Wednesday, July 2, 2003
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Wednesday, July 2, 2003 |
Communication, planning improved by Fayette's homeland security initiativeBy JOHN
MUNFORD
Homeland security is the buzzword for protecting America from terrorist attacks, and here in Fayette County officials are well underway in implementing a variety of homeland security initiatives. The Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services is operating a local homeland security program to prevent terrorist attacks, reduce vulnerability to terrorism and minimize damage if a terrorist attack were to occur here, said Deputy Chief Allen McCullough. The department was a natural fit for providing homeland security because it already works closely with other state and federal agencies, McCullough noted. The department will also be among the first to respond should a terrorist strike occur in Fayette County, he added. The homeland security program has focused on improving communications between agencies including emergency management, law enforcement and local municipalities, McCullough said. A new system has been created for notifying local officials of homeland security information such as vehicle lookouts from state and federal agencies, McCullough said. "That way we make sure there's no delay at all," McCullough said. A risk assessment of potential terrorist targets in Fayette County has been conducted, and local law enforcement agencies have been informed of certain areas they need to keep an eye on during their routine patrols, McCullough said. Barriers have been erected at some locations, but sometimes improving security is as simple as making sure a gate is locked, McCullough added. The Fayette County Sheriff's Department has helped out by giving emergency officials a bird's-eye view of the county to identify potential terrorist targets with its Hawk One helicopter unit. "That has also been of great benefit to us," McCullough said, lauding the Sheriff's Department for its cooperation. The county also has to be prepared in case a terrorist strike hits Atlanta, which could greatly impact Fayette, McCullough said. The fire department has worked with the county's public health officials to create a large-scale plan for dispensing medication in case there is a biological event here, McCullough said. Such a system could also be used to distribute medicine in the event of a public health outbreak, McCullough added. The department was also recently awarded a $30,000 grant for supplies that could be used for a "mass casualty" event. The equipment, which will be stored in a trailer than can be driven to any location, will support up to 350 victims, McCullough said. Although that trailer could be used during a terrorist attack, it could also be used for other large-scale incidents such as a plane crash, McCullough said, noting that such a scenario could occur given the county's proximity to Hartsfield International Airport. The department has also expanded its ability to conduct radiologic monitoring should the need arise here, McCullough said. In the future, the department wants to identify retired medical professionals and others who could help respond to a large-scale event if necessary. "Certainly we have a lot of talented citizens that we could reach out to if we had an event occur," McCullough said. The department also plans to work with the local business community to learn how its response to a potential disaster could affect the local economy, McCullough added.
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