Anniston Star
June 24, 2003

Speak Out ... Emergency preparedness

By our readers
06-24-2003

Regardless of our opinion on the safety of incineration, it's time to unite in insisting on maximum protection for our citizens and schools. Because I asked a pivotal question-what are the emergency plans for Jacksonville City Schools in the event of a chemical accident at the depot-a complex, confusing search for the truth started, complete with conflicting information, hostility and secret meetings of which our own superintendent wasn't informed. The answers uncovered are unsettling.

Despite Dr. Mackey's insistence on over-pressurization, Jacksonville City Schools were denied that protection. Mr. Robert Thornton of Innovative Emergency Management, the company charged with determining our emergency plan, informed me of his firm's intended recommendations. Those plans, for Jacksonville and other schools beyond the pink zone, are basically: remove all students, faculty and staff to an interior room, close the doors and windows, turn off the ventilation system. Period! This plan is called "adequate." Imagine the panic when an agent release occurs. Will parents actually leave their children, unprotected, and leave town?

The next contact was David Ford at Calhoun County EMA. He declared that Jacksonville was chosen to host the EMA because over-pressurization was unnecessary; therefore Kitty Stone Elementary, located across the street, didn't need it either. Now, that didn't make sense: the agency responsible for the county's safety was not over-pressurized? So I checked with the architectural firm that made the upgrades and renovations to the EMA 10 years ago, in anticipation of incineration. Not only are they over-pressurized, but they have a carbon filtration system for backup! Don't our children deserve the same?

Mr. Ayers, as the "attorney for the most defenseless," HELP OUR CHILDREN! Use the same persuasive skills you used in advocating for incineration to advocate for maximum protection for the children of Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. Insist that the revised toxicity levels be applied before the first match is lit.

Parents: Discover the emergency plans for your schools and determine if they are adequate for your family. If not, contact your superintendent, Gov. Riley, Representative Lea Fite, the Calhoun County Commissioners, Sen. Shelby, Sen. Sessions and Congressman Rogers. Attend the public forum the Jacksonville City School Board will hold in July, and voice your concerns. Let our government work for the safety of all.

Susan Hug
Jacksonville