EmergencyManagement News

Volume 05 Issue 5

Michigan

SEOC Activated, State of Michigan Delivers Hurricane Katrina Relief

June 24, 2005 December 2005

Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm was on hand Fridaymorning, Sept. 2 to fully activate the State EmergencyOperations Center (SEOC) as the EmergencyManagement Division and other state agencies beganseveral intense weeks of assisting with Hurricane Katrinarelief.

On Aug. 29, Hurricane Katrina’s Category 4 winds ofup to 150 mph caused massive damage in Louisiana,Mississippi and Alabama, including the subsequentbreaching of levees in New Orleans, resulting in theevacuation of hundreds of thousands of Gulf Coastresidents.

Executive office staff and leaders from various stateagencies joined representatives of EmergencyManagement Division, the Michigan National Guard andAmerican Red Cross in coordinating relief efforts andhandling evacuee issues. The SEOC was operationalfrom Aug. 31 until Sept. 19, being fully activated for abouttwo weeks.

After listening to input from EMD officials and variousdepartmental directors, the governor handed outassignments to various personnel, and activity at theSEOC picked up rapidly.

A few hours later, the governor held a news conference,outlining how Michigan agencies and the private sectorwere responding to Katrina, and encouraging Michiganresidents to contribute money and resources to the reliefeffort.

SEOC personnel used E Team software to communicatewith response personnel throughout Michigan as well asto track donations and resource deployment. SEOC staffworked under an Incident Command System and employedNIMS protocols when interacting with officials from otherstates.

“EMD personnel worked effectively as a team from theoutset,” said EMD Commander Capt. Kriste Etue. “Ourtraining and exercises have really paid off.”

A hurricanehotline was set upfor Michiganresidents andposted on stateweb pages. FromSept. 2 to Sept. 13,dozens ofv o l u n t e e r sanswered inexcess of 16,000calls fromg e n e r o u s

Michiganders. More than 7,000 of the calls resulted in Michigan citizens offeringdurable goods and/or volunteering to assist in relief efforts.

Michigan State Police sent 32 departmental members as well as vehicles andequipment to the Gulf States. They were among the 98-member Michigan LawEnforcement Contingent (including many county and municipal officers) who weredeployed through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). Allof the officers had returned by Sept. 16. F/Lt. Ralph Hobrat and Third DistrictCoordinator Lt. Harry Partridge later deployed to Baton Rouge, La., returning aftertwo weeks.

Nearly 500 Michigan National Guard soldiers were deployed to the Gulf Statesduring the weeks following Katrina. Two C-130 transport aircraft and a waterpurification unit were dispatched, and other resources were ready fordeployment, including state police K-9, SWAT and forensics teams.

To provide assistance to states involved in direct relief efforts for the evacuees,a Presidential Emergency Declaration (FEMA-3225-EM-MI) was declared onSept. 7. The declaration covers all 83 Michigan counties for emergencyprotective measures (Category B) only, effective Aug. 29 until further notice. OnSept. 8, Capt. Etue authorized establishment of a Public Assistance Joint FieldOffice (JFO) to assist agencies providing direct assistance to evacuees.

FEMA appointed Janet Odeshoo as the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO),with Capt. Etue serving as the Governor’s Authorized Representative (GAR).

Capt. Etue named Joel Pepper as the State Coordinating Officer (SCO),putting him in charge of reviewing, approving, and coordinating all PublicAssistance Grant Program reimbursement activities.

The State EmergencyOperations Center is aflurry of activity in theaftermath of HurricaneKatrina. Below, Capt.Kriste Etue confers withGov. Jennifer Granholm;Karen Totzke and DNRCoordinator Lee Stanardreview an incoming fax.

Continued on Page 2

Troopers go over their checklistsprior to departing for Louisianafrom the Secondary Complex.

Michigan Emergency Management News 1December 2005

In the Trenches with Capt. Kriste Etue

The EMD commander also appointed:

Matt Opsommer as Special Assistant tothe SCO and the Public AssistanceOfficer (PAO);

Colleen Mohr as Deputy PublicAssistance Officer and Public RelationsOfficer;

Sandy Glazier asFinancial Officer;and

Dana Wolvertonas PublicInformationOfficer.

The JFO conductedpublic assistancebriefings to provideguidance onapplicationprocedures, administrative requirements,funding and program eligibility criteria forthe eligible state and local agencies as wellas Native American tribes and tribal

organizations providing direct relief toevacuees.

Seven briefings were held across the stateSept. 15-25, and included all agenciesinvolved in evacuee efforts. Kickoffmeetings to discuss reimbursementprocedures for eligible applicants will

continue as applicants incurexpenses for evacueeassistance.

EMAC FRAMEWORK EMAC was originallydeveloped followingHurricane Andrew, whichdevastated south Florida in1992. Then Gov. LawtonChiles, along with severalother southern governors,wanted states to moreeffectively help each other inresponse to large scale majordisasters. Since then, EMAC

has been expanded into a national compact(approved by Congress in 1996), with nearlyevery state a member. Michigan joined the

compact in January 2002, following theevents of 9/11.

Following an event, the NationalEmergency Management Association, whichadministers the compact, sends a team oftrained individuals to the affected state toadminister the various facets of theagreement.

F/Lt. Ralph Hobrat and Lt. Harry Partridgewere members of an eight-person team thatassisted Louisiana with EMACadministration. They were assigned to theLouisiana Emergency Operations Center inBaton Rouge and were responsible forinitiating resource broadcast requests,completing requisition forms to initiateresource delivery, checking the status ofrequests, and keeping affected parishes andstates apprised of the status of offered orrequested resources. The operations centerwas usually open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7days a week.

As a result of Hurricane Katrina, about41,000 people were deployed to the state of

State Activates SEOC; Departments Team Up to Help Gulf States From Page 1

Col. Tad Sturdivant speaks to a TVreporter about MSP’s response toHurricane Katrina.

Even a disaster like Katrina can have a silverlining. It is the teamwork made necessary bythe response that opens our eyes to the talentsand knowledge of our colleagues throughoutstate government.

Many of us, especially those who recentlyjoined EMD, may not have been aware of thewealth of talent and expertise in our midst. Wemay never have considered the range ofresponsibilities of agencies such as theDepartment of Human Services, MichiganHousing Authority or Department of Agriculture,and the vital roles they play in disasterresponse.

But after working side by side with officialsfrom various state and local agencies anddepartments, we can’t help but have a betterunderstanding of how state governmentfunctions. On the flip side, our colleagues inother agencies of state government now havea better grasp of what the EmergencyManagement Division does.

The benefits of this enlightenment are many.First, it gives us a greater appreciation for thebreadth of knowledge, experience andexpertise possessed by state of Michiganemployees. We meet people and learn aboutresources that can assist us in doing our jobsbetter.

Imagine doing a research paper in the library(pre-Internet days), and first you were restricted

to one row of books, but suddenly you’ve beengranted access to the entire library.

Second, since many of us hold positions thatrequire us to understand how our policies and

actions affect otherparties, we gain suchinsights through a teameffort like the Katrinaresponse.

Third, it’s a given thatteamwork is essentialfor success in most anyfield — especiallye m e r g e n c y

management. Working in a vacuum, with nofeedback, limited knowledge of how your workfits into the big picture, makes it easy to get

discouraged, be uninspired, and go through themotions.

But understanding what others do and whythey do it, and savoring our roles in helpingEMD fulfill its mission…these are essential ifwe are all to operate at optimum effectiveness.

Since being named Captain, I have made itclear I want to foster teamwork within EMDand with our partners — local, state, federal,and private sector.

Working alongside our colleagues in stateand local government as we did thisSeptember, gives us more practice atteamwork. Getting to know our “teammates”enhances communication, builds trust andimproves productivity.

Finally, working a disaster the scope ofKatrina teaches us more about theconsequences and repercussions of disasters– more than we could hope to learn inworkshops or by reading books.

As author Isadora Duncan put it, ”What onehas not experienced, one will never understandin print.”

We gained valuable experience followingKatrina. I am confident we will put thatknowledge to good use for the benefit of allMichigan residents.

“What one has notexperienced, one willnever understand inprint.”

-- Isadora Duncan

2 Michigan Emergency Management News December 2005

Louisiana under the auspicesof EMAC. Following HurricaneRita, EMAC deployed anadditional 7,600 people toLouisiana.

FOOD, FUEL & ANIMALS Many agencies of Michigangovernment played integralroles in the Katrina response.The Michigan Department ofAgriculture (MDA) is chargedwith monitoring the fuel supply,food safety, and animal health.

The Motor Fuels Quality/Weights program monitors thequality and quantity ofMichigan’s fuel supply, andalso investigates consumercomplaints.

In response to an EMAC request, MDAwas prepared to send food safetysanitarians to the Gulf States to help withcleanup, address adverse impacts on thefood supply and help food establishmentsreopen, but they were not deployed.

MDA’s Animal Industry Division staffprovided and coordinated animal healthassistance toevacuees who arrivedwith their pets, as wellas to animal rescuegroups who broughtlost or abandonedpets in to the state.(MDA employs about20 veterinariansstatewide.) Manydiseases andparasites that affectpets also affect humans, and animals fromother parts of the country could be carriersof maladies not found here.

MDA contacted all veterinarians, clinics,and registered shelters in Michigan toprovide guidance on health requirements.Fourteen animals were examined at Ft.Custer, and an estimated 500 animals havebeen relocated through rescue groupoperations. The animal health responsehas led to identifying other needs andopportunities regarding animal responseissues at the state and local levels, for bothlivestock and companion animals.

HEALTHCARE AT FORT CUSTER The State Health Operations Center(SHOC), operated by the Michigan De-partment of Community Health (MDCH)played a unique role in the HurricaneKatrina response. Active over a 15-dayperiod, the SHOC contributed more than2,500 man-hours to response efforts, andhosted the state’s donations hotline.

The District 5 Bio-Defense Network(consisting of personnel from nine

southwest Michigan counties) rapidlymobilized resources from law enforcement,EMS, the fire service, healthcare, publichealth and mental health for duty at Ft.Custer. This team effort followed severalyears of regional, multidisciplinary, multi-jurisdictional planning and preparednessmeetings.

Ft. Custer’s Unified Incident Commandincluded shared responsibilities betweenpolice, fire, EMS/medical, public health and

local and stateemergencymanagement.

Emergencypersonnel fromBattle Creek and thecounties of Calhounand Kalamazooworked with EMDofficials inresponding to

evacuees with a variety of medical needs.Ft. Custer operations included a PoliceBranch, Fire & Rescue Branch, and EMS/Medical Branch.

In all, more than 300 public healthprofessionals worked with traditionalresponse agencies to supply additionalcritical services through the EMS/MedicalBranch. Triage, medical screening, referrals,wound management and mental health wereamong the services administered. Medicalstaff used EMSystem, a web-basedhealthcare resource tracking system, tomonitor hospital bed availability, and E Teamwas used for nonmedical resource trackingand general communications.

During the first night of operation, 11evacuees required transport to areahospitals. About 150 prescriptions were filledduring the first 24 hours, and more than 425over the first week of operations.

A healthcare clinic was open for 12 hourseach day, staffed by a nurse and physician.After the first week, most significant medicalconditions had been addressed, and medicaloperations were transferred to the AmericanRed Cross.

To date, several thousand evacuees haverelocated in Michigan, residing in more than28 local public health jurisdictions.

LINENS & LAUNDRY Over Labor Day weekend, the Departmentof Corrections (DOC) provided more than2,000 sets of bedding (blankets, pillows,pillow cases, sheets, robes, towels, andwashcloths) to Ft. Custer in preparation forevacuees. DOC also provided laundryservice to Ft. Custer for all bedding.

DOC made available if needed emergencyresponse teams, Incident StressManagement Teams, stand-alone computers,6,500 additional sets of bedding forstatewide distribution, and 1,000 unusedprison beds.

RESOURCES AT THE READY Although the Department of Environmen-tal Quality (DEQ) was not called upon forassistance, the department was ready tooffer an impressive array of resources,including facilities, equipment and employeeexpertise, should they be needed. DEQ’sEmergency Management Planning Teamidentified the services it could provide bothwithin Michigan and in the Gulf States.

Those resources include:

Radiological assessments,decontaminations, radiological samplingand monitoring, field team coordination,and respirator fit testing;

Toxicologist Services;

From Page 2

Lt. Chris Kelenske and Tpr. Jim Leececoordinate EMAC requests in the StateEmergency Operations Center.

Michigan Emergency Management News 3December 2005

TOSS Section Manager Dan Sibo mans thephones in his role as Operations Chief inthe State Emergency Operations Center.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s news conference includes Col.Sturdivant; Michigan Adjutant General Major Gen. ThomasCutler; U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow; and Capt. Etue.

Triage, medical screening,wound management,mental health servicesand patient referrals wereoffered at Fort Custer.

vehicles. They were followed by 10 semi-trucks loaded with 25 flat bottom boats.Within three days, the DNR team arrived inBaton Rouge, La. On Sept. 5, Michiganofficers assisted wildlife officers fromLouisiana, Kentucky, and Missouriconducting search and rescue missions inthe Ninth Ward of the City of New Orleans.The rescuers extracted many survivors fromflooded residences. Law EnforcementDivision Chief Alan Marble described themission as being grim and involving “some

of the most unpleasanttasks imaginable.”

Due to an outpouring ofassistance offers andsupport available in thegulf region, DNR’sdeployment was a shortone and personnel

returned to Michigan on Sept. 9.

DNR was also ready to accept evacueesat the Ralph A. MacMullen ConferenceCenter in Roscommon County, but thefacility was not needed as moreconveniently located shelters were found.

TRANSPORTATION ISSUES Transportation is always a concern whenpeople are displaced by a disaster andlodged in temporary housing. They stillneed to run errands, see the doctor or go tothe pharmacy, but often have neither avehicle nor access to public transportation.

With that in mind, the MichiganDepartment of Transportation (MDOT)developed and managed a temporarydemand-response transit system to getevacuees to banks, stores, doctor

Analysts, laboratory testing services inMichigan and a mobile laboratory toprovide volatile organic tersting; and

Engineers and other water qualityspecialists were also available to helprestore wastewater treatment, repairdrinking water systems, and evaluatewater quality.

FOOD, HOUSING AND ASSISTANCE A total of 3,500 hurricane evacueespresented themselves at the variousDepartment of Human Services (DHS)facilities across the state. Over 1,200 newpublic assistance cases have been opened,representing more than 2,200 recipients.

Human Services staff members at Ft.Custer processed a total of 289 evacuees.Of that number, 129 were relocated out ofstate at their request. A total of 145 wereplaced in permanent housing here inMichigan. Fifteen evacuees were cared forat nursing homes and/or hospitals.

In response to anEMAC request, HumanServices sent 25 foodstamp workers toAlabama for one week.The employees worked12-hour days. Duringthe evacuee processingand acclimation process,Human Services partnered with localoutreach groups at reception centers inDetroit, Pontiac, Grand Rapids, and Flint.

DNR LENDS A HAND The Michigan Department of NaturalResources (DNR) provided invaluableassistance to the gulf region as a result ofHurricane Katrina.

On Sept. 2, the Louisiana Department ofWildlife and Fisheries requested throughEMAC flat bottom boats to engage in searchand rescue operations. Following anadditional EMAC request, DNR’s LawEnforcement Division began a mobilizationof volunteer conservation officers fromacross the state. A contingent of 41officers, 10 sergeants and three lieutenantsleft Michigan on Sept. 4 in 27 4-wheel-drive

Michigan StatePolicepersonnelpatrol thedevastatedstreets of NewOrleans. MSPofficers spentseven daysconductingsearch-and-rescuemissions.

appointments, and the Battle Creek bus/trainstation. MDOT partnered with KalamazooCounty Transit, Barry County Transit,Jackson Transportation Authority and DeanTransportation to have dedicated buses anddrivers to operate the temporary “Fort CusterTransit System.”

The Passenger Transportation Divisionmanaged the coordination with Amtrak,Greyhound, and charter bus carriers tosupport the DHS as it relocated evacuees.MDOT had staff at Ft. Custer seven days aweek to assist the evacuees with theirtransportation needs. When necessary,MDOT staff traveled to bus and train stationsto arrange transportation for evacuees fromFort Custer to the homes of family membersor friends around the nation, or to semi-permanent homes in Michigan.

Additionally, MDOT provided logisticalsupport to the state police and DNR teamsresponding to Louisiana and Mississippi.The department contracted a fuel supplier totravel with the MSP convoy traveling toLouisiana. MDOT also contracted with atrucking company to transport DNR boats.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm meets andwelcomes Hurricane Katrinaevacuees at Ft. Custer in Battle Creek.

DNR conservationofficers helped extractmany survivors fromflooded residences.

Quick Guides for E Team reports havebeen developed and posted in E Teamunder “Reference Documents byCateogory, E Team User Guides,” onthe Operations and Training side of thesystem.

The guides are available for your use,and feedback is welcome. Pleasesend comments tobarcrofj@michigan.gov.

User Guides Available

4 Michigan Emergency Management News December 2005

Michigan Emergency Management News 5December 2005

UPCOMING EMD TRAINING

For more information, contact the Michigan State Police,Hazardous Materials Training Center at (517) 322-1190 or

www.michigan.gov/emd.

Course Date Location

For more information you may contact the Training and Exercise Section at 517-333-5034 or visit our website atwww.michigan.gov/emd.

Course Date CostPrevention and Response to Suicide Bombing Dec. 8 & Jan. 24, 2006 FREEAir Monitoring January 4-6, 2006 $295CAMEO Suite January 9-12, 2006 $3458-hour HAZWOPER Refresher January 13, 2006 $95CBRNE/WMD Awareness (AWR-160) January 17, 2006 (1/2 day) $95CBRNE/WMD Tech for Hazmat Techs January 18-20, 2006 $325Chemistry I January 25-27, 2006 $345Emergency Response to Planning January 30-31 (1 1/2 days) $195

The workplace is a common area to catch the flu ora cold. Health experts say some very simplemeasures can be taken to minimize your exposureto viruses or passing them on to others.

Plain soap and water is the best method for riddinghands of disease and viruses. Washing your handswith soap and water not only gets rid of the virusesthat cause the common cold, but also viruses thatcause hepatitis, acute gastroenteritis, and manyother illnesses. Physical removal of viruses withsoap and water is much more effective becausesome viruses are hardy and somewhat resistant todisinfectants. Another important fact is thatwaterless handwipes only remove roughly 50percent of bacteria.

Hand hygiene agents have been shown to reducethe spread of germs that can cause a number ofhealthcare infections. Hand washing is an importantpart of a complete health program that includes ahealthy diet, exercise, adequate sleep, and properimmunization. A number of hand hygiene agents arenow available with different active ingredients andapplication methods. Anti-microbial hand washingagents are substantially more effective in reducingbacteria than the alcohol-based handrubs andwaterless handwipes.

Hands should be washed frequently and for at least15 seconds. To help estimate 15 seconds, the

suggestion given to children is to sing thekindergarten jingle “Now I Know MyABCs” during hand washing.

If you fit into one of the followingcategories, it is recommended that youreceive a flu shot. (Please check first withyour doctor.)

Adults age 50 or older;Children 6 to 23 months;People of any age with chronicmedical conditions (such asheart or lung disease,transplant recipients, or personswith AIDS);Women who will be pregnantduring the influenza season;Residents of nursing homesand other chronic care facilities;Children aged 2-18 years onchronic aspirin therapy;Health care workers involved indirect patient care;Out-of-home caregivers andhousehold contacts of personsin the above-listed high-riskgroups.

More tips for getting through the coldand flu season:

Avoid touching your face after publiccontact;Don’t stop sneezes and coughs withyour hands. Use a tissue, thenthrow it away;Drink plenty of fluids, especiallywater, to keep hydrated and flush outtoxins;Get aerobic exercise. It enhancesthe immune system;Eat highly colored fruits andvegetables. They are full of disease-fighting phytochemicals;Eat yogurt – its beneficial bacteriaboosts the immune system;Don’t smoke. It hampers the immunesystem, dries out the nasalpassages,and paralyzes the cilia thatclean the respiratory system;Relax and do things you enjoy;Get fresh air. Indoor air can be dryand stale;Keep alcohol consumption to aminimum. It dehydrates you andhampers yor liver, which is yourprimary filtering system.If you feel ill with a cough, runnynose, fever, headache, and/or achyjoints: stay home until you arenoncontagious.

Warding Off Cold and Flu: Hand Washing, Flu Shots, Proper Diet and Aerobic Exercise All Important

Notes:Notes:Notes:Notes:Notes: SARA Title III workshop covers hazardous chemical reports submitted by EMs to LocalEmergency Planning Committees, including the who, what, why and how of submittingreports, as well as electronic reporting opportunities.

The Emergency Planning Course scheduled for Dec. 14-15 has been rescheduled for April 24-26, 2006.

The Exercise Design Course slated for Jan. 25-27, 2006, has been moved to June 20-26, 2006.

WEM: Legal Issues in Emergency Management December 1 LansingIntroduction to Emergency Management January 12-13, 2006 EMD HeadquartersSARA Title III Tier Two Workshop January 17, 2006 NoviSARA Title III Tier Two Workshop January 19, 2006 KalamazooSARA Title III Tier Two Workshop January 26, 2006 Grand RapidsSARA Title III Tier Two Workshop January 31, 2006 Midland

EMD’s Technical and OperationalSupport Section (TOSS) provides userand “train the trainer” training on the ETeam SIMS software. Regular classesare offered at the State EmergencyOperations Center in Lansing, and insome cases at local emergencymanagement agencies.

A schedule of training classes isposted on the EMD website (Click on “ETeam and GIS” under “Inside EMD”heading). Classes are limited toapproximately 10 to 15 people.

Emergency management coordinatorsseeking E Team training for theirorganization should contact JaclynBarcroft, (517) 324-2385 orbarcrofj@michigan.gov; or Dan Sibo,(517) 333-5021, sibod@michigan.gov; toschedule a training session.

EMD Offers E Team Training

Michigan EmergencyManagement News

Michigan Hazard Mitigation Coordinating CouncilJan. 18, 2006Terrace Room, Collins Road, LansingQuestions can be directed to Karen Totzke, 517-336-2622; emailTotskeK@michigan.gov

16th Annual Northern Michigan Waterways Hazardous Material Spill PlanningCommitteeJan. 24-25, 2006Holiday Inn, Traverse CityQuestions can be directed to Dick Catton, 231-271-3580.

2006 Michigan Homeland Security Training ConferenceMay 2-4, 2006DeVos Place, Grand RapidsQuestions can be directed to Jackie Hampton, 517-333-5051; emailhamptonja@michigan.gov

Upcoming Events

Michigan Department of State PoliceEmergency Management Division4000 Collins RoadP.O. Box 30636Lansing, MI 48909-8136

Published by:

Michigan Department of State PoliceEmergency Management Division

Col. Tadarial SturdivantDirector, Michigan Department of State Police

Captain Kriste EtueCommanding OfficerEmergency Management Division

Article submittals or comments:Ms. Dana Wolverton, EditorEmergency Management DivisionEmergency Management News4000 Collins RoadP.O. Box 30636Lansing, MI 48909-8136(517) 333-5032E-mail: wolvertd@michigan.gov

Mr. Tom Black, Assistant EditorE-mail: BlackTM@michigan.gov

Mr. Ted Nastal, Graphic Design

Unit Costs: $.275Authorization: FEMA/CCA Act 390 of 1976, asamended.This project has been financed in part by fundsfrom the Federal Emergency ManagementAgency (FEMA). The contents do notnecessarily reflect the views and policies ofFEMA.

Visit the EMD website @ www.michigan.gov/emd

6 Michigan Emergency Management News December 2005