There’s an old saying that “time flies when you’re having fun.” With only a fewdays until we ring in the New Year, it certainly seems like 2016 has flown by, andI can affirm that it was, indeed, an enjoyable, productive year.Even before revelers rang in the New Year, emergency managers in many partsof the state were dealing with unprecedented winter flooding. The flooding andsubsequent recovery activities kept IEMA personnel and many local emergencymanagers busy well into 2016.As the floodwaters receded, staff from FEMA, IEMA and local emergencymanagement agencies braved frigid temperatures to document flood impacts tosupport the state’s request for federal assistance. While that request and anappeal were both denied, we did secure assistance through the U.S. SmallBusiness Administration to help some people and businesses secure low-interestloans to help with recovery.Beyond the New Year’s flooding, 2016 saw few major disasters. In June, severaltornadoes touched down across northern Illinois. Most occurred in relatively rural areas, so property damageand injuries were much less than could have been experienced. In addition, the Illinois State Fairgroundsexperienced flash flooding in August that damaged or destroyed dozens of vehicles and trailers. Thanks tocoordinated efforts among several state agencies, the fair was open the next morning for visitors.IEMA Deputy Director Joe Klinger has aphilosophy that we experience more disastersin odd-numbered years than in even-numbered ones. While 2016 was a relativelycalm year for disasters in Illinois, I’m personallyhoping Joe is wrong and that 2017 will onceagain bring few disasters! However, as we allknow, we may hope for the best, but we haveto prepare for the worst. During 2017, the IEMAstaff and I pledge to continue providing youwith the support you need to be prepared forwhatever disaster may affect the people andcommunities you serve.On behalf of everyone at IEMA, I wish you thehappiest of holidays and a healthy, wonderfulNew Year!

1

In this issueNew Local, County EMA Coordinators in 2016 ...………...2Time to Prepare for Winter Weather ....…………………….2Liquid Nitrogen Generator Installed at Bryon Station…….3Senior Staff Spotlight: Adnan Khayyat .....…………………4Preparedness Themes for 2017....………………………….4FEMA Earthquake Planner at IEMA ......……………………5Will County Debris Plan Approved by FEMA ..……………..5IEMA Provides Radiological Support for Drill .....………….6CERT Challenge Set for March 25…......…………………..7Torres Completes ASME Training Program…......…………7MABAS Highlights Response Capabilities…….....………..8IEMA Personnel Participate in Year-End Meetings....…….8

From IEMA Director James K. Joseph

December 2016Illinois Emergency Management Agency

Director Joseph, his wife Shanaand children Eli and Caleb wishyou a very happy New Year.

Eleven new county and local emergency managementcoordinators assumed the helm of their respectiveaccredited agencies in 2016. Please join us inwelcoming them to the emergency managementfamily in Illinois. New coordinators include:

Michael Dacey, Lake County EMA (not pictured)Ed Francis, Jasper County EMA(not pictured)

Mike Hardy, Schuyler County ESDARandy Heisch, Rock Island County ESDA (not pictured)

Ed Kemper, Village of Palatine EMA

Greg Nimmo, Montgomery County EMA (not pictured)

Josh Martin, Pike County EMA

Brad Midgett, Crawford County EMA

Don Schmidt, Stark County ESDAAlicia Tate-Nadeau, Chicago OEMC(not pictured)

John Taylor, Hamilton County EMA

Local, County EMAs Get New Coordinators in 2016

2

Although winter didn’t officially start until Dec. 21,much of the state already has experienced the snow,ice and frigid temperatures associated with winter inIllinois. With nearly three months of winter remaining,IEMA recommends taking steps now to ensure you’reprepared to stay safe and warm throughout theseason.Driving on snow or ice-covered roads can beextremely hazardous, so it’s important to equipyourself with knowledge and items to help you staysafe. Before starting a trip during bad weather, checkroad conditions on the Illinois Department ofTransportation’s Winter Road Conditions Map atwww.gettingaroundillinois.com.During hazardous winter conditions, drivers often findthemselves stranded along the roadside while theywait for assistance, which may take hours to arrive.That’s why it’s important to equip your vehicle with anemergency supply kit stocked with such items as:

4 Blankets or sleeping bags

4 Flashlight with extra batteries4 First aid kit4 Non-perishable snack food4 Water4 Sand or cat litter4 Shovel4 Booster cables4 Cell phone chargerWinter storms also can cause power outages that canlast several hours or several days. It’s important tohave an emergency supply kit at home that includesa battery-powered National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA) weather radio, water and non-perishable food, flashlights and extra batteries, a firstaid kit and supplies for pets and family members withspecial medical needs.More tips for staying safe at home and on the road areavailable in a guide developed by IEMA and theNational Weather Service, which is available on theReady Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

Preparedness is Key to Surviving Illinois WintersMike Hardy Ed Kemper Josh Martin Brad Midgett Don Schmidt John Taylor

First Liquid Nitrogen Generator Installed at Nuclear PlantFor nearly 30 years, Illinois’ Remote Monitoring Systemhas collected data inside nuclear power reactors, inthe effluent stacks and in a two-mile radius aroundeach nuclear plant in the state. This information iscontinuously fed to IEMA’s computer system inSpringfield, where it is monitored 24 hours a day, 365days a year.

During an incident at one of the plants, the data wouldbe analyzed by the agency’s reactor and healthphysics experts to determine actions to protect thepublic from exposure to radiation.

Radiation detectors within the Gaseous EffluentMonitoring System (GEMS) must be cooledcontinuously by liquid nitrogen. Until recently, thisinvolved weekly deliveries of 160-liter liquid nitrogentanks to each of the six operating nuclear power plantsin the state.

In addition to costing the agency more than $90,000each year, these weekly deliveries required an IEMAtechnician to be on-site to manually disconnect andconnect the tanks. The deliveries also were requiredto go through time-consuming security inspections atthe plant entrance.

That cumbersome and expensive process is changingthanks to an innovative project to purchase, test andinstall liquid nitrogen generators at each of the plants.The units take nitrogen from room air and liquefy it at-196 degrees Celsius.

The project involved considerable research by IEMAstaff in order to develop bid specifications. The firstunit was delivered to Springfield in August. Staff thenworked with the vendor to make software changes,

recalibrate the pressure relief valve, install a moreprecise pressure regulator, relocate the panel ofvalves from rear to front and create control softwarefor nighttime-only operations.

Testing was completed and the first unit was installedat the Byron Nuclear Power Station in November.Other units will be delivered and installed at theremaining five nuclear power stations in early 2017.The total project cost is approximately $290,000.

IEMA staff modified the generator before it was installed at theByron Nuclear Power Station.

Assistant Director Joe Klinger (center) recently met with officials fromthe U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding theChemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), which authorizesDHS to regulate chemical facilities that present high levels of securityrisk. Also pictured are (from left): Scott W. Fixmer, DHS ChemicalSecurity Inspector; Kevin Pennell, DHS Protective Security Adviser;Kathryn Young, DHS Chief of Regulatory Compliance; Chad Finin, DHSChemical Security Inspector; and Cheryl Louck, DHS Security ChemicalInspector. Fixmer, Young, Finin and Louck are all with DHS’Infrastructure Security Compliance Division. Public Safety DirectorRodger Heaton also participated in the briefing. More information about CFATS is available at https://www.dhs.gov/critical-infrastructure-chemical-security.

3

Senior Staff Spotlight: Adnan KhayyatWhen he was a child, Adnan Khayyat’s stay-at-homemother spent hours cooking and doing scientificexperiments with her four young boys while his fatherworked as an engineer for the Illinois Department ofTransportation. Decades later, as the chief of IEMA’sBureau of Radiation Safety, he credits his mother forigniting his interest in science and his father forinstilling in him the importance of public service.

A self-described ‘science geek,’ Khayyat received hisbachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry fromSouthern Illinois University at Edwardsville and wasrecognized as the Outstanding Senior ChemistryStudent and Outstanding Graduate Student inChemistry.

Khayyat joined the Illinois Department of NuclearSafety in 1999 as a chemist in the agency’sradiochemistry laboratory, where he performedanalyses of drinking water and environmentalsamples. He later developed scientific exercisescenario data and controlled exercises involving theagency’s Radiological Task Force as it prepared forresponse to a nuclear power plant accident.

In 2012, Khayyat was appointed chief of the Bureauof Environmental Radiation Safety. A year later, thebureau merged with another to form the Bureau ofRadiation Safety, which manages approximately 20programs that protect public health and safety and theenvironment from unnecessary exposure to naturallyoccurring and manmade radiation.

The bureau’s nearly 60 employees respond toradiation incidents, collect and analyze environmentalsamples for radioactivity, inspect and escort spent fuelshipments, oversee cleanup projects at radioactivelycontaminated sites, regulate the use of radioactivematerials, ensure the safety of x-ray andmammography procedures, promote radonawareness, and more.

For 10 years, Khayyat also served as an adjunctinstructor for chemistry and math at Lincoln LandCommunity College in Springfield.

Khayyat has contributed to several state and federalradiation safety efforts, including participation in theInteragency Coordinating Committee on Groundwater,the Executive Steering Council for the U.S.Department of Homeland Security’s Domestic NuclearDetection Office, the national Radiation LegalPreparedness Committee, and the National Alliancefor Radiation Readiness Laboratory PrioritizationTaskforce.

While he never envisioned leading a bureau when hestarted with the state 18 years ago, Khayyat said it’sexciting to have the opportunity to work with adedicated team of scientists shaping policies andprograms that help people throughout the state.

Khayyat is a Springfield native, where he still resideswith his son Will.

4

Bureau of Radiation Safety Chief Adnan Khayyat

January Resolve to be ReadyFebruary Earthquake PreparednessMarch Severe Weather PreparednessApril Volunteers in Preparedness and

ResponseMay Functional Needs PreparednessJune Pet Preparedness

July Heat SafetyAugust School and Campus SafetySeptember National Preparedness MonthOctober Cybersecurity AwarenessNovember Winter Weather PreparednessDecember Holiday Safety

2017 Monthly Preparedness Themes

5

Illinois Participating in Earthquake Planning EffortFEMA Regions IV, V, VI and VII, in coordination withthe states of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana,Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee, havebegun an 18-month program to update their NewMadrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) plans. This effort willaddress the next level of earthquake planning,building on past planning efforts and incorporatingnew efforts intended to enhance federal and stateresponse and recovery actions in the event of acatastrophic earthquake in the NMSZ.

A key component of this initiative will be activepartnership and collaboration by governmentagencies, business, industry and voluntaryorganizations, and scientific and academic institutionsin an effort to include input from, and address theneeds/concerns of, the broadest possible range ofstakeholders.

Current federal NMSZ plans address only responseactions up to 72-120 hours and require revision toinclude traditional recovery programs, recovery corecapabilities and updates to response corecapabilities. As a result of the new initiative, plans willcontain initial response and recovery informationincluding concept of operations and associated tasksfor all phases as described in the FEMA OperationalPlanning Manual. Plans also will incorporate NationalDisaster Recovery Framework principles and address

federal post-Hurricane Sandy policy and responseand recovery updates.

The composite scenario used to develop the planningfactors for the NMSZ plan update is derived frommodeling by the Mid-American Earthquake Centerbased on the impacts of the historic series ofearthquakes in 1812. With these factors as a basis,the new plans will truly be reflective of a catastrophic,worst-case event.

To help coordinate the planning effort, FEMA hascontracted with the global consulting firm IEM to placea dedicated earthquake planner in each of the NMSZstates as well as the four FEMA regional officesinvolved. As a result, IEMA last month welcomed IEMcontractor James Calder, who will work with IEMA’splanning cell for the duration of the NMSZ initiative.

A West Point graduate, Calder also holds a master’sdegree from the University of Louisville and is acandidate for a second master’s degree fromAmerican Public University. Active in various planningand training positions since retiring from the U.S. Armyas a Lieutenant Colonel, Calder’s experiences withIEM include working on the development of theRegional Response Plan for a catastrophic terroristattack in FEMA Region I (Boston).

Will County Debris Management Plan Approved by FEMAWill County recently became the first county in Illinoisto have a debris management plan approved byFEMA. As a result, the county will receive a one-timeincentive of a two percent increased cost shareadjustment for the first 90 days of debris removalactivities. That means the cost share for Will County’snext disaster could be 77 percent federal to 23percent local if they choose to use the incentive at thattime.

The 90-day period will begin the first day of thecounty’s presidentially declared incident period.

Will County successfully met all of the program’srequirements, including identifying its procurementmethod for selecting a post-disaster contractor forcleanup services. This action will speed the debrisremoval process and expedite the FEMA

reimbursement process.

One of the county’s greatest strengths that contributedto the plan’s approval was forecasting the type andquantity of debris. The plan identified the types andseverity of disasters that are most likely to occur alongwith the types and anticipated quantities of debris thatmay be generated.

IEMA’s Public Assistance staff supported WillCounty’s efforts for approval of the debrismanagement plan and is available to provideguidance to other counties interested in seeking planapproval. The Public Assistance staff can be reachedat PA.grants@illinois.gov.

A copy of Will County’s debris management plan isavailable at https://goo.gl/O8zz9c.

Response personnel from the Urban Search andRescue Illinois Task Force 1 (IL-US&R TF-1), theMutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), the IllinoisMedical Emergency Response Team (IMERT) andIEMA recently joined forces to practice response andrescue in a scenario involving a suspected terroristattack using a Radiological Dispersal Device (RDD).The mobilization exercise was conducted Nov. 9-10in Cherry Valley. As the scenario began, a local firstresponder equipped with a Personal RadiationDetector (PRD) received elevated radiation readingsupon arrival at the scene of an explosion that resultedin collapse of a parking structure, which trappedpeople inside their vehicles. The explosive device wasthen suspected to be a RDD, which likely spreadradioactive materials throughout the area.The local incident commander then requested stateassistance, including the IL-US&R TF-1, MABAS,IMERT and IEMA. In addition to structural stability,rescuers needed to factor in the hazards presentedby the radioactive contamination as they plannedrescue and recovery of victims. They worked withhazardous materials (HazMat) team members forthreat assessment (including isotope identification),

mitigation of identified hazards, appropriatedecontamination and the completion of their rescuemission. Coordination is key for safe, effective response.HazMat personnel were required to make appropriatenotifications, create a site safety plan and coordinatewith outside agencies, such as IEMA and IMERT, forthe mitigation, decontamination, patient managementand termination of the hazardous materials element.IEMA personnel provided just-in-time training for thesearch and rescue and HazMat team members on useof their PRDs and Radio Isotope IdentificationDevices. IEMA also assisted team members as theyconducted radiological surveys of injured victims atthe decontamination station, and played the role ofIEMA radiological liaison for the incident.The exercise provided IL-US&R TF-1 team memberswith an opportunity to use and become morecomfortable with their radiation detection andmonitoring equipment. It also tested the process forrequesting IEMA assistance and receiving help fromthe agency’s radiation duty officer.

IEMA Provides Radiological Support for Drill

6

Search and rescue team members work to stabilize a concrete slab before extracting a simulated victim from a crushed vehicle (left),conduct a radiological survey on a patient (middle) and use a PRD and a four gas monitor to check for environmental hazards beforecutting into the collapsed structure (right).

7

Challenging Recovery is thetheme for the seventh annualPrairie State CommunityEmergency Response Team(CERT) Challenge, which will beheld Saturday, March 25, 2017,at Joliet Junior College in Joliet.

Rather than team challengeactivities that took center stageat previous CERT Challenges,the 2017 event will providetraining focused on disasterrecovery activities, such asdamage assessment, donations management,spontaneous volunteers and Multi-Agency ResourceCenters. These training topics reflect activities CERTmembers have assisted with following several recentdisasters and are likely to assist with in futureemergencies.

The CERT program is part of thenational Citizen Corps Program.More than 70 jurisdictions inIllinois are part of the CitizenCorps Program, and nearly 50 ofthose participate in the CERTtraining program.

Online registration for the CERTChallenge will be available inmid-January and is limited to thefirst 132 registrants. Participantsmust supply their CERTsponsorship, CERT leader

information and confirm they have completed the 20-hour CERT training. Email notifications will be sent toeach CERT program when registration has begun.

The event is sponsored by IEMA and hosted by WillCounty Emergency Management Agency.

2017 CERT Challenge to Focus on Recovery Activities

Prairie State

Challenge

Torres Completes Rigorous ASME Training Nuclear Safety Engineer Dr. Luisa Torres recentlycompleted 14 months of rigorous training andsuccessfully passed the examination required to bean inspector in IEMA’s American Society ofMechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and PressureVessel Code Compliance Program. The programensures pressurized systems at nuclear power plantsin Illinois meet all state and federal standards and theASME Code.

IEMA’s inspections of these systems are conductedunder a Memorandum of Agreement with the Office ofthe State Fire Marshal, which provides IEMA withjurisdiction over all boiler and pressure vessels withinnuclear facilities in the state, as well as aMemorandum of Understanding with the U.S. NuclearRegulatory Commission (NRC) to collaborate with in-service inspections during refueling outages.

To attain qualification as an IEMA ASME Inspector,Torres had to complete several courses, including theASME Boiler and Pressure Valve Code, Section III,Rules for Construction of Nuclear FacilityComponents; New Construction Authorized Inspector;and Authorized Nuclear In-Service Inspection.

Torres also cross-trained with the NRC on ProbabilisticRisk Assessment Basics for Regulatory Applications;

conducting inspections;field techniques andregulatory processes;W e s t i n g h o u s epressurized waterreactor systemsoverview; and GeneralElectric boiling waterreactor design.

In addition, sheparticipated inemergency action leveltraining and Illinois Planfor RadiologicalAccidents exercises inorder to qualify as anEmergency Operations Facility liaison, the NorthernTechnical Response Center manager and a reactorassistant in IEMA’s Radiological EmergencyAssessment Center.

The agency’s ASME code compliance program alsoconducts ASME surveys and reviews of organizationsrequesting certificate of authorization for constructionand/or repair and installation of nuclear components.During her training, Torres participated in surveys oftwo companies in Illinois.

Assistant Director Joe Klingerpresented a certificate to LuisaTorres in recognition of hercompletion of the ASME trainingand examination.

State of IllinoisIllinois Emergency Management Agency

For more information on this newsletter, contact:Patti Thompson • Public Information Officer: (217) 557-4756

IOCI 17-0047 12-16 Web

Previous issues of Inside IEMA are available at:http://www.illinois.gov/iema/Info/Pages/Newsletters.aspx.

Staff from IEMA and the Office of the State FireMarshal recently toured the Mutual Aid BoxAlarm System (MABAS) Readiness Center inWheeling, where they were briefed by MABASCEO Chief Jay Reardon on MABAS assets andpersonnel that can be deployed to assist withdisaster responses anywhere in Illinois oraround the county (as part of an EmergencyManagement Assistance Compact request). Atleft, Assistant Director Joe Klinger listens asChief Tim Littlefield, MABAS planning sectionchief, describes MABAS capabilities.

IEMA’s nearly 200 employees participated in one of three end-of-year meetings recently. Twomeetings were conducted at IEMA’s headquarters in Springfield, while employees in thenorthern part of the state attended a meeting at the Bensenville Emergency ManagementAgency facility. The meetings provided an opportunity for staff members to hear aboutagency-wide initiatives during 2016, as well as plans for the coming year.