FEMA Chief, former Alabama leader, Brock Long resigns
Former Director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) and current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director Brock Long announced his resignation on Wednesday. “It has been a great honor to serve our country as @fema Administrator for the past two years. While this has been the opportunity of the lifetime, it is time for me to go home to my family,” Long tweeted. It has been a great honor to serve our country as @fema Administrator for the past two years. While this has been the opportunity of the lifetime, it is time for me to go home to my family. You can read my full announcement here: https://t.co/2HXa7tQtV8 — Brock Long (@FEMA_Brock) February 13, 2019 Long’s resignation comes month after an internal investigation by the DHS inspector general (IG) found that he used government vehicles without proper authorization. He did not lose his job over it. Long served at the helm of the AEMA from 2008 to 2011, where he worked on the Yellowhammer State’s response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and numerous other natural disasters. As Director, he served as the State Coordinating Officer for 14 disasters, including eight presidentially-declared events. Prior to that he was a FEMA Regional Hurricane Program Manager from 2001 to 2006. Deputy Administrator Pete Gaynor will now serve as acting head of the agency. This story is breaking.
Terri Sewell, Randall Woodfin weigh-in on Birmingham indictments surrounding EPA clean-up site
A Jefferson County grand jury on Tuesday indicted the Southeast regional administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a former Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) Commissioner for violating state ethics laws in his work to stop the listing of North Birmingham’s Superfund site on the EPA’s National Priorities List (NPL). The North Birmingham 35th Avenue Superfund Site consists of contaminated soil from industrial pollution. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell believes the indictment is “a step in the right direction.” “This week’s indictment is a step in the right direction for residents of North Birmingham who were the victim of corruption and hazardous pollution,” Sewell said in a statement. “We still have work to do seeking justice for families whose homes and communities have been contaminated… North Birmingham should be reconsidered for the National Priority List. No family should have to live with a contaminated backyard, and no community should be left to clean up decades of industrial waste. We must continue fighting for a full cleanup of North Birmingham until our whole community is made safe.” In August, Sewell led a tour of the Superfund site along with Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and other city, state and neighborhood leaders. The site consists of contaminated soil from industrial pollution. Sewell, Woodfin, and Sen. Doug Jones have called on the EPA to consider North Birmingham for the NPL. According to EPA Region 4 Superfund Division Director Franklin Hill , the study site of roughly 2,000 properties revealed that 390 sites have undergone the contamination removal process; 127 sites are in need of treatment. “The corruption and the appearance of corruption has destroyed the public’s confidence in this process, which has hijacked efforts to clean up the North Birmingham community,” Woodfin added. “The people of North Birmingham deserve a transparent process in order to restore their community and the resources needed to make them and their neighborhoods whole.” History of the site According to EPA guidelines, a site may be included on the NPL if it scores 28.50 or greater on the agency’s Hazard Ranking System. The North Birmingham 35th Avenue Superfund Site scored a 50. On July 19, 2018, a federal jury convicted a coal executive and an attorney who represented the coal company in a criminal conspiracy to prevent the North Birmingham 35th Avenue Superfund Site from advancing to the NPL. On November 13, it was reported that EPA Southeastern regional office administrator Trey Glenn and a former business partner, Scott Phillips, were charged with multiple ethics violations in Birmingham in keeping the site off of the NPL.
State agencies at the ready: What could be Cat 3 storm
In anticipation of Hurricane Michael, which is barreling toward the the Gulf Coast, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has declared a State of Emergency. It went into effect at 3:00 pm CT. on Monday. The storm is expected to become a Category 3 hurricane by the time it reaches Florida’s Gulf Coast on Wednesday. Ivey anticipates wide-spread power outages, wind damage and debris produced by high winds and heavy rain associated with the hurricane. Flash flooding and tornadoes are also possible and parts of Alabama have been placed under tropical storm watches or warnings. “Alabama is once again in the path of a hurricane, but I know Alabamians will once again come together and be prepared for whatever Michael may bring,” Ivey said. “On the state level we are prepared, now is the time for residents in south Alabama to review your emergency preparedness plans and also get prepared. Tomorrow we will start seeing the effects of Michael and those in its path will need to take shelter by tomorrow evening. Please stay weather aware today and tomorrow for any forecast changes. Most importantly, heed all warnings and instructions from local authorities.” Ivey, along with Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) Director, Brian Hastings, will continue to monitor the track of Hurricane Michael. By declaring a State of Emergency, Ivey is directing the activation of the Alabama Emergency Operations Plan. She is also directing the appropriate state agencies to exercise their statutory authority to assist the communities and entities affected by the storm. The AEMA is also authorized to make appropriate assessments of damages following the storm. “Hurricane Michael is forecast to become a major hurricane and it will produce wide-spread power outages and debris that will challenge our response and recovery in the southern and Wiregrass counties. Alabamians should always be prepared, but everyone needs to make final preparations now to be ready for Hurricane Michael,” Hastings explained. “I am concerned about the cone of uncertainty as Hurricane Michael is leaning west today. Residents and businesses in coastal Alabama must be vigilant and closely monitor the storm’s path and be prepared for a major hurricane.” The National Hurricane Center is warning of “life-threatening storm” surge that could reach 8 to 12 feet in hardest-hit areas. Hurricane #Michael continues to strengthen over the southern Gulf of Mexico. Here are the updated 10 PM CDT Key Messages for Hurricane #Michael. https://t.co/tW4KeGdBFb pic.twitter.com/6x3a1wjqfi — National Hurricane Center (@NHC_Atlantic) October 9, 2018 Alabamians can text “ALALERT” to 888777 to receive information for Hurricane Michael from the AEMA.
Former Alabama leader, FEMA Director Brock Long under investigation for misuse of official cars
As Hurricane Florence bears down on the East Coast, with tropical storm-force blasting the shoreline, the government’s lead disaster official is under an internal investigation for his alleged misuse of government cars, POLITICO reports. The former Alabama Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) director, and current director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Brock Long is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) inspector general (IG) as to whether or not he misused government vehicles and personnel during six-hour commutes from his home in North Carolina and FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C. According to POLITICO, “Long started using a staff driver to get him home to North Carolina at the beginning of his tenure at FEMA last year. On the weekends Long spent in North Carolina, aides were put up in a hotel at taxpayer expense, according to one of the current officials.” Long briefly addressed the investigation during a Thursday FEMA briefing. “Bottom line is, we’ll continue to fully cooperate with any investigation that goes on and own up to any mistakes and push forward and keep going,” he said. “I would never intentionally run a program incorrectly,“ Long added. “Doing something unethical is not part of my DNA and it is not part of my track record in my whole entire career. We will work with the OIG.” Jessica Nalepa, FEMA director of external affairs, also responded to the investigation saying FEMA “fully cooperates with all investigations conducted by the DHS OIG.” “Administrator Long and the FEMA workforce are focused on preparing for, responding to, and recovering from Hurricane Florence and other active tropical systems,” Nalepa tweeted in response to the POLITICO report. “Having worked directly with him for over a year, I know administrator Long to be an experienced and respected emergency manager.” “All questions about any potential investigation by the Office of the Inspector General should be directed to the IG. At this time, we are fully focused on preparing for, responding to, and recovering from Hurricane Florence and the storms in the Pacific,” DHS press secretary Tyler Houlton added to POLITICO in a statement. From 2008 to 2011 Long served was at the helm of the AEMA where he worked on the Yellowhammer State’s response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and numerous other natural disasters. As Director, he served as the State Coordinating Officer for 14 disasters, including eight presidentially-declared events. Prior to that he was a FEMA Regional Hurricane Program Manager from 2001 to 2006.
Gov. Kay Ivey deploys personnel, resources to N.C. ahead of Hurricane Florence
Ahead of Hurricane Florence’s expected landfall late Friday, Gov. Kay Ivey announced the State of Alabama is deploying state personnel and resources to assist with hurricane response efforts in North Carolina. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) received requests for assistance from North Carolina and South Carolina as Hurricane Florence approaches the East Coast. Currently AEMA has one mobile communication site vehicle, one AEMA staff member and one Mobile County responder in route to a staging area in North Carolina. “As the East Coast makes preparations ahead of Hurricane Florence, Alabama will also be prepared to aid in any way we can. I spoke with the governors of North and South Carolina and offered our support,” Ivey said. “Alabama EMA will continue working with their counterparts in the Carolinas. Taking the necessary precautions ahead of time and having all hands-on deck to respond is of the utmost importance. Alabama stands ready to help.” The Mobile Communication Site Team will support North Carolina in maintaining critical communication links for public safety radio communications. Their primary role will be to support their North Carolina counterparts as they experience an overwhelming need to coordinate their state response efforts. “We are leaning forward to support those states that may be impacted by Hurricane Florence” said AEMA Director Brian Hastings. “We are a close-knit team in FEMA Region IV, and when one state is threatened, we all stand ready to assist our incredible neighbors to prepare, respond and recover to save lives and mitigate human suffering. Alabama is always ready to assist when there is a need.” Additional support currently under consideration for states forecasted for impact by hurricane Florence includes: Nurse strike team Emergency Operations Center personnel Damage assessment teams and debris management personnel Mental health professionals Volunteer services personnel Maxwell Incident Support Base Electrical line maintenance crews Additionally, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is prepared to expedite passage of vehicles for disaster response through Alabama to affected areas on the East Coast.
Kay Ivey issues State of Emergency ahead of winter weather
In anticipation of the severe winter weather the National Weather Service (NWS) has been forecasting, Gov. Kay Ivey has declared a State of Emergency. NWS has already issued Winter Weather Advisory for a large portion of Alabama in anticipation of snow, sleet and freezing rain in and near the areas under the advisory. “All Alabamians should take time to be prepared for the potential of winter weather. I have directed essential state agencies to be on the ready should they be needed over the next couple of days,” Ivey said. “As with any severe weather event, being prepared is of utmost importance. Everyone should take the necessary precautions now and stay informed of the latest weather forecasts for their area. This State of Emergency will ensure that all available state resources are ready if and when they are needed.” In anticipation of the winter weather, Ivey has allocated the following resources to be in place starting at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday morning: Alabama Emergency Management Agency will activate the State Emergency Operations Center in Clanton The Alabama National Guard will activate soldiers to assist with mission support teams and command staff. “There are enough uncertainties in the forecast right now that the potential exists that this winter storm could be debilitating to the state for a couple of days due to icy conditions,” Ivey added. “We are strongly encouraging people to closely monitor this forecast because each portion of the state will face icy conditions at different times. It also important to factor in your commute time to ensure you are off the roads before the first flakes start falling from the sky. In addition to icy road conditions, another factor the state is dealing with is the massive flu outbreak. Now is a good time for people to plan ahead and remain weather aware.” By declaring a State of Emergency, Ivey is directing the appropriate state agencies to exercise their statutory authority to assist the communities and entities affected by the winter storm. Motorists are encouraged to use extreme caution while driving, check road conditions before departing, allow for increased travel times, and adjust arrival and departure times accordingly. Officials also urge motorists to limit travel to emergency situations only during the overnight hours of Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, as that is expected to be an especially cold and therefore dangerous period of time. For real-time road conditions, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is encouraging people to visit https://algotraffic.com. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) is reminding Alabamians that one of the most important preparedness steps that can taken is to put together an emergency preparedness kit with a three-day supply of food, water and other critical supplies. In addition, putting together a preparedness kit for vehicles that includes a car charger, ice scraper, jumper cables and blankets. To be prepared for winter weather, the AEMA urges resident to follow the following safety guidelines: Stay indoors during the storm. Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule and your route; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts. Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. Use caution, take breaks, push the snow instead of lifting it when possible, and lift lighter loads. Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly. If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to reduce heat loss. Ivey’s State of Emergency is effective at 6:00 p.m. Monday for all Alabama counties.
Kay Ivey: In Alabama, we have our veterans’ backs
Dedication. Honor. Commitment. Sacrifice. Those are the traits that come to mind when I think about our nation’s veterans. I saw these qualities lived out every day by my dad. Boadman Nettles Ivey, my father, served in WWII as part of a field artillery division. From him I learned to love my country, to offer myself to serve my fellow citizen and to stand up for what is right, even when doing so might be difficult. Though I have a profound and deep respect for my dad, he isn’t the only person to possess these qualities; they are shared by most everyone who has ever served in the United States Armed Forces. From the moment a man or woman puts on the uniform and pledges to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic,” he or she enters into an elite class of citizen-soldiers. Veterans, distinguished by their character, duty and service, make great contributions to our society not only on the battlefield, but in our communities. Though one may leave the active service, a veteran never truly stops serving. Once their military careers end, many veterans choose Alabama as their home. In fact, one in 10 Alabamians are veterans. Our state has benefited greatly from those who have been stationed at Fort Benning, Fort Rucker, Maxwell Air Force Base, and Redstone Arsenal, among others. Alabama is enriched because these highly-skilled veterans have chosen to continue their public service by pursuing career opportunities, in many cases, in local and state government. I am proud to have men and women who have worn the military uniform as part of my staff and cabinet, including Jeff Dunn and Brian Hastings, among others. Before becoming Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections, Colonel Jeff Dunn had a distinguished career in the Air Force. Likewise, Colonel Brian Hastings, who serves as Director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, held significant Air Force commands. Throughout my career in public service, I have placed importance on supporting the work of the military in Alabama. From helping lead the Alabama Military Stability Commission, to having recently signed into law new legislation allowing veterans to more easily further their educations, supporting those who protect our nation has been at the forefront of my agenda. This month, I announced that veterans will no longer be required to pay entrance fees at any of our state parks. As long as I am governor, it will be the policy of our state to honor those who have protected our freedoms. Alabama has always been and continues to be a veteran-friendly state, but at the same time, veterans have been very good to Alabama. The leadership military men and women provide, and their tireless commitment to public service, have made Alabama a better place to live, own a home, raise a family and to achieve our dreams. Alabama is indeed indebted to countless men and women like Colonels Dunn and Hastings, who never stop serving others. As governor, it comforts me knowing that within my cabinet and staff are individuals who have operated at many levels of the military and who are extremely capable of helping me lead our state. Those who have served in the Armed Forces understand the phrase: “I’ve got your six,” meaning someone is watching your back and is standing ready to protect you at all costs. I am thankful that thousands upon thousands of Alabamians have stood strong, promising to protect and serve while on active duty and afterward. Now, as we celebrate Veterans Day, it is only fitting that we make it loud and clear to those same veterans – “Alabama’s got your six.” This Veterans Day, and every day, when you see a veteran thank him or her for their service. Share a smile, a hearty handshake or a warm hug. Remind them that you will never forget their service and, despite the changes our nation faces, in Alabama, we are still proud to stand for our flag, for our freedom, and in honor of those who sacrificed so much, so that freedom can, and still does, truly ring. ••• Kay Ivey is the 54th, and current, Governor of Alabama. A member of the Republican Party, Ivey served as the 38th Alabama State Treasurer from 2003 to 2011, and later became the 30th Lieutenant Governor of Alabama; she was the first Republican woman elected in this state, serving from January 2011 until April 2017. She assumed office as governor on April 10, 2017
Another Alabama emergency management officer, Jeff Byard, joins FEMA leadership
Alabama is losing another emergency management leader to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA)’s Executive Operations Officer Jeff Byard has been appointed the Associate Administrator for the Office of Response and Recovery (ORR) at FEMA. Byard joins fellow AEMA alum, FEMA Director Brock Long who joined the agency last month, in his new post where he will focus on the agency’s ability, and those of its partners and stakeholders, to respond to all catastrophic events through building, sustaining, and improving response and recovery capabilities. During his tenure with the AEMA, Byard was responsible for the creation and implementation of the Alabama field response structure, which resulted in a more effective and efficient response and recovery model. He also served as the Deputy State Coordinating Officer for the nation’s first large scale host state evacuation event during Hurricane Gustav. From 2006-2007, he served as the Director of Alabama’s Transitional Recovery Office where he led and coordinated the timely delivery of FEMA’s disaster recovery and assistance support to state and local governments. Byard holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Troy University, and is a graduate of the Alabama Public Safety Leadership Academy at Alabama. He was sworn in to his new position Monday morning in the National Response Coordination Center.
Alabama sends resources to Florida to assist with Hurricane Matthew response
As Florida readies herself for the impact of Category 4 Hurricane Matthew, Alabama is prepping to help. The Yellowhammer State is already sending personnel and resources to Florida to assist with hurricane response efforts. Gov. Robert Bentley made the announcement Thursday, saying the Yellowhammer State has received numerous requests for assistance from Florida as Hurricane Matthew approaches and intensifies. Thus far assistance has been requested from the Alabama National Guard, Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA), and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). “Our disaster response teams are always ready to act at a moment’s notice during emergency situations,” Bentley said. “I am proud of our men and women who are dedicating their time and expertise to help others during natural disasters. Alabama stands ready to assist Florida, or any other state that requests our support, as they respond to Hurricane Matthew.” AEMA will deploy an Emergency Operations Center Augmentation Team to support the Florida Division of Emergency Management at their Emergency Operation Center. Their primary role will be to support their Florida counterparts as they experience an overwhelming need to coordinate their state response efforts. “When Alabama is not impacted we always stand ready to support other states in need of assistance,” AEMA Director Art Faulkner said. “We always remember the assistance that has been provided to our state following catastrophic events and want to return the favor.” Florida also has requested aviation assets and air crews from the Alabama Army National Guard (ALARNG). ALARNG plans to send four UH-60 Blackhawk and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and 33 air crew soldiers to assist with lift capabilities transporting personnel and supplies as needed. These soldiers will be activated under State Active Duty beginning Friday and arrive in Florida Saturday. ADPH will deploy two Medical Needs Shelter Teams and a Public Health Nurse Strike Team to assist with medical needs in the areas hit by the hurricane in Florida. They will set up medical care shelters and medical strike teams to provide for the impacted residents in the area. The teams are scheduled to arrive at the staging area in Tallahassee Saturday afternoon.
