State Warning Point routes re
By Lisa Rodriguez-Presley
W
hen most people
think of an
emergency call
for help they think
of local 911 centers, but when
emergency managers need help,
the staff of Georgia Emergency
Management and Homeland
Security Agency’s State Warning
Point are the reassuring voices on
the other end of the line, ensuring
emergency resources are provided
wherever and whenever they’re
needed.
The State Warning Point is
staffed 24 hours a day, seven
days a week and provides critical
support to county emergency
managers, Georgia Department
of Natural Resources and other
state agencies during natural
disasters and a variety of other
emergencies. They process
hundreds of calls each week,
from routine requests to high
priority calls like Amber Alerts
and activations of the emergency
broadcast system.
“We’re here around the clock,”
said Bobby Dockery, SWP
Manager. “Local EMAs can
request resources day or night and
we make sure those requests are
handled quickly, so whatever help
is needed will be sent.”
State Warning Point
communication officers continually
receive calls, monitor radio
communications, weather reports
and national news channels,
evaluating the information for
potential impact on Georgia
and relaying it to appropriate
people and agencies. It’s no
easy task keeping track of all
that information, but according
to Angela Copenny, a SWP
operator since 2009, the work is
both challenging and rewarding.
“Every day brings new
challenges and situations we
have to deal with, especially
when there is a disaster,” she
said. “The pace can get pretty
hectic, but we know that people
are counting on us to get them
the help they need. When you
know that what you do is making
a difference for someone, it’s a
really good feeling.”
In a typical day, operators
can handle requests for search
and rescue dogs, helicopters
and dive teams. They are also
responsible for issuing Amber
Alerts when requested by the
Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Once GBI contacts the SWP, the
alert is broadcast to radio and
television stations throughout
Georgia. SWP even follows up
with the Georgia Department of
Transportation to ensure an alert
is broadcast on state traffic signs,
increasing the number of people
aware of the alert tremendously.
With lives potentially on the
line, working in the SWP can
be an emotional rollercoaster.
Operators have to stay focused
on assisting in whatever way they
can, even if it’s just keeping a
positive attitude and trusting in the