With local, state and federal officials nearing an agreement over emergency preparedness issues, Calhoun County commissioners and EMA personnel met with residents Tuesday to discuss protective measures in the event of a chemical weapons accident at the Anniston Army Depot.
Local officials called on EAI Corp., a private domestic preparedness contractor, to present several options county officials might employ to ensure maximum protection for residents living in the so-called "pink zones," the areas closest to the depot.
"Even though (an accident) is unlikely, we feel the people should be protected to the maximum ability," said Gary Holt, vice president of EAI.
Officials chose EAI to present equipment at Tuesday's meeting because they have offices in Anniston, said Commission Chairman Randy Wood. Companies will have to go through the legal bid process for selection to provide protective gear, he said.
Holt discussed several kinds of equipment, including a respirator mask, the MSA Optimum AIR respirator, which provides positive pressure, meaning no internal air source is used, Holt said.
The mask fits over the head and seals snugly around the face. An eight-hour rechargeable battery pulls external air through a filter, designed to remove any chemical agent.
If EAI were chosen to provide the equipment, Holt said, all residents would be personally fitted and trained to use their masks.
EAI representatives distributed masks for residents at the meeting to try. After EAI officials explained how to seal the masks, almost no one had trouble putting them on and breathing.
The masks, which may require special instruction for people who wear beards or glasses, are designed mainly for people 10 years old and older, Holt said.
"No kit produced in this country has a history of use with children," he said.
For children, EAI recommends the Supergum Child Shield or the Supergum Infant Shield, which are manufactured in Israel, he said.
EAI officials looked at several types of equipment before choosing the MSA Optimum AIR respirator, Holt said.
"If something better comes out tomorrow, we're not locked in to any manufacturer," he said.
Although Holt said other types of protective measures are under review, officials said the Honeywell 11200 Air Cleanser and individual protection tents are possible solutions for the elderly and others with special needs.
Residents expressed concern that only respiratory protective measures are being considered. Many said they believe exposed skin could be just as much of a danger.
Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency Director Mike Burney assured residents that the biggest concern comes from GB nerve agent, or sarin, which could escape an accident in aerosol form. Other chemicals stored at the depot have a denser, liquid consistency and are less likely to cause a problem outside the depot gates, he said.
"We've been assured by depot officials that there is no danger of liquid depositions getting off post," Burney said.
In case of contamination, Burney said, the Department of Public Health will be responsible for administering an antidote, which will be stored at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center.
EMA Operations Manager Delois Champ said residents may soon see blue "evacuation route" signs posted across the county.
