NH OUTLOOK, Monday, 9/15/2003
script iconHello script iconWeb Pointer
script iconPreshow #1 script iconTomorrow
script iconPreshow #2 script iconGoodnight
script iconPreshow #3 script iconFounders
script iconIntro Homeland Security script iconTonight 10:00
script iconHomeland Security script iconkey: National Politics / Government
script iconIntro Discussion script iconkey: State Politics / Government
script iconDiscussion script iconkey: Technology
script iconIntro Hurricane script iconkey: Weather
script iconHurricane script iconkey: Steve Taylor
script iconTag Hurricane script iconkey: History
script iconIntro Firetower script iconWEB PROMO
script iconFiretower script iconPatriot Act


script iconHello
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Hello AND WELCOME.
I'm Mike Nikitas from NECN. New England Cable News, guest hosting tonight on NH Outlook.
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In this edition. Homeland Security and the role one New Hampshire high technology company is playing in keeping us prepared.
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Plus, a view from space at hurricane Isabel.
Will she or won't she hit New England?
We'll hear from the State climatologist.
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And later, another installment of Steve Taylor's Real New Hampshire. Protecting forests the old fashioned way.
script iconIntro Homeland Security
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The key to greater homeland security is not a bigger military; it is more business innovation.
That was the message delivered today in Nashua by Asa Hutchinson, undersecretary for borders and security in the Dept. of Homeland Security.
Hutchinson was speaking to a conference organized by the New Hampshire High Technology Council.
We'll hear from New Hampshire emergency officials in a moment.
But first, Richard Ager has some background.
script iconHomeland Security
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Today, one million people will cross our borders by car, train or plane. Each one we are expected to be perfect in regard to.
Track: Every day, the Dept. of Homeland Security shoulders a huge responsibility. Undersecretary Asa Hutchison says they can't do it alone.
First of all, we rely on private business.for entrepreneurial solutions.
Richard - The conference sold out, attracting more than 300 members of the buisness community. Most were interested in an update on homeland security, and in how their companies might take part.
Track: John Ebersole runs a small NH company that is beginning to play a role in homeland security. Harmless Hazards Training in Bedford has created and is marketing an "augmented reality" package, gear that overlays visuals of fire or other emergency conditions onto real environments.
"As I turn my head to the left, I can see fire down at the end of the hallway. I can see smoke - I have pretty good smoke column going up.
Track: In this demonstration, you can see the actual environment and the augmented reality version.
"Hit the ceiling - the whole thing's gone out." THAT'S EXTRAORDINARY. So if I can put smoke in a room - fire in a room, get the water bouncing around, I can create all sorts of situations. I'm going to show you a brief segment from the Navy. Right now, the navy has to prepare for all sorts of emergencies like the USS Cole disaster - you never know when that's going to happen. So they have to train every single day. They have propane burners on shore at the academies they have, but they can't have live fires aboard ship. So what do you do? So what they do now is wave a flag and say this is a fire.
Track: Harmless Hazards gear now being supplied to the navy will allow realistic fire drills onboard ship.
The technology can also be adapted to train emergency rtesponders to terrorist attacks involving toxic gases or radioactive materials. And there was news that progress has been made in reducing the threat of terrorist obtaining radioactive materials
I'm really happy to report that it's going better than you might expect. For almost a decade, we have been working with russia.any smuggling attempts that may occur.
Track: Judging from the attendance, and the brochures scattered on the tables in the corridor, there is no shortage of entrepreneurs willing to take on the challenge of improving homeland security.
I get asked one question more than any other: What is our greatest vulnerablity? It is a short memory.we in America choose hope."
Track: For NH Outlook, I'm Richard Ager
script iconIntro Discussion
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Joining us now to talk more about Homeland Security and it's impact on New Hampshire.
John Stephen the Assistant Commissioner for the New Hampshire Department of Safety and Fred Rusczek, Public Health Director for Manchester.
script iconDiscussion
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GOOD EVENING, MIKE.
Mike: JOHN, LET ME START WITH YOU, AND POSE THE QUESTION ASA HUTCHINSON POSED.
IS THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE PREPARED FOR A TERRORIST ACTION OF ANY SORT?
I THINK THEY ARE.
I THINK THE WHOLE STATE IS PREPARED.
IN THE STATE, MOST OF OUR RESPONSE IS LOCALLY BASED.
LOCAL POLICE, LOCAL FIRE FIGHTERS WORKING TOGETHER WITH STATE AND COUNTY OFFICIALS, WHETHER IT BE THE SHERIFFS OR LAW ENFORCEMENT.
I BELIEVE THEY HAVE NEW TECHNOLOGIES WE'RE USING, NEW INTELLIGENCE GATHERING.
IT'S MUCH DIFFERENT THAN IT WAS BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11th.
BUT YOU KNOW, I THINK THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT A LOCALLY BASED RESPONSE NETWORK THAT NEED TO BE FULLY PREPARED, AND WE'RE DOING THE BEST WE CAN, AND I WOULD SAY YES, I FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE THAT WE'RE VERY WELL PREPARED.
Mike: NOW, WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR PURVIEW, THE CITY OF MANCHESTER, AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH CARE IN MANCHESTER AND PUBLIC HOSPITALS, HOW DO YOU FEEL?
ARE YOU READY IF THERE WERE TO BE A TERRORIST ATTACK IN THE CITY OF MANCHESTER THAT THE CITY AND THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY COULD RESPOND?
I BELIEVE WE'RE READY AS CAN BE.
THERE'S TWO PRIMARY COMPONENTS.
ONE IS THE PUBLIC SAFETY SIDE, AND IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, WE HAVE A LONG STANDING EMERGENCY PLAN WITH THE FIRE CHIEF AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND THAT'S EFFECTIVELY WORKED IN OTHER EMERGENCIES.
ON THE HEALTH CARE SIDE, THE COMPLEMENTARY ROLE TO BIOTERRORISM AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS.
WE AT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT REACHED OUT TO GET VOLUNTEER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, PHYSICIANS, DENTISTS, NURSES AND OTHERS WITH LICENSES, AND WE WERE VERY PLEASED THAT WE HAVE OVER 400 VOLUNTEERS SIGNED UP TO WORK IN THEN OF AN EMERGENCY.
WHAT KINDS OF THINGS ARE THEY LEARNING?
WHAT WILL THEY BE DOING ?I. WE STARTED OUT TO GET THE VOLUNTEERS TO DEVELOP THE MASS SMALL POX VACCINATION PLAN.
BUT THE SAME GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS HAS A VARIETY OF SKILLS AND A VARIETY OF PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUNDS THAT WE'LL BE ABLE TO GET TECHNICAL EXPERTS IN THE EVENT OF ANY PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY THAT WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH.
Mike: HOW DOES ANYBODY, IF THERE'S A PROBLEM, TALK TO EACH OTHER.
THAT'S ONE OF THE BIGGEST PROBLEMS IF WE IS A SITUATION LIKE THIS.
WE MENTIONED 400 PEOPLE.
THAT'S A BIG CHALLENGE.
TWO WAYS.
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY IN MANCHESTER WE FALL INTO THE RADIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM THAT'S COORDINATED BY OUR CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND SO WE'RE ABLE TO SHARE THE SAME RADIO BAND AND COMMUNICATE PRETTY FREELY AS CAN THE HOSPITALS AND EMERGENCY PERSONNEL.
BEYOND THAT, ARE A LIST OF VOLUNTEERS AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.
WE HAVE PHONE NUMBERS, E-MAILS, THE ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE THROUGH E-MAIL.
ONE OF THE BIG THINGS WHEN THEY LOOK BACK AT 9/11 IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, THEY FOUND THE RADIOS DIDN'T WORK A LOT OF TIMES AND THERE WERE MASSIVE GAPS IN COMMUNICATION.
IS THAT SOMETHING YOU'VE LOOKED AT AND SEEN ANY APPLICATION OF WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IN MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE?
IN MANCHESTER RADIO COMMUNICATIONS IS BENEATH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND FROM MY PERSPECTIVE I THINK OUR RADIO COMMUNICATIONS AND THE REDUNDANT COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS ARE BETTER THAN THEY'VE EVER BEEN.
I THINK, MIKE, THE COMMISSIONER OF SAFETY, RICHARD QUINHAS DEDICATED OVER $8 MILLION -- FROM MAINLY SENATOR GREG OVER THE PAST 5 OR 6 YEARS, A FEW MILLION DOLLARS TO BUILD THAT WHOLE NETWORK.
WE'RE PRIVILEGED TO HAVE THAT ASSISTANCE, AND THE LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITY WILL BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH FIRE IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
WE'RE PUTTING A LOT OF RESOURCES DOWN TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES, AND YOU KNOW, FRED REPRESENTS MANCHESTER, THAT'S A LARGE CITY.
THE LARGEST CITY IN THE STATE.
AND WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO THE PLACES TO NOTIFY THE STATES IN THE WESTERN PART OF THE STATE, IN SMALL TOWNS, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE'RE AVAILABLE FOR EVERYONE.
Mike: REALISTICALLY, YOU SAY THE STATE IS PREPARED AND CERTAINLY EVERYBODY HOPES THE STATE IS PREPARED, BUT THE STATE IS, AND HAS TO BE VULNERABLE IN CERTAIN AREAS.
IF YOU WERE TO MAKE YOUR PRIORITY LIST, WHERE'S THE BIGGEST CONCERN?
MY BIGGEST CONCERN FOR THE STATE IS AN ATMOSPHERE OF RELAXATION.
PROACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IS WHAT REALLY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE.
WE WANT TO KEEP THAT BEHAVIOR -AD ACTIVISM GOING.
THE GOVERNOR MENTIONED HE'S IMPRESSED WITH ALL THE PLANNING GOING ON AND THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE IN THE STATE.
OUR FOLKS ARE MEETING WITH HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE DAILY.
CURRENTLY WE PUT A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SO WE CAN SHARE RESOURCES.
WE'RE THE FIRST IN THE NATION IN TERMS OF SHARING GRANT MONEY AND ALLOCATING THAT BASED ON ONE VISION NOW.
THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL IS GOING TO MERGE WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY MONEY GRANT, AND WE'LL BE ABLE TO REDUCE THE DUPLICATION.
BUT MY BIGGEST FEAR IS THAT WE GO BACK TO THIS ATMOSPHERE OF COMPLACENCY.
Mike: HAS SOME COMPLACENCY SET IN SINCE 9/11?
YES, IT HAS.
BUT THE GOOD THING IS WE HAVE DEDICATED LAW ENFORCEMENT, POLICE, SHERIFF, AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND THE EMS COMMUNICATE AND THE FIRE SAFETY COMMUNITY, AND NOW THE PUBLIC HEALTH COMMUNITY.
THESE INDIVIDUALS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL ARE SO DEDICATED T THIS PARTICULAR AREA AND MAKING SURE OUR STATE IS SAFE, AND THEY'RE NOT COMPLACENT.
WE SEE THAT EVERY DAY.
AND
Mike: YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN IN AN EMERGENCY.
WE SAW LAST YEAR OR THIS YEAR WHERE TOM RIDGE CREATED A STIR SAYING EVERYBODY SHOULD BUY DUCT TAPE AND PLASTIC SHEETING, AND THEN HE BACKED OFF THAT.
IN REALISTIC TERMS, WHAT SHOULD THE AVERAGE PERSON DO TO BE READY FOR THE KIND OF EMERGENCY THAT A TERRORIST ATTACK WOULD INVOLVE.
THEY WOULD -- A LIST THINGS THEY NEED, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT, EMS COMMUNITY, AND KNOW ALL THE RIGHT NUMBERS, AND THE 911 NUMBER, AND THINK ABOUT 911 IF THERE'S EVER AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.
BUT REALLY, IT'S THE CONNECTIVITY AT THE LOCAL LEVEL WITH THEIR LOCAL OFFICIALS.
THAT'S THE KEY ISSUE.
Mike: GIVE US AN IDEA WHAT PEOPLE CAN FIND IF THEY GO TO THE WEB SITE, AND GIVE THEM SOMETHING THEY CAN GO AWAY FROM THE PROGRAM WITH TO BE PREPARED.
THEY'LL GO TO THE WEB SITE AND FIND MEASURES WHERE THEY CAN LOOK AT AIR VENTILATION SYSTEMS IN THE HOME, AND WINDOWS ARE PROTECTED, AND KEEPING THEIR HOMES CONTAINED.
THEY CAN ALSO LOOK AT MAKING SURE THAT THAT NETWORK OF RESPONSE IN THEIR TOWN AND COMMUNITIES IS WORKING SO THAT THEY CAN CONTACT NOT JUST AT THE WEB SITE, BUT CONTACT THE LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND ASK THOSE QUESTIONS OF THE LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND POLICE OFFICIALS, AND WHEN THEY'RE ABLE TO IDENTIFY CERTAIN THINGS THAT THEY NEED TO DO, THEY WILL SEE THE THESE ARE JUST COMMON SENSE MEASURES.
Mike: I'M INTERESTED IN THE CITY OF MANCHESTER.
WE WERE TALKING EARLIER.
THERE ARE A FEW CITIES IN THE COUNTRY THAT HAVE HAD EXPERIENCE WITH ANTHRAX.
BUT MANCHESTER HAS HAD EXPERIENCE WITH ANTHRAX.
NOT AN ANTHRAX ATTACK, BUT ANTHRAX FROM A DIFFERENT SOURCE.
WAS THERE ANYTHING BE LEARNED THERE?
AND HAVE YOU LEARNED ANYTHING ABOUT DEALING WITH IT?
IT HELPED IN NEW ENGLAND.
IT HAPPENED IN CONNECTICUT.
ANTHRAX IN MANCHESTER WAS A RESULT OF AN INDUSTRY, A BUSINESS THAT PROCESSED FURS AND GOAT SKINS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES AND BROUGHT ANTHRAX IN AS PART OF THE TANNING PROCESS.
THAT HAPPENED ACTUALLY THROUGHOUT THE WORLD WHEREVER THERE WERE SIMILAR TYPES OF OPERATIONS.
OURS HAPPENED TO BE THE LAST LARGE OUTBREAK IN THE UNITED STATES WITH ABOUT NINE CASES OR ABOUT NINE DEATHS AND ABOUT 150 CASES IN THE 1950s.
WHAT WE LEARNED I THINK IS WHAT WE'VE KNOWN FOR AGES.
FIRST, WHEN YOU DEAL WITH SOMETHING LIKE ANTHRAX, WHICH IS CAUSED BY BACTERIA, THERE ARE PUBLIC HEALTH CONTROLS AND FORTUNATELY FOR ANTHRAX THERE'S ALSO ANTIBIOTICS AND OTHER WAYS OF TREATMENT.
SO WHAT WE KNOW IS THAT BY CAREFUL INVESTIGATIVE WORK AND IDENTIFYING CASES THAT WE CAN CONTROL EPIDEMICS JUST AS THE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM DOES DAY IN AND DAY OUT WITH THINGS THAT AREN'T PART OF OUR NORMAL BIOTERRORISM AGENTS.
Mike: WHEN YOU GO TO BED AT NIGHT AND THINK ABOUT THIS, WHAT'S THE BIGGEST CONCERN YOU HAVE?
THE SCENARIO, YOU JUST DON'T WANT TO SEE?
WELL, YOU KNOW, AGAIN I THINK IN MANCHESTER I FEEL FORTUNATE THAT WE HAVE LONG ESTABLISHED EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLANS AND VERY GOOD HOSPITALS AND HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.
I TREASURE THAT VALUE THAT EVERY DAY, BUT WHAT I WORRY ABOUT ARE OUTBREAKS, SUCH AS THE SARS EPIDEMIC THAT OCCURRED IN CHINA AND SOMETHING LIKE THAT COMING BACK.
BUT I COULD BE JUST AS CONCERNED ABOUT AN INFLUENZA PANDEMIC.
Mike: PARENTS ARE CONCERNED IS MY KID GO TO BE SAFE AT SCHOOL, AND GET HOME SAFELY IF SOMETHING HAPPENS?
A VERY GOOD QUESTION.
WE HAVE AT THE LOCAL LEVEL, THE BUREAU OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, WE HAVE FOLKS THAT GO OFF TO THE SCHOOLS AND TALK TO THE OFFICIALS ABOUT PREPARING AND MAKING CERTAIN THE SCHOOL IS SAFE.
IN FACT, I HAVE A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH ONE OF THE UTILITY COMPANIES, AND WE HAVE THE UTILITY COMPANY, AND THE NATURAL GAS AREA PUT IN EXTRA SECURITY NO ACCESS TO CERTAIN AREAS.
WE'VE BEEN LOOKING AT THAT AND MAKING SURE ARE PROTECTED AND CHILDREN ARE SAFE.
THE LOCAL OFFICIALS ARE DOING A GOOD JOB.
Mike: WHAT'S AT THE TOP OF YOUR AGENDA TO GIVE THE STATES TO PROTECT FROM TERRORISTS?
WE NEED TO JUST MAKE SURE AGAIN, NOT TO HAVE ANY COMPLACENCY AND CONTINUE THE GOOD PLANNING, AND GETTING EQUIPMENT IN THE FIELD QUICKLY.
WE WANT TO PROTECT THE FIRST RESPONDERS AND COMMUNICATIONS.
Mike: VERY BRIEFLY, THE WEBSITE AGAIN, IS THERE INFORMATION FOR PEOPLE THERE IF THEY'RE CONCERNED ABOUT THE HURRICANE?
YES, THERE WILL BE TOMORROW.
IT WILL BE ON THE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY WEB SITE.
WWW.STATE.NH.US.
AND THEY CAN GET THE HOMELAND SECURITY SITE ON THAT.
Mike: THANKS FOR BEING HERE.
I APPRECIATE IT.
THANK YOU, MIKE.
script iconIntro Hurricane
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Now, let's take a look at that hurricane.
This is the eye of the storm as seen from space.
NASA captured these images of Hurricane Isabel on Monday.
By mid-day Isabel had reached category 5, the highest measure of intensity.
As it slowly churns toward the northwest, Isabel is packing winds that, at times, exceed 165 miles per hour.
The last category 5 hurricane to land on US soil was Andrew in 1992.
It was also the most expensive disaster in US history.
As of 5pm eastern, forecasters were warning people along the mid-atlantic states to prepare for Isabel's possible landfall.
No one can say for sure where it will hit. State Climatologist Jason Allard says it's too soon to tell if Isabel will reach New Hampshire.
:01-12
script iconHurricane
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Jason Allard, State Climatologist:
Right not it's a little early to say whether Isabel is going to effect New Hampshire or not. Yes, most likely, we'll see some rain and wind associated with it. But right now, where exactly it's going to track is still not certain. It could make landlfall anywhere between North Carolina and Long Island. If it goes more to the south, less impact. More to the North, we'll get hit harder by it.
Coastal communities will probably be impacted the most cause they have to feel the effects of the storm surge right along the water - they could get the terrential rains and wind damage.
Southern New England seems to be the northern most point that the path is projected. If it follows that yes, southern new england coastal communities should take some action to prepare for it.
Celene: And what sorts of things should they be doing to prepare?
Jason: Well, you can make sure you have enough food, water, should be able to last if you don't have electricity. If the hurricane is going directly to the coast you might want to board up the windows, take things out of the yard so they don't fly around.
script iconTag Hurricane
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Allard says people should prepare in any case by having an emergency plan and a kit with supplies like water, non-perishable food, flashlights and batteries. Isabel, if it's headed our way, is still a few days away.
script iconIntro Firetower
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Finally, protecting the Granite State's natural resources is something New Hampshire's forest rangers take very seriously.
Especially those who are stationed on fire towers.
Agricultural Commissioner Steve Taylor takes us up and inside one North country tower in this installment of his series of reports on the real New Hampshire.
script iconFiretower
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THESE FIRE TOWERS ARE A LEGACY OF A FIRE INTERESTING TIME IN NEW HAMPSHIRE HISTORY.
THIS TOWER HERE ON MOUNT PROSPECT IN LANCASTER CAN VIEW A STRETCH OF AS MANY AS 80 MILES.
THERE'S A FIRE TOWER IN LANCASTER AT THE STATE PARK.
MY MAIN DUTY IS TO DISCOVER SMOKE OUT THERE, AND THEN TRY SCN WHAT THE SMOKE IS.
HOW BIG IT IS, WHERE IT IS, AND GOING FROM THERE DECIDE HOW TO TAKE CARE OF IT.
SO YOU RELY ON THE NAKED EYE AND A PAIR OF BINOCULARS?
THAT'S RIGHT.
AND YOU SEE SMOKER EVERY DAY?
WE HAVE PERMANENT SMOKE AT A COUPLE OF BURN PLANTS.
AND A LOT OF
OKAY.
I GET -- QUITE OFTEN I GET CALLS IN THE SUMMER SAYING THERE'S A MOUNTAIN OVER THERE ON FIRE, AND IT'S THE RAILWAY GOING UP MT. WASHINGTON.
SHE CAN TELL YOU MORE ABOUT THE TOWERS THAN ANYBODY ELSE IN THE WORLD.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THIS FIRE HOUR RIGHT HERE WHERE WE ARE TODAY.
WELL, THIS FIRE TOWER IS PARTICULARLY SPECIAL AND IMPORTANT ONE BECAUSE OF ITS ASSOCIATION WITH JOHN LYNN GATES.
AND HE CAME FROM AN OLD LANCASTER FAMILY, AND BUILT THIS ON THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT PROSPECT AS HIS SUMMER HOME, AND BUILT THE TOWER AS AN OBSERVATION POINT FOR HIMSELF, HIS FAMILY, AND FOR HIS NEIGHBORS.
HE WAS ALWAYS VERY ANXIOUS THAT THE PUBLIC HAVE ACCESS TO HIS VIEW.
AS YOU KNOW, HE WAS THE AUTHOR OF THE WEEKS ACT.
SO THE EARLY MOVEMENT TO CONSTRUCT THESE FIRE TOWERS HAD TO HAVE BEEN COORDINATED BY THE COMING OF THE TELEPHONE, THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TELEPHONE?
NO.
HOW WOULD THEY HAVE SIGNALED FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO SOMEBODY ON THE GROUND DOWN IN THE VALLEY TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT A FIRE?
PROBABLY -- IN THE WEST, WE KNOW ONE FIRE OUTLOOK, A WOMAN, BY THE WAY, WHO WAS ASSIGNED TO LOOK FOR FIRES, AND IF SHE START R SPOTTED ONE, SHE WOULD GET ON HER HORSE AND RIDE TO THE NEAREST LUMBER CAMP.
I COPY THAT.
HOW DOES EVERYTHING LOOK FROM YOUR POSITION?
EVERYTHING IS QUIET.
IT'S GETTING QUITE HAZY.
VISIBILITY AS DROPPED QUITE A BIT.
NO SIGN OF TROUBLES ANYWHERE.
NOW A DAY LIKE TODAY WHERE IT WAS VERY CLEAR EARLY, AND THEN A WEATHER FRONT COMES IN, AND IT BECOMES MORE HAZY OR FOGGY, YOU HAVE TO MAKE A CALL.
YES, I DO.
SOMETIMES I STAY HERE HOPING IT WILL CLEAR UP, AND IF THERE'S ANY HOPE OF IT ON THE HORIZON, OTHERWISE I MIGHT GO DOWN TO HEADQUARTERS IN LANCASTER AND FIND SOMETHING TO DO DOWN THERE.
TWO OF THE EARLIER ARE THE ONES ON MT. ROSEBURG IS NOW GONE.
IF IT PRE-DATES 1905, THEN IT'S CERTAINLY THE FIRST FIRE TOWER IN THE EAST, AND ONE OF THE FIRST FIRE TOWERS IN THE UNITED STATES.
WELL, I THINK WHAT REALLY STRIKES YOU IS HOW LITTLE OF IT IS DEVELOPED, AND HOW LITTLE OF IT IS REALLY OPENED LAND.
THE PRESIDENTIALS IN THE EAST ARE 18 TO 22 MILES FROM HERE.
I CAN SEE 40 MILES TO THE SOUTH, AND 40 OR 50 MILES TO THE NORTH.
LOOKING WEST OVER A TERRITORY THAT I DON'T NECESSARILY REPORT TO THE STATE OF VERMONT, THAT'S 85 MILES TO THE SHORES OF LAKE CHAMPLAIN.
SO IT'S A BIG TERRITORY, BUT SURPRISINGLY ENOUGH, SMOKE SHOWS UP VERY MUCH, VERY EASILY ONCE YOU'RE USED TO LOOK AND SEEING CERTAIN SCENERY.
I WAS A SCHOOL TEACHER AND WHEN I RETIRED I WAS LOOKING FOR A RESEARCH PROJECT TO KEEP MY MIND GOING UNTIL I STARTED IN ON SOMETHING ELSE.
THE FIRE TOWERS LOOKED RELATIVELY SELF-CONTAINED.
THAT WAS 1987, AND I'M STILL AT IT.
I'LL TELL YOU THE HISTORY, AND A BEAUTIFUL VIEW.
YOU CAN'T BEAT ONE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE'S FINEST TOWERS.
CHECK THEM OUT.
THEY'RE THE REAL NEW HAMPSHIRE.
I'M STEVE TAYLOR, YOUR COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE.
IS IT A LONG WAY UP THERE?
NO, SIR.
NO, I NEVER HAVE.
MY WIFE WON'T LIKE TO HEAR ME SAY THAT.
NO, I DON'T GET LONELY.
I LOVE THE MOUNTAINS.
I LOVE THE WOODS.
I LOVE THE SCENERY.
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For more information on stories in this broadcast, including homeland security, connect with us online at nhptv.org.
Find links to resources and join our discussion.
script iconTomorrow
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On the next New Hampshire Outlook -
travel to the Highland Center at Crawford Notch for a look inside this new mountain retreat.
script iconGoodnight
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We'll see you next time.
Thanks for watching.
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Thanks to our founding sponsors who have provided major funding for the production of New Hampshire Outlook:
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
Public Service of New Hampshire
Stratford Foundation
script iconTonight 10:00
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Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook.
travel to the Highland Center at Crawford Notch for a look inside this new mountain retreat.
Join us tonight at 10:00 only on New Hampshire Outlook.
script iconkey: National Politics / Government
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NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 9/15/03 22:00
HOST: Mike Nikitas Length: 16:00 minutes
In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, Homeland Security and the role one New Hampshire high technology company is playing in keeping us prepared. Plus, a view from space at hurricane Isabel.
Will she or won't she hit New England? We'll hear from the State climatologist. And later, another installment of Steve Taylor's Real New Hampshire. Protecting forests the old fashioned way. The key to greater homeland security is not a bigger military; it is more business innovation. That was the message delivered today in Nashua by Asa Hutchinson, undersecretary for borders and security in the Dept. of Homeland Security. Hutchinson was speaking to a conference organized by the New Hampshire High Technology Council. We'll hear from New Hampshire emergency officials in a moment. But first, Richard Ager has some background. Joining us in studio to talk more about Homeland Security and it's impact on New Hampshire. John Stephen the Assistant Commissioner for the New Hampshire Department of Safety and Fred Rusczek, Public Health Director for Manchester.
PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Asa Hutchinson\Undersecretary, Dept of Homeland Security, Dr. John Ebersole\CEO, Harmless Hazards Training, William Dunlop\Leader, Proliferation Prevention Program, Lawrence Livermore National Lab, John Stephen\NH Department of Safety, Fred Rusczek\Manchester Public Health
script iconkey: State Politics / Government
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NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 9/15/03 22:00
HOST: Mike Nikitas Length: 16:00 minutes
In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, Homeland Security and the role one New Hampshire high technology company is playing in keeping us prepared. Plus, a view from space at hurricane Isabel.
Will she or won't she hit New England? We'll hear from the State climatologist. And later, another installment of Steve Taylor's Real New Hampshire. Protecting forests the old fashioned way. The key to greater homeland security is not a bigger military; it is more business innovation. That was the message delivered today in Nashua by Asa Hutchinson, undersecretary for borders and security in the Dept. of Homeland Security. Hutchinson was speaking to a conference organized by the New Hampshire High Technology Council. We'll hear from New Hampshire emergency officials in a moment. But first, Richard Ager has some background. Joining us in studio to talk more about Homeland Security and it's impact on New Hampshire. John Stephen the Assistant Commissioner for the New Hampshire Department of Safety and Fred Rusczek, Public Health Director for Manchester.
PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Asa Hutchinson\Undersecretary, Dept of Homeland Security, Dr. John Ebersole\CEO, Harmless Hazards Training, William Dunlop\Leader, Proliferation Prevention Program, Lawrence Livermore National Lab, John Stephen\NH Department of Safety, Fred Rusczek\Manchester Public Health
script iconkey: Technology
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NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 9/15/03 22:00
HOST: Mike Nikitas Length: 16:00 minutes
In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, Homeland Security and the role one New Hampshire high technology company is playing in keeping us prepared. Plus, a view from space at hurricane Isabel.
Will she or won't she hit New England? We'll hear from the State climatologist. And later, another installment of Steve Taylor's Real New Hampshire. Protecting forests the old fashioned way. The key to greater homeland security is not a bigger military; it is more business innovation. That was the message delivered today in Nashua by Asa Hutchinson, undersecretary for borders and security in the Dept. of Homeland Security. Hutchinson was speaking to a conference organized by the New Hampshire High Technology Council. We'll hear from New Hampshire emergency officials in a moment. But first, Richard Ager has some background. Joining us in studio to talk more about Homeland Security and it's impact on New Hampshire. John Stephen the Assistant Commissioner for the New Hampshire Department of Safety and Fred Rusczek, Public Health Director for Manchester.
PRODUCER/REPORTER: Richard Ager NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Asa Hutchinson\Undersecretary, Dept of Homeland Security, Dr. John Ebersole\CEO, Harmless Hazards Training, William Dunlop\Leader, Proliferation Prevention Program, Lawrence Livermore National Lab, John Stephen\NH Department of Safety, Fred Rusczek\Manchester Public Health
script iconkey: Weather
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NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 9/15/03 22:00
HOST: Mike Nikitas Length: 2:00 minutes
In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, Homeland Security and the role one New Hampshire high technology company is playing in keeping us prepared. Plus, a view from space at hurricane Isabel.
Will she or won't she hit New England? We'll hear from the State climatologist. And later, another installment of Steve Taylor's Real New Hampshire. Protecting forests the old fashioned way. This is the eye of the storm as seen from space. NASA captured these images of Hurricane Isabel on Monday. By mid-day Isabel had reached category 5, the highest measure of intensity. As it slowly churns toward the northwest, Isabel is packing winds that, at times, exceed 165 miles per hour. The last category 5 hurricane to land on US soil was Andrew in 1992. It was also the most expensive disaster in US history. As of 5pm eastern, forecasters were warning people along the mid-atlantic states to prepare for Isabel's possible landfall. No one can say for sure where it will hit. State Climatologist Jason Allard says it's too soon to tell if Isabel will reach New Hampshire.
PRODUCER/REPORTER: Celene Ramadan NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Jason Allard\State Climatologist
script iconkey: Steve Taylor
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NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 9/15/03 22:00
HOST: Mike Nikitas Length: 6:00 minutes
In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, Homeland Security and the role one New Hampshire high technology company is playing in keeping us prepared. Plus, a view from space at hurricane Isabel.
Will she or won't she hit New England? We'll hear from the State climatologist. And later, another installment of Steve Taylor's Real New Hampshire. Protecting forests the old fashioned way. Finally, protecting the Granite State's natural resources is something New Hampshire's forest rangers take very seriously. Especially those who are stationed on fire towers. Agricultural Commissioner Steve Taylor takes us up and inside one North country tower in this installment of his series of reports on the real New Hampshire.
PRODUCER/REPORTER: Chip Neal NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Ken Jordan\Fire Lookout, Iris Baird\Firetower Historian
script iconkey: History
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NEW HAMPSHIRE OUTLOOK Air Date/Time: 9/15/03 22:00
HOST: Mike Nikitas Length: 6:00 minutes
In this edition of New Hampshire Outlook, NHPTV's nightly news magazine, Homeland Security and the role one New Hampshire high technology company is playing in keeping us prepared. Plus, a view from space at hurricane Isabel.
Will she or won't she hit New England? We'll hear from the State climatologist. And later, another installment of Steve Taylor's Real New Hampshire. Protecting forests the old fashioned way. Finally, protecting the Granite State's natural resources is something New Hampshire's forest rangers take very seriously. Especially those who are stationed on fire towers. Agricultural Commissioner Steve Taylor takes us up and inside one North country tower in this installment of his series of reports on the real New Hampshire.
PRODUCER/REPORTER: Chip Neal NAME OF PARTICIPANTS: Ken Jordan\Fire Lookout, Iris Baird\Firetower Historian
script iconWEB PROMO
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Tonight on New Hampshire Outlook.
. Tonight at 10pm on New Hampshire Public Television.
script iconPatriot Act
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AP-VT--Sanders-Magazine
Sanders applauded by library journal
-- Vermont Congressman Bernard Sanders is on the
cover of the Library Journal magazine this month for his work
against the U-S-A Patriot Act.
Library Journal is a national magazine with a distribution of
about 100-thousand.
It named Sanders its 2003 "Politician of the Year" for his
work against the new powers given to federal agents by the law,
which was passed two years ago.
The Patriot Act expanded government surveillance capabilities,
toughened criminal penalties for terrorists and removed a legal
barrier that prevented intelligence agencies and criminal
investigators and prosecutors from sharing information.
Critics of the law say it opened the door to government snooping
and weakened constitutional protections against searches and
seizures.
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