Division of Security and Safety

The requirements of Public Law 107-188, June 12,2002 titled "Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (a.k.a. Bioterrorism Act)" are managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The public law required water utilities to perform a vulnerability assessment of drinking water facilities and then to prepare an emergency response plan, results of both to be filed with the EPA.

The City’s Vulnerability Assessment identified needs for enhanced security measures. The City established the Division of Security and Safety whose mission is to provide a secure and safe working environment for all DWM employees, protect the drinking water source, treatment, storage and distribution facilities, protect the environment through secure and safe reclamation facilities and plan for rapid, effective emergency response to industrial accidents, man-made or natural catastrophes including contamination and attack. This mission also includes planning and implementation of the mandates of Public Law 107, including vulnerability assessments, corrective action and emergency response planning. The Division is also responsible for strategic planning for security issues and capital financing of recommended improvements, and other projects designed to empower the citizens of Atlanta, water consumers, to participate in the protection of assets located within neighborhoods. This mission is consistent with EPA guidelines on water security.

The additional capital improvements to achieve these enhancements total $28 million. Atlanta customers absorb the costs of the security through a $0.15 per CCF surcharge on their monthly water bills over a 7-year period implemented in 2004. The City will seek grants and other funding assistance to reduce the increase in future years.


Additional Links
DWM Begins Emergency Response Training
FEMA Training Link (NIMS 100+700)

Ready.gov Links
Ready.gov
Ready Instructional Videos
Ready America's Instructional Video (Flash)
Older Americans Video (Flash)
Americans with Disabilites and Special Needs Video (Flash)
Ready Pets Video (Flash)
Ready Public Service Announcements
Ready Business
Ready Testimonials

EPA Links
EPA Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water Procedures (English)
EPA Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water Procedures (Spanish)

Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA)
The Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency website

Drought Response Unified Command
Drought Response Unified Command Website

Georgia Warn Links
What is GaWARN?
What can GaWARN do for you?
GaWARN Benefits
Who is involved in GaWARN?
Future Tools for GaWARN members
How can I participate?

Ready Instructional Videos Menu Older Americans Video (WMF) Americans with Disabilites (WMF) Ready Pets Video (WMF) Ready America's Instructional Video (WMF)