Regional Homeland Security Officials Respond to West Virginia Study
Results of a recent survey directly contradict earlier findings on how area residents would respond to a terrorist attack, local homeland security officials say. Responding to the report released by West Virginia University in August, members of the National Capital Region Senior Policy Group issued a statement saying that 84 percent of residents would be willing to stay home for 48 hours in the event of a biological attack. "Our survey found that a majority of residents would comply with government directives to stay put or 'shelter in place' in response to a biological or radiological attack," said D.C. Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Ed Reiskin, Maryland Homeland Security Director Dennis Schrader, and Virginia Assistant to the Governor for Commonwealth Preparedness Bob Crouch.

Pawn Database Selected for Award
The Regional Pawn Database Sharing System is now the winner of two prestigious awards. The system was honored for its innovative approach when it was selected for competitive, national awards by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and by the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association. The system helps police find items that were stolen in one jurisdiction and then pawned in another. Rolled out in August 2004, it resulted in 1,320 arrests and the recovery of more than $4 million of stolen property within the first six months.

Wise Water Use Promoted at Frederick Keys Baseball game
Frederick County Commissioner John R. Lovell, Jr. helped promote wise water use during a Frederick Keys baseball game in August. Lovell's appearance as Wayne Water Drop encouraged children and their families to conserve water in the home, and was part of the ongoing Wise Water Use campaign sponsored by COG and area water utilities. Campaign materials will be disctributed again in September during a D.C. United soccer game.

Region Copes With Record Temperatures
Conserving water and reducing electricity use were key to helping local residents cope with a sweltering August, Executive Director Dave Robertson told local residents during an interview on WETA's "The Intersection." Robertson's radio interview took place as record temperatures approached 101 degrees. But despite an incredibly hot, humid August, air quality fared better than expected, with Code Red predictions averted and ozone levels staying out of unhealthy levels.

You are receiving this Online Bulletin because you are a member of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG). If you would prefer not to receive this newsletter, or need to change your email address, please visit COG's Subscription Central. Comments may be sent to Heather Mueller. Copyright © 2006, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. All Rights Reserved.