Arkansas, New Jersey and Alaska

Arkansas Arkansas Department Of Emergency Management (ADEM)

The vision of the ADEM states, “The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management will be the recognized leader nationwide for state-level homeland security and disaster preparedness programs, policies, and procedures by 2010.” In keeping with this vision, the ADEM has implemented a list of Suggested Protective Measures for its civilian population based on recommendations from the Department of Homeland Security.

ADEM has also posted information on disaster plans and supplies for its citizens on the www.adem.state.ar.us website, and includes a link to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). The ADH has formed the Bio-terrorism Command Center, providing training, continuing education, and preparedness information on biological agents to health and emergency services personnel in the state.

ADEM is continuously offering training es to local emergency managers and first responders, city and county government officials, volunteer organizations, and private-sector personnel involved in emergency response. Courses being offered include National Incident Management System (NIMS), Incident Command System (ICS), Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Hazardous Materials training. The new “ADEM-PUB2” document provides detailed information on NIMS implementation and requirements to local and state government personnel.

New Jersey Counter-Terrorism Symposium

On February 19, 2005, the United States Marine Corps Reserve Association held a Counter-Terrorism Symposium at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Atlantic City. This symposium was held in cooperation with the New Jersey Office of Counter Terrorism (OCT), the New Jersey Naval Militia Foundation (NJNMF), Regional Security Consultants, and a few other private businesses.

Major General (USMC, Retired) George T. Garrett, Deputy Assistant Director of the NJ OCT, and Captain Ken Mallette, of the NJ State Police Homeland Security Division were the keynote speakers. They described various programs throughout New Jersey related to emergency preparedness and homeland security initiatives, including the “TOPOFF” preparedness exercise planned for the spring. The “TOPOFF” exercise will simulate a bio-terror attack and require the participation of senior decision-making officials from multiple agencies at all levels of government, as well as private-sector professionals throughout New Jersey.

Professionals from various agencies and organizations throughout the state were in attendance, including medical services, police departments, private security, transportation, and the military. The eight-hour symposium covered various topics, including school security, NIMS/ICS compliance, IT Security, Vehicle Borne Explosive Devices, and a panel discussion featuring personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard, NJ State Police, NJ Motor Truck Association, New Jersey Business Force, and the Lessons Learned Information Sharing system.

Alaska Updated Exercise Schedule and New Quarterly Newsletter

The Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Exercise Team has just added a February 2005 Exercise Schedule Update. The Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Coordination Team are currently planning the “Alaska Shield” and “Northern Edge” exercises in conjunction with Northern Command and Joint Task Force Alaska. These exercises are scheduled for 14 August to 19 August 2005.

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHS&EM) publishes a quarterly newsletter, the “Alaska Prepared Quarterly.” Volume 1 covers events between September 2004 and January 2005. The newsletter summarizes a few key events from the quarterly period, including the Alaska National Guard response to the city of Kaktovik’s prolonged power outage, state and federal cooperation in response to the Bering Sea storm disaster, Tsunami preparation, and a Canadian cross-border terrorism exercise.

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Anthony Lanzillotti

Anthony Lanzillotti

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