CENTRAL JACKSON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

PRESS RELEASE

CJCFPD Training Facility, 4175 US 40 HWY, Blue Springs, MO P: 816.229.9118 eoc@cjcfpd.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: November 4, 2011

CONTACT: Kim Nakahodo, Public Information Officer

Phone: 816.655.0497, Cell: 816.651.6449

Email: knakahodo@bluespringsgov.com

First nationwide test of Emergency Alert System scheduled for Nov. 9

CENTRAL JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. – For years, local television and radio stations have periodically tested the Emergency Alert System with familiar tones followed by “This is a test…,” but on Wednesday, Nov. 9, for the first time ever, a nationwide test of the alert system will take place.

While the Emergency Alert System is often used by state and local emergency managers for weather warnings, it has never been used or tested at a national level.

“In a major disaster that affects large areas, such as an earthquake, this system could be used to broadcast life-saving information very quickly,” said Todd Farley, Emergency Manager for the Central Jackson County Emergency Management Agency. “This test will ensure that the system will work as intended if a nationwide alert needs to be issued.”

At 1 p.m. CST on Wednesday, Nov. 9, radio stations, local television stations, wireline video services, and cable and satellite providers in the Kansas City metropolitan area will join other broadcasters across the country for a simultaneous test of the system. Although the test will be similar to the routine monthly tests most of us are familiar with, there are a few key differences:

• The nationwide test will last longer than normal — approximately three minutes.
• While the audio message will include the words “This is a test” and be the same for everyone, the video test may vary due to differing technologies. Viewers should be aware that the video messages may or may not include the words “This is a test” in the background image or scroll at the bottom of the screen.
• The test will be conducted through broadcast media only — it will not include NOAA weather radios, mobile devices or outdoor warning sirens.

The nationwide Emergency Alert System test will be conducted jointly by the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Communications Commission and National Weather Service. These agencies selected the date, Nov. 9, because it is near the end of hurricane season and before the severe winter weather season begins. The time (1 p.m. CST) was selected to occur during working hours in time zones across the nation, minimizing disruption by avoiding traffic rush hours.

“The best time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens,” said Farley. “While the alert system can provide basic instructions during an emergency, we all need to take personal responsibility to make sure we’re ready.”

For more information on how you can prepare your family, visit Metropolitan Emergency Managers Committee’s website at www.preparemetrokc.org. This site has preparedness tips for various types of disasters, as well as an online tool for creating a family plan.

For more information about the nationwide Emergency Alert System test, visit www.fcc.gov/guides/emergency-alert-system-nationwide-test-eas.

The CJCEMA is an emergency management agency consisting of the Central Jackson County Fire

Protection District, the City of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, LakeTapawingo and surrounding unincorporated areas. The EOC is located at the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District’s Training Facility and brings together representatives from Police, Fire, Public Works and Emergency Management agencies.

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CITY OF BLUE SPRINGS, MISSOURI

POLICE DEPARTMENT MEDIA ADVISORY

1100 SW Smith Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 | P: 816.228.0150 | F: 816.228.0147 | www.bluespringsgov.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: July 27, 2011

CONTACT: Allen Kintz, Blue Springs Police Department

Phone: (816) 228-0178

Email: akintz@bluespringsgov.com, or

Kim Nakahodo, Communications Manager

Phone: (816) 655-0497

Email: knakahodo@bluespringsgov.com

Residents, Police Step Out to Stop Crime

13^th Annual National Night Out in Blue Springs, Free Food, Games and Safety Information

Blue Springs, Mo. – The Blue Springs Police Department’s Community and Youth Outreach Unit are sponsoring its twelfth annual National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, August 2, 2011, from 6-9 p.m. at 11^th and Smith Street in downtown Blue Springs. This free family event brings together residents, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials for an evening focused on crime prevention and safety.

Among the participating organizations are: Central Jackson County Fire Protection District, Lee’s Summit Underwater Rescue and Recovery Team, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, CodeRED, Let’s Move! Blue Springs and many more.

Councilman Dale Carter, Blue Springs native and morning show co-host for Country 94.1, KFKF will emcee the event’s main stage. Entertainment includes a magic exhibition by former Mayor Steve Steiner, a musical performance by the Holy Hill Baptist Church Youth Choir and dancers from TaJazz School of Dance.

“National Night Out is an important outreach event that allows our officers to personally interact with our community,” says National Night Out Coordinator Sgt. Allen Kintz of the Blue Springs Police Department. “It’s the perfect family outing, with information about crime prevention, health and safety, as well as free food, games, prizes, live entertainment featuring local performers, and much more.”

Mayor Ross encourages residents to take part in this year’s National Night Out activities saying they are, “an important step to strengthening the crime prevention partnership between police, residents and the community at large.”

“National Night Out is a free event that gives residents the opportunity to meet Blue Springs officers and civilians working to keep our community safe. By stepping out on a unified front, we’re sending a message to criminals letting them know that Blue Springs’ neighborhoods are organized and fighting back to prevent crime in our community.”

Blue Springs National Night Out sponsors include: Target, UMB Bank, Price Chopper, Sonic, Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce, Kennedy’s Custom Jewelers, 3 Suns Cruise and Tours, Kleinschmidt’s Western Store, Blue Springs Fitness, China One, Panera Bread, Texas Roadhouse, Rancho Grande, Family YMCA Blue Springs, Union Station, 1^st Bible Baptist Church, The Cake Pan and Lamar’s Donuts.

For additional information about the Blue Springs National Night Out Against Crime event including scheduled vendors and performances, visit www.bluespringsgov.com/nno or call (816) 228-0178.

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National Night Out was created by the National Association of Town Watch to spotlight the role of the community in crime

and drug prevention. The first event took place 27 years ago. Last year, an estimated 34 million people attended National

Night Out events in more than 10,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases

worldwide. For more information about National Night Out and the National Association of Town Watch, visit

www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno.

CENTRAL JACKSON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

PRESS RELEASE

CJCFPD Training Facility, 4175 US 40 HWY, Blue Springs, MO — P: 816.229.9118

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: May 24, 2011

CONTACT: Kim Nakahodo, Public Information Officer

Phone: 816.655.0497, Cell: 816.651.6449

Email: knakahodo@bluespringsgov.com

Donation and Volunteer Information for Storm Victims in Joplin, Mo.

CENTRAL JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. –To help better manage the outpouring of support for Joplin, Missouri tornado survivors, disaster recovery experts have established some simple ways to help, whether volunteering or donating resources.
The Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offer those who are impacted or just wanting to help the following advice:
Volunteer or Donate
The easiest way to help is to call 2-1-1 in most areas in Missouri to volunteer time or make a donation. Unsolicited responders compete with disaster victims and emergency personnel for food, water, valuable cell phone bandwidth and lodging.

Cash is the best because it offers voluntary agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources. You can donate to the United Way by calling 2-1-1 or donate to the Red Cross by visiting any area Price Chopper, texting REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Confirm what emergency responders need from voluntary organizations before collecting donations. Unsolicited donated goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, and mixed or perishable foodstuffs require helping agencies to redirect valuable resources away from providing services to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors.
If you have a quantity of a given item or class of item to donate, and you need help in determining which organizations to give to, you can make your offer through www.aidmatrixnetwork.org/fema and click on Missouri.

Locating a Loved One

Residents affected by the tornado wanting to notify friends and family that they are safe are asked to go online to https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms. This Web site can also be used to check on a loved one in the Joplin area. This site is easy and free and only basic information is needed. If you are not able to go online, call 417-659-5464 to register or find someone who has registered.
The CJCEMA is an emergency management agency consisting of the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District, the City of Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Lake Tapawingo and surrounding unincorporated areas. The EOC is located at the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District’s Training Facility and brings together representatives from Police, Fire, Public Works and Emergency Management agencies.

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Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CJCEMA or become "fans" of our Facebook page by

logging onto www.facebook.com and searching for the Central Jackson County

Emergency Management Agency.

A fundraiser for Citizens for Jeffrey Quibell
Candidate for Blue Springs City Council, District 1

$25.00 Chili Contestant Entry

Submit your entry form and $25 fee to Citizens for Jeffrey Quibell
by January 19^th, 2011

Contestants should provide 3 gallons of chili for tasting and judging. Electrical power will be provided, please bring your own crock-pot or chafing dish.
Contestants may arrive with their chili beginning at noon on January 23^rd.
Contest will be open to the public from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Questions: Contact Mike Parker at 816-678-9181 or Jeff Quibell at 816-223-2865

Event Location
The Cotillion
1717 Burdett Crossing
Blue Springs, MO 64015

Chef’s Name or Company:______________________________

Address: ____________________________________________

City, State, Zip: ______________________________________

Phone: _____________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________

Team Name: _________________________________________

Name of Chili: _______________________________________

Category: ___ 4-Alarm Firehouse Chili (spicy-hot)

___People’s Choice Chili (average)

Submit entry form and check to: Citizens for Jeffrey Quibell
601 NW Jefferson, Ste 4, Blue Springs, MO 64014

I'm honored to have received the 1st endorsement of my campaign for Blue Springs City Council. Thanks so much to IAFF 3133 (that's our Firefighters and EMS workers) for their support! http://www.iaff3133.org/index.cfm?zone=%2Funionactive%2Felection_list.cfm

There are some experiences in life that can only be described as WOW! Tuesday, I had the distinct privilege and honor of joining the Patriot Guard motorcycle escort, as The Wall That Heals came into Blue Springs.

This morning began with a brisk ride from Blue Springs to Concordia with Blue Springs City Councilman Grant Bowerman. When we arrived at the Travel America Truck Stop in Concordia, the crowd of motorcyclists had already begun to assemble. By the time everyone had arrived, there were well over 200 motorcycles and their riders ready and willing to provide the escort.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s department and law enforcement agencies from all across the region, helped to manage traffic and to safely close the west bound interstate so that we could focus on honoring the 58,000+ men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War to protect our freedoms.

We were KSU (Kick Stands Up) at 12:15pm and began the process of entering Interstate 70. Approximately 100 of us lead The Wall That Heals semi truck onto the interstate. Councilman Bowerman and I were stationed only a few motorcycles ahead of the actual Wall. The remainder of the escort followed the Wall along the route. The sky was blue and the temperatures were perfect for a fall ride.

David Miller, the organizer for the Patriot Guard, emphasized to us that safety was of the utmost importance. The formation was staggered with 2 seconds between each motorcycle in line with each other and one second between motorcycles across from each other. No side by side riding.

As we departed from Concordia we began to encounter people alongside the highway waving, saluting, and displaying the American Flag. Almost every overpass had people on it, waving and showing their support. As we came over the hill approaching the Grain Valley exit we could see emergency lights on the overpass. Area Firefighters and Emergency Medical Personnel had set up on the overpass and were there to greet us.

The closer we got to Blue Springs, more and more people lined the road and overpasses to cheer on the procession. At Adams Dairy Parkway we turned south to 40 Highway and then west to Highway 7, where we were greeted by flag waving citizens of our community all the rest of the way to Pink Hill Park.

These gatherings of the people are an integral part of American life. There is no experience like receiving the support of your fellow citizens and honoring the traditions that make our country great.

Come join us in honoring the Veterans of the Vietnam War by visiting Pink Hill Park over the next few days. The Wall and its accompanying museum will be in Pink Hill Park from 6:55am Thursday September 30 through 6pm Sunday October 3^rd. More information can be found at http://www.bluespringswallthatheals.net.

The City of Blue Springs, Missouri and the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJCFPD) have contracted with Emergency Communications Network to license its CodeRED high-speed notification solution. The CodeRED system provides officials the ability to quickly deliver messages to targeted areas or the entire covered region. This service is available to all Blue Springs residents and those covered in the Central Jackson County Fire Protection District.

Blue Springs Police Chief Wayne McCoy, cautioned that such systems are only as good as the telephone number database supporting them. "If your phone number is not in the database, you will not be called." One of the reasons the CodeRED system was selected is it gives individuals and businesses the ability to add their own phone numbers directly into the system's database, this is an extremely important feature.

“No one should automatically assume his or her phone number is included,” McCoy said urging all residents and businesses to visit either the City of Blue Springs Website, www.bluespringsgov.com/codered or the CJCFPD Website, www.cjcfpd.org/codered, and follow the instructions on the site. Those without Internet access may call the CodeRED hotline at (816) 220-CODE (2633) to supply their information over the phone. Required information includes first and last name, street address (physical address, no P.O. boxes), city, state, zip code, and primary phone number, additional phone numbers can be entered as well.

All businesses are encouraged to register, as well as all individuals who have unlisted phone numbers, who have changed their phone number or address within the past year, and those who use a cellular phone or VoIP phone as their primary number.

Central Jackson County Fire Protection District Fire Chief Steven P. Westermann explained, "CodeRED allows geographically based delivery, which means street addresses are required to ensure emergency notification calls are received by the proper individuals in a given situation. The system works for cell phones too, but we need to have an associated street address to provide relevant messages."

Westermann stated, "CodeRED gives those who want to be included an easy and secure method for inputting information. The data collected will only be used for emergency notification purposes."

For more information about the CodeRED system, please contact Kim Nakahodo, Communications Manager at (816) 655-0497.
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