Anniston Star
July 15, 2003
Opinion

Who's ready, who's not?

07-15-2003

The order to strike the first match, figuratively speaking, could come any day now.

When it does, the nearly $1 billion incinerator built to destroy almost 10 percent of the nation's chemical weapons will begin its mission here in Anniston.

Tired of hearing about it?

Believe it when you see it?

Doubt it'll be approved?

OK.

OK, that is, as long as you understand your life someday could depend on how ready you truly are for this.

Pay attention.

***

Our reporters, for many years, have been asking these questions, over and over again:

Are our emergency responders prepared and ready?

Is there a safer way than burning them?

Are the alternative destruction methods more unproven and just as dangerous?

Is it more dangerous to continue storage and wait for something better?

Are we safe from terrorists?

Will our city be more attractive to commerce once the weapons are gone?

What would be the impact of an accidental release?

How are our school children protected?

How are visitors protected should an accidental release occur?

If we keep waiting, will we ever be better prepared?

How long should we wait?

What is the danger of waiting?

Same old questions, after many stories with attempted answers. But if you're still reading, that's a good sign.

***

Now hear this

No matter where you stand on the divisive fence of how we should handle the weapons, as a point of preparedness, it matters not.

Be prepared, now.

Do I sound like an alarmist?

Folks, that incinerator may not ever see the candle of a birthday cake, or it may start destroying man's most deadly concoctions as soon as tomorrow. But the fact remains, there are weapons already in our midst.

Preparedness should not be tied to the politics of an incinerator startup. But if, as it appears more and more likely, startup does begin within weeks if not days if not hours, then it's a bit silly for you to blame "tired of hearing about it" for not knowing what to do. We'll continue to write stories, but please, get and study your preparedness kit.

Study evacuation routes. Know your zone, how to take shelter, how to receive important updates, when to leave or stay put, and most of all, how to avoid panic.

Go to the old Fort McClellan grounds for your kit, and follow the many signs that lead to the distribution center. Call your county Emergency Management Agency office for help.

Then, having done all you can to be prepared, feel free to continue asking questions.

We will.

Troy Turner
Executive Editor