Assistant Metro Editor
| Talladega County residents can pick up protective equipment, including air filters and shelter-in-place kits, over the next two weekends. The equipment, which is part of the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program, is for use in case of an accident or incident at the Anniston Army Depot’s chemical weapons stockpile. Though an accident is thought to be unlikely, the equipment is for use in case deadly chemical agent leaves Anniston Army Depot’s borders. Dan Long, the director of the Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency, said the number of local residents getting protective equipment has leveled off recently. "So far this year, there’s been low numbers going through, compared to last year when the incinerator started up," Long said. Centech, which was chosen by the Calhoun County Commission to distribute protective equipment here, is still doling out equipment for county residents who want it. Commissioners, who pursued federal money for the equipment, said community protection is a constant work in progress. "I feel the county has done as much as it could do to ensure the protection of the citizens, and we have equipment in place and we have plans in place, and God forbid we should have to execute those plans in a real sense," said Commission Chairman Robert Downing. "I’m confident that we have increased the level of safety of the public. I would hasten to add there’s always room for improvement. We’ll always try to improve our protective measure and plans." Calhoun County residents still can pick up protective equipment at the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program’s distribution and training center at McClellan. Efforts for Talladega County pick up this weekend, said Deborah Gaither, a spokeswoman for the Talladega County EMA. She said her organization has begun preparing for the unlikely event of a chemical weapons accident or incident. "We have started mailing shelter-in-place kits to citizens who request them in the protective action zone," Gaither said. Residents in only zones C4, C4a and C5 — or an area north of Interstate 20, east of Holly Hills Road to the Calhoun County line — can pick up equipment at the Lincoln High School gymnasium from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday and from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday. Residents living in only zones B12 and B13 — or an area north of McElderry Road and east of Curry Station Road to the Calhoun and Clay county line — can pick up protective equipment at the Munford High School gymnasium from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Feb. 28 and from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Feb. 29 At both sites, residents are to receive air filters and shelter-in-place kits and bring a proof-of-residence and picture identification. Gaither said more distribution events could take place. "We probably will do this again for these communities because they’re the only ones with air filters," Gaither said. For more information, call the Talladega County EMA at 761-2125. |
| |
About Nathan Solheim
| |
Assistant Metro Editor Nathan Solheim is Minnesota native and a University of Georgia graduate. |
| Phone: Fax: E-mail: |
256-235-3551 256-241-1991 nsolheim@annistonstar.com |