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For information on how to contribute to the relief efforts regarding the World Trade Center/Pentagon bombings, and a special message from Governor King, see http://www.state.me.us/alert.html.
Directive from Janet E. Waldron, Commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS)
In light of the September 11 tragedy, we are reassessing and reviewing DAFS' emergency response as it relates to employees, infrastructure, telecommunications, security, and safety issues to determine where areas can be improved. To accomplish this, I have asked Eben Marsh to coordinate a review of emergency procedures, protocols, and assess needs. This review is meant to include evacuation plans for all state facilities, communication links regarding personnel and procedures, and security actions and requirements throughout state facilities. Eben will be drawing upon the expertise of those actively involved including Maine Emergency Management and Public Safety staff. I expect each agency will be contacted to ensure a comprehensive review. Your input and identified questions and needs will be encouraged. I appreciate all you can do to assist in this effort.
DEPARTMENT of
DEFENSE, VETERANS and EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT |
Special Information on Response to the Events of September 11, 2001 |
MEGIS/MEMA Coordinate
The Maine Office of GIS (MEGIS) provided staff for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the request of the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) during the recent activation resulting from the World Trade Center tragedy. Staff used MEGIS data and resources to produce databases and maps including: "Areas of Concern" (i.e. possible targets in Maine); overlays of Maine dams, railroads, fire, EMS, police, and pipelines on the areas of concern; maps of the locations of Maine radio, TV, and cell towers; and a variety of maps of the New York City area depicting major routes that were closed, and/or congested in order to suggest alternate routes for southbound traffic.
MEGIS will be officially joining the State's "Emergency Response Team" and will be called out for future EOC activations. MEGIS and MEMA also signed a agreement this year to continue the develop GIS databases and resources to support EOC activities covering the spectrum of disasters.
Dan Walters, MEGIS Director
Thoughts on Business Continuity Planning
By Richard Hinkley, Director of the Bureau of Information Services
The tragic and disturbing events of Tuesday, September 11, continue to affect us all. Nonetheless, in order to identify needed improvements, we are reviewing the BIS plans we activated that day for our facility, our employees, and our customers - and in light of future civil emergencies.
One key item to be looked at is the extent to which the Bureau of Information Services is included in the plans of other agencies such as the Maine Emergency Management Agency and Public Safety. It appears that improvements can be made in such areas so we are included in any future drills conducted, our mutual expectations are better understood, and our contact information is more complete. It is clear that our mutual interdependence is even greater than we all might have imagined.
We’re also pleased to welcome back Roger Quirion and Brian Guerrette whose flight on September 11 included being on the same plane with two of the suspected terrorists. They ultimately drove back from Cleveland and we are very pleased to report they are safe.
Need to talk?
Contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by calling 1-800-769-9819 to find their location closest to you. The Augusta EAP office is located at 72 Winthrop Street, and its telephone number is 626-0934.
Also please take a look at the Department of Administrative and Financial Services Health and Safety Web site: http://www.state.me.us/dafs/safety/links/index.html. The "Useful Links" and "Prevention and Wellness" sections are especially interesting.