Phoenix symposium focuses on threat of wildfires, terrorism
Sep 22, 2016, 5:44 AM | Updated: Oct 17, 2016, 8:24 am
(Col. Michael Wulfestieg/U.S. Air Force via AP)
(Col. Michael Wulfestieg/U.S. Air Force via AP)
PHOENIX — Preparing for future wildfires and terrorism were two main topics at a preparedness symposium in Phoenix this week.
Wednesday’s meeting brought together leaders and officials from all over Arizona. They included state climatologist Nancy Selover; Maj. Gen. Michael T. McGuire, the adjutant general of the Arizona National Guard and Wendy Smith-Reeve, the deputy director of the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs.
Smith-Reeve said wildfire containment and management is essential to protecting Arizona’s land and resources.
“When the rains come following wildland fire season, we’re going to see increased runoff and flooding because the vegetation is gone,” she said.
Another topic the symposium covered was terrorism preparedness. Smith-Reeve said every Arizonan must be prepared to deal with this or any other disaster.
“Take a few minutes to talk about what you would do in a crisis situation,” Smith-Reeve said. “Make sure you have an escape plan, a contact outside the state.”
Smith-Reeve said sharing knowledge will help agencies prepare emergency responses for situations, such as heavy flooding.
