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Emergency systems are becoming more sophisticated in order to integrate existing warnings for fire with new mass notification systems for other health hazards. The Department of Defense defines mass notification as the capability to provide real-time information to all building occupants or personnel in the immediate vicinity of a building during emergency situations. We don't think or talk much about emergency systems. But we hope they will work when we need them. Vic Humm, an Engineering Consultant for Safety Technology International, Inc., has worked with the National Fire Protection Association Technical Code Committees and the Department of Defense to create a consensus on what to include and how to integrate mass notification systems into public buildings. In addition to fire extinguishers, emergency exit signs, and security sensors, these systems can now speak to the public giving clear instructions in case of a bomb threat, for example. How do we know the instructions will be clear and heard? The sound systems are tested for their decibel output at many frequencies to enable even those with hearing loss in certain frequencies to hear and understand the alarm. The mass notification systems can be rated on their intelligibility by trained listeners or a hand held portable unit developed by Dr. Bose. Not only can sound be used in these integrated systems, but Mr. Humm says that visual alarms can be included for the hearing impaired.

Menu: Lunch is a buffet for $10. We will have a salad, baked chicken, green beans, squash casserole, rolls and cherry or peach cobbler. Reservations are not required. However, it helps us to warn the restaurant if more than our usual crowd plans to come. Please call Judy Driggans at 751-7616 to let her know if you plan to attend.

OUR PREVIOUS MEETING _______________________________________________________

Monday, May 16: "Ozone and Fine Particulates" - Errol Reksten, Chattanooga Air Pollution Control Bureau

Errol Reksten told us there are four monitors around Chattanooga that measure fine particulates. Two of the monitors have been reporting below the new limits in the Clean Air Interstate Rule. Two of the monitors are reporting higher amounts of fine particulates. He also talked about ways to reduce nearby Ozone. Reksten suggested that the reduced speed limit for diesel trucks going through Chattanooga will help. We should also limit gasoline vapors from escaping our automobiles. Be sure your gas cap fits securely and avoid refueling until after 6 pm. He mentioned the proposed Stage I vapor recovery that is used during the refueling of gasoline storage tanks to reduce hydrocarbon emissions. Vapors in the tank, which are displaced by the incoming gasoline, are routed through a hose into the cargo tanker, instead of being vented to the atmosphere. Also, he mentioned that a seasonal open burning ban is now in effect. No open burning (except recreational fires) will be allowed in Hamilton County until October 1, 2005. This ozone season open burning restriction as well as the new automobile emission testing are part of Hamilton County's Early Action Compact, which will help Hamilton County achieve federal air quality standards by 2007. A Plain English Guide to the Clean Air Act and a description of Six Common Air Pollutants including ozone and particulate matter can be found at http://www.apcb.org/what_is_a_spare_the_air_day.htm.

FUTURE MEETINGS (noon in the Tallan Cellar Restaurant unless another time or location is indicated) __________

May 30: No Meeting - Memorial Day

Saturday, June 4, 10 am to 2 pm - CEC Summer Social -- Pizza in the Park

Location: Chester Frost Park, Pavilion #3

Monday, June 6: “Advances in Refining Coal for Power Production" - Dale Bradshaw, Advanced Coal Technology (ACT)

June 13: No meeting because of Joint Meeting on June 15 with the Chattanooga Technology Council

Wednesday, June 15, 11:30, Trade Center, Lunch will be $12: "Situational Awareness System for Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Emergencies" Ken Martin, National Safe Skies Alliance
This will be a joint meeting of Chattanooga Technology Council and Chattanooga Engineers Club

Monday, June 20: "New Chattanooga State Incentives" Dr. James L. Catanzaro

Monday, June 27: (TBA by Judy Driggans)

July 4: No meeting - Independence Day

Monday, July 11, 12:30 pm, no lunch - Tour of Chattanooga Group, Inc., a local manufacturer of medical equipment and a division of Encore Medical Corp.

WHERE WE MEET _________________________________________________________

We will usually meet at the Cellar Restaurant in the basement of the Tallan Building at the corner of M. L. King Blvd. and Carter Street. Lunch at the Cellar Restaurant is a hot buffet for $10 and the meal is available at 11:30 a.m. Parking is available free at the Days Inn across Carter Street, but you will need a note in your windshield that you’re attending the Chattanooga Engineers Club meeting. You may also park one hour free in the garage behind the Tallan building if you have your ticket stamped in the Cellar Restaurant. The second Monday of each month will be at a location to be announced.

QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS? ______________________________________________

If you have any questions or suggestions about program items please contact Judy Driggans at 423-751-7616 or by email at jdriggans@comcast.net. You can find references to other Chattanooga Engineers Club members at our web site: www.ChattanoogaEngineersClub.org.