PITTSBURGH -- Pennsylvania has distributed nearly $4 million to help 67 counties improve homeland security procedures.

Allegheny County received the highest amount in the state, $184,000. The funds will be used to teach emergency officials how to implement homeland security elements into their planning process.

All buildings over seven stories were required by law to submit an all-hazard plan to the city by last May. Most of the approximately 300 buildings have complied; still about 45 have not.

Approximately 45 buildings have not submitted an all hazard plan to the city's emergency management agency. But emergency management director, Ray Demichiei, said he's not concerned yet.

Demichiei said, "We've had folks apply, saying we're working on it. We're not there yet and we don't have an issue with that."
Channel 11's Rick Earle said, "So, you're not playing hardball?"
Demichiei said, "No and that's not our intent to play hardball."

Demichiei has the authority to fine building owners $1,000, but he's hopeful it won't come to that.

Building owners had been required to submit evacuation plans through the Fire Department, but after the terrorist attacks, City Council passed an ordinance requiring high rise buildings to submit an all hazard plan.

It's a playbook for occupants to follow in emergency situations, such as inclement weather, hazardous material spills and terrorist attacks.

"That plane that went down in Shanksville passed within six miles of downtown. There's nothing to say that those passengers couldn't have tried to take over the plane earlier. Then the USX Tower could have been a target," Demichiei said.

The plan also requires buildings to conduct evacuation drills twice a year.

While the city is in the process of reviewing plans that have been submitted, some buildings have already conducted all-hazard evacuation drills.

Javed Gangjee said, "I think it's good. It keeps people on their toes. They have an idea where they need to go, who they need to be around. We have meeting points. After we're done, everybody gets together and takes a head count. It's good a good process. We just did it two months ago."

Danielle Sackett said, "I feel comfortable with that. They're doing all they can to ensure our safety."

Demichiei said once the plans are approved they will kept on file at the city's emergency management headquarters and fire and EMS personnel will observe the evacuation drills.