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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Regional, State, Federal Officials Host National Counter-Terrorism Exercise
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
5/5/2003 5:12:00 PM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Office of the Mayor (206) 684-4000
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Regional, State, Federal Officials Host
National Counter-Terrorism Exercise
"Top Officials" exercise to test local, state,
federal response to simulated terrorist acts
SEATTLE - Governor Gary Locke, King County Executive Ron Sims, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge Charles Mandigo and FEMA Regional Director John Pennington today announced TOPOFF 2, a congressionally-mandated exercise to test local, regional, state and federal responses to terrorism. TOPOFF, which stands for "Top Officials," will take place in Seattle during the week of May 12.
On May 12 and 13, Seattle police and firefighters, along with health experts, county, state and federal officials, will respond to a simulated radiological dispersal device ("dirty bomb") in south Seattle. The exercise will run continuously for 36 hours.
"TOPOFF 2 will demonstrate the integration of local, state and federal response plans, procedures and capabilities," said Locke. "It's important to point out that there is currently no specific, credible threat of terrorism in Washington. The time to test is before such threats arise."
"Our first responders are the front lines of any terrorist attack or natural disaster," said Nickels. "That's why it's critical that we're ready for any kind of emergency. This comprehensive exercise will help Seattle become the most prepared city in America."
"Disasters know no boundaries. This exercise will help us be as prepared as possible to handle real emergencies when they occur," said Sims. "Our goal as always is to protect public health and safety and this is an excellent training tool for us all. For the first time, King County will host more than 107 other organizations working with us to learn and practice emergency preparation, and the region will benefit from this effort."
The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency will direct federal participation in, and federal oversight of the exercise.
"While no credible information exits to date that the State of Washington is a target for terrorism, we must be prepared," said Mandigo. "The lessons learned by our federal, state, local and international partners during this exercise will be used to strengthen our
preparedness."
"Our role as both Department of Homeland Security and FEMA remains the same - to ensure federal, state and local partners are better prepared to respond to, and recover from earthquakes, floods, terrorism or any other man-made or natural disaster," said Pennington.
Most exercise activity will be on a vacant lot in the 2900 block of Airport Way South, across from the Tully's Coffee roasting plant. To facilitate exercise activity, Seattle Police will close the southbound curb lane of Airport Way South from South Walker to South Spokane Street from 8 a.m. Monday, May 12 until 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 14. Businesses in the area will remain open as usual.
Some "fake" environmental monitoring will occur in West Seattle's Alki neighborhood, Magnolia, Ballard and parts of the downtown waterfront. Residents may see people working in pairs, dressed in hazardous materials suits ("moon suits") simulating the collection of environmental samples in these neighborhoods. Fliers informing residents and businesses are being distributed in these areas to ensure citizens understand the activities are exercise-related, and no cause for alarm.
For more information about TOPOFF 2, visit the mayor's web site at www.cityofseattle.net/mayor. Citizens may also call 206-684-CITY (2489) for information.
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Office of the Mayor
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