Anti Terrorism

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.