| |
|
|
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today joined Florida’s Cabinet
officers, state agency heads, and officials in law enforcement and emergency
management to conduct the fifth annual homeland security “tabletop” exercise
at the State Emergency Operations Center. The exercise is an annual drill
where the Governor and top state officials respond to mock terrorism and
homeland security threats.
“Florida’s first-rate emergency planning and training efforts have enabled
the state emergency management team to respond effectively to the recent
tornadoes in Central Florida,” said Governor Crist. “Today’s exercise will
help ensure that Florida’s team continues to be a national leader in
response to any type of disaster that may threaten Floridians.”
The scenario of the 2007 training exercise was a terrorist event involving a
radiological threat. The primary objective of the exercise is to give the
state’s top executives and staff an opportunity to engage in policy-level
discussions with federal and local officials. The exercise provides the
opportunity to evaluate information-sharing and to enhance coordination of
their response plans and recovery roles with partner agencies.
Representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Coast Guard,
Florida National Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency also
participated in the half-day drill.
“Just as we come together today as members of the State Emergency Response
Team for training, it is equally important that all Floridians take the time
now, before a disaster strikes, to form a plan, “ said Director of Emergency
Management (DEM) Craig Fugate.
Preparedness on Many Fronts: State, Regional and Local.
Next week Governor Crist, along with state and local emergency management
teams, will be participating in Hazardous Weather Awareness Week activities
across the state. The annual statewide “Tornado Drill” will be conducted on
Wednesday, February 14, 2007. From more information, please go to
www.FloridaDisaster.org/kids.
Each of Florida’s seven Regional Domestic Security Task Forces, in
coordination with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), has
completed tabletop and functional exercises over the past several years.
These exercises provide vital training to members of all disciplines,
including law enforcement, fire, health, education and the private sector.
“Preparation and practice are the foundation of Florida’s disaster response
efforts,” said FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey. “These exercises are a way
for us to put our preparedness skills to the test and build upon our
collective ability to successfully manage and respond to emergency
situations.”
In addition to domestic security efforts by FDLE and DEM, the Florida
Department of Health (DOH) is continuing its preparedness programs to ensure
the protection of all Floridians. Recently, DOH officials completed a
training exercise on pandemic flu planning, along with federal officials
from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“The Department of Health is committed to keeping Floridians safe and
healthy,” said DOH Secretary Ana Viamonte Ros, M.D., M.P.H. “We are working
to make sure the people of Florida are informed, engaged and prepared to
face pandemic flu or any other disaster.”
Florida’s Strategy
Florida’s statewide domestic security strategy is organized around
five key goals and objectives:
Prevent, pre-empt and deter acts of terrorism
Prepare for terrorism response missions
Protect Florida’s citizens, visitors and critical infrastructure
Respond in an immediate, effective and coordinated manner
Recover quickly and restore normalcy
Since September 11, 2001, Florida has received nearly $975 million in
federal and state funding dedicated to ensuring the state’s domestic
security and increasing responder capabilities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
