Secretary of State John Merrill awards Alabama Power, others for polling place help after Zeta
Hurricane Zeta will be remembered as one of the most destructive storms in Alabama history and for its late-season impact – days ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Zeta left many in the state without power, with companies executing a significant response to provide service to both those affected and polling locations for voters to safely cast their ballots. In acknowledgment of this multifaceted response from the public and private sectors, Secretary of State John Merrill on Wednesday presented six National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Medallion Awards “to recognize outstanding service and dedication to furthering the mission of NASS.” Merrill gave medallion awards to Alabama Power, PowerSouth, the Alabama Rural Electric Association, the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, and the Office of Information Technology for their efforts to ensure polling locations had power and that Alabama would have a smooth and successful election. “We are incredibly appreciative of the leadership of Alabama Power, and all organizations recognized today, who stepped up during the state’s time of need to protect our democracy. These brave men and women worked tirelessly around the clock to see that every eligible Alabamian had the ability to successfully cast his or her ballot during the general election,” Merrill said. “On behalf of all the Alabama Power team, it’s an honor to receive this award alongside the other organizations that serve our state,” said Alabama Power CEO Mark Crosswhite. “The damage from Zeta was the third-worst in our company history, requiring a strategic, multiday restoration effort. We appreciate the partnership with the Secretary of State’s office, election officials across the state, and the work of all the utility workers who assisted to restore service to polling locations, ensuring Alabamians had the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.” The ceremony took place in the Old House Chamber at the Capitol in Montgomery. Recipients of the National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Awards stand with Alabama Secretary of State John H. Merrill. (Wynter Byrd / Alabama NewsCenter) Story and images republished with permission of the Alabama News Center.
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.
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.
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: 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.
Personnel note: Brian Hastings named Director of Ala. Emergency Management Agency
Retired Air Force Colonel Brian Hastings has been named director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (EMA) by Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday. “The recent events in Texas remind us of the importance of having a well-run and effective Emergency Management Agency,” Ivey said. “Colonel Hastings has extensive military experience and is a proven leader. He will bring an unmatched work-ethic, determination, and unparalleled experience of leading under extreme circumstances – all of which are essential attributes of an effective EMA Director.” Hastings retired from the Air Force in August 2017, where he’s worked since 1990. Prior to his retirement, he served for two years as Commandant of the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base and previously served as the Commander of the 47th Flying Training Wing. During his military career, Hastings earned the Legion of Merit Medal, the Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan, three Meritorious Service Medals, and served as a flight instructor. He is a command pilot with more than 2,600 hours in attack and training aircraft, and has held a variety of positions, including Battalion Air Liaison Officer and Chief of Standardization and Evaluation. “The Alabama Emergency Management Agency plays a vital role in preparing for and responding to various emergent events in Alabama. I am thankful for the trust placed in me by Governor Ivey, and I humbled to be a part of her quest to serve the people of Alabama,” said Colonel Hastings. “The men and women who work at Alabama EMA are dedicated public servants; I look forward to working alongside them.” A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Hastings holds a Master’s of Aeronautical Science with distinction from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master’s of Science in Resourcing National Security Strategy from the Eisenhower School of the National Defense University. He is also a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Hastings will replace Art Faulkner, who retired Thursday, effective Tuesday, Sept. 5. “Art Faulkner has admirably served our state since 1996, first as State 9-1-1 Coordinator, then as Director of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security, and finally as EMA Director since 2011.,” added Ivey. “I appreciate Art’s decades of service and dedication to this great state; I wish him nothing but the best as he enters retirement.”
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.
Robert Bentley declares statewide State of Emergency ahead of storms
Gov. Robert Bentley issued a statewide “State of Emergency” Tuesday in anticipation of strong storms, which are expected to produce flash flooding and tornadoes across Alabama, according to the National Weather Service. “I was briefed on the severe weather by Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) Director Art Faulkner this afternoon, and based on the evidence from the National Weather Service, it is necessary to issue this state of emergency to ensure state resources are available and can be deployed in a timely manner, if necessary,” Bentley said in a press release. “Alabamians are no stranger to severe weather, and as state agencies are preparing, I encourage all Alabamians to take this threat seriously and prepare for impact of severe weather. Now is the time for citizens to ensure they have a method to receive the latest weather updates and know the locations of the nearest community safe rooms. It is proven that community safe rooms save lives.” Bentley further ordered the State Emergency Operations Center in Clanton to activate to level three, a designation which allows AEMA staff to monitor weather across the state. The declaration encourages school authorities to make decisions regarding closing schools and offices and allows for those schools to move for waivers in regard to lost calendar days. The declaration further states that it is unlawful to charge exorbitant rates for commodities during the emergency.
