MEMA Changes After September 11

A Publication Featuring The Information Services Technology of Maine State Government

Following the terrorist related actions of September 11 Governor King, his staff, and other key agency officials, relocated to the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). MEMA and key state agencies immediately started staffing the EOC on a 24 hour, seven day basis, by running two twelve hour shifts per day. Within a few days, those hours were decreased to 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. As time passed and no new incidents occurred, hours of operation and the number of people in the EOC continued to decrease. Currently the EOC is staffed Sunday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Anthrax A major percentage of current EOC activities are related to concerns about anthrax. We have established a computer link to the Health Environmental Testing Lab database that tracks Weapons of Mass Destruction related samples. MEMA uses this database to enter identification information for each sample, and the name and telephone number of who to notify when test results are known. MEMA notifies the submitting agency (usually local police or fire departments) of test results as they become available. During most of this time, members of the Maine Army National Guard’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team have been present in the EOC to provide technical advice, and to assist with handling the more difficult incidents. Local responders and MEMA have greatly appreciated their presence.

During the period from October 10 to November 15 we have handled 337 possible anthrax exposure incidents resulting in 287 samples being submitted to the Public Health Lab for further examination. Every sample that has been tested has shown "no B. Anthrasis found."

The events related to the 911 disasters and their resulting impact on the State Emergency Operations Center, have caused us to reassess emergency operations plans. One of the items we want to improve is the integration of the governor’s staff, other key personnel, and the media into our rather limited space for long duration events. Discussions and planning are ongoing. We have already started working with the Bureau of Information Services to resolve phone and network issues that caused problems when the facility was staffed to capacity.

The events of September 11 have had a significant impact on MEMA’s daily operations and staff. We are all working different hours and more of them than we were prior to September 11. While at first overtime may be welcomed by many, on a long term basis these additional demands can wear on staff and their families. We are trying to be conscious of this and to accommodate individual needs as much as possible.

MEGIS The events of September 11 have further cemented our already good relationship with the Maine Office of Geographic Information Systems (MEGIS). We have worked with them to identify and geographically locate essential facilities in Maine that could be possible terrorist targets. Consequently many of these facilities are enhancing their security measures and procedures.

Emergency Management Free Courses If you are interested in learning more, in order to make a positive contribution, the FEMA Web site (http://www.fema.gov/emi/ishome.htm)has free Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Independent Study courses available on a variety of topics. These self-paced courses are designed for both the general public, and people who have emergency management responsibilities. Each Independent Study Course includes lessons with practice exercises and a final examination. Those who score 75 percent correct or better on the test are issued a certificate of completion by EMI that is suitable for framing. The average course completion time is 10-12 hours.

Currently there are 26 courses available for computer download, and courses are also available in other formats for the visually impaired. The following courses could be of particular interest to homeowners: "IS-394 Mitigation for Homeowners" and "IS-10 Animals in Disaster - Module A Awareness and Preparedness." Mitigation reduces damage and shortens recovery periods for homeowners; and people who have pets or farm animals need to plan ahead for the safety and comfort of their animals during unusual events. Other courses pertain to proper construction of buildings in coastal areas and how federal disaster assistance programs work.

Drought Concerns MEMA has been receiving numerous reports of dry wells. Most of these are of the dug variety with an occasional drilled well being reported as low or dry. People who have never had a problem in the past are now experiencing inadequate water supply problems. As we head into the winter season the likelihood of enough rain being received to recharge aquifers and ground water supplies before the ground freezes is quickly diminishing.

People who depend on wells should prioritize their water usage if they have had problems with their water supply in the past, or if they have concerns about the adequacy of their water supply.

The latest Drought Task Force Report can be accessed through MEMA’s Web site at http://www.maine.gov/mema/. These reports contain links to additional information sources as well as sources of possible assistance.

Volume IV, Issue 12	December 2001