Delores L. Walker, Reporter

A handful of concerned county residents turned out for the Homeland Security meeting organized by county officials March 11.



The topic of the two hour meeting centered around the unknown circumstances that could occur in our county should we become the target of a terrorist attack…or victims of war.

Donnie Land, Director of Emergency Operations for Lafayette County had assembled other county officials and a representative from the area Red Cross to discuss the procedures that are in place in the county.



Land pointed out that the first step is to have a basic emergency plan in place for your family. This includes a contact person, food and water for at least three days and basic medical supplies. Land said that all families should look at their situation that is unique to them…such as special needs in medication or the need for a generator if a family member requires oxygen or other medical supplies.



John Bell, EMS director, told the group that a cyber attack is almost a certainty should war happen. Bell explained that hackers could try to shut down the government and states. This could result in major upheaval for government sites and large corporations. Bell said that although this would not be something that would directly affect us it could slow down the resources that could be needed.



Bell related the fact that he and other county first responders had been part of a statewide initiative since the 9/11 attack that had given them new insight about terrorism. “Although we may not see a major attack on this county, there is the possibility of our agriculture or water supply being affected,” Bell said.



Joining the discussion Sheriff Carson McCall said that his department had made strides to implement first responder coverage for the entire county.



“That’s a big undertaking, he said, since the county is so spread out.”

McCall is looking at a plan that would include the nurses living in the county as shelter directors. He said the EMS will have their hands full in case of a major catastrophe, so it makes sense to look to the other medical professionals that live in the county. Hatch Bend, Day, Cook’s Hammock, Pickett Lake all need to have a first responder in case they are cut off from Mayo.



Chaplain Chuck Hodge will be contacting the local pastors to discuss the use of their churches as temporary shelters. The high school is the designated shelter, but in a county wide or for that matter a world wide emergency any structure can be used as a shelter.

Hodge said that plans to equip the churches with generators and medical supplies will be addressed also.



School District Superintendent Fred Ward reported that the schools have a plan in place that would direct the activities of the students in case of a emergency. Ward said the teachers and school staff are briefed periodically about “what you do, if this scenario happens”. We’re as prepared as we can be at this point concluded Ward.



Coming to answer relevant questions about disaster readiness was Niki McBain who is with the Red Cross in Gainesville.



McBain passed out information packets that included what to have in your basic family disaster supplies kit. She reminded the ones at the meeting that in a disaster you might be cut off from food, water and electricity for days. By preparing emergency provisions, you can turn what could be a life-threatening situation into a manageable problem.



One problem that was brought up that could occur in town was the water situation. Although the water supply has backup generators, the sewer pumping stations do not. This could be an area that needs to be addressed by city officials.



The Red Cross is there to help said McBain. One of those helps will be Red Cross classes to be held in Lafayette County March 21-22. For more information you may call 386/294-1950 or 352/376-4669.