FEMA S Higher Education Program Bits and Pieces s4
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FEMA’s Higher Education Program Bits and Pieces
National Emergency Training Center, Emmitsburg, MD
2 April 2015
Higher Education Program News:
EM Hi Ed Webinar Series:
The Higher Education Program is continuing with the webinar series started in 2013. The webinars will be used to increase the flow of information and knowledge to the emergency management higher education community. Knowing what is important and essential to your programs is important. To that end, we request that you provide us topics that are of particular interest and necessary to your academic programs or your institution. An April webinar is currently in the planning stages. Ideas for webinar topics may be sent to Lillian Virgil at [email protected].
Webinar Series – Session I - FEMA Emergency Management Higher Education Program
“In Emergency Response, Great Plans Are a Smart Thing: Training is Everything!” April 23, 2015 11:00 am – 2:00 pm EDT Presenter: Bo Mitchell, President/Founder 911 Consulting
Smart plans are critical. But, if we don’t get the words off the paper and into people’s heads, we have failed. Thus, training is everything given that people can’t and won’t run to look at binders for response in a real emergency. What are the legal requirements for training? What are the current practices and obstacles on campuses regarding training? What are the proven ways to train for emergency response? How does your campus compare?
Learning Objectives:
1. What are the laws, regulations and standards that control emergency plan training? 2. How will law suits affect you and your campus? 3. What are –versus what should be—the overriding attitude of administrators in training employees in emergency response? 4. What are the obstacles and consistent mistakes administrations make in emergency training? 5. Do we need to train the Emergency Team differently than the rest of employees? 6. How to protect your administration?
Conference Number(s): 800-320-4330 Participant Code: 316172
To join the meeting: https://fema.connectsolutions.com/he/
For additional information: contact Lillian Virgil, Chief, Mitigation Branch, Emergency Management Institute, [email protected] or calling 301-447-1490 ------If you have never attended an Adobe Connect meeting before:
1 Test your connection: https://fema.connectsolutions.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm
Get a quick overview: http://www.adobe.com/products/adobeconnect.html
Adobe, the Adobe logo, Acrobat and Adobe Connect are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS - SECOND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT THEORY AND RESEARCH WORKSHOP
Limited Time Remains to Submit to Present!
Monday June 1, 2015 Emergency Management Institute, National Emergency Training Center Emmitsburg, Maryland
Limited time remains to submit an abstract for consideration for the 2nd Emergency Management Theory and Research Workshop to be held June 1, 2015 at the FEMA Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Abstracts will be accepted until April 6—the formal call for abstracts is attached. It would be wonderful if a diverse group of faculty and student scholars were able to participate in this year’s Workshop; and, it would be better yet if some of those faculty and students represented your institution.
Last year’s workshop was very successful. It featured 17 presentations (selected from a large group of submissions) over the course of a single day in a single room and the room was packed with individuals interested in the work being presented. It was our hope that this year would be as successful. YET, thus far, there have been very few submissions to present and we will have to cancel the Workshop if that does not change. Please consider taking a moment to email the Workshop coordinator, Jessica Jensen, at [email protected] to let her know if you, your faculty, or your students might be planning to submit an abstract and simply have not done so yet. Also, please consider disseminating this announcement widely so that all interested parties are aware of the opportunity to present.
THE DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSION IS April 6, 2014 at midnight.
For more information for the workshop abstracts go to the Hi Ed website symposium section at http://www.training.fema.gov/hiedu/educonference15.aspx
Hi Ed Symposium – currently have several presentation slots open:
Call for Papers/Presentations is available at http://www.training.fema.gov/hiedu/educonference15.aspx . Complete the form, attach abstract or proposal then email to [email protected] .
Application and pertinent information for the symposium is posted to the Hi Ed website at http://www.training.fema.gov/hiedu/educonference15.aspx. When submitting the application complete, signed and returned to the NETC Admissions office at [email protected]. The applicant’s signature is the only signature required on the application. Deadline for submitting applications is May 8, 2015. Applications received after this date will not be accepted. All non-U.S. citizens attending the symposium must have a security clearance conducted and completed before they are accepted. A security clearance takes 8-12 weeks to complete. Non-U.S. applicants must submit a
2 complete and signed application by February 13, 2015. Applications received after this date will not be accepted.
Application Information - Course Code - E0392 Annual EM Hi Ed Symposium
Everyone attending or presenting at the Emergency Management Higher Education Symposium must submit an application and be notified of acceptance. Individuals without an accepted application will not be granted admittance to the NETC.
Symposium applicants will be notified by email of their acceptance to the higher education symposium. Make sure your email address is legible on the application. If you have not heard from the Admissions office 1 week after receipt of your application please contact Admissions at [email protected] or the Higher Education Program Office for assistance.
Moderators/Facilitators Needed for the Hi Ed Symposium
We are in need of moderators/facilitators for the symposium. Moderators/facilitators are very important to the operation of the symposium. They are responsible for keeping the breakout session to the allotted time, introduce speakers and maintain a cool and professional atmosphere for speakers and participants. If interested please contact Shannon Cool, [email protected] or Barbara Johnson, [email protected]. For more information about moderator/facilitator duties go to the Hi Ed website symposium section at http://www.training.fema.gov/hiedu/educonference15.aspx and click on the Symposium Moderators/Facilitators Information bullet.
Student Volunteer Information
Students currently enrolled in a college/university emergency management program are needed as student volunteer interns for the 17th Annual Emergency Management Higher Education (Hi Ed) Symposium. Students will be assigned one or more breakout session for reporting assignments and will be expect to perform general conference duties. The reports will be incorporated into the post- symposium proceedings posted to the FEMA Emergency Management Higher Education Program website.
Generally graduate students will be assigned primarily to take detailed notes during the concurrent breakout sessions and to write summaries of those breakout sessions which will be posted to the post- symposium “proceedings”. Reports will be 3-4 pages per session and will highlight the most significant aspects of the session. Graduate students will be assigned at least one breakout session to report but may be assigned up to three reports during the conference.
Generally undergraduate students are assigned various aspects of the symposium i.e., passing microphones during plenary sessions, assisting with symposium registration, passing out symposium folders, taking hard copies of presentation materials to classrooms, posting breakout session classroom assignments and various other duties.
In addition one or more students will be assigned to assist the Hi Ed Program Manager and as well as the Hi Ed Program Assistant throughout the week.
Student volunteer interns are required to attend 100% of the symposium beginning with Monday workshops and ending on Thursday afternoon with the last breakout sessions. The typical volunteer
3 obligations comprise about 20% of the symposium. When not acting in a volunteer capacity students are free to attend breakout sessions at their leisure.
We currently have 23 students committed to volunteering at the symposium. Schools with students participating are Jackson State University, Arkansas State University Jonesboro, York University, Canada, University of Akron, Frederick Community College, University of South Florida and Park University.
If interested contact Barbara Johnson, Hi Ed Program Assistant, at [email protected] or (301) 447-1452.
College / University News and Information:
Dr. B. Wayne Blanchard Award for Academic Excellence in Emergency Management Higher Education
Greetings, emergency management higher education friends and colleagues!
It is time again to solicit nominations for the Dr. B. Wayne Blanchard Award for Academic Excellence in Emergency Management Higher Education sponsored by North Dakota State University. Nominations will be accepted until April 8, 2015. Nominations will be reviewed by the Award Committee and the recipient will be notified shortly thereafter.
Previous winners of the Blanchard Award are: Dr. Thomas E. Drabek (2008), Claire Rubin (2009), Dr. David McEntire (2010), Dr. William Waugh, Jr. (2011), Dr. Brenda Phillips (2012), Dr. Michael Lindell (2013), and Dr. Richard Sylves (2014).
As always, the nomination solicitation is being forwarded across various channels. I apologize if you receive it more than once (or conversely, one too many times). Please feel free to forward it on to those who may be interested in submitting a nomination. If you have questions about the award, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you in advance for helping us recognize academic excellence in emergency management higher education under the auspices of the Blanchard Award.
Carol Cwiak, J.D., Ph.D. Department of Emergency Management North Dakota State University NDSU Dept. 2351 P.O. Box 6050 Fargo, ND 58108-6050 (701) 231-5847 [email protected]
CSU Council for Emergency Management and Homeland Security (CEMHS)
Hopefully your semester is coming along smoothly! Just a few updates to provide on the design, development, and implementation of career pathways in Emergency Management, Homeland and Cyber Security education programs and professional development activities in California. In terms of k-12 education, there continues to be significant activity in EM-HS-Cyber education and career development.
4 First, there are discussions on developing additional Public Safety Academies (PSAs) that leverage existing "best practices and partnerships" already found in several model PSA programs in Northern and Southern California and contribute to a quickly growing public service career pathway. Second, we are organizing an Information Communication and Technology Institute to integrate career technical education (Cyber-security and Computer Science) into core academic knowledge areas like English, Math, Science, and History that may be used anywhere state-wide (once the courses are officially approved.) In this way, we are able to include EM-HS-Cyber career education into academic courses for graduation as well as admissions into California State University and University of California campuses. These are both very exciting developments on the path to a career pathway in EM-HS-Cyber and related fields. Please let me know if you are interested in participating/helping out on either of these two points as they begin to move forward.
At the undergraduate level, here has been additional development in EM-HS-Cyber Career Pathways as well. Next month is a meeting of the California Community College Chancellor's Office Statewide Public Safety Education Advisory Committee where we are going to discuss an action plan and strategy for these programs (and also chat about digital forensics/e-crime academic program design/development as well). Program development, workforce demand/labor analysis, model transfer curriculum stuff, etc. are all open for conversation, dialogue, and feedback. The CEMHS Associates-Bachelors Taskforce will meet shortly thereafter to facilitate further collaboration and coordination.
One last interesting observation to note. There has been a variety of discussion for quite some time about the prospects of accreditation and the formation of accrediting bodies in the areas of Emergency Management, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity. Is this a conversation that interests you? If so, please drop me a line and we will make sure to provide you with relevant teleconference call-in information so you can be kept apprised of where we are in this incredibly important component of our ever-growing academic discipline and professional field.
Keith Clement, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of Criminology California State University, Fresno Chair, University Undergraduate Curriculum Committee Chair, College of Social Sciences Election Committee Planning Director, CSU Council for Emergency Management and Homeland Security (CEMHS) www.calstate.edu/cemhs http://cemhs.blogspot.com/
Penn State Harrisburg - An Update in Research and Trends
August 3 - 7, 2015
This intensive one-week residential course provides a cross-disciplinary overview of trends in homeland security and its evolving mission space.
The course includes interactive syndicate work, networking receptions, and a short excursion as well as lectures and practical exercises by some of the world's leading homeland security experts.
The course can be taken for three graduate credits (500 level) or as a non-credit option where attendees will receive 3.75 CEUs.
5 For additional information including agenda, fees, registration and lodging go to: Penn State Harrisburg Homeland Security Updater II
New Program – Professional Master’s in Disaster Management
Academy of International Disaster Preparedness - Florida International University
The Professional Master’s in Disaster Management is a 30-credit, interdisciplinary degree that provides you with the decision-making, leadership and management skills needed to meet the challenges in preparing for, responding to and recovering from natural and man-made disasters in the United States and around the world. Courses have been selected to provide you with the tools and skills needed to operate in any environment.
Courses
Comparative Disaster Management Systems Introduction to Vulnerability Analysis and Hazard Mitigation Disaster Preparedness and Planning Methodologies Disaster Response and Recovery Analytical Writing and Presentation Skills Environmental Disasters and Human Health Leadership and Decision Making Disaster Health Readiness Foundations in Humanitarian Assistance and Coordination Disaster Field Operations
The Admissions Process
The program admits students every fall semester. Applications must be submitted through the University Graduate School. For an online graduate application and a detailed list of requirements, visit http://gradschool.fiu.edu/.
Application Deadlines
February 15 Last day for international applicants
June 1 Last day for domestic applications
Requirements All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent degree from a foreign institution with a minimum upper division GPA of 3.0.
Emergency Management/Homeland Security News:
CIP Report, March 2015, Vol 14 Number 6 6 Center for Infrastructure Protection and Homeland Security
This month, authors discuss aspects of security and resilience within the Health Care Sector. After the recent information breach experienced by one of the nation’s major health care organizations, this topic takes on an added relevance.
Critical Infrastructure Protection in Global Health in the 2030Agenda: What Has Happened Since 2013 by Dr. Elvira Beracochea
Cyber Threats Toward Critical Infrastructure on the Rise: Healthcare and Public Health Sector Increasingly Vulnerable by Justin Snair & Matt Deleon
Medical Identity Theft: Improving Cybersecurity Response Efforts by Amanda Joyce, Michael Thompson, Andrea LeStarge, & Dr. Nathaniel Evans
Defense in Depth: A Requirement for Every Healthcare Organization by Parham Eftekhari & Ryan Kalember
Mobile Device Usage in the Operating Room by Amanda Joyce, Michael Thompson, & Dr. Nathaniel Evans
Mason-IBM-NSF Cybersecurity Leadership and Smart Grid Conference April 30, 2015 Hyatt Fair Lakes in Fairfax, Virginia Registration information for that conference is: http://goo.gl/v4zq97
If you would like to be added to the distribution list for The CIP Report, please click on this link: http://listserv.gmu.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=cipp-report-l&A=1
Disaster Information Outreach by Librarians [email protected]
National Healthcare Disaster Certification
ANCC, one of the world's largest and most prestigious healthcare credentialing organizations, requests your help to identify healthcare professionals with disaster experience to develop the first interprofessional certification for individuals who respond to disasters.
This credential will assure employers and the public that members of the healthcare team have mastered an interprofessional body of knowledge and skills related to all phases of the disaster cycle. The goal is to promote successful outcomes for the public, disaster responders, and healthcare professionals involved in a disaster.
Professionals from a range of disciplines are needed, including: Emergency Management Emergency Medical Services Medicine & Nursing (MD, DO, RN, APRN, PA) Behavioral Health (Psychiatry, Psychology, Social Work, etc.) Public Health Pharmacy 7 Respiratory Therapy
Eligible experts will participate in the National Survey and other exam development activities. To express interest and be pre-screened for participation in the certification development process, please complete this brief questionnaire before April 10th: National Healthcare Disaster Certification Development Participation Inquiry or https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ANCCNationalDisaster >
For your own subscription to Disaster Information Outreach by Librarians, sign up at http://disasterinfo.nlm.nih.gov/dimrc/dimrclistserv.html.
The DISASTR-OUTREACH-LIB archives are available at https://list.nih.gov/archives/disastr-outreach- lib.html.
Governor's Hurricane Conference, Inc.
Training Session Selection Form
We have many attendees registered for "Training Only" and "Training and Conference" who have not submitted a Training Session Selection Form. Training Sessions are beginning to fill, so if you have already registered and have not submitted your form, please do so immediately. If you still need to register, send the form in along with your registration form. We will notify you if the training session you select is full. A list of full sessions is posted on our website under the Training Sessions tab.
Hotel Reservations
The cut-off date for reservations is Friday, April 10, 2015 at 5:00pm EDT. Reservations made after the cut-off date will be accepted based on availability at the negotiated group rate. All reservations must be secured for one night's room and tax at the time of booking. The Rosen Shingle Creek has a five (5) day cancellation policy.
For Reservations: Call the Rosen Shingle Creek toll free at (866) 996-6338 and request the group rate for Governor's Hurricane Conference®, or book online by clicking here: Hotel Reservations
Please visit our website for all details www.flghc.org.
IAEM Dispatch, March 26, 2015
IAEM-ASIA NEWS
New plan aims to halve Tokyo quake deaths, damage The Japan Times The government said the estimated death toll from a predicted major earthquake directly beneath the Tokyo metropolitan area could be halved from 23,000 if authorities adopt a new 10-year risk management plan. Officials said they also aim to reduce by 50 percent the 610,000 buildings that could be destroyed. Adopted by the Cabinet, the revised basic program updates mitigation strategies from an original March 2014 plan.
IAEM-CANADA NEWS
8 Canada's national emergency alert system launches Broadcaster Magazine Disaster can strike with little to no notice and Alert Ready, Canada's new national emergency alert system, aims to benefit all Canadians by notifying them immediately to potentially life-threatening events. Governments and broadcasters will now have the ability to bring more alerts to more Canadians, faster, enabling them to take action and stay safe. Alert Ready's distribution infrastructure is operated by Pelmorex Media Inc., the parent company of The Weather Network and MétéoMédia, and developed in partnership with federal, provincial and territorial emergency management officials, Environment Canada and the broadcast industry.
IAEM-USA NEWS
National VOAD Awards process now open IAEM The nominations process for this year's National VOAD Award has opened. The awards will be announced at the 2015 National VOAD Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, May 11-15, 2015. If you know an individual or organization that has made a positive impact in the VOAD movement, nominate them for an award. The following awards will be given: National Member of the Year, State/Territory VOAD of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, VOAD Spirit Award, Innovative Program of the Year, and National VOAD Partner of the Year Award. Nominations are due by midnight, Apr. 13, 2015. Learn more.
FEMA seeks feedback on National Preparedness Goal IAEM The National Preparedness Goal (the Goal) sets the vision for preparedness nationwide and identifies the core capabilities necessary to achieve that vision across the five mission areas: prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery. The first edition of the National Preparedness Goal, released in 2011, sets the vision for preparedness, "a secure and resilient Nation with the capabilities required across the whole community to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk," and identifies the core capabilities necessary to achieve the Goal. Building on the work from the past several years, FEMA is coordinating the refresh of the first edition of the National Preparedness Goal. FEMA requests feedback on the first edition of the National Preparedness Goal. The comment period closes Thursday, Apr. 16, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Please visit the FEMA website to review proposed updates to the Goal, and download the feedback matrix. All comments should be submitted via email using the provided matrix.
National Flood Insurance Program rate changes effective April 1 IAEM As part of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act (HFIAA) and Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (BW-12), FEMA continues to take important steps to implement changes to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as called upon by the 2012 and 2014 flood insurance reform legislation. These reforms slow some flood insurance rate increases and offer relief to some policyholders who experienced steep flood insurance premium increases in 2013 and early 2014. In October 2014, the NFIP's flood insurance rate structure and business practices were further revised to implement certain provisions of the new reforms and take effect for new business and renewals beginning on and after Apr. 1, 2015. For detailed information on program changes, please see the Apr. 1, 2015, Program Changes Fact Sheet.
Bipartisan FEMA efficiency bill introduced BioPrepWatch 9 A bipartisan bill that would improve the efficiency of disaster-assistance operations conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency was introduced recently. The FEMA Disaster Assistance Reform Act of 2015 (H.R. 1471) would give the agency the authority to implement assistance programs to ensure reduction of damage and loss of life. It also stipulates that the agency analyze disaster-loss trends and assess recommendations to save on costs.
Nationwide 'emergency alert' test causes panic, confusion Infowars A test of the national "Emergency Alert System" which was seen by television viewers in states across the country prompted panic and confusion, with many taking to Twitter to express their concerns. The test began at around 11 a.m. EST and was broadcast in Washington D.C., Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The emergency alert contained no details and merely listed the states it affected and said the alert would run from 11 a.m. until midnight.
Debate on shipping crude by rail heats up in Washington The Bakken The safety of shipping crude by rail became a hot topic in Washington, D.C., with the introduction of legislation in the U.S. Senate and the release of a report on oil properties by the U.S. Department of Energy. U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Patty Murray D-Wash., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisc., and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., introduced legislation setting new safety standards for trains hauling volatile crude oil, which they said would "better protect American communities along the tracks."
IAEM NEWS
Call for entries: IAEM Awards Competition is open Apr. 1-May 29, 2015 IAEM The 2015 IAEM Awards Competition opened on April 1, 2015. The purpose of the competition is to recognize and honor persons who have made special or significant contributions to the field of emergency management and have represented the profession well by their outstanding performance. You are encouraged to participate and to share your achievements with your colleagues. Award guidelines and official entry forms are posted on the IAEM website at www.iaem.com/Awards. Be sure to read the guidelines carefully and pay close attention to content requirements, format, and length specifications, before submitting your entries via email to Karen Thompson. The IAEM awards entry deadline is Friday, May 29, 2015, 5:00 p.m., EDT.
EM NEWS
FEMA Student Identification numbers to be used for IS final exams IAEM FEMA EMI recently posted that on Apr. 1, 2015, the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) will begin to use the FEMA Student Identification (SID) number when submitting Independent Study (IS) final exams. All individuals (U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries) may register for a FEMA SID at https://cdp.dhs.gov/femasid.
CEM® UPDATE
Attention recertification applicants: new requirements in effect IAEM As announced, the new recertification requirements were implemented in January 2015 for candidates scheduled to recertify in 2015. If you are a recertification candidate who started an online recertification 10 application prior to Jan. 5, 2015, please note that your application is tied to the old recertification requirements. To take advantage of the new recertification, candidates should add and complete a new recertification application, which will incorporate the new sliding scale of requirements. Recertification candidates should save any information from the old recertification application and delete the old recertification application prior to beginning the new application.
EM RESOURCES
State Mitigation Plan Review Guide Factsheet now available IAEM FEMA has announced the release of the State Mitigation Plan Review Guide. The Guide will be FEMA's official policy on the natural hazard mitigation planning requirements at Title 44 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 201, and FEMA's interpretation of federal regulations for state hazard mitigation plans, inclusive of the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. The Guide is available from the FEMA library. State, local, and tribal governments engage in the mitigation planning process to identify risks and vulnerabilities associated with natural disasters and establish a long-term strategy for protecting people and property in future hazards events. State mitigation plans are one of the conditions of eligibility for certain FEMA assistance, such as Public Assistance Categories C-G and Hazard Mitigation Assistance mitigation project grants. States are required to update the state mitigation plan every five years.
National 911 Progress Report released IAEM The National 911 Program recently announced the release of the "2014 National 911 Progress Report," which provides detailed reporting and analysis of the most recent collection of 911 statistics from more than 39 states. Available at 911.gov, the report collates the data gathered from the participating states with the support of the National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA). Because the data are available in both aggregated and state-by-state formats, this is the first data collection effort that allows for the comparison of data to understand how states are similar in terms of call volume, governance and other demographics. This segmented 911 system data will allow state 911 leaders to compare information and consider more effective program modifications based on the models implemented in other states. Also, access to state-by-state information will help answer the questions of legislators and policy makers about how a particular state compares with others. Plans are underway for 2014 data collection to begin in May 2015.
Third edition of FEMA's publication, Safe Rooms for Tornadoes and Hurricanes: Guidance for Community and Residential Safe Rooms , now available IAEM FEMA's Building Science Branch presents the recently updated FEMA P-361, Safe Rooms for Tornadoes and Hurricanes: Guidance for Community and Residential Safe Rooms. FEMA P-361 provides the most current, up-to-date guidance on constructing a safe room that provides near-absolute protection from the deadly winds and windborne debris associated with extreme-wind events for its occupants. The information presented in FEMA P-361 is the culmination of many years of post-disaster investigations into the performance of safe rooms and storm shelters during tornadoes and hurricanes.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE UPDATE
IAEM seeks individuals to serve as IAEM Ambassadors during 63 rd Annual Conference IAEM Do you like networking and meeting new people? Are you an IAEM member in good standing? Have you been to an IAEM Annual Conference in the past? If you answered yes to all three questions, then 11 joining the IAEM Ambassador program is for you. Back by popular demand, the IAEM-USA Conference Committee is delighted to bring the IAEM Ambassador program to Clark County, Nevada for the 63rd IAEM Annual Conference and EMEX. Throughout the week, IAEM members will serve as ambassadors to help attendees tailor their conference experience, answer questions, as well as guide others to interesting conference events. Ambassadors will be easily be identified by their "Ambassador" buttons. If you are interested in becoming an ambassador for the conference, learn more by viewing the online orientation presentation, and complete the online survey. Volunteers will be contacted prior to the conference. Serving as an ambassador is a great way to network at a higher level during the conference, while assisting your fellow attendees.
GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
PHMSA soliciting for its Technical Assistance Grants Program IAEM PHMSA's Office of Pipeline Safety is soliciting applications for its Technical Assistance Grants (TAG) program. These grants are made available to public and private entities to support a wide range of pipeline safety activities. The details can also be found by using the "SEARCH GRANTS" tab at Grants.gov. Search by Funding Opportunity Number: DTPH5615SN0002. The closing date for applications is Apr. 22, 2015.
SURVEY REQUESTS
BC Management requests your input to its 13th Annual BCM Compensation Study by Apr. 15 IAEM BC Management's 13th Annual Business Continuity Management Compensation Study is now underway, and BCM professionals are invited to participate. There are three categories to choose from (permanently employed; contractor/consultant; or unemployed professional), and the deadline to complete the study survey is Apr. 15, 2015. Contact information is not required, and your personal or company information will not be shared. Study participants will receive a complimentary copy of the report. The scope of the study is worldwide, and the study is available in English, Spanish, French, Chinese and Japanese. Information on initial findings is available here. In addition to collecting data on compensation, the study will address skill sets within the BCM profession, breakout of certifications, what is in demand by employers, and forecasting future trends.
Margolis Healy seeks input to its 2015 Campus Safety Survey IAEM Margolis Healy has launched its annual Campus Safety Survey and seeks input. The purpose of the survey is to identify trends and lessons learned during the past 18-24 months. Input is welcomed on a variety of campus safety, security and regulatory compliance topics impacting institutions of higher education and K-12 schools today. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes and all responses will remain anonymous. Take the survey
EM CALENDAR
Apr.7 deadline looms for FEMA's National Training, Education, and Exercise Symposium IAEM FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI) is preparing for the 2015 National Training and Exercise (NT&E) Symposium. The symposium, which takes place May 19-21, 2015, at EMI in Emmitsburg, Maryland, provides federal, state, tribal, and territorial training and exercise officials the
12 opportunity to discuss current and future training and exercise programs and to share case studies, lessons-learned, and smart practices. Applications for registration must be received by Apr. 7, 2015.
AROUND THE WORLD
Hurricane-strength winds pummel Europe, 4 killed Reuters At least four people were killed when hurricane-force winds lashed northern Europe in one of the most severe storms in years, forcing flights to be cancelled and disrupting road, train and marine traffic. The Dutch meteorological office issued a red warning for the northern and coastal provinces of the low-lying Netherlands, as gusts of up to 120 kph (75 mph) caused damage estimated at several million euros.
Pacific Super Typhoon Maysak among strongest on record so early in the season The Washington Post An unusually strong spring super typhoon is sweeping across the western Pacific, its eyes set on the northern Philippines. The super typhoon, named Maysak, packs maximum sustained winds of 160 mph. Maysak achieved super typhoon intensity with winds of at least 150 mph, while undergoing rapid strengthening. It is currently the equivalent of a category 5 hurricane.
Small tsunami generated in Pacific after earthquake The Associated Press via ABC News A powerful earthquake rattled the South Pacific nation of Papua New Guinea, generating a small tsunami and frightening locals near the epicenter, but prompting no reports of damage or injuries. A tsunami of half a meter (1.5 feet) was measured in the harbor of Rabaul, a town near the epicenter of the magnitude-7.7 earthquake, said Martin Mose, acting director for Papua New Guinea's National Disaster Center.
Chile floods leave 17 dead, 20 missing and communities pleading for help The Guardian Chile's government said that 17 people have been killed and 20 are still missing after torrential rains caused flooding in a northern desert region. The heavy rains last week swelled rivers and led to flash- flooding that also caused power outages and blocked roads. President Michelle Bachelet's spokesman announced that the government will provide nearly $10m to the flood-hit areas.
Death toll rises to 14 in Mexico gas tanker explosion The Associated Press via ABC News The death toll in a gasoline tanker truck explosion in southeastern Mexico rose to 14, the result of an attempted theft of fuel in an area that authorities say has a long reputation for roadside thefts. Tabasco state prosecutor Fernando Valenzuela Pernas said that while investigators had found no evidence someone intentionally ignited the gasoline after the truck crashed, people did break through the police perimeter and then chased off firefighters so they could steal gasoline.
Oklahoma cleans up from twisters that killed 1, injured 2 dozen CNN Cleanup crews started assessing the damage caused by storms that slashed across Oklahoma, killing one person and injuring about two dozen others across the state. A reported tornado ravaged a mobile home park, destroying dozens of trailers just west of Tulsa in the suburb of Sand Springs. Authorities said the man who died at the River Oaks Mobile Home Park had been trying to help his father, who was injured, according to CNN affiliate KJRH.
Did someone forward this edition to you? Subscribe here -- it's free! 13 Natural Hazards Center - Disaster Research News You Can Use
Number 642 • March 27, 2015
Seeing Red (or Blue): Bias Doesn't Recognize Boundaries Between Science and Politics
The Ups and Downs of Cali Quake Risk
Hey, Students! Put Your Hazards and Disasters Papers to Work for You Your research paper could net you $100 and free entry into this summer’s Natural Hazards Workshop if chosen as one of the two winners of our annual Hazards and Disasters Student Paper Competition.
Papers may present current research, literature reviews, theoretical arguments, or case studies on social or behavioral aspects of hazards or disasters. The competition is open to graduate or undergraduate students enrolled for at least one term of the 2014-2015 academic year.
Papers must be submitted by April 28, 2015. For more information and application instructions, visit the competition page on the Natural Hazards Center Web site.
The March Natural Hazard Observer Is Here
Call Outs: Calls for Papers, Abstracts, Proposals, and More
Some New Web Resources
Conferences and Events
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Webinars, Training, and Education
Contributions of jobs, conferences, and other content to this newsletter can be sent to [email protected]. Please include “for Disaster Research” in the subject line.
To subscribe, visit http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/dr/.
Naval Postgraduate School - Greta E. Marlatt; email: [email protected]/, March 30, 2015
New or Updated Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports: Senate Rules Affecting Committees. 98-311 Designating Systemically Important Financial Institutions (SIFIs), CRS Insights. IN1041 The Quadrennial Energy Review, CRS Insights. IN10248 Separating Power Series: Presidential Influence v. Control Over Independent Agencies, CRS Legal Sidebar. presinf Israel After the 2015 Elections: What Does Netanyahu's Victory Mean for U.S. Policy?, CRS Insights. IN10251 Locate an Agency or Program Within Appropriations Bills. R40858 Access to Broadband Networks: The Net Neutrality Debate. R40616 Amendments Between the Houses: Procedural Options and Effects. R41003
14 Small Business Administration Microloan Program. R41057 Small Business Management and Technical Assistance Training Programs. R41352 Social Security Administration (SSA): Budget Issues. R41716 Cybersecurity: Authoritative Reports and Resources, by Topic. R42507 The Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations and Issues for Congress. R42694 Community Development Block Grants: Funding Issues in the 113th Congress. R43208 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA): Resources for Frequently Asked Questions. R43215 Implementation of Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS): Issues for Congress. R43346 EPA and the Army Corps’ Proposed Rule to Define “Waters of the United States”R43455 The “Islamic State” Crisis and U.S. Policy. R43612 State Sponsors of Acts of International Terrorism-Legislative Parameters: In Brief. R43835 Legislation to Facilitate Cybersecurity Information Sharing: Economic Analysis. R43821 The President’s Immigration Accountability Executive Action of November 20, 2014: Overview and Issues. R43852 A Shift in the International Security Environment: Potential Implications for Defense--Issues for Congress. R43838 Climate Change Adaptation by Federal Agencies: An Analysis of Plans and Issues for Congress. R43915 The Peace Corps: Current Issue. RS21168 EPA’s Proposed Clean Power Plan: Conversion to Mass-Based Emission Targets. R43942 Assistance to Firefighters Program: Distribution of Fire Grant Funding. RL32341 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response: The SAFER Grant Program. RL33375 United States Fire Administration: An Overview. RS20071 House Standing Committee Chairs and Ranking Minority Members: Rules Governing Selection Procedures. RS21165 The FCC's Rules and Policies Regarding Media Ownership, Attribution, and Ownership Diversity. R43936 9/11 Review Commission Final Report of the 9/11 Review Commission - The FBI: Protecting the Homeland in the 21st Century http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/protecting-the-homeland-in-the-21st-century Atlantic Council Artful Balance: The Future of US Defense Strategy and Force Posture in the Gulf [video] http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/events/webcasts/artful-balance-the-future-of-us-defense-strategy-and- force-posture-in-the-gulf ISIS War Game II: The Escalation Challenge http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/images/publications/ISIS_War_Game_the_Escalation_Challenge.pdf Managing Differences on European Security in 2015 http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/images/publications/ACUS_Managing_Differences_Report.pdf Baker Institute for Public Policy The Enduring U.S.–Israel Relationship http://bakerinstitute.org/files/8963/ To Lift or Not to Lift? The U.S. Crude Oil Export Ban: Implications for Price and Energy Security http://bakerinstitute.org/files/8965/ Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs Role of Integrated Assessment Models in Climate Policy: A User's Guide and Assessment http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/files/dp68_metcalf-stock.pdf Brennan Center for Justice
15 What Went Wrong with the FISA Court https://www.brennancenter.org/publication/what-went- wrong-fisa-court Brookings Better Than You Think: Reframing Inter-American Relations http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/research/files/papers/2015/03/inter-american-relations-feinberg- miller-trinkunas/better-than-you-think--reframing-interamerican-relations.pdf Salafists and Sectarianism: Twitter and Communal Conflict in the Middle East http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/research/files/papers/2015/03/26-sectarianism-salafism-social- media-abdo/abdo-paper_final_web.pdf Spring 2015 Brookings Panel on Economic Activity http://www.brookings.edu/about/projects/bpea/latest-conference Carnegie Endowment for International Peace 2015 Carnegie International Nuclear Policy Conference http://carnegieendowment.org/2015/03/24/2015-carnegie-international-nuclear-policy- conference/h7cb Restoring Focus on the Nuclear Mission http://carnegieendowment.org/2015/03/23/u.s.- secretary-of-air-force-deborah-lee-james/i259 CATO Institute Roadmap to Monetary Policy Reforms http://object.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/pubs/pdf/working-paper-27.pdf Center for Infrastructure Protection and Homeland Security (CIP/HS) CIP Report, March 2015, v. 14, no. 6 http://cip.gmu.edu/wp- content/uploads/2013/06/The-CIP-Report-March-2015-Vol-14-No-6-Health-Care-Sector.pdf o Health Care Sector Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM) Terrorism Against Democracy http://www.cissm.umd.edu/sites/default/files/Terrorism%20Against %20Democracy%20-%20012115.pdf Congress. House. Energy & Commerce Committee Examining the Growing Problems of Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse: State and Local Perspectives http://energycommerce.house.gov/hearing/examining-growing-problems-prescription- drug-and-heroin-abuse-state-and-local-perspectives The Internet of Things: Exploring the Next Technology Frontier http://energycommerce.house.gov/hearing/internet-things-exploring-next-technology-frontier Next Steps for Spectrum Policy http://energycommerce.house.gov/hearing/next-steps-spectrum- policy Congress. House. Homeland Security Committee A Global Battleground: The Fight Against Islamist Extremism at Home and Abroad http://homeland.house.gov/hearing/hearing-global-battleground-fight-against-islamist-extremism- home-and-abroad Leadership Challenges at the Department of Homeland Security: Allegations of Improper Influence Regarding Special Visas http://homeland.house.gov/hearing/hearing-leadership-challenges- department-homeland-security Risk-Based Security: Assessing the Path Forward for TSA Pre✓™ http://homeland.house.gov/hearing/subcommittee-hearing-risk-based-security-assessing-path- forward-tsa-pre Congress. Senate. Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Key Considerations Regarding Safety, Innovation, Economic Impact, and Privacy http://www.commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm? p=Hearings&ContentRecord_id=edf8ac57-d9a5-4bf8-9938-
16 2017a3e89fd0&ContentType_id=14f995b9-dfa5-407a-9d35-56cc7152a7ed&Group_id=b06c39af- e033-4cba-9221-de668ca1978a Congress. Senate. Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee Securing the Border: Assessing the Impact of Transnational Crime http://www.hsgac.senate.gov/hearings/securing-the-border-assessing-the-impact-of-transnational- crime Securing the Border: Defining the Current Population Living in the Shadows and Addressing Future Flows http://www.hsgac.senate.gov/hearings/securing-the-border-defining-the-current-population- living-in-the-shadows-and-addressing-future-flows Securing the Border: Understanding and Addressing the Root Causes of Central American Migration to the United States http://www.hsgac.senate.gov/hearings/securing-the-border-understanding-and- addressing-the-root-causes-of-central-american-migration-to-the-united-states Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Issues Regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard http://www.cbo.gov/publication/50050 Legislation Enacted in the 113th Congress That Will Affect Mandatory Spending or Revenues http://www.cbo.gov/publication/50052 East-West Center Disaster and Climate Change Preparedness in Maui: A Handbook for Communities http://www.eastwestcenter.org/system/tdf/private/pacificrisa-maui.pdf? file=1&type=node&id=34980 A Little Help from Our Friends: Security Partnerships and the Rebalance http://www.eastwestcenter.org/system/tdf/private/apb304.pdf?file=1&type=node&id=35017 European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) Electronic Evidence - A Basic Guide for First Responders http://www.enisa.europa.eu/activities/cert/support/fight-against-cybercrime/electronic-evidence-a- basic-guide-for-first-responders/at_download/fullReport Standardisation in the field of Electronic Identities and Trust Service Providers http://www.enisa.europa.eu/activities/identity-and-trust/library/deliverables/standards- eidas/at_download/fullReport Government Accountability Office (GAO) Aviation Security: TSA's Managed Inclusion Process Expands Passenger Expedited Screening, But TSA Has Not Tested Its Security Effectiveness. GAO-15-465T [testimony] http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-15-465T Border Security: Additional Efforts Needed to Address Persistent Challenges in Achieving Radio Interoperability. GAO-15-201 http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-15-201 Denali Commission: Options Exist to Address Management Challenges. GAO-15-72 http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-15-72 Department of Justice: Alternative Sources of Funding Are a Key Source of Budgetary Resources and Could Be Better Managed. GAO-15-48 http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-15-48 Health Care Funding: Federal Obligations to and Expenditures by Selected Entities Involved in Health-Related Activities, 2010-2012. GAO-15-270R http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-15-270R Homeland Security: Action Needed to Better Assess Cost-Effectiveness of Security Enhancements at Federal Facilities. GAO-15-444 http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-15-444 International Cash-Based Food Assistance: USAID Has Developed Processes for Initial Project Approval but Should Strengthen Financial Oversight. GAO-15-328 http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-15-328 National Nuclear Security Administration: Reports on the Benefits and Costs of Competing Management and Operating Contracts Need to Be Clearer and More Complete. GAO-15-331 http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-15-331
17 Nuclear Waste: DOE Needs to Improve Cost Estimates for Transuranic Waste Projects at Los Alamos. GAO-15-182 http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-15-182 Unmanned Aerial Systems: Status of Test Sites and International Developments. GAO-15-486T [testimony] http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-15-486T Heritage Foundation $4 Trillion and Counting: President Obama’s 2016 Budget Presents a Vision of Government Largess http://thf_media.s3.amazonaws.com/2015/pdf/BG3003.pdf America Needs a Rational Transit Policy http://thf_media.s3.amazonaws.com/2015/pdf/IB4368.pdf Defense Reform by the Numbers: Four Crucial Priorities for the Next Administration http://thf_media.s3.amazonaws.com/2015/pdf/BG3001.pdf Homeland Defense and Security Information Analysis Center (HDIAC) HDIAC Journal, March 2015, v. 1, no. 4 https://www.hdiac.org/node/1439 o Homeland Defense and Security: Advances in Explosive Trace Detection Technology o Critical Infrastructure Protection: A Primer on the Defense Industrial Base o Medical: Ebola o Cultural Studies: Army Social Science Lessons for Homeland Defense Planning and Operations White House FACT SHEET: Obama Administration Releases National Action Plan to Combat Antibiotic- Resistant Bacteria https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/03/27/fact-sheet-obama- administration-releases-national-action-plan-combat-ant The National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/national_action_plan_for_combating_antibotic- resistant_bacteria.pdf Remarks by President Obama and President Ghani of Afghanistan in Joint Press Conference https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/03/24/remarks-president-obama-and-president- ghani-afghanistan-joint-press-conf U.S.-Afghanistan Joint Statement https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/03/24/us- afghanistan-joint-statement What America’s Users Spend on Illegal Drugs https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/page/files/wausid_report_final_1.pdf World Economic Forum Partnering for Cyber Resilience http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_IT_PartneringCyberResilience_Guidelines_2012.pdf
The Silver Lining Circular – A Monthly Open Source Listing of Notable Publications on International Security, War/Conflict, Disasters and Complex All-Hazard Emergencies
“Avoiding Trivia: A Strategy for Sustainment and Fiscal Security” – this 40-page paper contends that “… the U.S. has strayed from its historic and cultural approach to the world, leaving behind its traditional maritime-focused, technologically innovative, free-trade based strategy. Replacing these tenets with entanglements in foreign land-based operations, over regulation, and profligate deficit spending – and has seen the country’s position in the world commensurately downgraded. Deficit spending and growing debt, along with a weakening economy and crumbling national infrastructure, present a growing threat to the U.S.” Web Site: http://www.cnas.org/sites/default/files/publications- pdf/CNAS%20Avoiding%20Trivia_final_for%20web.pdf
“The Human Cost of Natural Disasters 2015: A Global Perspective” – Issued this month by the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), this 57-page report provides “…a 20-year review of disaster which highlights a huge disparity in disaster death rates in richer and poorer countries, 18 and calls for a significant improvement in mitigation measures in less developed countries. Between 1994 and 2013, the Emergency Events Database recorded 6,873 natural disasters worldwide, which claimed 1.35 million lives or almost 68,000 lives on average each year. In addition, 218 million people were affected by natural disasters on average per annum during this 20-year period. This report helps frame the debate on disaster risk reduction in the Post-2015 Development Agenda. It also underlines that climate-related disasters have come to dominate the risk landscape to the point where they now account for more than 80% of all major internationally reported disasters.” Web Site: http://cred.be/download/download.php?file=sites/default/files/PAND_report.pdf
“Recommendations to Prepare for Future Mega-disasters in Japan - Study Group on the Great East Japan Earthquake & International Humanitarian Assistance” – Published last month by the delivery of international assistance in an efficient manner in order to maximize the good-will of international community; b) establishing national minimum standards in humanitarian assistance based on the international norms and standards in order to protect rights of affected population, and c) to train, register and mobilize disaster relief professionals both in national and international level.” Japanese Red Cross Academy and the Japanese Red Cross Institute for Humanitarian Studies, this 64-page report analysis steps to increase preparedness for mega-disasters by improving “… a) the Web Site: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/18bb9f9decf857cc55e7ab93b5bfcd99.pdf
“Sustainability and Community Empowerment in Disaster Management” – Recently released by the International Journal of Social Work and Human Services Practice, this paper maintains that “…unless the disaster management efforts are sustainable at individual and community level, it is difficult to reduce the losses and scale of the tragedy with the objectives of: 1) to discuss the emerging needs of survivors during the various phases of the post-disaster situation; 2) to emphasize the need for designing interventions incorporating the principles of sustainability and community empowerment and; 3) to focus attention toward management of disasters technologies and disaster preparedness programs that foster the resilience.” Web Site: http://www.hrpub.org/download/20141201/IJRH1-19290149.pdf
“Unlocking the ‘Triple Dividend’ of Resilience: Why Investing in Disaster Risk Management Pays Off” – Issued this month through the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) at the World Bank and led by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), this interim policy paper contends that “…investing in disaster resilience can yield a ‘triple dividend’ by: a) avoiding losses when disasters strike; b) unlocking development potential by stimulating innovation and bolstering economic activity in a context of reduced disaster-related background risk for investment; and c) through the synergies of the social, environment and economic co-benefits of disaster risk management investments even if a disaster does not happen for many years.” Web Site: https://www.gfdrr.org/sites/gfdrr/files/publication/Unlocking-the-Triple-Dividends-of-Resilience.pdf
“Guide to Developing Disaster Recovery Frameworks” – Published this month, this in-depth publication represents a collaboration of the World Bank’s Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) this guide “…provides the essential information to assist policy makers and other stakeholders in formulating a framework for the medium- to long-term post-disaster recovery. This framework will help in articulating the recovery vision; defining the recovery strategy; prioritizing actions; fine-tuning planning; and providing guidance on financing, implementing, and monitoring the recovery. The framework also is a tool that helps in learning and self-evaluation, leading to continuous improvements over the course of the recovery implementation.” Web Site: https://www.gfdrr.org/sites/gfdrr/files/publication/DRF-Guide.pdf
19 “Compendium of Case Studies on Climate and Disaster Resilient Development in the Pacific 2015” – Released this month by the South Pacific Commission, this in-depth paper is a “…compendium of case studies on climate and disaster resilient development in the Pacific which showcases programmes and projects that address climate and disaster risks, through climate change adaptation, disaster risk management and/or greenhouse gas emissions reduction. This compendium highlights lessons learnt at the programme and project level and may be used as a resource for future initiatives moving forward under the Strategy for Climate and Disaster Resilient Development in the Pacific (SRDP). Providing a snapshot from initiatives undertaken in recent years, focusing on projects where valuable lessons could be drawn.” Web Site: http://www.pacificdisaster.net/pdnadmin/data/original/case_studies_pacific.pdf
“Disaster-Related Displacement Risk: Measuring the Risk and Addressing its Drivers” – Published this month by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), this 40-page study “…forecasts an increased risk of global displacement caused by disasters, and calls for a stronger link between displacement and disaster risk reduction. It also applies the concept of risk to disaster-related displacement while quantifying human displacement risk around the world. Displacement is a disaster impact that is determined by the underlying vulnerability of people who are exposed to shocks or stresses. While this report focuses on the human displacement component of disasters, this is a somewhat artificial distinction – the displacement is one of several factors that combined to transform a hazard event into a disaster.” Web Site: http://www.internal- displacement.org/assets/publications/2015/NRC-Displacement-Risk-Analysis-EFA-FINAL.pdf
“Recovering from the Ebola Crisis” – Published this month by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this 118-page report addresses “…the ongoing efforts by the Governments of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone to design their national Ebola virus disease recovery strategies. Highlighting the challenges of post-Ebola recovery, the international response, the scope of the recovery process covering issues related to health and WASH, considering that the health and ancillary systems bore the brunt of the crisis in the three countries. consequences of Ebola for governance, peacebuilding and social cohesion and considers the effects of the crises on services and public infrastructure. The socio-economic impact of the epidemic and the requirements for socio-economic revitalization are also address including the impact of Ebola on women, children and youth.” Web Site: http://www.undp.org/content/dam/undp/library/crisis%20prevention/Recovering%20from%20the %20Ebola%20Crisis-Full-Report-Final_Eng-web-version.pdf
“A Wake-up Call: Lessons from Ebola for the World’s Health Systems” – Released this month by almost 30 countries are highly vulnerable to an Ebola-style epidemic jeopardizing the future of millions of children. Ranking the world’s poorest countries on the state of their public health systems, finds that 28 have weaker defenses in place than Liberia. An increasingly mobile population intensifies the threat of infectious disease outbreaks and, added to the emergence of two new zoonotic diseases each year. The report also advises that prevention is better than cure, finding that the international Ebola relief effort in West Africa has cost $4.3bn, whereas strengthening the health systems of those countries in the first place would have cost just $1.58bn.” Web Site: http://www.savethechildren.org/atf/cf/ %7B9def2ebe-10ae-432c-9bd0-df91d2eba74a%7D/WAKE%20UP%20CALL%20REPORT %20PDF.PDF Save the Children -UK, this 50-page report maintains that “…
“Clinical Management of Potential Bioterrorism-Related Conditions” – Published in the March 5th edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, this article addresses “…the clinical management of deliberate infection with several pathogens of greatest bioweapons concern. Because most of these conditions can occur naturally, suspicion for bioterrorism depends on clinicians being alert to unusual patterns, such as unexplained clusters of infection. On the basis of historical incidents coupled with information on ease of dissemination, contagiousness, mortality rates, public health impact, ability to
20 engender panic, and the need for special preparedness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stratifies pathogens and toxins into three risk categories — A, B, and C — with category A meriting the highest level of concern and preparedness.” Web Site: http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMra1409755
“Healing or Harming? United Nations Peacekeeping and Health” – Issued this month by the International Peace Institute (IPI), this 40-page study focuses on “…the complex relationship between United Nations (UN) peacekeeping and health. The impact that UN peacekeeping operations have on health—both negative, in terms of the health threats that peacekeepers can present to the host population, and positive, in the contribution that peacekeepers can make to health by facilitating access for humanitarian aid agencies and also delivering health assistance directly. Included is an assessment of existing guidelines, principles, and practices.” Web Site: http://www.ipinst.org/wp- content/uploads/2015/03/IPI_Rpt_Health_and_Peacekeeping.pdf
“Urban Risk Assessments: Understanding Disaster and Climate Risk in Cities” – Issued in June 2012 by the World Bank, this book-length publication proposes “…a framework for carrying out urban risk assessment, and seeks to strengthen coherence and consensus in how cities can plan for natural disasters and climate change. The Urban Risk Assessment (URA) was developed by drawing on lessons from existing efforts to assess risk in cities as well as urban planning literature. The URA provides key information needed to consider appropriate city-level responses to the risks posed by natural hazards and increased climate variability. The assessment lays the groundwork for collaboration across multilateral agencies, the private sector, and city and national governments to begin benchmarking their own progress toward reducing urban risk. The goal is to establish a common foundation upon which urban risk assessments could periodically be performed, with the ultimate objectives being to quantify risk and monitor progress toward improved resilience.” Web Site: http://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/urbandevelopment/publication/urban-risk-assessments
Researched and compiled by Frank Disimino, contact e-mail: [email protected] to request to be added or removed from the distribution list. Please contact me should you be unable to download a particular report/publication and I will e-mail the document to you.
Water Utility Response On-The-Go Mobile Website – epa.gov/responseotg
EPA has launched the Water Utility Response On-The-Go mobile website, an innovative tool that consolidates, and makes accessible from the field, information and tools that water utility operators and their response partners may need during an emergency. The site allows users to: identify and contact emergency response partners; monitor local and national severe weather; review and complete incident- specific checklists; and populate, save and email both generic damage assessment forms and FEMA incident command system forms.
For more information contact: Brian Pickard – 202-564-0827 – [email protected] or Bailey Kennett (202-566-1344) – [email protected]
Employment Information:
FEMA Has A New Career Website
Why have just a job when you can have a great career. https://careers.fema.gov/
AmeriCorps Program - St. Bernard Project - New York
21 About SBP St Bernard Project (SBP) is building a movement to revolutionize disaster recovery in America and create solutions for families in need of safe, affordable housing. To achieve this goal, St Bernard Project is seeking passionate leaders from across the country to join in our efforts to provide a return home for hard working Americans displaced by disaster. St Bernard Project recruits exceptional college graduates, talented professionals and dedicated retirees who are ready to commit themselves to 10 months of service that will meet the needs of American citizens impacted by disasters.
As a member of St Bernard Project you will become a part of the growing national service movement, as well as get the opportunity to develop valuable professional skills with a dynamic organization that is pioneering a new model for disaster recovery. AmeriCorps members serve in virtually all facets of SBP’s operation, so you have the opportunity to gain a variety of skillsets according to your professional goals.
From New Orleans to the East Coast, SBP serves disaster-impacted homeowners across the country with its Rebuilding Program and Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Lab. With affiliates in New Orleans, LA, Monmouth County, NJ and New York City; SBP has rebuilt over 800 homes nationwide and is poised to become a national model for disaster recovery.
About AmeriCorps AmeriCorps members commit to 10 months and 1700 hours of full time service beginning on April 20, 2015 and in September 2015 in Far Rockaway, NYC and on April 27, 2015 and in September 2015 in Sea Bright, NJ. Members receive the following: Living allowance of $1210 monthly Education award of $5645 Free health insurance coverage Free childcare coverage
How to apply All applicants should apply via St Bernard Project’s online application at http://www.stbernardproject.org/get-involved/americorps/ . For more information on AmeriCorps, visit www.americorps.gov.
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Client Service Coordinator A Client Service Coordinator is an advocate and liaison to St. Bernard Project’s clients from application to completion of construction and move-in while working with clients to remove barriers to their recovery.
Responsibilities: Work to move each of your 30-40 clients closer to moving into their rehabilitated homes. Interview prospective clients and work with them to complete an application for assistance. Present prospective client cases to Executive Director and/or Director of Client Services for acceptance into SBP programs. Complete applications to utilize grant funding & monitor client progress through grant pipelines.
22 Research and refer clients who are in need of housing, food, or other needs to appropriate services. Act as a reliable point of contact for the client throughout the rebuilding process, ensuring client understands where they are located in the program pipeline at all times. Track client progress and report weekly to Director of Client Services on progress. Input client data and upload documents into client database (SalesForce); update case notes daily. Expedite client’s path to completion of construction in any way possible, often through creative means. Advocate for the client both to outside organizations and internally within SBP.
Qualifications Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening. Ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor in challenging situations, including client crises. Ability to clearly communicate needs and expectations to people of various backgrounds. Demonstrated problem solving skills.
Volunteer Coordinator Volunteer Coordinators support St. Bernard Project’s mission by creating an extraordinary volunteer experience that gets people excited about volunteering with SBP. Volunteer Coordinators will build relationships with volunteers before their trip, welcome them when they are on their trip, and work diligently to keep them engaged once they are done volunteering. When responding to volunteer inquiries, it will be important to express thanks, talk about the state of the recovery, and express the needs of St. Bernard Project. This hard work will result in returning volunteer groups, generating financial support, and engendering greater awareness about SBP.
Responsibilities: Responding to volunteer requests, questions, or general inquiries via email or phone calls Coordinating all trip logistics for volunteers Giving orientation to as many as 150 volunteers upon their arrival Working with direct supervisor to create the volunteer schedule for the upcoming week Processing volunteer registrations and building relationships with groups from that point Keeping volunteers informed about upcoming St. Bernard Project events Making sure Site Supervisors are allocated proper amounts of volunteers to complete tasks at hand Preparing directions and homeowner biographies for scheduled volunteer groups Asking groups to stay engaged with SBP
Qualifications Excellent verbal communication skills Experience/comfort with public speaking Strong attention to detail Strong organizational skills Willingness /enthusiasm to receive constructive feedback from your manager and peers Positive attitude Ability to take initiative and be self-motivated Strong passion for the work of the St Bernard Project
23 Skilled Trades Carpenter AmeriCorps Skilled Specialists serve in small crews alongside fellow AmeriCorps members to complete the requisite electrical, plumbing and carpentry work at our clients’ homes. Members will focus on a specific trade depending upon organizational needs and may transition between trades during the course of the term. While prior construction experience is helpful, it is not a requirement. St Bernard Project seeks members passionate about our mission and who have a true desire to learn construction techniques. Skilled Specialists perform work on St. Bernard Project’s clients homes, or jobsites, as assigned including but not limited to the following: rough carpentry including reframing and framing; finish carpentry including installing cabinets; hanging exterior doors including bi-folds; installing hardware for doors and closets; creating and maintaining a safe, clean, and neat work environment; and assuring the safe and proper use of tools and equipment.
Responsibilities: Maintain a clean, safe and organized work site. Ensure that each phase of construction is being completed on schedule. Ensure that work is of the highest quality.
Qualifications Excellent verbal communication skills Strong attention to detail Strong organizational skills No construction experience necessary, although helpful Willingness /enthusiasm to receive constructive feedback from your manager and peers Positive attitude Ability to take initiative and be self-motivated Strong passion for the work of the St Bernard Project
Site Supervisor Site Supervisors play a vital role in St Bernard Project’s Rebuilding Program, as they oftentimes act as the face of SBP and actively lead the construction efforts on Sandy survivors’ homes. Site Supervisors lead groups of skilled and unskilled volunteers in construction projects on our clients’ homes. A Site Supervisor is responsible for training volunteers and keeping them on task, maintaining a safe and clean worksite, monitoring safety and quality and ensuring that all tasks are completed on schedule. Site Supervisors work closely with their Project Manager to develop and track the schedule of their home, order tools and materials and troubleshoot problems. Further, Site Supervisors encourage volunteers to return, fundraise and help spread the word about the enduring needs for continued disaster recovery efforts in America. Site Supervisors ensure that SBP is represented in a positive and professional manner by completing each project on time and on schedule, interacting positively with volunteers and homeowners and maintaining high quality and safety on site. Site Supervisors work independently or with other site supervisors during the course of a rebuild project. Periodically, during periods of low volunteer numbers, Site Supervisors will work independently or with other Site Supervisors to continue construction progress on site. During the AmeriCorps term a Site Supervisor will be expected to oversee the rebuilding of 3-4 homes. Site Supervisors report to a Project Manager within the Construction Department.
Responsibilities: Maintain a clean, safe and organized work site. Ensure that each phase of construction is being completed on schedule. Ensure that work is of the highest quality. 24 Conduct on site orientations for volunteer groups. Clearly communicates the homeowner’s story to volunteers. Educates volunteers on the area, the effects of the storm, and the history and work of the St Bernard Project. Communicate the daily and weekly goals to volunteers. Provide effective training and constructive feedback to volunteers who are completing insulation, drywall, mudding, painting, flooring, trim, doors and other phases of construction. Maintain a professional and positive attitude when working with volunteers. Ask volunteers to return and spread the word about the enduring needs. Serve as a liaison between the homeowner and volunteers. Interact effectively and positively with other team members.
Qualifications Excellent verbal communication skills Experience/comfort with public speaking Ability to lead diverse groups of volunteers on a wide array of tasks (that will most likely be new to you) Ability to do strenuous labor and lift 80 pounds Strong organizational skills and ability to delegate tasks effectively Experience/interest in developing project management skills Willingness /enthusiasm to receive constructive feedback from your supervisor and peers Positive attitude Ability to take initiative and be self-motivated High regard for safety Strong passion for the work of the St Bernard Project No construction experience necessary, although helpful, as this is a construction heavy position.
Supply & Logistics Coordinator Typical Project Team Supply & Logistics Coordinators work on a team with 4-5 members. Each Coordinator is assigned specific areas of responsibilities depending on their experience and interest. Supply & Logistics Coordinators report to the Warehouse Manager within the Construction Department.
Responsibilities: Effectively schedule prompt and accurate deliveries of supplies so that trade teams, project managers and site supervisors have what they need to complete each project on time and on schedule Maintain a clean, safe and organized warehouse to ensure tools and materials stocked in the warehouse are easily found, accessible and properly maintained. Prepare orders (tools and materials) for project managers, site supervisors and trades teams. Ensure prompt and accurate delivery of these orders. Perform internal accounting to maintain tools and tracks their location. Schedule and conduct deliveries and other tasks to ensure optimal efficiency throughout each day and week. Discover when there is a risk or problem in warehouse operations
25 Create innovative solutions for facility design, scheduling and logistics of supply deliveries etc. relevant to warehouse operations. Develop and track daily and weekly goals.
Qualifications Excellent verbal communication skills Strong organizational skills and ability to delegate tasks effectively Willingness /enthusiasm to receive constructive feedback from your manager and peers Positive attitude Ability to take initiative and be self-motivated High regard for safety Strong passion for the work of the St Bernard Project Interest in developing project management skills Ability to partake in strenuous labor and lift 80 lbs. Active Driver License.
I will be on leave Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6 however I will return to the office bright and early on Tuesday, April 7.
Thank you and have an idyllic weekend,
Barbara
Barbara L. Johnson Higher Education Program Assistant FEMA/EMI/NETC Department of Homeland Security 16825 S. Seton Avenue, K016 Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Ph: (301) 447-1452 [email protected] http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/edu
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