DATE: 30 October 2001

HEADLINE: Local Preparedness Activities Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction

CONTACT: Jacquelyn Gailor, Public Health Director

PHONE: 607-753-5036

Public concern regarding the use of biological and chemical agents by terrorists has greatly increased across our nation and in Cortland County since September 11, 2001. Local and national print and broadcast media have done an excellent job of keeping the public informed of the latest information regarding terrorist activities, most specifically the use of anthrax as a weapon. The question we have been asked is: "What is being done locally?"

For more than two years, public health and emergency response personnel have been receiving training in Emergency Response to Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction. This training has been conducted as part of the normal training process and as a result of a heightened awareness at the national level of the potential for these events. We want to stress that the training has not been conducted due to a perceived local threat but as a means of keeping the response community up-to-date on the latest information. This is no different than the routine training updates regarding the latest information and techniques for firefighting, criminal investigation and flu epidemic preparations. A Federally-mandated group known as the Local Emergency Planning Committee that has the responsibility for monitoring the local transport and storage of extremely hazardous materials has met monthly since 1986. The County's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan is in a state of constant revision to address the latest information.

Public Health, law enforcement, emergency service, and emergency management personnel have been meeting almost daily since September 11th to insure that all have the most recent information regarding terrorist activities and most specifically the anthrax threat. Mail handling protocols for businesses have been distributed through the Chamber of Commerce, other business groups and shared with area schools. While it is evident that a highly refined form of anthrax has been used in some cases, it is important to remember that in order to develop inhalational anthrax (the most deadly form) an individual must have inhaled at least 8,000 to 10,000 spores deep into their lungs.

Surveillance of emergency room treatment for unexpected increases in illnesses that might be related to the use of a biological agent has been ongoing since October 1st. Surveillance of 911 calls for the same type of information started over two weeks ago. Public Health officials are on call to field inquiries from the public regarding potential exposures that may have occurred days or weeks ago. Procedures are in place to provide for a tiered response of emergency service and public health officials to any calls regarding suspicious letters or packages.

To date, Cortland City Police and County Sheriff's Department officers have answered a few calls from individuals and businesses regarding mail and other packages. Upon investigation none of these events have been found to pose a threat. Law enforcement agencies have also been following-up on rumored activity throughout the county. All of these incidents have proven to be unfounded. Do these findings mean that we can become complacent? No.

We have capable, well-trained people working together on this program. The threat of biological and chemical terrorism occurring locally has been assessed as not being very likely. However, there has been and continues to be preparation that will allow Public Health and emergency services personnel to respond in as best and appropriate a fashion as possible to any and all natural and man-made events that may occur.

Check out the Cortland County website for frequently asked questions related to Biological and Chemical Terrorism: www.cortland-co.org. Links to this information can be found through the Health Department, Sheriff's Department, and Fire & Emergency Management sites.