Anti-terrorism resources available through CEDAP
First responders and law enforcement agencies in smaller jurisdictions, rural areas and eligible metropolitan areas can apply for equipment, technology and training assistance through the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program. The FY 2005 Appropriations Act directed the Department of Homeland Security to form CEDAP earlier this year to fill the gaps between the Urban Areas Security Initiative program and the State Homeland Security Grant Program, providing several resources that these localities might otherwise have difficulty obtaining. Resources include: personal protective equipment; rescue tools; thermal imaging, night vision and video surveillance tools; chemical, biological and radiological detection tools; information technology and risk management tools; and interoperable communications gateways. The competitive program is a direct assistance program and not a grant program. CEDAP awarded more than $2 million in equipment, technology and training to 214 localities across the country in May, including six in Virginia. The Phase II application process began Nov. 7 and continues through Jan. 13 on the Responder Knowledge Base Web site. A free registration is required to view guidelines and apply.

New Region 4 coordinator
Joe Coyle has been selected to serve as Region 4 coordinator for VDEM. Coyle is the former local emergency coordinator for the city of Roanoke, where he served for two years. Previously, he was an emergency operations coordinator at a private health care facility for nearly 10 years. Based in Pulaski, Coyle will provide support, guidance and direction to local coordinators before, during and after an emergency.

New emergency management training, analysis and simulation center
Virginia has a new command and management-training center in Suffolk, Va. The Emergency Management Training, Analysis & Simulation Center is the first emergency management training organization to focus solely on command management at the operational level instead of the individual responder. The center will use responsive and flexible models and simulations designed for each group’s needs, and expert after-action analyses will give participants an opportunity to learn from the consequences of their decisions. Overall, the center is designed to help decision-makers analyze current emergency response plans and processes; identify and correct potential gaps in plans, processes and capabilities; and explore the interdependencies among the various levels of government and agencies. EMTASC is a public private partnership involving 17 leading technology businesses, regional Hampton Roads agencies, the Commonwealth of Virginia and higher education organizations.

VDEM search and rescue volunteers respond to New Orleans
Six VDEM K-9 search and rescue volunteers responded to Louisiana Emergency Mutual Aid Compact requests in October. Their mission was to search through the lower ninth ward of New Orleans and the 10-foot-tall piles of debris and homes that resulted from Hurricane Katrina. Working with the New Orleans Fire Department under the Katrina Unified Command, the Virginia group established an incident command center for the operation and initiated a search of the area. During their six-day tour, they found several victims. During September, 25 members of VDEM SAR groups worked on a plan to respond to Katrina, and over 100 members volunteered to go if needed. Disaster response is a growing component of SAR training, and the planning for this mission was a valuable resource.

Wise County/Big Stone Gap water shortage
Several state agencies continue to assist with water shortage relief efforts in Wise County and the town of Big Stone Gap.

• The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is coordinating requests for assistance with available resources.
• The Virginia Department of Health is distributing water to special needs groups, monitoring food establishments' compliance with plans and overseeing water testing.
• The Virginia Department of Transportation is assisting with public outreach, and
• The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is supervising water production.

A temporary water pumping station at the Powell River and the town of Appalachia, Lee County, Scott County and the town of Norton have been supplying nearly 1.8 million gallons of water per day. Virginia National Guard units have set up water storage units throughout the area that hold approximately 220,000 gallons.

Gov. Mark R. Warner declared a state of emergency on Oct. 7 for Wise County and the town of Big Stone Gap. The draining of the area’s reservoir as part of the construction of a new dam and insufficient rainfall have resulted in a critical water shortage. An open burn ban has been declared for both localities.

National Strategy for Maritime Security supporting plans
Eight plans have been developed to support the National Strategy for Maritime Security. National Security Presidential Directive 41 / Homeland Security Presidential Directive 13 directed t he departments of Defense and Homeland Security to create a strategy that would preserve the freedom of the seas; facilitate and defend commerce; and facilitate the movement of desirable goods and people across our borders, while screening out dangerous people and materials. The eight supporting plans integrate private and public efforts to enhance international cooperation and maintain the Marine Transportation System while protecting our coastal borders. The text of the stragety and the eight supporting plans are available on the DHS Web site.

Training...
ICS-300 Intermediate Incident Command System
Intended for those who could fill supervisory level positions during an incident, this two-day course will teach students to develop an ICS organizational structure, list staffing requirements, prepare a briefing, lead or participate in a planning meeting, identify resources, develop goals, prepare an action plan and become familiar with the National Incident Management System. Completion of Basic Incident Command System or equivalent training is a required prerequisite. Class is Dec. 14-15 in Virginia Beach. Registration deadline is Nov. 23.

Mass Fatalities Incident Management
Although the title remains the same, this is a brand new and completely revised course that will be offered for the first time in the nation Dec. 13-15, 2005 in Charlottesville, Va. The course p repares students to effectively manage any incident that results in more fatalities than local resources can handle. This course is designed for a wide audience, including heads of first response agencies, emergency managers, planners, medical examiners and funeral directors. Registration deadline is Nov. 29.

Produced by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management
10501 Trade Court, Richmond, Virginia 23236