Team organized to respond to acts of terror

JACKSON, Mo. -- The newest branch of the region's disaster preparedness response network met Wednesday at the Jackson Fire Department.

The Weapons of Mass Destruction Team is coordinated by Jackson Fire Chief Brad Golden and Drew Juden, chief of Sikeston's Department of Public Safety.

With heightened fears of possible terrorist activities, the purpose of Wednesday's meeting was to first introduce the team and the network and discuss procedures for a unified response in emergency situations, said Golden.

"Fortunately, the number of terrorist- or anthrax-related incidents reported across the country is not occurring in our region," said Juden. "However, we want to be proactive."

Cape Girardeau County public health director Charlotte Craig said local health departments are in the process of expanding and enhancing a weekly disease surveillance system.

"This surveying has been successful for many years and is effective in catching disease outbreaks," Craig said. The surveying system helps catch disease outbreaks and provide the medical community with early warning of "anything unusual."

According to the FBI, the nearest areas of activity are in and around St. Louis.