Avagene Moore: Welcome to the EIIP Virtual Forum! We are delighted to have everyone here for a Round Table discussion. Avagene Moore: For our newcomers, please note that any URL given becomes a live link. If you click on a link, it will be shown in your browser window. Avagene Moore: For example, take a quick look at the following link http://www.emat.org . Our guest speaker will be talking about this group in a few moments. Avagene Moore: Our session today is rather informal but we do want to be courteous and orderly in our dialogue. Once our speaker is ready for questions, we ask you to please input a question mark (?) to the chat screen to indicate you have a question or wish to make a comment. Avagene Moore: Compose your input but hold it until you are recognized by name. Questions and comments from the audience will be taken in order they are submitted to the screen. Avagene Moore: And now, our guest speaker for today, Libbi Rucker- Reed -- Libbi has served as the Assistant Director of Rutherford County (TN) EMA since August 1993. Prior to that time, she volunteered with Rutherford County Rescue. Avagene Moore: She is a Certified Emergency Management Professional in TN with over 1300 hours of training in various areas related to emergency services including licensed EMT and Hazardous Materials Specialist. Avagene Moore: She is a qualified instructor for CPR, EMS First Responder, Vehicle Extrication, ICS, Search is an Emergency, and a myriad of hazardous materials courses including NBC Awareness/Operations/Command Avagene Moore: Libbi has been the secretary-treasurer for the Emergency Management Association of Tennessee for 3 1/2 years and also function as the webmaster of EMAT's website http://www.emat.org . Avagene Moore: Our speaker is actively involved in presenting emergency preparedness procedures to school, civic and community groups, and also works with the EMAT legislative committee in getting an emergency management and preparedness trust fund bill filed in the TN general assembly. Avagene Moore: As busy as she is, Libbi plans to complete her bachelor's degree; she lacks three courses and a final paper to complete a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Avagene Moore: On a personal note, Libbi has 2 children: a son who is a Captain in the US Army Special Forces, and a daughter who is a Deputy US Marshal. Avagene Moore: Might add that the EIIP became acquainted with Libbi last year as we prepared for our first WEBEX online exercise. She has been involved with us since that time and we are very glad that EMAT and Rutherford County EMA are both Partners. Avagene Moore: And now, it is my pleasure to turn the floor to Libbi Rucker-Reed. Thanks for being here today, Libbi. Libbi RuckerReed: Thank you Avagene! Libbi RuckerReed: Good morning, I am delighted to be with you. Let me give you a little background on EMAT and how this discussion topic evolved... Libbi RuckerReed: EMAT is the Emergency Management Association of Tennessee. There are approximately 300 members of the association from the various emergency service related fields: emergency management, fire, EMS... Libbi RuckerReed: rescue, 911, and law enforcement as well as some from the private sector. The association has been in existence since the days of civil defense - changing with the times to reflect current philosophy. EMAT supports... Libbi RuckerReed: a certified emergency management professional program with three levels of certification. In addition, we have a K-9 program that certifies dog and handler TEAMS in air-scent and man-trailing techniques. EMAT hosts a fall conference that is in various... Libbi RuckerReed: locations around the state, and works with the state emergency management agency (TEMA) in supporting a spring conference held in Nashville. Other information on EMAT can be found at http://www.emat.org ... Libbi RuckerReed: Now, more on the purpose of today's discussion... Libbi RuckerReed: During a chat session with a local EMA director in GA, the idea of having representatives from the state associations of the eight southeastern states in FEMA Region IV get together for an information exchange meeting was suggested... Libbi RuckerReed: We knew the state emergency management agency directors met at different times to exchange information and ideas, but the state associations did not. The idea of conducting such a meeting was presented to then-President Warren Vaughn... Libbi RuckerReed: and the EMAT Executive Committee. With their blessing, the first meeting was hosted by EMAT in February 1998. Representatives from TN, KY, GA, AL, MS, and NC were able to attend. Information on where each state was with development of certified emergency manager programs... Libbi RuckerReed: search and rescue dog/handler programs, conferences/meetings, disaster trust funding legislation, and various other programs were highlighted by each state contingent. Each state association had information... Libbi RuckerReed: to pass along on how they accomplished their various programs, how they coordinated with legislators to gain their support on whatever specific legislation the association was proposing, etc. and these tidbits of information were very worthwhile... Libbi RuckerReed: One specifically interesting piece of information presented was some states had developed a "sister county" type of mutual aid program where the sister county was half way across the state, the thought behind this... Libbi RuckerReed: being that in a regional disaster (i.e. coastal hurricanes, flooding, wildland fires) your sister county might NOT be involved in that disaster and be more able to provide assistance than the county next to you, possibly involved in the same regional disaster, could not... Libbi RuckerReed: In addition, getting to know the names and putting faces with our counterparts in other states was exciting. AL Emergency Management Council hosted the second meeting in June of 1998 in conjunction with their annual conference and... Libbi RuckerReed: GA Emergency Management Agency hosted the third meeting in March 1999. At some point the cumbersome title of "Regional State Emergency Management Associations President's Group" was shortened to "Southern States Leadership Group" or SSLG and that name has stuck!... Libbi RuckerReed: Shortly after the third meeting, we discovered as exciting as it was to actually travel to different states and let each state emergency management association showcase their programs, facilities, etc., that real disasters/events coupled with... Libbi RuckerReed: the financial aspect of traveling AND trying to keep tabs on the ever changing presidents/officers of each state association, was making it very difficult to continue having actual meetings... Libbi RuckerReed: After participating in various discussion forums through the EIIP website, the idea of an online discussion forum was developed with the enthusiasm and technological support of Avagene Moore and Amy Sebring. So, here we are!... Libbi RuckerReed: The thoughts behind making this a regular discussion forum are to focus on interaction between the state association memberships and how we can help each other in disaster situations... Libbi RuckerReed: Before we go further...I would like to ask what states are represented here today? Avagene Moore: Everyone please put in your state. I am from TN. Ron Watkins: TN Jon Kavanagh: Maine David Crews: Kansas Dewayne West: NC Daryl Spiewak: Texas Jane Kushma: Tennessee Joe Fletcher: Utah Amy Sebring: TX Matt Cole: WV Kellye Junchaya: NJ Rick Wood: CA Mike Krumlauf: Maryland Pat Moore: Pat Moore from Pennsylvania Barbara Sim: MI Robert P HopkinsIII: Bob Hopkins: TN. John Hardcastle: California Libbi RuckerReed: Outstanding! Shows how great internet interaction can be across the entire U.S. Libbi RuckerReed: Here are some things I thought might be included in future discussions... LindaUnderwoodCERTLA: CA Libbi RuckerReed: 1) current issues that are important in YOUR state... Libbi RuckerReed: 2) should state associations participate at a national level and if so, how could this be accomplished... Libbi RuckerReed: 3) where is your state on trust funding for emergency management issues... Libbi RuckerReed: Now, for your thoughts and questions. Please put a ? to ask a question and an ! to make a comment. Go ahead and type your question or comment, but wait for me to call on you before sending it... Libbi RuckerReed: and bear with me, gang, this is my first time hosting a session and I might be a little slow in calling on you... Libbi RuckerReed: If your question or comment goes to someone other than me, please put their name in first followed by a colon (:) then type the question/comment... Libbi RuckerReed: ok, here we go! Dewayne West: ! Libbi RuckerReed: Dewayne Dewayne West: I attended the first meeting in Tenn. I was impressed with the exchange, and I am glad to see that we are doing this. Much to be gained! Libbi RuckerReed: Thank you! I hope we can make this a regular exchange. and appreciate your participation Avagene Moore: Other questions, anyone? Ron Watkins: I am interested in finding out what other states have state legislation supporting local EMA programs (trust funds) such as TN EMAT is proposing. Libbi RuckerReed: Other state people here....your comments? Avagene Moore: ! Amy Sebring: ? Libbi RuckerReed: Avagene Avagene Moore: I thought it was notable that you mentioned that the state directors meet and yet state associations do not .... Daryl Spiewak: ! Avagene Moore: From the grass roots perspective, local EMs are where the clout is and state associations should be strong and sharing with each other. Libbi RuckerReed: Amy please Amy Sebring: We tried this in unsuccessfully in TX a couple of years back, but I am not sure of current status. Billy Z or Darryl S do you know? David Crews: ! Libbi RuckerReed: Daryl, your comments? Daryl Spiewak: I would like to see all the state associations partner with IAEM and attend the annual conference. This might work better that the regional concept we currently work under. Darryl E Parker TFT: Could you repeat, pleas? (I just arrived.) Libbi RuckerReed: David David Crews: What about using existing professional Organizations such as SALEMDUG, IAEM or NEMA as a basis for communicating and exchange. Libbi RuckerReed: David, can you elaborate on that thought? Billy Zwerschke: Daryl has been real active in developing a program and he is commenting. Libbi RuckerReed: Do these organizations hold online discussions? Matt Cole: ? David Crews: We already have professional organization in place with internet and administrative functions. Libbi RuckerReed: Great, I did not know that, but am glad to hear it. Maybe others can connect... Dewayne West: ! Libbi RuckerReed: with you to find out more information on when they conduct online discussions. Libbi RuckerReed: Matt, please Matt Cole: For Libbi - what has been your experience in dealing with fed. reservations such as Oak Ridge? Libbi RuckerReed: Matt, I am in the middle TN area, so my experience with them is limited. Anyone here from East TN that interacts with Oak Ridge? Amy Sebring: ? Libbi RuckerReed: Dewayne, your comment. Dewayne West: NC has been working on this issue for several years. We were close a year ago, but the bill entered did not have any provisions for local programs. It did not get out of committee. I think we stand a great chance getting something through next session. I am concerned that there may be an urgency to do something in a hurry without much long term thought. Libbi RuckerReed: You are referring to trust fund legislation, right? Libbi RuckerReed: Amy, your question. Dewayne West: That is correct. However, with this capability and sharing, we should be able to help each other on these issues as well as disasters. Amy Sebring: While I am an active member of IAEM, my impression is that more local EM's may belong to a state association than belong to IAEM. Is that a correct perception in the experience of others? Avagene Moore: Yes, that is true for TN. Daryl Spiewak: Yes it is. Money and time seems to be the obstacles. Dewayne West: True for NC Libbi RuckerReed: Amy, I agree with your perception. That might be because of limited budgets in belonging to multiple organizations. Avagene Moore: Check the numbers. 300 members in EMAT. 1800 in IAEM. Amy Sebring: Yes, I feel this is true and that these folks should have a voice. Amy Sebring: ? Ron Watkins: I feel more could be accomplished on the regional-state levels to improve local EMA programs. Libbi RuckerReed: Amy Amy Sebring: For those funds that were defeated ... Amy Sebring: or died in committee, who was the obstacle? In our case it was the insurance industry. Amy Sebring: (for anyone) Libbi RuckerReed: They are one of our obstacles also. Jon Kavanagh: As well as up here.... Jon Kavanagh: ! Libbi RuckerReed: Ron, local and state issues vary....so you are right in that thought. What might work in a regional area, might not work nationally. Libbi RuckerReed: Jon. Dewayne West: In NC it was due to the fact that the State Assn. was not consulted as to the content of the bill. It was totally a state level disaster recovery fund. Avagene Moore: I can't speak for any one state's obstacles. My personal opinion is that EM has an identity and solidarity problem. Jon Kavanagh: Amy brings up a good point---when seeking money, there's a bunch of fights to be fought... Jon Kavanagh: and unless people are properly educated, they won't part with a single dollar. Look at the FEMA buy-out program-- Amy Sebring: ! Jon Kavanagh: at first look, it seems insane! But once you are able to explain *why* it makes sense, most people understand.. Billy Zwerschke: Insurance seems to have a stronger lobby than we do. Libbi RuckerReed: Without a doubt, Billy!!! Libbi RuckerReed: Amy Amy Sebring: Another issue, we have heard that FEMA is revamping the State/Local grant program. Are the "locals" being asked for any input? We also need to look at split between state and local programs ... Jon Kavanagh: ! Amy Sebring: there is something where NEMA may not be the right way to go! Dewayne West: ! Libbi RuckerReed: Jon Jon Kavanagh: As Amy mentioned again, how much do we/EMA directors/volunteers/normal taxpayers ... Jon Kavanagh: know about these efforts, and the result of not qualifying for disaster aid but not having a tax base to support a $300,000 cleanup? Jon Kavanagh: Publicity about these legislative events needs to be much more public.... or so it seems. Libbi RuckerReed: Probably not as much as we should, Jon. Public education could use some more umphf! Libbi RuckerReed: Dewayne Avagene Moore: Local level is where the numbers are. It is a matter of information and action when needed with one's legislators. That is missing, folks. Billy Zwerschke: I am meeting with a special Senate Committee tomorrow in TX to discuss the mentioned problems here. Dewayne West: I think we would be making a mistake to expect NEMA to look after local program interest. If there is some way that we can encourage more participation in IAEM from local coordinators, then our numbers would be much better. Maybe through a state association membership fee where all state association members would be included? Amy Sebring: ? Libbi RuckerReed: Great, Billy. Let us know how it goes for you, will you? Billy Zwerschke: Be happy to! Libbi RuckerReed: Amy please Amy Sebring: Billy Z, are you going as an EMAT rep? (same acronym, different state) Ron Watkins: Good luck Billy and keep plugging! Billy Zwerschke: Going as Texas Gulf Coast and Local rep. Amy Sebring: Walt Kelley will be there as EMAT rep I assume? Billy Zwerschke: Yes, Walt will be there. Amy Sebring: ! Billy Zwerschke: FEMA region VI, State and NFIP with all the Comm. Libbi RuckerReed: Amy Amy Sebring: I think the first thing that the state associations could do is put together a good email list that reaches all the way down to the local level ... Amy Sebring: to get the word out when issues come up. Avagene Moore: ! Dewayne West: ! Libbi RuckerReed: Amy, we in TN are working very hard at that very thing!!! Mike Krumlauf: ! Libbi RuckerReed: Renewals include a place for listing email addresses Libbi RuckerReed: Avagene Avagene Moore: Another problem is staying on top of the issues. That takes real work and dedication. Avagene Moore: Things move fast. Libbi RuckerReed: Exactly!!! Jon Kavanagh: ! Amy Sebring: ! Libbi RuckerReed: Dewayne Dewayne West: North Carolina has done that. We used it to defeat the bill that left us out. You would be amazed how quick you can get information distributed. We have also included email addresses for all legislative members. Libbi RuckerReed: Mike Mike Krumlauf: Our association is working on a MD Statewide Compact much like the Southern States. But the only areas that have really gotten it together here is our Eastern Shore. Libbi RuckerReed: Keep plugging, Mike. You can get it going if you work at it!!! Libbi RuckerReed: Jon Jon Kavanagh: Get more funding to get more fulltime people, or to give a bit of compensation to the volunteers, to help them help organize all this info