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ADEM says pilot program to pair counties for emergency preparedness Thursday, Aug 31, 2006 Arkansas News Bureau LITTLE ROCK - The state emergency management office announced a pilot program Wednesday pairing six counties in eastern and western Arkansas to prepare for a possible earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone in Northeast Arkansas. The state Department of Emergency Management said the program would match Mississippi County with Benton County, Crittenden County with Washington County and Poinsett County with Clark County. The department said the counties were selected and matched by population, resources and capabilities. ADEM Director David Maxwell said the initial concept is for the paired counties to enter into a memorandum of agreement to identify volunteers willing to be part of a Rapid Needs Assessment Team. "We then hope to set up meetings with the teams to start input from both counties as to what they feel would make this process successful," Maxwell said in a release. "The initial focus will be gearing up to respond to a major earthquake. Over time, we see the partnership being used for all disasters, with help ready and available both ways." Washington County coordinator John Luther said the program offers opportunities for both counties. "The additional training gained from this program will not only assist us in the event of a major disaster, but will be put to use in our day-to-day events," Luther said. "Seeing what different disasters counties across the state deal with makes us more aware of our surroundings so we are more prepared for out own disasters." |
