Minutes 04-16-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Darshan Patel said EMS, Sheriff's office and all other emergency response partners also participate in a UNC led group called the Emergency Response Group. He said this group discusses and plans for events in and around campus. Archie Daniels said there is also still coordination, prior to major events, with the FBI and other agencies. He said the Sheriff's office also meets every day to brief about these sorts of things. Frank Clifton said Orange County is one of those communities where there are less restrictive activities, such as Halloween on Franklin Street. He said that, even with preparation, there is still the potential for something to happen. The focus is to prepare for the best response to prevent negative outcomes. He stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation. Commissioner Gordon asked about the preparation for a nuclear event. Jim Groves said the focus is a 2 mile emergency planning zone for the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant and Orange County is well outside of this. He noted that the county is in the 50 mile ingestion pathway. He said this makes it less of a hazard though, and the plant is very pro-active and very amenable to working with local agencies. Commissioner Gordon asked about the planning for the 50 mile ingestion radius from Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant. Darshan Patel said a lot of this has been incorporated into the statewide Radiological Emergency Planning Documents. He said there are 67 counties incorporated into the 50 mile radius zone between the three nuclear facilities. He said the plant program and the state would bring in much of the resources for response, and there would be coordination with the counties. He said there are plans in place to effectively respond. Commissioner Gordon said that she would like to see these plans. Chair Jacobs said there was a report to the Senate that recommended expanding the emergency planning zone beyond 10 miles. He said there have also been reappraisals of the 50 mile safety zone and the impact there. He said he would forward on this article. Jim Groves said he could offer a meeting with the Duke Power representative. Commissioner Gordon said she recommends that the Board get a briefing on this issue. Commissioner Price asked when the scanning information is updated on the Orange County Sherriff's Office website. Jim Groves said this is done daily. He said there is also an interactive crime lab to give information on specific neighborhoods and areas. Commissioner Price said that the schools and libraries often have people exiting through the entrances, and she feels this is a concern for first responders needing access in the event of an emergency. Jim Groves said this can be brought up in the next meeting with officials. 5. Closed Session A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Rich to adjourn into closed session at 9:57. "To discuss and take action regarding plans to protect public safety as it relates to existing or potential terrorist activity and to receive briefings by staff members, legal counsel, or law enforcement or emergency service officials concerning actions taken or to be taken to respond to such activity." [N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(9)]