The Responder - St. Clair Times

St. Clair County is one of the six counties affected by the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program in Alabama. CSEPP deals with the chemical weapons currently being stored and destroyed at Anniston Army Depot. Calhoun County, the home of the Depot, is surrounded by St. Clair, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah and Talladega counties. The destruction of the most dangerous of the nerve agents, GB and VX, has been completed. Distilled mustard is still being destroyed, but the GB and the VX were the two most potent and threatening agents in Anniston. During the time the CSEP Program has been underway in Alabama, all six counties have received funds to keep all their emergency response systems in top condition. St. Clair is no exception to this. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency has received funding to upgrade and improve its Emergency Operations Center (EOC), an improved automation system, training for law enforcement, firefighters and other first responders, an updated and improved communications system, and advanced warning and communications equipment for emergency responders and schools. St. Clair County now has numerous OUTDOOR warning sirens scattered throughout the county. All these sirens help keep our county’s citizens safe by giving EMA the capability to warn them not only of a chemical incident but also of hazards such as tornadoes, a hazardous materials or radiological accident in the county, or a dam failure. All homes and businesses in the county should have a means of receiving INDOOR warnings about natural or manmade hazards, and an Emergency Alert Radio is the best way to get this information. These radios are available at most stores that carry electronics, and

are available in a wide price range. They will broadcast alerts about severe weather dangers in the local area, and also notices about any chemical incident at the Depot. County citizens have been provided information, by several means, about what the different siren tones mean and what to do if they hear them. Information has been provided so they may know what to do in case of many types of emergencies – chemical related or otherwise. St. Clair residents have been given information on how to make an Emergency Preparedness Plan (and why they should), how to stock a Disaster Supply Kit, and what to do in case they are hit by many different types of natural disasters or a chemical incident. Learning from the thousands of people affected by recent disasters, everyone should know by now the importance of an Emergency Preparedness Plan. The main purpose of that Plan should be knowing what to do as a group to deal with many different types of disasters, being prepared to take care of yourselves for at least 72 hours after a disaster strikes, and having a Disaster Supply Kit ready. Many agencies within St. Clair County help the county when a disaster does strike. These may vary according to what the disaster is, or if it is large enough all of them may be involved. All police departments and the Sheriff’s Department work together to be sure officers are well trained and equipped. All paid and volunteer fire departments work with the Fire & EMS Association as well as St. Clair EMA to obtain equipment and training. Training using various scenarios is held as often as possible to keep the skills of these first responders sharp and keep the safety level of the county’s citizens as high as possible. There are also many volunteers who help in various ways during disasters. Many of these volunteers are retirees, but others have full time jobs. They all donate their time to help the citizens of St. Clair County, not only in times of actual disaster but during training and exercises to develop skills needed during times of crisis. Whether they are in the Emergency Operations Center, helping in a Red Cross shelter, as part of the ham radio operators’ network, serving as a weather spotter during severe weather, or in one of the many other ways volunteers help, they are there when they are needed.

Contact Clay County EMA at (256) 396-5886 or log on to www.areyoureadygoEMA.com

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

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Contact St. Clair EMA at (205) 884-6800 or log on to www.areyoureadygoEMA.comContact St. Clair EMA at (205) 884-6800 or log on to www.areyoureadygoEMA.com

Paid for by the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program

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Citizen ReadinessA Priority for St. Clair County EMA

St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency staff. Your best defense is preparedness – before, during and after an emergency. The emergency might involve only your home or neighborhood, or it might be a statewide or even national event. Local, state and federal agencies are ready to respond. However, families should be prepared to take care of themselves for at least three days - 72 hours - after an emergency. An Emergency Preparedness Plan and Disaster Supply Kit will help you survive many different types of emergencies. Emergency preparedness is your responsibility, so be ready! This emblem is a reminder that you should be prepared to take care of

yourself and your familyfor at least three days

— 72 hours —after an emergency.

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St. Clair TimesThursday, April 21, 2011

provided by: St. Clair County EMA

Emergency Management Preparedness For All Hazards


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Contact St. Clair EMA at (205) 884-6800 or log on to www.areyoureadygoEMA.com

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Your best defense is preparedness – before, during, and after an emergency. The emergency might involve only your home or neighborhood, or it might be a statewide or even national event. Local, state, and federal agencies are ready to respond. However, families should be prepared to take care of themselves for at least three days – 72 hours – after an emergency. Many citizens were unprepared for recent disasters and suffered unnecessary stress and disruption. An emergency preparedness plan will help you determine what is needed to survive many different types of emergencies. Emergency preparedness is your responsibility, so be ready! To be able to make an Emergency Preparedness Plan, first you must: Do your homework – •Determinethehazards,bothnaturalandmanmade,thatcouldaffectyou,yourfamily,andyourcommunity.

Many of these hazards are listed in greater detail elsewhere in this insert. •Learnabout theEmergencyAlertSystemanddeterminewhichof theTVandradiostationsyoucan

receive in various locations in your home. •Knowwhatplansareinplaceatyourchild’sschooltodealwithdifferenttypesofemergenciesduring

school hours. Know what actions, if any, school officials ask parents to take during these emergencies. •Haveasecondaryplacetostayuntiltheemergencyisover,incaseyourhomeorcommunityisaffected. •Determinemasscare/stormshelterlocationsnearyourhome,work,etc. •Becomefamiliarwithemergencyplansatwork,church,andotherplaceswhereyourfamilyspendstime. •KnowwhattodoifyouaretoldtoShelterinPlace,Evacuate,orjuststayalertforfurtherinstructions. When you have gathered the necessary information, you are ready to: Create an Emergency Preparedness Plan – •Havea familymeetinganddiscussemergencypreparedness.Besureall familymembersknowwhat

to do during different types of emergency situations, whether at home, work, school or elsewhere in the community. Be sure to plan how children will be cared for if parents are not able to get home, or how disabled persons will be cared for if health professionals cannot reach them.

•DeterminetheshelterroomsinyourhometouseforsevereweatherandShelterinPlace. •CreateaDisasterSupplyKit,usingtheinformationinthisinsert. •BesureallfamilymembersknowthelocationofyourshelterroomsandtheDisasterSupplyKit. •Establisha“familycontact”inanothertown.Besureeveryfamilymemberknowsthecontact’stelephone

number. If family members are separated during an emergency, they can call the out-of-town contact and tell them where they are.

•Teachresponsiblefamilymemberswhenandhowtoturnoffthewater,gas,andelectricityatthemainswitch. •Teachchildrenwhenandhowtocall911. To further aid family members in getting help quickly when needed: Have easy access to emergency information – •Postemergencytelephonenumbersbythephone, includingdoctors,schools,parents’worknumbers,

nearby relatives who might assist young children, etc. •Keepalistoftheseemergencytelephonenumbersinyourwallet. When you have completed these steps and your family knows what to do: Practice and maintain your plan – •Everysixmonths,holdanotherfamilymeetingandreviewyourplan.Makechangesasyourfamily’sneeds

and circumstances change. •Conductemergencyevacuationdrillsofyourhome,soeveryoneknowswhattodoandwheretomeet

outside in case of a fire or another home emergency. •InyourDisasterSupplyKit,replaceemergencywaterandfoodsuppliesasneeded,testandreplacebatteriesin

radios and flashlights, and replace outgrown clothing or outdated supplies.

Do You Have An Emergency Preparedness Plan?Do you know what to do?

Disaster Care for Pets For most people, their pets are almost a part of their family and they take care of them as if they were. But in an emergency or disaster situation, pets may be overlooked in the stress of making sure all human family members are taken care of, or they may be frightened by the confusion around them. It’s important to remember that pets will not know what to do. Use the following tips to help prepare yourself and your pets for dangerous situations.

• When you hold your emergency preparedness meeting, discuss things to do to be sure your pets are prepared for emergencies.

• Place stickers on your doors to let emergency personnel know there are pets in your home.

• When you prepare your Disaster Supply Kit, be sure to include the items listed for pets. You might add a couple of things to the important documents package – photographs of your pet from several angles, a written physical description including any markings or scars, and a copy of vaccination records and other papers to make identification easier if you get separated.

• If you have to evacuate, be sure to take your pets if you can.

• If you have to go to a shelter and that shelter allows pets, you must have the items mentioned in the Disaster Supply Kit list. You must have food and water for your pets, they must stay in carriers or cages, and you must have supplies to clean up after them.

• To avoid the possibility of not being able to take pets into a shelter with you, you should make advance preparations with a friend or family member where you and your pets can stay. Be sure that location is in an area not likely to be affected when your home is, or that it has a shelter room large enough to accommodate all of you.

For extreme weather situations, be aware of the special needs of outdoor pets and livestock. In extremely cold weather, be sure outdoor pets and other animals have adequate shelter, warm bedding, plenty of food and an unfrozen water supply. In very hot weather, be sure they have extra water and a cool, shaded place to rest. Never leave any animal in a car or truck in hot weather.

Are you one of the many millions of people who have a cell phone? Do you take it every-where you go, keep it handy in your pocket, on your belt or in your purse? That phone can be a lifeline, as many of you know. It can be used to make 911 calls, often just by hitting one but-ton. But it can also be useful to you if you are injured, unconscious, or unable to respond to emergency personnel with information about yourself or how to contact a loved one. In your phone’s contact list, program in the name and contact information of the person you want emergency personnel to contact in case you are injured in any kind of accident and are unable to speak. This is known as In Case of Emergency information, or ICE. Put ICE at the beginning of the listing of the person who is your emergency contact, along with their name and all their contact informa-tion – cell number, work number, home num-ber – or anything that would help authorities notify them. If you are seriously injured, most emer-gency personnel will try to retrieve your cell phone and check it, looking for the ICE designation. Yes, they can identify you with information in your wallet such as Driver’s License, etc., but does that have any informa-tion on who to contact? The ICE listing in your cell phone could speed up the process a great deal. It could also be potentially life-saving for you, since your contact might be able to provide important medical informa-tion to responders if you have any severe drug allergies, medical problems, etc.

Program ICE in Cell Phone


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Renovations Completedat the St. Clair County Emergency Operations Center

Disaster Supply KitYour family should have a Disaster Supply Kit in your home. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least three days – 72 hours – after an emergency. All supplies in your Kit should be sufficient to last for at least this time period. Your Kit should be stored in a portable, waterproof container, in a spot in your home that is easily accessible and known to everyone in your family, in your shelter room if possible. Wheeled garbage cans, wheeled plastic storage boxes or wheeled waterproof suitcases make good Kit containers. The critical items you would need in case you have to Evacuate should be stored in a smaller, more portable container such as a backpack, within your Disaster Supply Kit. Prescriptions and other necessary daily items that cannot be stored in your Kit should be kept in a bag that can be taken easily if you have to Shelter in Place or Evacuate. Your Disaster Supply Kit should contain the following items, depending on your needs:

• Battery powered radio, extra batteries • Battery powered flashlight(s),

extra batteries • 1 gal. of water per person/day, for 72

hours/3 days, or more • Non-perishable foods in airtight

containers, enough for 72 hours/3 days • Manual can opener • First Aid Kit • Sleeping bags or blankets • Lighter, matches and candles in

waterproof container • Fire extinguisher, ABC type • Loud whistle • Change of clothing & shoes for every

family member • Rain gear & work gloves • Soap, toilet paper, paper towels, tooth-

brushes & toothpaste, feminine supplies • Plastic garbage bags & ties, sheet plastic

and duct or painter’s tape • Supplies for elderly and/or baby, if needed • Tools to turn off utilities, if required • Small amount of money – cash & change • Extra vehicle and house keys • Extra glasses, hearing aid batteries, etc.,

if needed • Games, books, pencils & paper,

toys for children • Pet supplies, if needed. (Food & water for

3 days, vaccination records & vet contact info, leash, carrier, cleanup supplies, etc.

• Emergency Contacts list • COPIES of any important documents about

your family or home you might need after a disaster (Social Security numbers, birth certificates or adoption papers, wills, all types insurance policies, health cards, credit card & bank account numbers, real estate deeds, previous year’s tax return, inventory of valuables, etc.) Store in a waterproof container within the smaller Evacuation container.


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Residents Should Be Ready For Severe Weather Any Time of Year

TORNADO SAFETY

Tornadoes are violent, rotating columns of air that descend from thunderstorm clouds to come in contact with the ground. The southeastern United States typically experiences two tornado seasons each year, during the spring months of March-May, and the fall months of November and December. But tornadoes have occurred in every month and during every hour of the day and night. They form quickly and you may have only a few seconds to react and find shelter.

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

A “Tornado Warning” means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar and you must seek shelter immediately.

If you are at home, go to your shelter room on the lowest floor in the center of the house. Basements and small interior rooms such as closets or bathrooms offer the most protection. Take your Disaster Supply Kit with you if it is not already in your shelter room. Avoid windows, doors, outside walls, and large rooms such as the living room. Protect yourself from flying debris with pillows, blankets, quilts or coats. Hold a thick pillow over your head.

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

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

If you are in a car or mobile home, leave immediately and go to a more substantial structure. If no shelter is available, lie on your stomach in a ditch and cover your head with your hands or a blanket or coat. Be alert for possible flooding of the area.

After the tornado has passed, check for injuries. Don’t attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in danger.

Watch for broken glass and downed power lines. Use caution in and around damaged buildings in case they are no longer structurally sound.

REMEMBER: TORNADOES CAN OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING!

Alabama and St. Clair County recently observed Severe Weather Preparedness Week. If you look at the many weather possibilities that Alabama and the South may experience, you see that we probably have a wider variety of severe weather than most other parts of the country. During any given year St. Clair County has the possibility of experiencing severe thunderstorms, hail, lightning storms, floods, snow, ice, tornadoes, hurricanes, wind damage, severe heat, and droughts. This is a mind-boggling and very scary list when you start thinking about the many different preparations needed to deal with the many types of severe weather. But you should not let that list discourage you from making advance preparations. You may not be able to prevent damage from severe weather, whatever form it takes, but you do have the power to lessen the impact of that weather on yourself, your family, and your community. Everyone should be aware of the different types of severe weather, the seasons when they are most likely to occur, and precautions to take against them. For instance, you cannot stop a tornado that is heading directly for your home, but you CAN have an Emergency Alert Radio and receive the advance warning that it is coming, or know the warning siren tones that mean a tornado is in the area. You CAN have a storm shelter prepared, with a Disaster Supply Kit,

and get your family and loved ones into that shelter. You and your family CAN survive that tornado and be ready to rebuild or repair your home, without the sorrow of losing loved ones or having them severely injured. If you would like more information about preparing for severe weather, you may go online to the St. Clair County website at www.stclairco.com and click on EMA on the left side of the page. This will take you to the EMA page, where many different types of preparedness information are available. You may also view weather information from the National Weather Service online at www.srh.noaa.gov/bmx. Emergency information is also available at www.areyoureadygoema.com.

REMEMBER: TORNADOES CAN OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING!


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Thunderstorm and Lightning Safety

Responding to the threat of dangerous thunderstorms

Lightning strikes can be powerful and deadly. Stay indoors, because no place outside is safe when lightning is in the area.

Thunderstorms are most common in Alabama between March and August. Lightning, damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes and flash floods are dangers that can accompany thunderstorms. Warnings may be given in advance of severe thunderstorms if they have a history of causing damaging winds, tornadoes or large hail. · When a thunderstorm is expected, pick up loose

objects outdoors so they cannot become projectiles in the wind.

· Stay in a sturdy building during the storm. If no building is available, take cover in a car or other structure that can give you some protection from the wind, rain and possible hail. If in a forest, seek shel-ter in a low area under a dense growth of small trees.

Lightning is contained in every thunderstorm. You do not have to be standing directly under the cloud to be struck. Lightning can strike under clear skies as long as the thunderstorm cloud is nearby.

· If you can see or hear a thunderstorm coming, take

cover. Stay away from windows and open doorways. · Stay away from lakes, streams, and rivers. If you are

swimming or boating, get to land immediately and take cover.

· Keep away from all metal objects such as fences, power lines, bicycles, farm equipment, golf carts, motorcycles, lawnmowers, etc.

· Avoid using a corded telephone. Cordless and cell phones are safer.

· Keep away from high places, open fields, isolated trees and tall objects such as flagpoles, towers, bleachers, etc.

· If caught in an open area without shelter, go to the lowest nearby area such as a gully, drainage ditch or other depression and stay low.

· If you feel your hair stand on end, lightning may be about to strike. Squat down and place your hands on your knees. Do not place your hands on the ground. DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND.

Floods are the most costly, damaging and deadly weather-related hazard. St. Clair County is especially susceptible to flooding from the Coosa River and its tributaries during times of heavy and sustained rains. If you live in a flood-prone area it is especially important that you be prepared. Determine the nearest safe area above flood level, develop an escape plan, and remember many roads, bridges and other areas may be covered by flood waters.

FLOOD SAFETYTree Photo by Bob Crisp

Always obey the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: The first 30 means take cover if you hear thunder within 30 seconds of seeing the lightning flash. The sec-ond 30 means wait at least 30 minutes after the last light-ning flash or thunderclap to go back outdoors.

A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for long-term flooding, longer than six hours.

A Flood Warning is issued when flooding occurs or is extremely likely and is expected to last more than six hours. FLASH FLOODS are rapidly developing floods that can occur within minutes or hours of heavy rainfall or a dam or levee failure. It is sudden, short-term flooding that lasts less than six hours. A Flash Flood Watch means heavy rains could occur in the watch area. You should be ready to move to higher ground quickly.

A Flash Flood Warning means flash flooding is occurring or is extremely likely. Take immediate action if you are in the area covered by the warning.

· Turn off your utilities if your home is likely to be flooded. · Fill your car’s gas tank and place your Disaster Supply Kit in it. · Evacuate if you are told to do so, avoiding low lying areas, and

move to higher, safer ground. · Stay out of flooded areas and away from streambeds, drainage

ditches, and culverts. Water may be rising and fast-moving. · Never allow children to play or walk in flood waters. Less than

six inches of fast-moving water can sweep an adult off their feet. · If driving, stay away from creeks and open ditches.

Never drive your car into water of unknown depth or around barricades. Only two feet of water can move most vehicles, including buses and trucks.

· If your vehicle stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it and climb to higher ground. Never underestimate the force of moving water.

· Be especially cautious at night, when flood dangers are much more difficult to see.

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WINTER STORMS

Sirens in St. Clair County Outdoor warning sirens, emergency alert radios, and TV and radio stations are all a part of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). All are vital to helping citizens stay informed before, during, and after an emergency. Sirens are the major OUTDOOR part of the Emergency Alert System. They are used when an emergency is predicted or when one exists. You and your family should become familiar with the five siren tones used in St. Clair County and know what to do if you hear them.

All sirens in St. Clair County are tested on the first Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m., unless there is a threat of severe weather in the county at that time.

Winter storms occur less frequently here than in some other parts of the country, but can be just as dangerous when they do occur. In fact, because they are not as frequent here, we usually are not as prepared as we might be. If a Winter Storm Warning is issued for this area, do not wait until the storm arrives to make preparations. Road conditions may prevent safe travel. · Check your Disaster Supply Kit. Make sure you have a portable radio

and fresh batteries, non-perishable foods, water, and warm clothing.

· Have some way to provide safe emergency heat for at least one room. Use caution, common sense and proper ventilation with sources such as kerosene heaters. NEVER USE CHARCOAL IN ANY WAY TO HEAT A ROOM. The fumes can be deadly.

· If you have no heat, you should close off all unneeded rooms. Wear several layers of light clothing. The layers help trap body heat. Place blankets or quilts over windows at night.

In2009,thecitizensofSt.ClairCountyhadthechanceto register to receive free emergency alert radios. The radios were distributed free to all residents in the six CSEPP counties – St. Clair, Etowah, Calhoun, Talladega, Clay, and Cleburne. According to figures received by the St. Clair County EMA, approximately 72% of St. Clair County citizens took advantage of this unique offer.

Emergency Alert RadiosWarn Residents of Danger

SIREN TONES

Siren Test – Sirens are tested on the first Tuesday of each month, weather permitting. Review your family’s safety plans at this time.

Tornado Warning – Go to your basement, interior hall, bathroom, or your severe weather shelter area. Leave mobile homes when Tornado WATCHES are issued. Listen to EAS stations for more information about the storm.

Hazardous Material Accident or Radiological Accident – Listen to EAS stations for more information about what actions to take.

Chemical Incident at Anniston Army Depot – Tune to EAS stations for more information about what actions to take.

Dam Break – Move to high ground immediately.

WAIL TONE

LONG, HIGH-PITCHED TONE

HIGH-LOW TONE

WHOOP TONE

AIR HORN

If you are a St. Clair County resident and have not received an emergency alert radio, please call 256-831-3277or877-441-3277 (toll-free)orvisitwww.earready.us.Emergency alert radios are also available for purchase at Wal-Mart, Radio Shack, Kmart, and most electronics stores. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency recommends that every household have a weather radio on hand. They are the best means of receiving indoor warnings of both weather-related information and chemical emergency information. While your television or radio may not always be available during severe weather to alert you to weather advisories, these emergency alert radios are always on. The radios can provide alerts for most types of hazards by broadcasting National Weather Service (NWS) warnings, watches, forecasts, and non-weather hazard information 24 hours a day.

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For more information, call your local Emergency Management Agency: Calhoun County: (256) 435-0540 • Clay County: (256) 396-5886 • Cleburne County: (256) 463-7130

Gadsden/Etowah County: (256) 549-4575 • St. Clair County: (205) 884-6800 • Talladega County: (256) 761-2125or log on to www.areyoureadygoEMA.com

– Battery powered radio– Battery powered flashlight– Extra batteries– 1 gal. of water per person/day– Non-perishable foods– Manual can opener– First aid kit– Sleeping bags/blankets– Lighter, matches, candles

– Fire extinguisher– Change of clothing, shoes– Toiletries & personal needs– Rain gear, work gloves– Money – cash & change– Extra vehicle/house keys– Extra glasses, etc.– Family information & documents– Important phone numbers

Having a Disaster Supply Kit is your responsibility - Your family should have a Disaster Supply Kit in your home. You should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least three days during and after an emergency. Your Disaster Supply Kit should include the following:


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Emergency Alert System Provides Important Information

The St. Clair County Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is a group of non-profit organizations, government agencies, and volunteer orga-nizations who join together to create an efficient response plan should a large scale disaster strike St. Clair County. VOAD works in cooperation with the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency (EMA).

The St. Clair County VOAD was formed in April of 2008 and is made up of over twenty-five organizations and agencies that serve people in St. Clair County. The creation of the St. Clair County VOAD was made possible because of a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service through Hands on Birmingham, a program of the United Way of Central Alabama. Under the leadership of Executive Director, Candi Williams, the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) Program is now operating in the five counties of St. Clair, Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, and Walker.

Brian Burrows is the current VOAD Program Coordinator for St. Clair County. He got involved in VOAD while working for Independent Living Resources of Greater Birmingham, a non-profit advocacy organization that serves people with disabilities in St. Clair County. Brian understands

the importance of considering the needs of people with disabilities in emergency preparedness.

Brian also works to connect people and organizations who may not know one another. Each organization, agency, and individual is a piece of a larger puz-zle – his job is to put these pieces together. VOAD understands that each member agency possesses certain program areas of expertise targeted at different phases of the response and recovery process. The intent of VOAD is to get agencies with the desire and resources to act matched with the needs of the community.

During disasters, VOAD members create a forum where organizations share knowledge and resources throughout each phase of the disaster cycle – prepara-tion, response, and recovery – to help survivors and their communities. Together VOADmembersfostereffectiveservicethrough“thefourC’s”–communica-tion, coordination, cooperation, and collaboration – by providing convening mechanisms and outreach for all people and organizations involved in disasters.

For more information about VOAD, please visit the Hands on St. Clair website–www.freewebs.com/handsonstclair/stclaircountyvoad.htm

Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster

The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning system that requires broadcasters, cable television systems, wireless cable systems, sat-ellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) providers, and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) providers to provide the communications capability to the Presi-dent to address the American public during a national emergency.

The system is designed to also be used by state and local authorities, such as the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency, to deliver weather information targeted to specific areas. Other notices, such as Amber Alerts, may also be transmitted by the EAS. The EAS is designed to bring you up to the min-ute emergency information, whether about a manmade disaster or a weather emergency.

Local radio and TV stations work closely with St. Clair County EMA to provide information before, dur-ing and after an emergency. Please keep a portable

radio and extra batteries on hand at all times. Monitor local radio and TV for information concerning an emergency. If you hear the outdoor warning sirens, tune to your local EAS station for the most current information.

A long tone precedes EAS messages on radio or TV to alert listeners or viewers to the emergency in progress. Listen carefully for the latest information and instructions. You may be told to stay where you are and stay tuned for more information, or you may be told to Shelter in Place or Evacuate. You will also be given other vital information you would need in an emergency, such as which roads are closed, where shel-ters have been opened, etc.

St. Clair County EMA recommends that you test these stations now, before a disaster, to see which ones you receive best in your area. Make a note of it and tune to that station whenever a community emergency takes place.

Organization Phone Number WebsiteAmerican Red Cross 205-884-1211 www.alabamaredcross.orgAmateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) www.k4scc.netArgo Food Bank 205-352-2134Christian Love Pantry 205-338-2358Baptist Disaster Relief Team 256-538-6560 www.namb.net/drThe Salvation Army 205-328-2420 www.birminghamsalvationarmy.org

Some of the major members involved in the St. Clair County VOAD Team are:

Can Emergency Responders Easily Find Your Home?

Stations for St. Clair County

WFHK AM 1430 WTDR FM 92.7 WJCK FM 88.3WURL AM 760

WZZK FM 104.7 WMJJ FM 96.5WVOK FM 97.9

EAS Television Stations for St. Clair County

WJSU ABC TV - Channel 33/40 WBRC FOX TV - Channel 6

WVTM NBC TV - Channel 13 WIAT CBS TV - Channel 42

Local Cable Channels

Imaginethis:acallisplacedto911reportingthata man is undergoing cardiac arrest. Emergency responders are imme-diately dispatched to the scene. They desperately search for the man’s address num-ber on the houses along the street, but they are unable to locate the house because the address is not properly displayed. Finally, one of the man’s neigh-bors directs the responders to the correct address. Although the responders only spent a few extra min-utes driving back and forth looking for the house before they were able to locate it, time was wasted that could have cost the man his life.

In life-threatening situations, every moment is critical. Precious seconds during emergency situa-tions can be saved if your home’s 911 address isdisplayed correctly. If your mailbox is not properly numbered, sometimes emergency responders have to guess where your house is. Why not take out the guess work and get those responders there faster to save you or a loved one?

“If you have an emergency and dial 911 today,willweknowwhereyoulive?Canwefindyou?”asksBillRichvalsky,911Coordinator.Intheworldof911,seconds are precious. In an emergency situation, would you want to be found as soon as possible? Or are you willing to risk wasting valuable time by mak-ing it more difficult for responders to locate your home?

Address numbers should be displayed on the front of your home or at the entrance to your home which is most clearly visible from the road during both day and night. If your house is not visible from the road, the address number will need to be dis-played at the end of the driveway nearest the road which provides access to the house. Your address

number should be able to be seen from both directions of travel. The number should be attached to a fence, gate, or mailbox. Numerals need to be of contrasting color to the background and should be plain block numeric num-bers, not alpha print. It is recommended that these numbers be reflective to ensure better visibility at night. The responsibility of placing an address number on any home lies with the property owner.

Take a moment to walk outside and see if your house number can easily be seen. You never know when youmayneedtocall911foranemergency.Besureyouraddressnumberispostedandvisiblefromtheroadsothatyouandyourfamilymemberscanbehelpedasquicklyaspossible.AsBillRichvalskystates,“Inanemergency,wewantyoutobefound.Secondsandminutescountwhenitcomestosavinglives.”

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For more information, call your local Emergency Management Agency: Calhoun County: (256) 435-0540 • Clay County: (256) 396-5886 • Cleburne County: (256) 463-7130

Gadsden/Etowah County: (256) 549-4575 • St. Clair County: (205) 884-6800 • Talladega County: (256) 761-2125or log on to www.areyoureadygoEMA.com

You Should Have An Emergency Preparedness Plan - before, during and after an emergency. Local, state and federal agencies are ready to respond; however, families should be prepared to take care of themselves for at least three days after an emergency. An Emergency Preparedness Plan should help you determine what is needed to survive an emergency.

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• Meet with everyone and discuss emergency preparedness.• Create an emergency preparedness plan.• Have easy access to emergency information and phone numbers.• Put together supplies that will support your plan and your family during and following a disaster.• Practice, update and maintain your plan.


St. Clair Baptist Disaster Relief Team Has Mission

Amateur Radio Emergency Services Is Communications Link

FACEBOOK Facebook fans can now keep up with weather and other emergency information on St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency’s Facebook page. The page is updated frequently by St. Clair EMA staff with information from the National Weather Service and other sources. It also shares ideas for emergency preparedness and lists web sites where more information is available. To follow the St. Clair County EMA facebook page, go to www.facebook.com/stclaircountyema.

NIXLE Citizens who wish to receive up-to-the minute emergency information about many things that may affect St. Clair County can now sign up for Nixle through the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency. Registration for the service is free, and notifications will be received over your cell phone, as a text message. Weather warnings will be the most prominent use for the service, but it can be used for any type of emergency notification. Go to www.nixle.com for more information about how to register to receive these messages.

The St. Clair Baptist Disaster Relief Team is one of several organizations in St. Clair County that comes to the aid of county residents following many types of emergencies. They also go to areas outside the county when those communities experience natural disasters or other types of emergencies. The Disaster Relief Team is even a crucial resource written directly into the St. Clair County Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) and often works in support of emergency response with the local St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). The idea for the Disaster Relief Team first came up in a Brotherhood meeting at Chandler Mountain Baptist Church and the Team was organized by Glenn Pender in2003.Theirmissionis,“Tohelpallpeopleintimesofneed, who are suffering from an occurrence that creates needsthesurvivorcannotalleviatewithoutassistance.”Members of the team, over 300 persons, are all members of St. Clair County Baptist churches and come from all walks of life. They include preachers, educators, factory workers, housewives, and many other occupations. Anyone who is a member of a Southern Baptist church may become a member of the Disaster Relief Team. Upon becoming a member of the Team, each person must complete training in a disaster field. No one can go on a mission unless they have trained for a particular job. The service fields include: Clean Up/Recovery, ChainSaw, Child Care, Shower Trailer, Feeding, Counseling, Air Lift Kitchen, Administration, Communication, Damage Assessment, and Interpreter.

The Team now has several pieces of equipment that help it to complete its missions. This equipment includes: a 58 ft. High Ranger bucket truck; a Mobile Volunteer Coordination Center; a Mobile Shower Unit with six individual shower stalls and a laundry area,andaFord2500trucktopulltheunit;a16footdouble-axle utility trailer with saws and equipment; a 12passengerChevyvantopulltheutilitytrailerandcarry volunteers; and three mobile trailers for housing volunteers on call-outs. Donations have been crucial to the success of the DisasterReliefTeam.The12passengerChevyvanwasdonated by Steele Baptist Church. Funds to purchase all the other equipment were raised by Baptist churches in St. Clair County, and by individual donations. Many of those individual donations came from team members. Ellen Haynes, Director of St. Clair County EMA, states, “During the days and weeks following adisaster such as Hurricane Ivan or Katrina, or tornado touchdowns in our county, folks often call our EMA office asking where they can donate to help. This organization is one excellent way to get your dollars directlytohurtingpeopletoprovidehelp.”

Anyone who wishes to make a donation may do so by mailing it to: Disaster Relief, St. Clair Baptist Association, P. O. Box 160, Ashville AL 35953. Please do not send cash, and earmark all donations for Disaster Relief.

The Responder - St. Clair Times

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