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Emergency Preparedness and Counter Terrorism Forum Opens In Norfolk

Release Date: 11/17/2003
Contact Information: David Sternberg (215) 814-5548

David Sternberg (215) 814-5548

NORFOLK, Va. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mid-Atlantic Region opened its annual Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Conference at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott, in Norfolk Va., today. The conference will run through Wednesday, November 19.

Sessions will examine real-life emergency scenarios and case studies in 80 workshops, exercises and drills related to counter-terrorism, emergency response preparedness and chemical safety.

“ The one thing no enemy can take away from us is our ability to pull together as one team, stay the course, and achieve the mission. EPA is committed to doing all we can to help responders in communities by helping with planning, chemical safety audits and exercises to continue strengthening LEPCs,” said Dennis Carney, emergency response branch chief for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region.

This is one of the nation's largest gatherings of emergency planners and responders. More than 1,500 emergency planners and managers, first response personnel, community leaders, emergency medical providers and industry representatives are attending. They will learn the best ways to plan, prepare, and prevent accidental hazardous materials incidents and how to combat security threats.

Conference highlights include sessions on cyberterrorism and risk communication, a tabletop exercise simulating a rail disaster and a counter-terrorism exercise at the port.

Featured speakers include Norfolk Mayor Martin Fraim and Assistant U.S. Surgeon General, Rear Admiral John Babb.

Note: A one-minute mp3 audio sound bite about this event by EPA Regional Administrator Donald S. Welsh is available at www.epa.gov/radionews.html.


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