Norris Calls for Effective Disaster Planning 

September 6, 2002

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  --- State Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville), who serves as Chairman of the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee, said he was interested in collaborating with the administration to improve emergency preparedness in Tennessee.   

Norris has written the Bredesen Administration requesting talks on involving all levels of Tennessee government in emergency preparedness. 

“Plainly stated, we need a structured plan effectively linking elected officials in the state during times of crisis,” Norris said. 

Norris said the goal would be to establish “synergy” between officials at the local, state and national level with regard to communications and coordination of incident management and response.   

“As a legislator, I have not seen a plan outlining existing procedures or responses for us in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist event,” Norris said.  “Legislators should be able to serve as important resources throughout the state in times of emergency.”  

Norris intends to schedule hearings in front of the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee to discuss Tennessee’s emergency preparedness and incident response capabilities. 

“Earlier this year, new studies were released regarding the increased likelihood of a serious earthquake in West Tennessee,” Norris said.  “My overriding concern is that we have no plan for such an event.  We don’t want to be caught flat-footed.” 

Norris serves as Chairman of the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee which has legislative oversight of the Department of Transportation and the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Capitol Police.   

He was reelected to a second term last year and represents Shelby, Tipton, Lauderdale and Dyer counties.