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The Response Office
is divided into the Operations and Communications sections
of MEMA, which jointly operate as the state's 24-hour warning
point.
The Operations Section
is responsible for coordinating support for state and local
response in an all hazards concept. These responsibilities
include alert and notification, activation of the State Emergency
Operations Center, coordination of emergency support functions,
establishing priorities for allocating resources, maintaining
operational control of the State Emergency Response Team,
the Mobile Operations Center, the Disaster Reconnaissance
Team and the communications/state warning point section. The
Operations Branch also supports damage assessment after an
event and assists with the transition to the recovery phase.
All of these functions are directed toward the one goal of
minimizing the risk and affect to people, property and the
environment.
The Communications Section is the
designated state warning point. Operating 24 hours a day,
seven days a week, the Communications Section has the responsibility
for alerting state and local officials to all natural or man-made
incidents throughout the state. These alerts include such
things as severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes
or hazardous materials incidents.
Communications capability
includes satellite, low band and UHF radios. A computerized
alphanumeric paging system and wireless e-mail devices allow
for rapid notification of all MEMA personnel as well as personnel
in all 82 counties. Through MEMA, the National Alert Warning
System has been increased to 100 locations that include state,
federal and local jurisdictions. A high-speed digital fax
system has enhanced the ability to rapidly communicate essential
information to the field.
The use of Web EOC,
an incident management software system, extends the State
EOC to all 82 counties through a Web-based tracking system.
The system allows for the immediate tracking of resources,
requests and personnel for any events that affect the state.
For more information
about the Office of Response, contact the Office Director
for Response, Tom McAllister at (601) 933-6881.
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