May 23, 2007

I-64 reversal exercise a success
The Virginia Department of Transportation briefly closed 36 ramps along Interstate 64 eastbound, between the I-295/I-64 interchange and the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel on May 20. VDOT, Virginia National Guard and Virginia State Police personnel supervised the closures, which simulated a portion of the lane reversal during a Hampton Roads evacuation.

The focus of the exercise was to test command and control aspects of a reversal and to test state agencies' ability to communicate and coordinate effectively with other state agencies and the National Guard.

During a reversal, I-64 westbound traffic traveling from Norfolk and Virginia Beach will be shifted onto what are normally the eastbound lanes of I-64 just before the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel in Norfolk. Motorists will continue traveling on the eastbound lanes until they reach I-295 in Richmond, approximately 80 miles. The exercise practiced lowering the gates only, and no traffic was reversed.

Visit VDOT's evacuation information page: http://www.vdot.virginia.gov/hurricane. A slide-show of the exercise is also available online: http://www.virginiadot.org/images/slideshows/lane_reversal/index.htm.

Virginia receives infrastructure protection program awards
The Department of Homeland Security has awarded more than $5.5 million to Virginia and National Capital Region ports, transit systems and critical infrastructure sites through the Infrastructure Protection Program. The IPP consists of five programs aimed at emergency planning for terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies. Virginia is eligible for funds for projects that fall under three of the programs.

• The Port Security Grant Program ($3,927,683) supports efforts to protect seaports listed on the U.S. Coast Guard's list of critical seaports, which includes Hampton Roads. Awards are based on the port's relative risk and the relationship of each project to security priorities. In addition, $67,994 will go to improve security at an inland facility in Dumfries, Va.
• The Buffer Zone Protection Program ($770,000) provides funds, specifically for planning and equipment, to state and local governments to secure critical infrastructures, including chemical facilities, nuclear and electric power plants, dams, stadiums, arenas and other high-risk areas.
• The Transit Security Grant Program ($591,081) provides grant funding to the nation's key high-threat urban areas to enhance security measures for their critical transit infrastructures, including bus, rail and ferry systems. Also, the Jamestown-Scotland ferry will receive $235,444 under the TSGP ferry grant program.

Arlington pet trailer ready for service
Arlington County's Office of Emergency Management has purchased a 20-foot pet trailer to care for companion animals in the event that their owners are forced to evacuate during a disaster. The trailer, stocked with animal food, 250 animal crates of various sizes, medications, water and other pet supplies, will travel to Arlington shelters to establish adjacent areas, where evacuees can keep their pets in the same facility. Pet owners are encouraged to bring essential items for their pets to the shelter so that the trailer’s supplies will go further.

Arlington OEM collaborated with the Arlington Animal Welfare League to determine appropriate supplies. League staff and volunteers will maintain the trailer and staff it during deployments. Arlington County used $20,000 from Urban Area Security Initiative funds to buy and stock the trailer, which helps to fulfill Arlington's pet planning requirements under the PETS Act.

Read more about the trailer on Arlington County's Web site: http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Communications/9646.aspx.

Changes to NIMS division name and contact information
To better reflect recent organizational changes, the Incident Management Systems Division (formerly the NIMS Integration Center) has changed the e-mail address for NIMS-related inquiries to FEMA-NIMS@dhs.gov. In order to provide uninterrupted service during the transition, the old e-mail address, NIMS-Integration-Center@dhs.gov, will remain active for three to six months, with an auto-reply message informing the sender of the new address and that the question has been forwarded.

Facemask and respirator guidance for pandemic flu
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is providing guidance to the public about the use of facemasks and respirators during an influenza pandemic. When used alongside preventive steps such as hand washing, minimizing exposure to infected people, taking antiviral medications and staying home if infected, masks and respirators might help prevent some spread of influenza. The recommendations pertain to non-occupational settings, or those outside of health care facilities. Although there is very little research about the value of masks to protect people, these recommendations are based on the best judgment of public health experts who relied in part on information about the protective value of masks in health care facilities.

The guidelines are available from the CDC's Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/2007/r070503.htm. The guidelines have been incorporated into the Community Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Mitigation, also available online: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/community/commitigation.html.

Exercise explores maritime security
The Office of Commonwealth Preparedness and the U.S. Navy's Center for Asymmetric Warfare conducted a tabletop, seminar-style exercise May 21-22. The discussion covered plans, policies and responsibilities for conducting maritime homeland security operations at the state, local and federal levels. The exercise is part of the CAW's East Coast 2007 Initiative, which is supported congressionally by Sens. John Warner and Susan Collins. Employing complex, scenario-based tabletops and live exercises, the East Coast Initiative over the next several years will enhance Maine’s and Virginia's capabilities to respond to threats and potential terrorist attacks.

Produced by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management
10501 Trade Court, Richmond, Virginia 23236