Patriots Day Movie - Lessons Learned 1-26-17

I recently had the opportunity to see the movie, Patriots Day which tells the story of April 15, 2013 Boston bombing, the investigation and pursuit of those who perpetrated the attack.  From the perspective of a casual viewer, it was an excellent film depicting the dedicated professionals who protect the homeland and resilience of a community during a painful and confusing time.  Of course, I’m not a casual observer…  My infliction as an emergency manager has me jotting down notes in every book I read or movie I see which could serve to improve our community’s emergency operations plans.  Obviously books and movies are not my primary means for planning material; there are numerous reports, studies, templates, guides and so forth we utilize.  Books and movies, however, add to the effort and otherwise assist in preventing a ‘failure of imagination’ as referenced in the 9/11 Commission Report.  (While the reference is made regarding intelligence efforts, it is equally applicable to anticipating any curve balls associated with any disaster response).   

There were several observations made of the movie associated with incident response, unified command, resource needs, public information, family assistance centers, grief counseling, etc.  However, if you’re time and interest permits you to see it, I challenge you to ask yourself “What if?”  What if YOU were near that finish line where the explosions occurred?  Are you equipped to help in a meaningful way?  Do you know CPR?  Did you know Norfolk Fire-Rescue offers a free and timely program called “Stop the Bleed” ? 

The film depicts very realistic aspects of a disaster.  This includes the likelihood of cell phone outages.  Significant events have a way of overwhelming cell towers due to calls for help or to loved ones.  If you experience a cell phone outage, try sending a text instead.  Additionally, while cell phones may be unable to connect, the older landline phones typically can for those who still have them.

Speaking of landlines, it is important to know how you might be alerted during such emergencies. If a similar incident to the Boston bombing occurred here, in partnership with the Norfolk Police Department and the Unified Command, the Emergency Operations Center could send out a Norfolk Alert to your home or device with information, description of the suspect(s) and instructions (i.e. shelter in place, call hotline to report information, etc…).  In order to ensure you get this message, it is imperative you register to receive the alerts at Norfolk.gov/Emergency (bottom of page) or by calling the Norfolk Call Center at 757-664-6510.   Again, Norfolk Alerts regarding life safety will be sent to landlines and Norfolk Alert subscribers.  If you do not have a landline, and you haven’t registered your cell number, you will not receive this alert.

Depending on the incident there is another way you could be notified: the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA).  In the past you may have received an unusual ring tone or vibration on your device alerting you of impending hazardous weather or an AMBER alert.  Incidentally, you may also recall mention of a “smartphone terror alert” in New York last year.  This was Wireless Emergency Alert, designed to help local, state and federal agencies reach cell phones within a particular radius around selected cell towers.  Click here for a WEA Public Service Announcement.  Again, the criteria by which WEA messages will be sent is much more stringent than Norfolk Alerts.

Lastly, in the same vein of a community coming together, I encourage you to get involved.  Whether it’s through our Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Public Health’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), or any of our partners like Amateur Radio, the American Red Cross Coastal Virginia, Civil Air Patrol, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST), Operation Blessing, Operation Brother’s Keeper and many, many more.  If you have the interest, we’ll connect you with the right organization.  Just please keep in mind, the right time is NOW to get affiliated and trained before the next incident occurs.   

Thanks and enjoy the movie!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov