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the channels that they have identified. Once the EAS is activated, they send a wide <br />broadcast which is constantly updated. If radios are not available, they will depend on <br />low- tech solutions such as sending fire and emergency vehicles with PA systems <br />through the neighborhoods and try to utilize people on foot going through the areas. <br />Commissioner Foushee suggested that these low-tech solutions should be <br />communicated to the citizens. Rod Visser reminded them that flyers were posted in the <br />neighborhood with directions following the tornado in Hillsborough. <br />Eric Griffin described the work that is on going with the Community Emergency <br />Response Team (CERT) that advocates working on your own within your neighborhood <br />for up to 72 hours following an event. CERT advises that neighborhoods get together, <br />make plans, identify a leader, identify their needs and plan for their response. CERT <br />members would be the point of contact for their neighborhood. <br />Commissioner Jacobs stated that he also feels we should start with the lowest <br />low-tech solutions that are available. He feels that we should begin to think about even <br />using bicycles as well as foot personnel to go through the community to lead the citizens <br />out of the danger. We should not depend on technology that more than likely will not be <br />readily available and we need to be able to help citizens work through these <br />emergencies. Commissioner Jacobs referred to the "Orange Card" and suggested that <br />the heading for "PETS" be bold so as not to discourage people from going to shelters. <br />Jack Ball said that one of the things they are working on are plans to ensure <br />that they have the capability of taking care of both domestic and farm animals. They are <br />working with Bob Marotto, Director of Animal Services, in this area. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis added that he was surprised about the number of <br />citizens who depend on oxygen machines. He wanted to know if EMS has a listing of <br />these seriously ill citizens. Jack Ball said they are working with Social Services, <br />Department on Aging, and Power Companies to develop a database of these citizens. <br />Jack Ball introduced Lieutenant Steve Newton who gave a slide presentation on <br />his experience with Saint Tammany Parish Emergency Operations Center in Covington, <br />LA. He described the facilities at the EOC (Emergency Operations Center), the staffing, <br />and the response to the needs of the citizens. Some of the problems faced by the <br />citizens they dealt with were power outages and water contamination. Some of the <br />problems faced by the EOC Center were information requests (rumor control), rescue <br />and medical requests, structure fires, site security, and how to assist the citizens' <br />requests for assistance. Initially, the requests were for water and ice; but then they <br />wanted to know about debit cards (like in Houston). He said that by day 12 they still did <br />not have FEMA personnel other than a forward team of two. The problems with rumor <br />control were that the citizens heard conflicting information. Also, people would pretend <br />to be responders, and thus, checking credentials became vital. He said that the red tape <br />for getting assistance was unbelievable. At one point communications was carried out <br />with the assistance of HAM radio operators. <br />Commissioners Halkiotis reminded everyone that Orange County had a very <br />active HAM radio operator group and they were indispensable. <br />