Emergency Response and Mitigation

Whether it is preparing for the threat of terrorism, tornadoes, floods, fire or other natural disaster, regional development organizations are demonstrating the strength of intergovernmental partnerships to minimize disaster impacts. Regional projects like these are underway across the nation.

The Middle Georgia Hazard Mitigation Resource Compact Disc (CD) is an interactive software program created by Middle Georgia Regional Development Center with EDA funding. The CD assists local emergency management professionals, businesses and local officials in disaster mitigation. It contains a regional mitigation study, compilation of local emergency plans, GIS-generated map/data gallery, map viewing and printing programs (e.g. Acrobat Reader v4.0) and a mitigation brochure for manufacturers located in floodplains. The CD is compatible with Microsoft Windows.

South Carolina Appalachian COG Homeland Security Training Session.

South Georgia Regional Development Center’s (RDC) Damping High Fire Insurance Rates Using GIS Technology project demonstrates the value of using technology to improve fire fighting resources and fire prevention. Funded by the development center, through a cooperative effort between the city of Valdosta and Lowndes County, the project provides firefighters with regional geo-data, such as road and utility locations. This approach promoted improved Insurance Services Organization fire ratings, and saved money for the communities’ citizens and businesses.

Local cooperation among 19 political subdivisions was successfully facilitated by the River Country Economic Development District to implement the Eight County Early Warning System Enhancement Project for Southeast Nebraska. The project cooperative purchased 25 new outdoor emergency warning sirens to improve public safety. Buying “bulk “ through a shared purchase saved local governments a total of $116,742. Funding for the project came from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and local contributions.

Since September 11th the South Carolina Appalachian Council of Governments has conducted a series of Homeland Security Training sessions entitled “Terrorism Awareness.” The classes and seminars include: awareness for elected officials, a public water/sewer system seminar, briefings by nuclear plant officials and a briefing by the state’s homeland security director. The Council is currently conducting awareness-level training for emergency first responders on potential chemical, biological and radiological threats.

Award Winners Middle Georgia Regional Development Center, Middle Georgia Hazard Mitigation Resource CD. Contact: James Tonn or Brent Lanford, 175-C Emery Hwy., Macon, GA 31217; 478/751-6160; fax 478/751-6517; email blanford@mgrdc.org; web www.mgrdc.org South Georgia Regional Development Center, Damping High Fire Insurance Rates Using GIS Technology. Contact: John Leonard or Chris Strom, 327 W. Savannah Ave., Valdosta, GA 31601; 229/333-5277 ext. 142; fax 229/333-5312; email cstrom@sgrdc.com; web www.sgrdc.com or http://gisweb.sgrdc.com

River Country Economic Development District, Eight County Early Warning System Enhancement Project for Southeast Nebraska. Contact: George Frye or Terry Meier, 2631 “O” St., Lincoln, NE 68510-1398; 404/475-2560; fax 404/ 475-2794; email senddlincoln@alltel.net South Carolina Appalachian Council of Governments, Homeland Security Training. Contact: Bob Strother or Joe Newton, P.O. Box 6668, Greenville, SC 29606; 864/242-9733; fax 864/242-6957; email newton@scacog.org; web www.scacog.org

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