Wednesday, September 12, 2001
|
Wednesday, September 12, 2001 |
|
Terror: Attacks shock Fayette; EMS, schools on alert By JOHN MUNFORD
The Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services was on a heightened alert status Tuesday morning after media reports of the terrorist attacks that occured in New York and Washington, D.C. The department is monitoring the situation through media reports and state emergency officials and preparing to render assistance to state and federal agencies if necessary, said Chief Jack Krakeel, director of Fire and Emergency Services. "We will take actions, if appropriate, to mobilize our resources," Krakeel said. The county's Emergency Operations Center was activated but at a "low level," said spokesman Capt. Pete Nelms. "It's just precautionary," Nelms said, adding that some potentially "hazardous" areas in the county have been notified and asked to increase security measures if possible. The department previously had training scheduled for the next three days but those sessions have been cancelled, Nelms said. Meanwhile, local citizens concerned about the situation purchased "rabbit ear" antennas, televisions and radios so they can keep in touch with media reports about the situation. "We've sold about all the rabbit ears we have," said Larry Bagley of the Radio Shack store in Fayetteville. Nelms said the best way for local residents to keep abreast of any alerts is through local TV news broadcasts. The department can send out emergency messages thorough those stations if necessary. The department also has contacted the American Red Cross and offered to have a blood drive for victims of the tragedy, Nelms said. As of Tuesday afternoon, no local blood drive had been scheduled. Off-duty personnel had not been called in as of late Tuesday morning, Nelms said. "We have the mechanism to do that, but not at this point," Nelms said. Krakeel said the department is concerned for the victims and families of those affected by the tragedy. "Our hearts go out to all the people in Washington and Pittsburgh," Krakeel said. "This is a disaster of immense proportions."
|
||