FEMA Announces Hoods and Suits to Anniston Depot-Area Residents/Responders
Release Date: July 15, 2002
Release Number: R4-02-59
» 2002 Region IV News Releases
Atlanta, GA -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the State of Alabama's request for funding of protective hoods and hazardous materials response equipment to include Level "A" suits for local governments participating in the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program.
Kenneth O. Burris, Jr., Regional Director of FEMA's Region IV office in Atlanta, said this approval provides more than $7 million to enhance preparedness for first responders in Calhoun, Cleburne, Etowah, St. Clair and Talladega Counties and provides additional protection to Calhoun County citizens living closest to the site.
"Protecting Alabama citizens who live and work close to the Anniston Depot has always been our primary goal," said Burris. "A key component in providing that protection has been an approved plan to train citizens and first responders on using the equipment. Alabama's plan and this action help us achieve that protection."
"In working to assure the regulations and laws pertaining to cooperative agreements have been met," Burris said, "we are confident the State is ready to meet all financial reporting requirements and to provide the training necessary to assure citizens and first responders are ready and set to act in the event of a chemical accident."
Last Modified: Wednesday, 27-Aug-2003 10:32:05