As anniversary approaches, Pa. emergency workers focus on security

Flooding isn’t the only thing Pennsylvania emergency workers are keeping a close eye on this week.

The commonwealth is readying itself for the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks this Sunday and whatever security threats that may bring.

The state’s Emergency Management Agency hasn’t been able to get much of a break between earthquakes and tropical storms.

This weekend, certain emergency operation centers, or EOCs, are keeping key staff on hand throughout the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Cory Angell, a PEMA spokesman, said the center nearest to the site of the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County will be activated at a Level 2–meaning key emergency staffers from different state departments will be on duty.

“In the western part of Pittsburgh, of course–Flight 93 and the event that they’re having in memory of those lost on 9/11–being a significant event, that EOC will be activated at a Level 2, as well,” he said.

Angell says PEMA considers all major events when planning emergency activation levels.

For example, this weekend, the football game scheduled at Penn State’s University Park campus is also on PEMA’s radar screen.