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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: James P. McNabb, Office of Emergency Management - (573)
874-7400

City and county to participate in emergency training exercise at
Emergency Management Institute

COLUMBIA, MO (October 29, 2004) -- The city of Columbia will join Boone
County and others for a weeklong emergency training exercise at the
Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Md., Feb. 14-18.

The City Council, at its Oct. 18 meeting, authorized the city manager
to sign a "Letter of Agreement" for city staff members to
participate in the Integrated Emergency Management Course, which pulls
together emergency responders, local government officials, medical
personnel, school administrators, community and business leaders,
volunteer organizations and others. The course is conducted by the
Emergency Management Institute of the National Emergency Training
Center, and offers the community an opportunity to train together in a
"real life exercise enactment."

"Emergency preparedness is a highly important aspect of protecting
lives and property during disasters," said Columbia Mayor Darwin
Hindman. "This course represents an outstanding opportunity for
Columbia to work with Boone County and other emergency responders."

"The City of Columbia, working with the County, has emergency plans
that are exercised throughout the year," said Raymond A. Beck, city
manager. "This integrated course will allow us to take a closer look
at how the various components of the plan come together in a controlled
environment. This is a proactive approach to planning for various
disaster situations. The training exercise will test all stages of the
planning and preparedness processes and challenge the leadership of
those attending."

"This is an excellent opportunity for city and county cooperation in
an area of mutual importance and benefit to the community," said Keith
Schnarre, presiding commissioner, county of Boone. "We are looking
forward to this opportunity."

The course will involve 55 - 75 participants. The Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) will fund airfare, accommodations and course
fees. The only expense is a weekly meal ticket which has been grant
approved.

The Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency Management coordinates
disaster preparedness training and responses.

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