The Talladega County EMA and you.

Playing it safe together.

Introduction• As mandated by Congress, the U.S. Army has begun

destroying chemical munitions at the Anniston Army Depot.

• The U.S. Army, FEMA, the Alabama EMA, the Talladega County EMA and CSEPP want to make sure that you are informed about what to do in the unlikely event of a chemical accident at the Anniston Army Depot.

• The Talladega County EMA is here to help you to better understand the importance of knowing your zones, how to shelter in place, when to evacuate and other important protective action procedures.

So What is the EMA?• Alabama’s Emergency Management Agency network

is a combination of your Local, State and Federal Governments working together to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from all hazards that affect our jurisdiction.

• The Talladega County EMA coordinates and mitigates preparedness, response and recovery efforts to protect our citizens. In addition to natural hazards that impact communities, there are other man-made and technological hazards that could also pose a threat to our general population, such as a chemical accident.

Preparedness

• The Talladega County EMA is here to assist, but it is up to our citizens to be prepared so that they may react quickly and safely if the need arises.

Zones

• Talladega County has been divided into zones to better help you take protective action in case of an emergency. Protective actions you are required to take will depend on the zone you are in at the time of an emergency, it is very important to know your zones for home, work, and school.

• Talladega County has been divided into Immediate Response Zones, Protective Action Zones and Precautionary Zones.

Immediate Response Zone

• The Immediate Response Zone, or the IRZ, is located in the area closest to the Anniston Army Depot and has the greatest risk for the public. This zone represents an area requiring a response time of less than one hour after a chemical release. The Immediate Response Zone is highlighted in orange on your EMA supplied Zone Map.

Protective Action Zone

• The Protective Action Zone, or PAZ, extends beyond the IRZ to approximately 20 to 30 miles. This Zone may require public protective actions, but more time is available for response. The Protective Action Zone is represented by yellow highlights on your Zone Map.

Precautionary Zone

• The Precautionary Zone, or PZ, extends beyond the PAZ and has a minimal risk factor. Adequate time exists to warn the public and take protective actions prior to arrival of airborne chemical agents. The Precautionary Zone is indicated by green highlights on your Zone Map.

Outside Risk Area

• Childersburg and Sylacauga are outside of the risk area and will serve as host cities in the event of a chemical accident.

• Each zone represents a varying level of risk and the Talladega County EMA will issue protective actions based on your proximity to the chemical accident.

Family Preparedness Plan

• Once you have identified your zones for home, work and school, develop a Family Preparedness Plan.

Family Preparedness Plan

• Step One to developing a Family Preparedness Plan is to KNOW THE HAZARDS.

Determine the hazards that could affect you and your family. Become familiar with emergency plans at work, school, church and other places where your family spends time.

• The Second Step is to create an EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN.

Meet with your family and discuss emergency preparedness. Share responsibilities and work together as a team. Discuss what to do during and after an emergency disaster.

Family Preparedness Plan

• Step Three is to create an EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST.

Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone. Teach children how and when to call 911. Show family members how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches. Stock emergency supplies in an Emergency Preparedness Kit.

• The Fourth Step is to PRACTICE AND MAINTAIN YOUR PLAN.

Review your plan and make changes as needed. Quiz your children every six months so they remember what to do. Test and change batteries in radios and flashlights annually. And replace emergency water and food every six months.

Emergency Alert and Notification System

• The Talladega County EMA will alert you to a chemical emergency through our Emergency Alert and Notification System, which consists of three parts.

• Sirens are for outdoor warnings. Tone Alert Radios, or TARS, are for indoor warnings. The Emergency Alert System, or EAS, consists of local radio and television stations, provides information before, during and after an emergency.

Emergency Alert and Notification System

• The Talladega County EMA will initially alert you to a chemical accident through a network of warning sirens in your area.

• The WHOOP TONE will sound if there has been a chemical accident at the Anniston Army Depot.

• If you hear the Whoop Tone siren, the first thing to do is stay calm, move indoors and await emergency instructions from your EMA supplied Tone Alert Radio or your local EAS stations.

Emergency Alert and Notification System

• Depending on your zone, you may be told to shelter in place, evacuate, or take no action except to monitor your local Emergency Alert System (EAS) station. You may also be told what roads may be closed, where school children have been taken, and other vital information.

• Tone Alert Radios are installed in hospitals, schools, nursing homes and other special facilities. They are also installed in homes within the Immediate Response Zone. Unlike sirens, they are not activated during a severe thunderstorm.

Shelter In Place (SIP)

• To Shelter In Place, you need to follow these basic steps. Go inside and close all windows and doors, including the garage door. Turn off all heating, cooling and ventilation systems including window fans, ceiling fans and bathroom exhaust fans. Close all interior doors.

• Take a portable radio and flashlight into your saferoom and close the door. Your saferoom should be a windowless room within a centrally located area of your house. Tune your radio to a local station and await further instructions from your EMA.

Do You Qualify For Special Needs Assistance?

• If you think you or a friend may qualify as a Special Needs Resident, we want to know. Please call us to complete a survey to determine your eligibility. Call Toll Free- 1-800-263-0201 or 256-236-8642

• Children who are home alone qualify as special needs individuals also. They must know what to do incase of an emergency. Call TCEMA at 256-761-2125 for more information on how to educate your child on the actions to take to be safe in an emergency.

Enhanced Shelter In Place

• Enhanced Shelter In Place provides greater protection. Once your Shelter In Place Steps are completed, cover any windows, vents or doors in your saferoom with plastic and duct tape from your EMA supplied Shelter In Place Kit.

• You may pack a towel under doors to your saferoom to restrict airflow, and seal cracks around your door with duct tape. Apply duct tape over unused electrical outlets, which might allow air to circulate into the room.

Evacuation

• If you are told to evacuate, gather only essential items and leave immediately. Do not waste time searching for personal items – the objective is to take immediate action. If you have neighbors who are without transportation, offer a ride…

• Once inside your vehicle, close all windows and vents, turn the heating and air conditioning off. Tune the radio to a local EAS station for further emergency updates. Drive safely and follow your local EMA evacuation instructions.

Closing Comments

• The Talladega County EMA is committed to the safety of our citizens. For more information, you can call the Talladega County Emergency Management Agency at 761-2125, or email us at tcpio@tcema.co.Talladega.al.us. For a complete description of everything we have discussed in this presentation, you may also visit the EMA web site at www.areyoureadygoema.com.