky will represent the largest equestrian sporting event ever held in the United States. ("http://www.feigames2010.org/)

John holds his Masters Degree and currently is the director of the leadership program at Georgetown College. John has studied in the intelligence field and has done work with a counter-terrorism firm specializing in risk assessment. John also attended the national forum on Intelligence, Diplomacy and Defense working on the collaboration with various government agencies to face issues of national security. John stated he is honored to serve with the Scott County EMA/OHS; as well we are honored to have him as a part of our team.

Homeland Security Secretary warns "We could easily be attacked" sites summer risks; gut feeling Verbatim partial transcript: Secretary Chertoff remarks delivered July 10, 2007, Chicago, IL We could easily be attacked. The intent to attack us remains as strong as it was on September 10, 2001. We've done a lot to degrade the enemy's capability but the enemy has also done a lot to retool its capability. You look at their activities around the world-bombings in North Africa from Al Qaeda, conflict in Somalia with radical Islamist groups contending for control over Somalia, training activity taking place in South Asia, the Taliban continuing to try to regain control of parts of Afghanistan. I think if you look at that picture you see an enemy that is improving itself just as we're improving ourselves. They can't afford to remain static just as we can't afford to remain static. Our edge is technology and the vigilance of the ordinary citizen. The foundation of all we do is our determination to continue to pay attention to this issue and be willing to tolerate a reasonable amount, not an excessive amount, but a reasonable amount of inconvenience and cost in order to maintain homeland security. If we get into a road where everybody's attitude is, 'I'm interested in homeland security but not if it's going to cost me anything, not if it's going to inconvenience me, not if it's going to be in my backyard,' then we get complacency and I guarantee we will lose the race with the terrorists. The one thing they have in abundance is fanatic devotion to their cause. They continue to harbor grievances over events that happened six or seven hundred years ago, and if we go into the attitude of 'let's get over it, it's time to move onto something else,' then we will lose this competition about our ability to secure ourselves from those terrorist attacks. Official resistance We've got a host of measures in place, but we're starting to get some resistance. The 9/11 Commission said that in the hands of a terrorist, a phony document is a weapon. Yesterday someone brought into my audience four North Carolina driver's licenses that had been picked up. Each of them looked valid to anybody except someone who had a lot of sophisticated tools. They all had the same picture of the same person and they had four different names. As long as we allow driver's licenses to be at a level of security where you can basically get one made on any college campus in the country, we are throwing the door open for people who want to pretend to be somebody else. Summer risk I believe we're entering a period this summer of increased risk. We've seen a lot more public statements from Al Qaeda. There are a lot of reasons to speculate about that but one reason that occurs to me is that they're feeling more comfortable and raising expectations. In the last August, and in prior summers, we've had attacks against the West, which suggests that summer seems to be appealing to them. I think we do see increased activity in South Asia, so we do worry about whether they are rebuilding their capabilities. We've struck at them and degraded them, but they rebuild. All these things have given me kind of a gut feeling that we are in a period of increased vulnerability. Radicals and Iraq People who were going to become radicalized and who were going to becoming suicide bombers did not need the war in Iraq to do that. It may be a good rhetorical device now, but in the absence of that, they would have been radicalized over Afghanistan, or as Bin Laden was, they would have been radicalized over Armenia and Saudi Arabia, or over the existence of the state of Israel. There are many excuses for radicalization. That's not to say they're an explanation, but I don't think that our going into Iraq created, suddenly, a rationale that didn't exist before. I do think that obviously we're mindful that obviously there is Al Qaeda in Iraq, there are operatives who are becoming battle-hardened and getting more experience. We do worry, particularly if we were to take the pressure off there, that they would begin to look elsewhere for a fight. Whatever your views about the war, in the situation where we currently find ourselves, it would be Pollyannaish to believe that our departure from Iraq is going to settle all those people down and they're going to say, now we can get back to picnicking. They're just going to carry the fight elsewhere. ----- End of Partial Transcript ---- NewsEmergency.com

We welcome Michael to our agency. Michael Hennigan brings an extensive background in transportation and safety. Michael has twenty years experience and over 1.5 million safe miles throughout the US and Canada. He is a former flight line supervisor, motor coach driver-trainer, and OTR limousine operator. After spending thirty years in New York State, Michael relocated to Central Kentucky and ultimately Scott County to pursue a second career in the industrial safety industry. He is currently a freelance contractor for On-Site Safety Consultants, while providing day-to-day care for an invalid parent. Michael is an Assistant Emergency Coordinator for Scott County Amateur Radio Emergency Service, a trained SkyWarn weather spotter, and an active member of the Community Emergency Response Team.

According to a poll conducted by USA Today/Gallup, many Americans are unprepared to deal with the consequences of a natural disaster. In addition the poll says many Americans have little faith that the federal government is prepared to help if one strikes. This is bad news for emergency managers around the country, who find that, in the aftermath of catastrophe; valuable time is spent delivering supplies to victims who were unprepared for the event. Individual household preparedness is extremely important for efficient recovery. According to the poll 41 percent of Americans have not stockpiled food and water, and 27 percent don't have an extra supply of medicines, both of which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (F.E.M.A.) says are basic disaster preparations. Approximately 18 percent do not have a first aid kit and about 40 percent do not have a designated person for their family to contact in the event of an emergency.

The United States government national threat level Elevated, or Yellow. The U.S. threat level is High, or Orange, for all domestic and international flights. Only small amounts of liquids, aerosols and gels are allowed in carry-on baggage. See the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for up-to-date information on items permitted and prohibited on airlines. Recommended Activities * All Americans should continue to be vigilant, take notice of their surroundings, and report suspicious items or activities to local authorities immediately. * Everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves and their family, and stay informed about what to do during an emergency. Learn More About Preparedness * Visit www.ready.gov

Billy Rice died this morning after a brief stay in the Bourbon County Hospital. Billy had been Director of Paris / Bourbon County Emergency Management for about twenty years. He was Chairman of the Bourbon County Board of Adjustments, Bourbon County LEPC Member (Local Emergency Planning Committee), Paris / Bourbon County 911 Committee Member, and was a former member of both the KySERC (Kentucky Emergency Response Commission) and SERC Planning Committee. Billy served on a destroyer in the U.S. Navy during WWII and is also a member of the Paris Masonic Lodge No. 35, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion.

The Rescue Aid Review Committee met on April 12 and awarded Bluegrass Search and Rescue a minimum equipment grant of $1,495.84. This money can be used to purchase first time minimum equipment off of the approved KyEM Rescue list or replace minimum equipment.

Michael D. Selves, CEM, President, International Association of Emergency Managers.

Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure , United States House of Representatives On FEMA’s Preparedness and Response to All Hazards. April 26, 2007 - Chairman Norton, Ranking Member Graves, and distinguished members of the Subcommittee, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to provide testimony on this critically important topic.

I also want to express my sincerest gratitude to this subcommittee for the great support you have provided to the emergency management community over the past few years, particularly your efforts to reform FEMA and your continuing strong support for the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program.

I am Michael D. Selves. I am currently the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director for Johnson County, Kansas. Johnson County constitutes the Southwest suburbs of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area and, with a population of approximately a half million, is the most populous county in Kansas. I currently serve as the President of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) and am providing this testimony on their behalf. I am also a Certified Emergency Manager ® (CEM), and have served IAEM for five years as chair of the Government Affairs Committee prior to becoming a member of the presidential team. For the past 12 years I have been an active participant in the National Association of Counties, chairing their Subcommittee on Emergency Management, as a charter member of their Homeland Security Task Force as well as serving two years on their Board of Directors. I served for 7 years in emergency management at the state level as well as serving for 20 years in the United States Air Force.

The International Association of Emergency Managers has over 3,000 members including emergency management professionals at the state and local government levels, the military, private business and the nonprofit sector in the United States and in other countries. Most of our members are city and county emergency managers who perform the crucial function of coordinating and integrating the efforts at the local level to prepare for, mitigate the effects of, respond to, and recover from all types of disasters including terrorist attacks. Our members include emergency managers from large urban areas as well as rural counties.

We are pleased to have the opportunity to provide input on improving emergency preparedness and management. In order to address preparedness shortfalls revealed by the 2005 Hurricanes, we must look at the total, national system of emergency management. In the past, this system has been characterized by a cycle of neglect, crisis and further neglect. Former IAEM President Dwayne West of Johnston County, North Carolina refers to this cycle as the “spare tire” theory of emergency management. This theory suggests that we forget about and neglect the condition of our car’s spare tire until we have a flat and then hope it is in good enough shape to get us to where we need to go. Likewise, we forget about and neglect our system of emergency management (preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation) until we need it. This is very evident by looking at the flawed responses to Hurricanes Hugo and Andrew which were essentially repeated in Hurricane Katrina.

Asking questions about a process or system is essential to understanding the basics of that process – and making improvements in it. I think the most important question we have to ask ourselves with respect to our emergency management system is why we are continually rebounding between feast and famine. The answer, I would respectfully suggest, is that we have failed to acknowledge the importance of constructing a solid, consistent and enduring all hazards emergency management system that links critical partners all the time. A system of this nature will be successful in dealing with a disaster regardless of what the nature of the last or next disaster is. To create this system, we must have a commitment to provide a solid, enduring and continuously linked system. These are the basic elements for success regardless of the nature of a disaster.

Before exploring the emergency management system in more detail, let us take a moment to discuss the unique role of the Emergency Manager. Probably the best thumbnail description of the role of the emergency manager that I have ever heard comes from the commercials of a few years ago by the BASF Corporation. Their marketing slogan was, “we don’t make the products you buy; we make the products you buy better.” Likewise Emergency Managers don’t do the response, we make the response more effective; we don’t do the recovery, we make it more efficient. While Emergency Managers don’t do fire service or law enforcement or emergency medical service, those disciplines work together better in a disaster because of the “value added” by Emergency Management.

Please allow me to share with you a “real world” example of this role from my own experiences. During a revision of our Local Emergency Operations Plan for Johnson County, Kansas, we involved 16 work groups comprised of more than 180 people from virtually every relevant county, city and private sector agency within our community. Projects of this magnitude require the coordination of all emergency responder agencies – in addition to virtually every other department of county government. While having plans is necessary, the value of the plan is primarily the process that is used to create it. Truly effective Emergency Management systems must be the result of inclusive and collaborative processes, built and sustained over time. In such a process, emergency managers and their “planner” don’t write the plans; they bring together the key players and provide the facilitation and support necessary to ensure that those players are dealing with other critical players in a coordinated fashion. After the plan is developed, they also provide and coordinate the training and exercising necessary to make the plan understood and supported by all.

Critical Elements of a National Emergency Management (E.M.) System

After the terrible events of 9/11/2001, we unfortunately lost sight of the fact that there are three critical elements to any effective emergency management system. First, that system must be comprehensive, in that it must encompass all potential hazards and all potential impacts relevant to any community in this nation. In this regard, the function of emergency management must take into account the impact of disasters from not only a physical perspective, but also from a political, economic, sociological and even psychological one as well. In this respect, emergency managers are charged with establishing a broad, comprehensive framework within which the legal elected authority of their jurisdictions is exercised during a disaster event. This framework must take into account governmental, private sector and volunteer activities far beyond those associated with emergency services.

Second, it is essential that our national E.M. system must be integrated. Without unity of effort before, during and after any disaster, the effort is going to be chaotic at best and, at worst, doomed to failure. Emergency managers at all levels of government are responsible for ensuring that the highest levels of horizontal and vertical integration exist among all levels of government and across all elements of a community to support disaster response and recovery activities. Such integration demands that linkages are in place and that all relevant agencies at the local, state and national level are involved and engaged.

Third, there must be well established and maintained coordination among all stakeholders in the system to ensure that it is effective. Comprehensive and integrated plans on paper are not sufficient. Key stakeholders – like local government emergency managers – must be constantly consulted to ensure that the plans are based on reality and have “buy in” from those same key stakeholders through discussion and consensus. Essential understandings regarding roles, responsibilities and relationships must be maintained among everyone involved for the system to be truly effective. It is the revitalization and continued maintenance of this comprehensive, integrated and coordinated national emergency management system in a solid and enduring way that IAEM feels is of primary importance. That is why we have given heavy emphasis in our discussions with the staff of this subcommittee and other relevant committees in three essential areas:

The restoration of the authority and capability of the Federal Emergency Management Agency so that the national effort can be fully integrated once again.

The adequate funding of State and Local Emergency Management agencies so that they can fully participate in this integrated national system.

The establishment and support of programs and institutions which sustain a “culture of preparedness” and enhance our ability to be ready in times of crisis.

Reforming and Strengthening FEMA

In order for a solid, enduring and truly effective national emergency management system to exist, there must be a strong and empowered Federal agency in a leadership position. FEMA must have the authority and credibility essential to performing its role in the integrated system. Unfortunately, after being consolidated into DHS, FEMA not only lost resources and experienced personnel – most importantly they lost authority to make decisions and direct Federal efforts during disasters. Bad decisions – like subordinating the role of the FEMA Director, reducing funding, and removing preparedness – led to the problems encountered during Hurricane Katrina. As a result, IAEM established a position on reforming FEMA which called for:

 Maximum amount of access of FEMA Director to the White House.

 FEMA clearly responsible for coordination of the Federal response to disasters.

 Adequate funding, resources and personnel for FEMA which cannot be reallocated without legislative action.

 Experienced, qualified and knowledgeable leadership in all key FEMA positions.

 Establish and maintain a culture of empowerment within FEMA that promotes the maximum level of autonomy and supports the independent actions necessary to deal with the consequences of disaster.

 Abolish the Principal Federal Official (PFO) position. It leads to confusion.

 Strengthen the FEMA regional offices.

 Ensure opportunity for local emergency managers to have meaningful participation in the policy development process.

 Return to established emergency management doctrine – all hazards, integrated, all phases (Return preparedness to FEMA).

Last fall, Congress passed and the President signed, the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 which included most of these recommendations. We are aware and very much appreciate the important role played by this Subcommittee.

We urge the Congress to exercise aggressive oversight of the implementation of the Act to ensure that Congressional intent is complied with fully and in a timely manner. Some issues which we are particularly concerned about are:

The actual chain of command which will be in place during a disaster situation. It is not clear that the FEMA Administrator will have the authority he needs to direct the Federal response to disasters and emergencies. We believe it is important that this committee insist the authority to accomplish the mission clearly resides with the Administrator. We believe that the National Response Plan should be written to require this. There are law enforcement incidents where this might not be applicable, but when it is incident management for the Department of Homeland Security it is appropriate for the FEMA Administrator as the department’s incident manager to be in that chain of command.

Position of Administrator. Congressional intent clearly stated that the FEMA Administrator was to report directly to the Secretary and that the FEMA Administrator position was to be established as a Deputy Secretary level position. We understand the Department intends for the Administrator to report to the Deputy Secretary.

The role of the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) and the Principal Federal Official (PFO). Even though the (PFO) was not abolished under the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act, there was a clear intention that the PFO’s role was to act only as an advisor to the Secretary and not have operational control. Our members want the Federal Coordinating Officers to have the authority to make decisions and for them not to be reversed. If the PFO program is not abolished, it will be important the Congress insist that FEMA manage the doctrine, training, and exercising of the PFOs to insure no conflict between the PFO doctrine and the FCO responsibilities. This is clearly a FEMA function under the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act and the law does not permit the Secretary to move FEMA functions to other parts of the Department.

Transfer of all the preparedness support positions and their funding. We applaud the preparedness functions being moved to FEMA. However, it will be vital that all the positions to support those functions be moved as well. We understand funding was taken from preparedness programs for “shared services”. Were all of those funds transferred with the programs? When FEMA was created in 1979, departments and agencies did not send the support positions with the programs—this history should not be repeated.

Transfer of the Intergovernmental Affairs Staff or providing adequate number of positions. This office which included approximately 17 positions was clearly transferred as part of the preparedness functions to FEMA. It is our understanding that the office was transferred to FEMA, but the office and staff were returned to the National Protection and Programs Directorate on a nonreimbursable detail from FEMA. Why should FEMA pay for positions they do not have? This function and these positions will be important to FEMA as they rebuild their crucial relationships with the many state and local stakeholders and should be transferred.

We look forward to the naming of the National and Regional Advisory Councils as provided for under the Reform Act. IAEM has offered our services to assist the FEMA Administrator in identifying qualified and certified local emergency managers to serve on these councils.

Our recent contacts with FEMA leadership lead us to believe there is a “good faith” effort underway to implement the improvements provided for by Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006. We appreciate the “fence” that Congress has provided to protect FEMA. We remain concerned, however, about the respect that DHS is showing toward the fence.

Enhance Funding for Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG)

One factor which is essential to the restoration of a national emergency management system is the ability of state and local governments to participate as full partners in that system. In order to do this, the long-standing funding mechanism of EMPG must continue and be enhanced. All of the elements I’ve outlined above require that there be responsible, knowledgeable and empowered people at the state and local government levels who are focused on maintaining the emergency management capability needed to adequately support national objectives and provide the services our citizens expect and deserve.

The Emergency Management Performance Grant Program is the single federal all hazards emergency preparedness grant program in support of capacity building at the state and local level. EMPG funds support the state and local foundation upon which our nation’s emergency response system is built. The program supports state and local initiatives for planning, training, exercise, public education, command and control, as well as emergency operations personnel. Emergency management is the governmental function that coordinates and integrates all activities necessary to build, sustain, and improve the capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from or mitigate against threatened or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism or other man-made disasters.

The EMGP program is authorized by the Stafford Act and has been in existence since the 1950s. It was created to be a 50/50 cost share to ensure participation by state and local governments in building and maintaining strong emergency management capability.

Administration proposals have attempted in the past to reduce the percentage of funds which could be used for personnel and to combine the funds with the homeland security grant programs. Congress has rejected the request to limit the percentage for personnel and has kept the EMPG program as a separate account.

The International Association of Emergency Managers recommends the following regarding the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program (EMPG):

 EMPG should be funded at $375 million, the amount authorized in P.L.109-295, the Post Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006. We appreciate the $200 million which Congress appropriated last year to begin to address the shortfall.

 EMPG should be retained as a separate account. The Administration’s request to combine EMPG with other programs should be rejected.

 The EMPG match should be maintained at 50-50 to continue to reflect the state and local commitment to the emergency management program in partnership with the Federal Government.

 EMPG allocation and uses should be based on emergency management plans and all-hazard capacity, rather than terrorism based capabilities.

 Performance metrics based systems like the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) standards should be used to measure the capacity being built by EMPG, rather than homeland security specific measurables.

I’m often asked to give specific examples of the additional responsibilities which have occurred in the past few years which make the enhancement of funding for EMPG so critical. Here are some examples:

 Planning for the deployment of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS): Most public health departments do not have a planning capability and will turn to the local emergency manager for assistance in this area. As the coordinator of plans, this is appropriate. It just takes staff and time to do it. The stockpile from the CDC must be broken down, plans must be made on where it is to be distributed, volunteers must be recruited and trained, exercises have to be conducted, and public information programs must be developed and implemented. Planning must be integrated at the local level for the vaccination of first responders and then the general population. Local emergency managers, in close coordination with public health agencies, will be responsible for seeing it gets done.

 Assessing threats and administering allocation of funding for Homeland Security: As an outgrowth of the continuing hazard/threat assessment engaged in by local emergency management agencies, additional responsibilities for homeland security needs and threat assessments are being required by federal agencies, usually as a prerequisite for grant funding. If money is received, leadership is needed at the community level to work with all stakeholders on the appropriate and most cost effective distribution of funding. In most communities the allocation of funds among competing stakeholders requires an “honest broker” to facilitate the achievement of consensus; this task generally falls to the emergency management agency.

 Implementation of NRP/NIMS requirements: A major additional workload has been generated by the need to revise and overhaul state and local emergency operations plans to conform to the NRP/NIMS requirements. Then, additional effort is necessary to determine what training is needed by the different elements of the community (elected officials, public works, EMS, fire, police, public health, hospitals, etc.), acquire the needed training, find funding to pay for it and implement the actual delivery of the training program.

 Managing and Coordinating Citizen Corps: It will be essential that this program be managed and coordinated. Experience all across the country has shown that Citizen Corps Councils don’t just spring up unassisted. Certainly these Councils cannot operate outside of a local strategy for community preparedness and without the support of local governments. This support role invariably falls to emergency managers and requires staff resources and time.

 Public Private Partnerships for Homeland Security: These partnerships do not just happen. The local emergency manager is the one to develop and maintain these partnerships so that the community can make full use of all its resources both public and private. Once again, it takes time and staff.

All of these efforts are additional requirements over and above the normal work of state and local emergency management agencies to mitigate, prepare for, and respond to the many hazards found in the country such as severe weather, tornadoes, ice storms, flooding, earthquakes, hurricanes and hazardous materials incidents due to transportation and fixed facilities.

Establish and Sustain Supporting Programs

In order to be successful, a truly effective national emergency management system must be supported by programs and approaches which enhance our ability to improve our performance based on lessons we learn. Specifically, we would address the following:

 Greater emphasis and attention must be placed on supporting states and communities who must receive evacuees when disasters cause the relocation of large numbers of persons from the affected areas. For example, in our work within the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, we have determined that our greatest catastrophe-related threat is the need to be prepared to house and care for massive numbers of evacuees from the St. Louis area should the New Madrid Fault produce a major disaster there and we (KC) have to play “Houston” to St. Louis’ “New Orleans”.

 IAEM fully endorses the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) concept and emphasizes that, except for the participation of the National Guard, the majority of personnel deployed under EMAC are emergency managers, first responders and other support personnel from local governments. IAEM further notes that EMAC is one of the elements of a solid and enduring national emergency management system.

 As DHS and FEMA seek to implement standards and credentialing criteria at the direction of Congress, IAEM urges the use of the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) and the Certified Emergency Manager Program. (CEM).

• EMAP is a joint NEMA/IAEM program utilizing NFPA 1600 as the basis for establishing standardized emergency management programs. Over a dozen national level key stakeholder organizations worked together to create this voluntary accreditation process for state, territorial, and local programs. EMAP provides the process and the opportunity to be recognized for compliance with national standards, to demonstrate accountability, and to focus attention on areas and issues where work or resources are needed. Its intent is to encourage examination of strengths and weaknesses, pursuit of corrective measures, and communications and planning among different governmental sectors and the community.

 The Certified Emergency Manager Program (CEM) is administered by IAEM and is the defining credential for emergency managers. Those emergency managers so credentialed can effectively accomplish the goals and objectives of any emergency management program in all environments with little or no additional training orientation. Currently there are nearly 1,000 of these qualified individuals contributing to the success of emergency management programs in state, local and federal government as well as private enterprise. These individuals are another key element in reinforcing the solidarity and continuity of our emergency management system.

 We want to emphasize our support for the Emergency Management Institute. It is the primary Federal entity for the development of general emergency management education, training and doctrine and should be funded appropriately. There are many excellent institutions providing education and training targeted to specialized emergency response disciplines; however, EMI has long provided the premier vehicle for promoting total community preparedness through its Integrated Emergency Management Course (IEMC) and has provided guidance and coordination of emergency management and homeland security university programs through its Higher Education Project.

In closing, your emergency managers at all levels of government are constantly working to restore and improve this national system upon which so much depends. We thank you for your support and understanding in the past and ask for your consideration of our needs and recommendations for the future.



________________________

Contact information:

International Association of Emergency Managers, 201 Park Washington Court, Falls Church, VA 22046. Telephone: 703-538-1925.

President: Mike Selves (mselves@jocogov.org);

Government Affairs Chair: Bob Bohlmann (rcbohlmann@co.york.me.us);

Policy Advisor: Martha Braddock (MSBraddock@aol.com).

A National Weather Service (NWS) tornado drill was held today (March 6, 2007) at 10:07am. Scott County participated in the tornado drill involving government agencies and buildings, nursing homes and schools. The Scott County severe weather warning sirens along with voice alert receivers and the NWS NOAA weather radios were activated.

Twenty people attended the National Weather Service's SKYWARN Spotter Class held on February 13, 2007 at the Scott County Emergency Operations Center. It was a cold and icy/ snowy day but these twenty individuals braved the weather to learn how to properly identify impending severe tornadic weather. For more information about SKYWARN Training call 502-863-7848.

NWS SKYWARN Spotter Class; 7-9pm February 13, 2007 at the Scott County Emergency Operations Center. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Seating is limited so please call now. 502-863-7848

The IS 300 course has been scheduled for February 20-22, 2007 at the Cardome Center in Georgetown. This course will be required in 2007 for some responders. The guidelines as to who must take the course have not yet been published.

By Eileen Sullivan, CQ Staff----- The Department of Homeland Security is about to go through its second reorganization in as many years, and it will include the creation of a new directorate that combines some preparedness programs with the immigrant visitor tracking program, according to a summary provided by the department to Hill aides on Wednesday. The department’s latest reorganization is based on its interpretation of the fiscal 2007 Homeland Security Appropriations law (PL 109-295) enacted late last year that, among other things, restructures the Federal Emergency Management Agency to make it stronger and more efficient. The law also establishes FEMA as a stand-alone agency within the department, similar to the Coast Guard and Secret Service. FEMA will continue to be led by R. David Paulison. Lawmakers demanded FEMA reforms after what they considered to be an unacceptable DHS response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. DHS was the government’s latest massive reorganization when in 2003 it formed out of 22 disparate agencies. The new DHS directorate will be called the National Protection and Programs directorate and will replace the existing Preparedness directorate. Current Undersecretary for Preparedness George W. Foresman will be the undersecretary of the new directorate. DHS also created a new office of Health Affairs that will include the chief medical officer. Chertoff created Preparedness and the office of the Chief Medical Officer in 2005 as part of his Second Stage Review. Wednesday’s briefing was the department’s first major update to Congress on FEMA reforms. The statute stipulates that most of what is currently the Preparedness Directorate is to be transferred to FEMA by March 31, with the exception of the cybersecurity and infrastructure protection divisions. However, until now it remained unclear what would become of the remaining Preparedness programs and Foresman. “It’s a very strong step forward. This is the blueprint that had to be laid out so they could achieve the reorganization of FEMA,” according to a Hill aide. In a draft outline dated Jan. 17 and obtained by Congressional Quarterly, DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff said the new National Protection and Programs Directorate will include these offices: Cyber Security and Communications, Infrastructure Protection, Risk Management and Analysis, Intergovernmental Programs and US-VISIT, or the United States-Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology program that tracks visitors as they enter and exit the United States. FEMA will absorb the U.S. Fire Administration, the Office of Grants and Training, the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Division, the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program, the Office of National Capitol Region Coordination and the Office of State and Local Government Coordination. “The new FEMA will not be a stovepipe aggregation of legacy programs,” Chertoff wrote in the draft. The agency will include an administrator — Paulison — and two deputy administrators. Current FEMA Deputy Director Harvey Johnson will take on the title of deputy administrator and chief operating officer. And a new National Preparedness division will be created in FEMA to be led by the second deputy administrator. There will be nine assistant administrators to oversee these offices: Logistics Management, Disaster Assistance, Disaster Operations, Grant Programs, U.S. Fire Administration, National Continuity Programs and Mitigation. The current office of Grants and Training will also be restructured. But some Grants and Training components, such as the Citizen Corps program and the Training and Systems Support program, will be transferred to other FEMA divisions. In addition, the National Preparedness Task Force — created in 2006 — will be abolished and replaced by the National Preparedness Integration Program. The Office of the Chief Medical Officer will now become the Office of Health Affairs and be led by Jeffrey W. Runge, the current chief medical officer. His title will be assistant secretary of the Office of Health Affairs and chief medical officer. This new office will coordinate BioShield responsibilities and have three divisions: Weapons of Mass Destruction and Biodefense, Medical Readiness and Component Services, which will provide policy, standards, requirements and metrics for the department’s occupational health and safety programs. “These realignments do not require downsizing of our workforce,” Chertoff reassured FEMA and Preparedness employees in a Jan. 16 memo. He said the department would brief employees on the changes later this week and internal transition teams are already at work implementing the reforms. Other less sweeping changes outlined in the briefing include changing the official names of ICE and CBP by replacing the “Bureau of” Immigration and Customs Enforcement with “U.S.” and doing the same for Customs and Border Protection. The congressionally mandated reforms were included in the department’s fiscal 2007 Appropriations bill. But the statute incorporated language from other bills sponsored by Reps. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., and Don Young, R-Alaska. Source: CQ Homeland Security

Railroad companies would be required to perform a safety and security risk analysis to determine the most appropriate route for shipping hazardous materials as part of a new proposal announced on Dec. 15 by Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters. The secretary said the notice of proposed rulemaking, issued by the Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), would make shipments of certain high-risk hazardous materials, including explosives, radioactive substances and toxic-inhalation risk materials, more safe and secure by adding to and strengthening existing federal regulations. "These materials are fueling our economy and vital to the prosperity of our nation, which is exactly why we want to establish a clear and stronger baseline for determining the safest, most secure way to move them by rail," Peters said, noting that the type and quantity of hazardous materials covered by the proposed rule present the greatest potential safety and security risks. Under the proposed rule, rail carriers would be required to compile annual data clearly identifying route segments and the total number and type of hazardous materials shipments transported over each route and use the information to analyze the safety and security risks present on each route. Railroads would then be required to use this data to select the route that provides the highest possible degree of safety and security. "We want to leave nothing to chance when it comes to the safety and security of the communities that are close to railroad tracks," Peters said. Peters added that the proposed rule would require shippers to develop consistent plans for safely and securely storing hazardous materials while en route, and ensure that within a specified time period a rail carrier informs the final recipient that it has delivered a hazardous materials rail car. The Department's proposal was developed in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which also issued proposed rules designed to address a range of rail hazardous materials transport security issues. The TSA's proposal would, among other things, require rail carriers and certain facilities to report the location and provide information about hazardous materials shipments to TSA upon request. Public comments on the DOT proposal will be accepted until Feb. 20. A copy of the notice is available on the DOT Web site at www.phmsa.dot.gov. (Fire + Emergency Response E-News 01-03-07)

The Department of Homeland Security today made available for public review an aggressive and comprehensive set of proposed regulations that will improve security at high-risk chemical facilities nationwide. The proposed regulations are expected to be published in the Federal Register next week as an Advanced Notice of Rulemaking and will be available for public comment until February 7, 2007. "The consequences of an attack at a high risk chemical facility could be severe for the health and safety of the citizens in the area and for the national economy," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "Congress has provided the department with a critical new authority to set performance standards that are both sensible and disciplined, allowing owners and operators the flexibility to determine an appropriate mix of security measures at their facility under our supervision and subject to our approval. We're grateful for this new authority, and we intend to implement it quickly and apply it aggressively. The proposed regulations require that chemical facilities fitting certain profiles complete a secure online risk assessment to assist in determining their overall level of risk. High-risk facilities will then be required to conduct vulnerability assessments and submit site security plans that meet the department's performance standards. The department will validate submissions through audits and site inspections, and will provide technical assistance to facility owners and operators as needed. Performance standards will be designed to achieve specific outcomes, such as securing the perimeter and critical targets, controlling access, deterring theft of potentially dangerous chemicals, and preventing internal sabotage. Security strategies necessary to satisfy these standards will depend upon the level of risk at each facility. The proposed regulations provide chemical facilities with two quick and simple opportunities to challenge the disapproval of a site security plan. Failure to comply with performance standards may result in civil penalties up to $25,000 per day, and egregious instances of noncompliance could result in an order to cease operations. Since 2003, the department has worked closely with the chemical industry as well as state and local authorities on strengthening security at chemical facilities throughout the country. Most chemical facilities have already initiated voluntary security programs and made significant investments to achieve satisfactory security levels. The Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007 granted the department authority to regulate the security of high-risk chemical facilities and requires that the proposed regulations be issued by April 4, 2007. The proposed regulations contemplate immediate implementation at the highest risk facilities, and a phased implementation at other chemical facilities that present security risks addressed by the statute, beginning in 2007 and continuing through 2008.

The staff of the Georgetown/ Scott County Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!

We welcome Les to our agency. Les has over 17 years experience working with the US Government and 8 years with the University of Kentucky. He now manages a safety consulting company here in Scott County. Les has worked extensively with OSHA, ANSI, DOE and DOD in safety and inspection roles. Les is a licensed pilot, scuba diver, kayaker, and amateur radio operator. He is active in radio-controlled aircraft and is an avid motorcyclist. Les's experience in swift water rescue and as a member of AES on the response team in radioactive materials division will be a valuable asset to our EMA/OHS team.

Find out about: *Assessing your risk, *How the pandemic flu would affect you, *Which habits stop flu germs, *How to prepare for a pandemic flu outbreak and more... Tuesday, December 5, 2006 (6:30-8:30pm), Scott County Health Center, Community Room, 300 East Washington Street, Georgetown... Call: Gary Stone 866-759-3326 ext.105 or e-mail to: garyk.stone@ky.gov ***Refreshments will be provided***

Interstate 75 southbound in Scott County was closed for about 10 hours after a tanker truck rolled over across all 3 lanes. A Highway Transport truck driver from Ohio, lost control after a tire blew about 7 a.m. near the southbound 128 exit. Chemicals spilled on the interstate were sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite, which can burn the skin and can also burn respiratory passages, if inhaled. They are used to make a cleaning solution. The truck also carried a non-hazardous lubricant. No one was injured by the chemicals and the driver was not seriously injured. Northbound lanes which were also closed because of the chemical spill were reopened by 11:30 a.m. and southbound lanes by about 5:15 p.m. Several Scott County, Georgetown and state agencies responded to the accident.

On November 8, 2006 there will be a full scale exercise with actual role-play and activation of the EOC. This exercise meets and/or exceeds the requirements necessary for our hospital and the requirements by the state/ federal government to help secure funding. Disaster Exercise type: Tornado Date: November 8, 2006, begins at 9am; critique will follow for Command Staff at the EOC. Exercise includes: Actual staged area with mulaged patients; Activation of the EOC; full scale and table top event Participants so far include: Georgetown Community Hospital, Scott County Health Department, Georgetown Fire Department, Scott County Fire Department, Georgetown/ Scott County EMS, Georgetown/ Scott County EMA/ OHS, Scott County Judge Executive’s Office, GMWSS, Scott County Road Department, Scott County Coroner’s Office, Georgetown Police Department, Scott County SO

FEMA Flood Property Buyout Grant Program Contact: Emergency Management Agency/ Office of Homeland Security for more information call: 863-7848

U. S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DISASTER LOANS Declaration: Commonwealth of Kentucky #10670 & #10671 Disaster: # KY - 00008 Incident: Damages caused by Severe Storms and Flooding Occurred: September 22, 2006 through September 29, 2006 Application Filing Deadlines: Physical Damage: December 26, 2006 Economic Injury: July 25, 2007 Contact the Emergency Management Agency/ Office of Homeland Security for more information 863-7848

The Bluegrass Regional Homeland Security Council, the Bluegrass Regional Citizen Corps Council and Scott County EMA/ OHS held a Kentucky Office of Homeland Security Preparedness and Awareness training session at the Scott County EOC on Tuesday, October 10 at 6:00 p.m. 18 people atended the training. This training session was devoted to preparing and making families in Scott County aware of the dangers and disasters that can occur to our county as well as explaining the Medical Reserve Corps program. If you have any questions concerning the Medical Reserve Corps program please contact EMA/OHS via e-mail (use contact page) or call 863-7848.

Disaster Preparedness 2.5 hrs. – 10/24/06 6:30pm; Fire Safety 2.5 hrs. - 11/02/06 6:30pm; 1 Disaster Medical Ops. 2.5 hrs. - 11/07/06 6:30pm; 2 Disaster Medical Ops. 2.5 hrs. - 11/14/06 6:30pm; SAR Ops. 2.5 hrs. - 11/21/06 6:30pm; CERT Organization 1.75 hrs. - 11/28/06 6:30pm; Disaster Psychology .75 hrs. - 11/28/06 6:30pm; Terrorism and CERT 2.5 hrs. - 12/12/06 6:30pm; Review and Simulation 4 hrs. - 12/16/06 8am-12noon

The Bluegrass Regional Security Council, the Bluegrass Regional Citizen Corps Council and Scott County EMA/ OHS invite you to attend a Kentucky of Homeland Security Preparedness and Awareness training session. The training session will be held at the Scott County EOC on Tuesday, October 10 at 6:00 p.m. There will be a three-hour presentation consisting of: 1st Hour: Awareness 2nd Hour: Medical Reserve Corps 3rd Hour: Preparedness The program is devoted to preparing and making families in Scott County aware of the dangers and disasters that can occur to our county. You and members your organization as well as other members of the community are invited to attend, as dinner will be provided. We look forward to seeing you. If you have any questions please contact me via e-mail (use contact page)or call 863-7848.

The Bluegrass Regional Security Council, the Bluegrass Regional Citizen Corps Council and Scott County EMA/ OHS invite you to attend a Kentucky of Homeland Security Preparedness and Awareness training session. The training session will be held at the Scott County EOC on Tuesday, September 26 at 6:00 p.m. There will be a three-hour presentation consisting of: 1st Hour: Awareness 2nd Hour: Medical Reserve Corps 3rd Hour: Preparedness The program is devoted to preparing and making families in Scott County aware of the dangers and disasters that can occur to our county. You and members your organization as well as other members of the community are invited to attend, as dinner will be provided. We look forward to seeing you. If you have any questions please contact me via e-mail or call 863-7848.

The location is the Emergency Operations Center, 2200 Cincinnati Pike in Georgetown, Kentucky. "CERT provides training in emergency preparedness and basic response techniques enabling citizens to take a more active role in personal and public safety. Each CERT member completes 20-24 hours of training on disaster preparedness, basic disaster medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, and other essential topics. The training also includes a disaster simulation in which participants practice skills they learned throughout the course. In the event of an emergency, CERT members can provide immediate assistance to victims, assist in organizing spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site and provide critical support to first responders." For more information about CERT and how you can become involved contact the Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security at 502-863-7848.

On July 1, 2006 Eric Westerfield was promoted from Response Officer to the rank of Captain. Westerfield does an excellent job for the Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security. Westerfield scored very high on his promotional exam and we are very proud to have him as a part of our team. Congratulations Eric!

CERT must receive additional cross training beyond what they receive in their academy or teams will lose KOHS funding. This will hurt the small rural poor counties in Kentucky that rely on CERT as support in the event of a disaster.

CERT members are being told them must now be a part of or cross train with the Fire Department, EMS, VIPS, MRC or Fire Corps. Again if they do not the team is no longer eligible for KOHS funding.

CERT volunteers are special people; they are dedicated individuals who have unselfishly donated their time and energies to give back to their communities. If they wanted to be professional EMT's or Firefighters they would have pursued that career. If they wanted to be a part of Volunteering in Police (VIPS), Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) or Fire Corps they would join. You can not or should not try to force volunteers to do something they do not wish to do or you will lose them. All of these programs are great but people have the right to join or not and funding should not be the criteria.

Some of the reasons mentioned by the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security (KOHS) for doing this are:

1. CERT teams do not fit into the ICS structure. As long as CERT follows NIMS this is not an issue. Cross training with Fire Corps or MRC will not improve CERT operating within the ICS structure.

2. The numbers being trained under CERT over the course of three years have almost been surpassed in six months through the current approach. This is not true. The current approach does not provide the knowledge and training that a CERT team member receives by going through a CERT program. The “training exercises” are poorly attended in the Bluegrass Region and the BGRCCC will not support these trainings.

3. Help ease some of the liability issues in the current system. This is no more an issue than with any of the other programs. CERT members are protected under the Good Samaritan Laws, Volunteer Protection, Volunteer Immunity, Liability Limitation, Shield Laws, and Charitable Immunity.

Jack L. Donovan was appointed the Director of the Georgetown/ Scott County Office of Homeland Security on Friday, March 10, 2006 by Judge Executive George Lusby and Mayor Everette Varney. The director plans and formulates operating policies for the Homeland Security programs and establishes program priorities. He will oversee the effectiveness of the Emergency Action Guidelines and/or the Emergency Operations Plan. He will evaluate current programs and direct the implementation of changes and/or new programs. He will analyze current risk and vulnerability to the county including all cities and make necessary recommendations. The director keeps the county and cities, emergency response agencies and others informed of new laws, policies, and other critical information. He establishes long and short term goals, compiles and maintains a roster of countywide/statewide resources and prepares a budget and approves all requests for purchasing for the office. The director works with local officials to establish community policy and procedures regarding Homeland Security issues. He will address community groups, public officials, public agencies, industry, media, and others on the topics of Homeland Security. The director also directs the exercising of the Emergency Action Guidelines and/or the Emergency Operations Plan as well as community and business plans.

We will be hosting our second NWS Severe Weather Spotter Class on March 14 at 7pm. The location is the Emergency Operations Center, 2200 Cincinnati Pike in central Scott County. Call 502)-863-7848 for more information. The class is FREE and open to the public.

Scott County is proud to welcome its second group of Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT) graduates that will provide an invaluable service to our community in the event of a disaster. "CERT provides training in emergency preparedness and basic response techniques enabling citizens to take a more active role in personal and public safety. Each CERT member completes 20-24 hours of training on disaster preparedness, basic disaster medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, and other essential topics. The training also includes a disaster simulation in which participants practice skills they learned throughout the course. In the event of an emergency, CERT members can provide immediate assistance to victims, assist in organizing spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site and provide critical support to first responders." For more information about CERT and how you can become involved contact the Emergency Management Agency at 502-863-7848.

The location is the Emergency Operations Center, 2200 Cincinnati Pike in Georgetown, Kentucky. "CERT provides training in emergency preparedness and basic response techniques enabling citizens to take a more active role in personal and public safety. Each CERT member completes 20-24 hours of training on disaster preparedness, basic disaster medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, and other essential topics. The training also includes a disaster simulation in which participants practice skills they learned throughout the course. In the event of an emergency, CERT members can provide immediate assistance to victims, assist in organizing spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site and provide critical support to first responders." For more information about CERT and how you can become involved contact the Emergency Management Agency at 502-863-7848. The schedule is as follows: Module 1 Disaster Preparedness 11/28/05, 6:30 PM; Module 2 Fire Safety 12/05/05, 6:30 PM; Module 3 1 Disaster Medical Ops. 12/12/05, 6:30 PM; Module 4 2 Disaster Medical Ops. 12/19/05, 6:30 PM; Module 5 Search and Rescue Ops. 01/09/06, 6:30 PM; Module 6 CERT Organization 01/23/06, 6:30 PM; Module 7 Disaster Psychology 01/23/06, 8:15 PM; Module 8 Terrorism and CERT 01/30/06, 6:30 PM; Review and Simulation 02/04/06, 8 AM - 12:30 PM

On February 14, 2006, and March 14, 2006, the Georgetown/Scott County Emergency Management Agency will be hosting two NWS Severe Weather Spotters Classes. The time will be 7pm for both classes and the location is the Emergency Operations Center, 2200 Cincinnati Pike in central Scott County. Call (502)-863-7848 for more information. The classes are FREE and open to the public.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jason Keller, Office of the Governor): Governor Ernie Fletcher and Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence announced today that Major Alecia Webb-Edgington has been appointed as the Executive Director for the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. Edgington has served as the Interim Director of the office since June. "Throughout her distinguished twenty year career in law enforcement, Alecia has been a talented public servant, with an outstanding record of achievement and a deep commitment to the cause of justice," said Gov. Ernie Fletcher. "I am confident that her extensive background and experience make her an excellent fit for Director of Homeland Security." Lt. Governor Steve Pence added, "Alecia understands the need to work closely with all of our state's First Responders because he has shared their vantage point. She has a proven record of leadership and I look forward to working with her as we continue to implement Kentucky's prevention-focused homeland security strategy." Prior to serving as Interim Director, Major Edgington was the office's Deputy Director for Operations and Prevention Initiatives. In this role, she led the establishment of an information and intelligence fusion center for the Commonwealth. Previously, Major Edgington served as the Chief Information Officer of the Kentucky State Police (KSP) with the responsibility for the force's Homeland Security efforts. While serving as the highest ranking female in the Kentucky State Police force, Edgington was elected by her colleagues in November of 2004 to serve as President of Kentucky Women in Law Enforcement. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminology from Western Kentucky University and obtained her Masters in Criminal Justice from Eastern Kentucky University. Currently, Major Edgington lives in the Kenton County with her husband, Ted, and daughter, Jill. "I am grateful to Governor Fletcher and Lt. Governor Steve Pence for the confidence they have shown in me through this appointment," said Major Alecia Webb-Edgington. "Ensuring the effective implementation of Kentucky's prevention initiatives in vitally important to our state's overall preparedness, and I look forward to working with all of Kentucky's law enforcement, fire, EMS and other emergency personnel to ensure Kentucky's communities, First Responders and families have the resources they need to be ready and prepared."

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that Kentucky was the first state in the nation to complete the National Incident Management System Capability Assessment Support Tool (NIMCAST), the first step in the process to reaching full National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliance. The NIMCAST is a web-based, self-assessment system that state agencies and local jurisdictions used to evaluate their response and management capabilities for incidents. Scott County had 28 government and emergency agencies/ entities participate in the process with all successfully completing. The next step in the process is completion of the IS (Independent Study)-700 course, which explains the purpose, principles, key components and benefits of NIMS.

"The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security announced today the addition of Todd McCoy of Burkesville, KY to serve as the office's new Preparedness Integration Director. McCoy will assist in the assimilation of other state agencies into Kentucky’s overall homeland security strategy. McCoy, who served until just recently as the State Bio-Terrorism Coordinator for the Department for Public Health (DPH), has also served in senior level positions within the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC). As Preparedness Integration Director, McCoy will work to incorporate various disparate federal, state and local agencies into the states homeland security strategy. These initiatives include assisting in the implementation of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), coordination of the states 14 Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Teams, and integration of all the state's preparedness resources to further the state's homeland security strategy." (Jason Keller, KY Homeland Security)

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced $9,657,138 in intercity bus security grants, reinforcing the Administration’s commitment to protecting our nation’s traveling public. The Intercity Bus Security Grant Program enhances security for the millions of passengers who travel using our nation’s buses on a daily basis.

Module 1 Disaster Preparedness 04/05/05, 6:30 PM; Module 2 Fire Safety 04/19/05, 6:30 PM; Module 3 1 Disaster Medical Ops. 04/26/05, 6:30 PM; Module 4 2 Disaster Medical Ops. 05/03/05, 6:30 PM; Module 5 Search and Rescue Ops. 05/10/05, 6:30 PM; Module 6 CERT Organization 05/17/05, 6:30 PM; Module 7 Disaster Psychology 05/17/05, 8:15 PM; Module 8 Terrorism and CERT 05/24/05, 6:30 PM; Review and Simulation 06/04/05, 8 AM - ?

Toyota has recently installed (2) Severe Weather Sirens, one located at Gate 4 and the other at Gate 7. Toyota is the first facility in Scott County to join the efforts of EMA in providing early warning during severe weather to the citizens of Scott County. During a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting an invitation was given to the industrial community to install a siren on their property. The 911 Center or the EMA office can activate the sirens during severe weather. They can also be activated during a chemical release on the facilities property by the facility itself, by the 911 Center or by EMA. This is a great early warning tool that will protect Toyota employees and neighbors living near the facility.

Scott County will host its first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Academy beginning March 29, 2005 at 6:30pm. The location will be the Emergency Operations Center, 2200 Cincinnati Pike in Georgetown, Kentucky. "CERT provides training in emergency preparedness and basic response techniques enabling citizens to take a more active role in personal and public safety. Each CERT member completes 20 hours of training on disaster preparedness, basic disaster medical operations, fire safety, light search and rescue, and other essential topics. The training also includes a disaster simulation in which participants practice skills they learned throughout the course. In the event of an emergency, CERT members can provide immediate assistance to victims, assist in organizing spontaneous volunteers at a disaster site and provide critical support to first responders." For more information about CERT and how you can become involved contact the Emergency Management Agency at 502-863-7848.

Frankfort, KY: "Governor Ernie Fletcher today announced the resignation of Maxwell Clay Bailey as Secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Bailey will become the new Director of the Department of Emergency Management. Before being appointed as Transportation Secretary, Maxwell Clay Bailey spent 32 years with the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant General, retiring in March 2002. General Bailey's last assignment in the Air Force was Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command, where he oversaw the deployment of special operations forces in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. After his military service ended, Secretary Bailey developed programs to assist Kentucky law enforcement agencies with Homeland Security through the Department of Criminal Justice Training." (DMA E-News)

Governor Ernie Fletcher promoted Keith A. Hall to the position of Director of Homeland Security on November 21, 2004. As Director, Hall is responsible for managing and coordinating the Commonwealth’s readiness initiatives and allocating millions of federal Homeland Security funds to public and private preparedness partners. Director Hall has selected Andrew Cline as his Deputy Director.

On February 15, 2005, and March 15, 2005, the Georgetown/Scott County Emergency Management Agency will be hosting two NWS Severe Weather Spotters Classes. The time will be 7pm for both classes and the location is the Emergency Operations Center, 2200 Cincinnati Pike in central Scott County. Call (502)-863-7848 for more information. The classes are FREE and open to the public.

EMA units along with SCFD, GFD, GPD, SCSO, KSP, City, County, State Highway Departments responded to problems from severe weather throughout Scott county. Heavy rain, high wind, and flooding caused emergency personnel to be inundated with calls. A possible F-2 tornado in the Indian Creek area heavily damaged a barn, twisted trees and damaged vehicles.

Hazmat suited up in level A suits to investigate a yellow fog/smoke coming from a local garbage truck. A foaming root killer was found (Copper Sulfate Penta Hydrate) and another unknown product spilled which from a container. Purdue Environmental was called in to assist and no single chemical was found that would cause the yellow fog/smoke. It appeared to be a result of various chemicals (household) mixing together. Purdue Environmental handled the cleanup and product disposal. The following agencies were on scene; EMA, GFD, Hazmat, State Fire Marshal, EMS, GPD, Georgetown Public Works and Parks. A public works employee was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

An individual attempting to steal Anhydrous Ammonia from the Kentucky Heat Treating Facility in Georgetown caused a major leak evacuating homes and businesses in the area. Items were left behind by the thief when he or she was overcome by the leaking product. A large water fog stream was applied to the product plume and Hazmat turned off the leaking valve. The following agencies responded to the scene; EMA, SCFD, GFD, Hazmat, GPD, SO and Georgetown Pubic Works. A police Officer was transported to the Hospital with minor respiratory problems. The individual attempting to steal the product managed to flee the scene. Items left on the scene where confiscated for evidence. An investigation is pending.

At approximately 8pm on April 29, 2004 a intoxicated driver backed over the gasoline pumps of a local Marathon Station causing the fuel to ignite. The safety break away feature of the pump was damaged allowing fuel to continue to feed flames that reached up to the top of the stations canopy. The vehicle lodged itself on the pump island and caught on fire as well. The vehicles fuel tank ruptured adding additional heat and flame intensity. EMA along with SCFD, GFD, Hazmat, EMS, GPD, Georgetown Water/Sewer, State Fire Marshal and Purdue Environmental responded to the scene.

Governor Fletcher announced March 15, 2004 that Erwin Roberts will serve as the Executive Director for the Office of Homeland Security. The Office of Homeland Security is responsible to prevent hostile attacks against the Commonwealth; reduce the Commonwealth's vulnerability to these attacks; and minimize the damage and recovery from attacks that do occur. "It is a tremendous honor to be appointed Executive Director of Homeland Security by Governor Fletcher," said Erwin Roberts. "I look forward to working with federal, state, and local agencies and the private sector to strengthen homeland security in Kentucky." Erwin Roberts received his Bachelors in History from Transylvania University in 1994 and graduated from the University of Kentucky School of Law in 1997. After law school, Roberts became an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney in Fayette County. As Assistant US Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky, Roberts served as the Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council Coordinator and Chief Information Officer and was a member of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. As the Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council Coordinator, Roberts organized and lead monthly anti-terrorism meetings; facilitated information sharing and cooperation between federal, state and local agencies. In addition, Roberts assisted with national anti-terrorism initiatives and acted as the liaison with Department of Justice Counter Terrorism Section and the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security Coordination. As the anti-terrorism attorney for the US Attorney's office, Roberts was responsible for prosecuting anti-terrorism matters and cases. Currently, Roberts serves as a First Lieutenant in the US Army Reserve JAG Corps.

PADGETT, William R. "Ronn", 57, of Lexington, husband of Muriel Amos "Mickey" Padgett passed away Fri., April 2, 2004. Ronn was born Fri., July 26, 1946, the son of William Fisher and Isabel Lanham Padgett of Perryville, Ky. He retired in 2002 as the Director of the Ky. Division of Emergency Management. He was a graduate of Centre College and held a masters degree in public administration. He was commissioned in the U.S. Navy in 1969 and retired as a Lt. Col. in the National Guard. He was deeply involved in the Partners of the Americas. He was a member and past president of the Ky.-Ecuador Partners and served two terms as a board member and one term as treasurer on the International Board of Directors of the Partners of the Americas. He was a recipient of a Kellogg Fellowship in International Development. He was a member of several professional organizations including KEMA, NEMA, CUSEC and the KYNGA. In retirement he worked with FEMA and as a consultant. In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by his children, Gretchen Honican, Kathleen Padgett, and Bomark Padgett; two grandchildren, Abigail and Griffin Honican; a brother, Kenneth L. Padgett; nieces and nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be 2 pm Tues., April 6th at Crestwood Christian Church. Burial will be private. Visitation will be 3 - 5 pm and 7 - 9 pm Mon., April 5th at Whitehall Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be directed to Kentucky-Ecuador Partners, c/o Kay Roberts, 102 Bradley Hall, University of Ky., Lexington, KY 40506-0058.

On February 10, 2004, and March 9, 2004, the Georgetown/Scott County Emergency Management Agency conducted two NWS Severe Weather Spotters Classes. The total attendance was 55 people, EMA hosts two Spotter classes per year. The location was the Emergency Operations Center, 2200 Cincinnati Pike in central Scott County. The classes were FREE and open to the public.

On February 10, 2004, and March 9, 2004, the Georgetown/Scott County Emergency Management Agency will be hosting two NWS Severe Weather Spotters Classes. The time will be 7pm for both classes and the location is the Emergency Operations Center, 2200 Cincinnati Pike in central Scott County. Call (502)-863-7848 for more information. The classes are FREE and open to the public.

In Memory of Ted James: Ted James, 7 year veteran EMA Communication/ Response Officer (Unit 503) suddenly passed away December 18, 2001 losing his battle with cancer. Ted was very dedicated to EMA and unselfishly served his community with pride. We will miss Ted very much and we are all blessed to have known him. Unit number 503 will be retired in his memory.