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February 19, 2008

Satellite debris unlikely, but EMA ready just in case

Remember that damaged satellite the government plans to shoot down? If debris starts falling in Rhode Island, the state Emergency Management Agency says it's got a plan.

It's an "unlikely event" that debris would fall here, the state EMA said in a news release today, but the agency has received guidance from the federal Emergency Management Agency on the potential for such debris landing on Earth. The state EMA has met with the National Guard.

The Associated Press reports a Navy heat-seeking missile may be used, possibly tomorrow night.
“While it is premature to think anything will land here in Rhode Island, it is not premature to plan for the possibility," Diana Arcand, the state EMA deputy director, said in the statement.

So the department has disseminated information to all Ocean State cities and towns, HazMat teams, and various state agencies "on how they are to deal with any satellite debris if it lands in Rhode Island," the release says.

“The National Guard’s 13th Civil Support Team is ready to respond if necessary," Major General Robert T. Bray, who heads up the state EMA, stated. “They are specialized in response to nuclear, biological, chemical, and hazardous materials.”

Out of an abundance of caution, the EMA said, it is putting out the word to the public if anyone suspects satellite debris has landed.

The state EMA said people should do this:

* Keep informed about the satellite destruction.

* Any debris should be considered possibly hazardous -- don't touch, handle or move it.

* People who see or encounter falling debris should notify the local public safety agency
(9-1-1) and stay away from it.

First Responders are being told:

* Any debris should be considered potentially hazardous, and first responders should not pick it up or move it.

* First responders should create a perimeter and not allow access around debris. Don't pick up any debris. Notify your local emergency manager of its location immediately.

* Cities/towns and emergency managers should inform the state Emergency Management Agency of any debris reported.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 6:45 PM | Permalink

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