August 2014 eNews - Office of Preparedness

August 2014 Issue
Bob Nations, Jr., Director
“Operation Big Easy - 2014 Hurricane Season”
Photo Captions: Jane Waldrop, TEMA West
Regional Director speaks to emergency professionals
A category 4 Hurricane Gustav, August 2008
brought over 3,500 evacuees to Shelby County
On August 8, 2014, Bob Nations, Jr., Shelby County Office of Preparedness Director, and Jane
Waldrop, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) West Regional Director, welcomed
emergency professionals to the EOC for “Operation Big Easy – 2014 Hurricane Season” planning
briefing.
Director Waldrop explained that Tennessee has agreed to shelter registered hurricane evacuees from
Louisiana in 2014. Directors Nations and Waldrop agreed that although the National Hurricane Center
was not predicting an active season, it was vital to review the plan with all responding agencies in order
to carry out such an “expensive and labor intensive” mass evacuation mission smoothly.
The plan states that if a category 3 hurricane or greater is forecast to make landfall in New Orleans
Louisiana, and a mandatory evacuation is ordered, the Federal Emergency Management Agency would
coordinate with Louisiana Emergency Management Agency 24 to 72 hours before landfall. The
contract calls for 3,500 non-medical mass care evacuees to be flown to Tennessee; 500 to Madison
County, 1,000 to Middle Tennessee, 1,000 to East Tennessee, and 1,000 to Shelby County. Director
Nations would activate the Shelby County EOC and call in the Emergency Support Functions
Coordinators needed. The 1,500 evacuees for West Tennessee would be flown from New Orleans to
Shelby County and received at the Tennessee Air National Guard 164th Air Wing. Evacuees would then
be processed to include medical triage and screenings, as well as resource tracking (arm bands).
Evacuees would then be transported to shelters by bus. While staying in Shelby County, evacuees
would be given shelter, food, transportation, medical care and other basic life essentials and be kept
abreast of the weather conditions “back home” in Louisiana. The maximum length of stay is 2 weeks
before the evacuees are flown back to Louisiana.
Attending the training were representatives from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency,
Shelby County Office of Preparedness, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Memphis Police Department,
Airport Police, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Tennessee Air
National Guard, Shelby County Health Department, Metro Medical Response System, Methodist
LeBonheur Healthcare, Shelby County and City of Memphis fire departments, Disaster Animal
Response Team, American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army. Director Nations told the group, “The
best coordination of this mission requires all of us – no one agency has command over all parts of it. It
will be a collaboration. In 2014 we will have the technology to have instant communication from the
hangar and from the shelters into the EOC to make sound decisions.”
In 2008, Shelby County housed over 3,500 Louisiana evacuees in 13 shelters as Hurricane Gustav, a
category 4, later downgraded to a category 2 hurricane, hit the Gulf Coast. Registered evacuees
arrived by bus and train. However, unexpected “self-evacuees” also made their way to Memphis. To
assist, churches quickly opened their doors to welcome those needing a place to stay. Since then,
Shelby Cares, a faith-based sheltering initiative was created by Shelby County government. To find out
more, please contact Terry Donald at [email protected].
Power Outages
Photo Captions: Memphis’ famous Beale Street, left, lit up, and Beale Street in the dark, right, on August 16, 2014
On August 16, 2014, according to Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW), at 8:45 p.m. the lights went
out on Beale Street. An underground cable fault occurred near Second Street and G. E. Patterson,
dramatically blowing man hole covers up into the air. No injuries were reported. Power was restored to
most buildings at 1:52 a.m. On August 19, at 3:45 a.m., 14,700 Southeast Memphis and Germantown
MLGW customers went without power from 3:34 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. Remember, sudden power
outages can occur any time. Be prepared before the lights go out. Have on hand a flashlight with
batteries, a battery-powered NOAA all-hazards radio, and a disaster kit. Know where your cell phone,
charger, and keys are located. To check the MLGW outage map, visit www.mlgw.com, to report
outages call 901.544.6500, and call 901.528.4465 to report MLGW emergencies.
Office of Preparedness Visits Seniors at Casa Grace
Photo Captions: Terry Donald, back row, second from left, standing, Shelby County Office
of Preparedness, visits with the residents of Casa Grace, 3815 Austin Peay, on July 31, 2014.
Veronica B. Daughrity,
Service Coordinator
Veronica B. Daughrity, Service Coordinator of Casa Grace Housing, invited Terry Donald from the
Office of Preparedness to visit with 14 delightful seniors living at the facility at 3815 Austin Peay
Highway on the afternoon on July 31. Officer Donald presented disaster preparedness information
specifically targeted for this senior group to help them understand their role in a disaster and to
empower them should an emergency occur. They were given several FEMA brochures and handouts
during the visit. In thanking Officer Donald, Daughrity said, “Several seniors have come to me and
mentioned that you provided extremely useful information with assurance and clarity!” The Office of
Preparedness will work with Casa Grace to advise them on disaster drills for their facility.
Welcome Jesse Gammel!
The Shelby County Office of Preparedness welcomes new employee, Jesse Gammel. He will serve as
their new Preparedness Officer.
Office of Preparedness Visits New Dimensions Ministry
Photo Caption: Left to right, Gwen Owens, Zailynn Roberts, Miracle Roberts, Jo Griffith, Reserve,
Office of Preparedness, and Jerran Whitelow, at the health and community fair at New Dimensions Ministry.
Jo Griffith, Reserve for the Shelby County Office of Preparedness, joined other community agencies at
the New Dimensions Ministry, 3607 Frazier / Raleigh Road, on August 2, 2014 for a health and
community fair. Citizens were given coloring and activity books, FEMA brochures, and HELP / OK
signs. School supplies were distributed and on-site dental and vision check-ups were offered to over
250 citizens. The annual event was organized by Catherine Shelter and Brenda Williams.
Hurricane Katrina 9 Year Anniversary
Almost nine years ago, the deadliest and most destructive Atlantic tropical cyclone, Hurricane Katrina,
made landfall on August 29, 2005. It remains the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history with property
damages over $108 billion. Forming over the Bahamas on August 23, it crossed southern Florida as a
Category 1, causing deaths and flooding. It then strengthened in the Gulf of Mexico and grew to a
Category 5, then weakened before making a second landfall as a Category 3 on August 29 in southeast
Louisiana. Severe destruction was seen along the Gulf from Florida to Texas due to storm surge. The
most deaths occurred in New Orleans as the levee system catastrophically failed hours after the storm
had moved inland. 80% of the city flooded. The National Hurricane Center and National Weather
Service were commended for their actions providing accurate hurricane weather tracking forecasts.
Disaster Social Media Training
Photo Caption: John Bobel from the National Disaster
Preparedness Training Center instructs emergency professionals
on the use of social media at the Shelby County EOC
August 18, 2014 the Shelby County Office of Preparedness welcomed instructors from the National
Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC) to present an 8 hour seminar, “Social Media for
National Disaster Response and Recovery.” In conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, the NDPTC invited emergency professionals from various agencies to learn how social media
can help get the message out before, during, and after a disaster. The instructors emphasized the “real
time” speed and availability of Twitter to reach the public and the press during an emergency.
Additionally, the use of Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, and Google+ are useful tools to
reach out while also using the traditional means of radio, television and internet. The instructors urged
everyone to get comfortable with social media, keep up with the newest applications, and take
advantage of the low cost and wide reaching appeal to communicate. Students were advised to work
social media into their basic operating plan and test the applications regularly.
Summer’s not over! The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Shelby County on August
22 and continued through August 25. The Shelby County Office of Preparedness reminds citizens to
“beat the heat – check the back seat!” Never leave disabled children, pets, or seniors in a hot vehicle.
Call 911 immediately if you see this occur.
Fox 13’s MidSouth Weather Camp!
Photo Caption: Fox 13’s MidSouth Weather Camp: Left to right: Joey Sulipeck, Fox 13’s
Chief Meteorolgist, Shelby Logan, Preparedness Officer, Eugene Jones, Preparedness Officer,
Leland Jones, Michael Goldstein, Shelby County Health Department, Larry Smith, Shelby County
Health Department, Jonathan E. Dugger, Shelby County Health Department Pollution Control,
Ed Echols, Fox 13’s Meteorologist, Brian Basham, Fox 13’s Meteorologist
Agricenter International was overrun with excited children and their parents on Saturday August 2, 2014
for the annual Fox 13’s MidSouth Weather Camp. The Shelby County Office of Preparedness was
there to hand out Ready Kids coloring and activity books and blue and red Citizen Corps bracelets.
FEMA brochures were available for mom and dad. For preparedness education, the agency brought a
CERT disaster kit that included a wind up weather radio, flashlight, portable toilet, talking carbon
monoxide and smoke detector combo, mess kit, Heater Meal, canteen, personal protective equipment,
emergency blanket, poncho, whistle, bottled water, and can opener. The children were guests
meterologists in front of the Fox 13’s “green screen,” were asked to launch a balloon outside, make a
“tornado in a bottle,” fly a FedEx plane through a storm, and watch a solar powered demonstration.
Also attending the fun event were the Shelby County Health Department, FedEx, Ride Share, National
Weather Service, Firehouse Subs, Storm Water Matters, and Andy B’s Family Entertainment Center.
Photo Captions: Visiting the Shelby County Office of Preparedness table,
left, Markell Wilbert, cranks a radio, right, Andy Bowtine, tries on a helmet.
August do1thing: “Get Involved in Your Neighborhood!”
Those in our community who are isolated, live alone, some of our seniors, single parents, and those
who do not speak English may be less likely to ask for help during an emergency or disaster. Do you
know someone who fits this description? Take the time now, before an emergency, to get to know
those in your neighborhood who may need your help during a disaster. Work with them to make a
disaster plan. Help them create a disaster kit. Become a “buddy’ to them and let them know you will
check on them during times of emergency. USAonWatch, also known as neighborhood watch, is also a
great resource for getting to know your neighbors. If you have a watch program in your neighborhood,
join in! If you don’t have a neighborhood watch group in your community, please call your local police
department or sheriff’s department to find out how to start one. For more information on the 12 monthly
tips to get prepared, please visit www.do1thing.com.
Mississippi River at Memphis
Photo Captions: Left, visitors enjoy the view from Mississippi River Greenbelt Park in downtown Memphis. Due to the low
water levels, sandbars can be seen easily on the Arkansas side of the river. Right, water level graph.
According to the National Weather Service Advanced Hydrological Prediction Service, the Mississippi
River at Memphis remains well below flood stage at 3.27 feet. Flood stage is 46.0 feet.
Preparedness Training
Photo Caption: Congratulations to the graduating CERT class from the University District Neighborhood, August 16, 2014 at
the University of Memphis! Left to right sitting: Bobbie Barrett, Caralee Barrett, Teresa Gifford, Sherrye Cross, Jonathan
Cross. Left to right standing: Shundra Robinson, Travon McCoy, T.K. Buchanan, Dana Griffin, Lisa Ball, Deanna Stark,
Eugene Jones, CERT Coordinator, Office of Preparedness. Back row, standing: Daniel Weaver.
Shelby County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training:
2 consecutive Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 1075 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, TN 38134.
Pre-registration is required. To register, please email Sandra Mathias, Reserve Program Manager at
[email protected]. The next CERT classes are:
 September 13 and 20, 2014
 October 4 and 11, 2014
 November 1 and 8, 2014
Visit www.staysafeshelby.us to register for these classes. Classes are held at the Shelby County
Emergency Operations Center, 1075 Mullins Station Road, Room C-113, Memphis, TN 38134.

Essentials of Community Cyber Security
September 9, 2014, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

EOC’s Role in Community Cyber Security
September 9, 2014, 1:00 p.m.

TEMA Emergency Operations Center Course
October 7, 2014, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Mass Fatalities Planning and Response for Rural Communities
November 12, 2014, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Preparedness Resources
Preparedness Apps:
ALERTFM
www.alertfm.com
READYTN
www.tema.org/READYTN
FEMA
www.fema.gov
Weather Channel
TDOTSmartWay
www.weather.com
www.tdot.state.tn.us/tdotsmartway
Shelby County Office of Preparedness: www.staysafeshelby.us, 901.515.2525.
Shelby County Office of Preparedness Storm Shelter Registry: [email protected]
Shelby Cares - Faith-based Sheltering Initiative: [email protected]
Shelby County CERT Program: [email protected]
Shelby County Citizen Corps: [email protected],
www.facebook-shelby-county-citizen-corps
Shelby County, Tennessee: www.shelbycountytn.gov
ALERTFM: www.alertfm.com
Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI): www.ceri.memphis.edu
Central United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC): www.cusec.org
Department of Homeland Security: www.dhs.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Ready America, Ready Business, Ready Kids:
www.ready.gov, www.fema.gov, Citizen Corps: www.citizencorps.gov
Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW): www.mlgw.org, 901.544.6549, Outages: 901.544.6500, downed lines
or gas leaks: 901.528.4465. Outage Map on line: www.mlgw.com/residential/olutagemap
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): www.floodsmart.gov
National Weather Service (NWS): www.weather.gov, NWS Memphis: 901.544.0399
Ready Tennessee: www.tn.gov/homelandsecurity/getready.shtml
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA): www.tema.gov
Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT): www.tdot.state.tn.us, 1.877.244.0065, call 511
United States Fire Administration (USFA): www.usfa.fema.gov
United States Geological Society (USGS): www.usgs.gov
Weather Channel: www.weather.com
EMERGENCY: 9-1-1