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E.M. NEWS
2008
IAEM News | Share Your Expertise
U.S. Hurricane News & Updates
 EC Funds Cooperation Between Member States on Combating Forest Fires (10/06/08) The European Commission,
Directorate-General for Environment, Civil Protection Unit,
has issued a call for proposals under the Civil Protection Financial Instrument, to promote cooperation between member states in the field of civil protection cooperation to combat forest fires. The annual budget of this call for year 2008 is €3.5 million Euro. Learn more.
FCC's Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau to Host Speaker Series for U.S. First Responders (10/06/08) The Federal Communications Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB), will begin hosting a new speakers series this month to help provide our nation's first responders with the latest news and developments on public safety communications and related-initiatives. The first in a series of these sessions will be hosted by PSHSB on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Commission Meeting Room (TW-C305). Laurie Flaherty, Program Analyst, Office of Emergency Medical Services, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, will be the first expert speaker and will discuss the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT's) role in 9-1-1 issues. Ms. Flaherty presentation will specifically focus on the work of the Research and Innovative Technologies Administration and recent developments in Next Generation 9-1-1. Following her presentation, Ms. Flaherty will answer questions from the audience. The Speakers Series will be open to the public; admittance however will be limited to the seating available. Those individuals who are interested in attending may pre-register online. Audio/Video coverage of the meeting will be broadcast live with open captioning over the Internet from the FCC's web page at www.fcc.gov/realaudio.
FEMA Awards $17.6 Million in Equipment and Training to Smaller U.S. Emergency Response Agencies (09/26/08) The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Sept. 26 announced the award of equipment and training worth $17.6 million to 1,045 emergency response agencies in 46 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico under the Fiscal Yyear 2008 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP). Since the program’s inception in 2005, DHS has provided roughly 6,800 CEDAP awards worth more than $120 million to support all hazards response capabilities in smaller jurisdictions around the country.
press release | details about CEDAP
Testing EU's Emergency Management and Response Mechanisms (09/26/08) The third exercise to test the functioning of the EU's Emergency and Crisis Coordination Arrangements (CCA) in Brussels was conducted successfully on Sept. 23, 2008. The results of the exercise, performed this year to assess crisis management and response mechanisms, confirmed that the arrangements work well, and the lessons learned will allow them to be improved further. Learn more.
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Releases Situation Report on Caribbean Hurricane Damage (09/24/08) Caribbean Hurricane Situation Report 17, released by the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), is based on information received from the UN Emergency Technical Team (UNETT) in the affected countries, the Regional Office in Panama and the National Hurricane Centre. This situation report covers the effects of Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike in the Caribbean. Learn more.
EU Aid Deployed to Haiti, MIC Monitoring Response (09/17/08) The European Union Relief Teams deployed to Haiti have now completed their initial assessments of infrastructure damage to allow for logistical arrangements to be put in place for the delivery of aid from the EU. The Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC) continues to oversee the EU's response and work with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) to deliver much needed aid to Haiti and other Caribbean locations. Learn more.
DHS Releases Revised 2008 Strategic Plan, "One Team, One Mission, Securing Our Homeland (09/16/08) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released its second Strategic Plan, based on the overarching direction stated in the National Strategy for Homeland Security. With it, DHS builds on the progress made and defines the successes it seeks to achieve in the future. The 2008 Strategic Plan serves to focus the department’s mission and sharpen operational effectiveness, particularly in delivering services in support of department-wide initiatives and other mission goals. It identifies the goals and objectives by which DHS will continue to assess its performance. DHS uses performance measures at all levels to monitor its strategic progress and program success. This process also keeps DHS’s priorities aligned, linking programs and operations to performance measures, mission goals, resource priorities, and strategic objectives. Download the 2008 Strategic Plan (updated 09/16/08)
DHS Awards $63 Million in Emergency Preparedness Grants (09/11/08) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today approximately $63 million in grant awards to improve emergency management and preparedness capabilities under the new Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) Grant Program and the new Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program (IECGP).
FEMA Reopens Public Comment Period on Management Cost Interim Rule (08/29/08) The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is reopening the public comment period on its Management Cost Interim Rule. FEMA is taking this action to solicit data from grantees and sub grantees to use in reevaluating the fixed management cost rates established in the rule. The comment period will be open for 30 days. All comments should be submitted to the Docket at http://www.regulations.gov/, Docket ID: FEMA-2006-0035.
IAEM-USA and NPM Coalition Support 5th Annual National Preparedness Month (08/26/08) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Ready Campaign (www.ready.gov) is sponsoring the fifth annual National Preparedness Month (NPM) in September, with support from more than 2,700 NPM coalition members, the largest amount to date. IAEM is a member of the National Preparedness Month Coalition. NPM coalition members, consisting of national, regional, state and local organizations, will combine efforts throughout the month of September to encourage all Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies before they happen. press release
FEMA Relases Interim Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 301 for Special Needs Populations (08/25/08) The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the interim release of the Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 301 (CPG-301): Emergency Management Planning Guide for Special Needs Populations. CPG-301 is designed to aid tribal, state, territorial and local governments in planning for individuals with special needs during an emergency. Following an assessment of emergency operations plans in 2006, the DHS Nationwide Plan Review Phase 2 Report concluded that "substantial improvement is necessary to integrate people with disabilities in emergency planning and readiness." CPG-301 was developed to address this shortfall with respect to people with disabilities, the elderly, and other individuals with special needs. Fact Sheet
FEMA To Distribute 183,000 NOAA Public Alert Radios to Schools (08/10/08) The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that the Departments of Homeland Security, Commerce, Education and Health and Human Services are preparing to implement the next phase of the 2008 NOAA Public Alert Radio Distribution. This phase includes the distribution of approximately 183,000 NOAA Public Alert Radios to public and non-public pre-schools, K-12 nonpublic schools, K-12 public and nonpublic district offices, and public and nonpublic post secondary schools. This is a continuation of the 2005-2006 distribution of Alert Radios to the 97,000 K-12 public schools across the United States. Distribution is expected to begin in the coming week, starting with the postsecondary institutions and will be delivered via FedEx along with a letter signed by the Secretaries of each partner agency. Sample letters to administrators: nonpublic school letter | public school letter
The implementation of this program will place NOAA Alert Radios where they can communicate critical all hazard emergency information to school administrators across the United States. The program will also encourage all school leaders to work closely with their emergency managers to coordinate their school preparedness and response plans including their alert and warning systems with local emergency plans.
DHS Releases National Emergency Communications Plan (08/01/08) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on July 31 released the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) to address gaps and determine solutions so that emergency response personnel at all levels of government and across all disciplines can communicate as needed, on demand, and as authorized. The NECP is the nation's first strategic plan to improve emergency response communications, and complements overarching homeland security and emergency communications legislation, strategies and initiatives.
press release | fact sheet | communications plan
DHS Awards $1.8 Billion in Preparedness Grants (07/25/08) The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security announced today approximately $1.8 billion in grants to bolster state, urban area and tribal government efforts to improve the nation’s readiness, response and recovery capabilities for both natural and man-made emergencies. The grant awards announced today include the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP); Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI); Metropolitan Medical Response System Program (MMRS); State Homeland Security Program Tribal (SHSP Tribal); Operation Stonegarden Grants (OPSG); Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP); and the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).
FEMA Proposed Snow Assistance and Severe Weather Storm Policy Released for Public Comment (07/25/08) The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security has released a proposed Snow Assistance and Severe Winter Storm policy for a 30-day public comment period. Under the new policy, FEMA would evaluate declaration requests under the criteria for a major disaster declaration, not an emergency declaration, which would align FEMA’s snow policy with its authorizing statute, the Stafford Act. The proposed policy maintains the present criteria that a county experience a record, or near-record, snowfall, but would change the methodology used by FEMA to determine whether a snowfall qualifies as a record or near-record snowfall. Under the proposed policy, FEMA would compare the highest National Weather Service historical record in a county (rather than the lowest as currently used) to the NWS station with the highest current event snowfall within a county to determine if the snowfall event exceeds or is near a true record for a county. The proposed policy would also require that the state meet the criteria for a major disaster declaration. Individuals who wish to submit comments can do so by submitting them to Docket ID FEMA-2005-0005 at http://www.regulations.gov.
press release | draft policy
Asia-Pacific Countries Announce Plan to Pool Resources for Disaster Relief (07/25/08) Governments meeting at the security conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on July 24 announced an ambitious plan to pool international assets, including military support, to tackle natural disasters in the region, which has been beset by cyclones, earthquakes and floods. At the end of the meeting, foreign ministers of 26 countries and the European Union also disclosed plans for a joint relief exercise in 2009. They called for civilian-military coordination in disaster relief, the need for which became evident during the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, the Myanmar cyclone in May of this year and the China earthquake later the same month. Learn more.
U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Issues Report on Emergency Preparedness (07/14/08) The U.S. Government Accountability Office has issued GAO Report 08-668, "Emergency Preparedness: States Are Planning for Medical Surge, but Could Benefit from Shared Guidance for Allocating Scarce Medical Resources." The report recommends that the Secretary of HHS ensure that the department serve as a clearinghouse for sharing among the states altered standards of care guidelines developed by individual states or medical experts. HHS was silent on GAO’s recommendation. HHS and the departments of Homeland Security, Defense, and Veterans Affairs concurred with GAO’s findings. summary | highlights | full report
Application Period Open June 19-Dec. 19, 2008 for Fiscal Year 2009 Mitigation Grants (06/26/08) The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released the new Unified Mitigation Grants Guidance for FY 2009 for the "nondisaster" mitigation programs, including the PreDisaster Mitigation Program (PDM), Flood Mitigation Assistance, Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC), and Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL). The application period is open as of June 19, 2008. FEMA's intent is to close the application period on Dec. 19, 2008. This is an effort by FEMA to give applicants more time to develop good projects. However, it should be noted that since PDM legislation is pending before Congress and the Appropriations Bill for DHS for FY 2009 is not complete, there could be changes. Since the application period is open, expenses for certain application expenses are eligible as preaward costs beginning on June 19, 2008.
Congressional Action on FY 2009 Appropriations for DHS (06/26/08)
- U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Markup June 11, 2008:
- U.S. House Appropriations Full Committee, Markup June 24, 2008 (bill and report will be posted after report is filed by the committee)
- U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, Markup June 18, 2008:
- U.S. Senate Appropriations
Full Committee, Markup June 19, 2008:
U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) Issues Report on Pandemic Planning (06/19/08) The U.S. Government Accountability Office has issued GAO Report 08-539, " Influenza Pandemic: Federal Agencies Should Continue to Assist States to Address Gaps in Pandemic Planning." GAO was asked to (1) describe how selected states and localities are planning for an influenza pandemic and who they involved, (2) describe the extent to which selected states and localities conducted exercises to test their influenza pandemic planning and incorporated lessons learned as a result, and (3) identify how the federal government can facilitate or help improve state and local efforts to plan and exercise for an influenza pandemic. GAO conducted site visits to five states and 10 localities. GAO recommends that the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Homeland Security, in coordination with other federal agencies, convene additional meetings of the states in the five federal influenza pandemic regions to help them address identified gaps in their planning. HHS generally concurred with the recommendation and DHS concurred.
summary | highlights | full report
FEMA Releases Grant Guidance and Application Kit for Fiscal Year 2008 EOC Grant Program (06/13/08) On June 13, FEMA released the Grant Guidance and Application Kit for the FY 2008 EOC Grant Program. A total of $14,572,500 is available for construction or renovation of a state, local or tribal government's principal Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The application period opens on June 13 and closes July 28, 2008. A 25% match is required. The State Administrative Agency (SAA) is the only eligible entity able to apply for the available funding on behalf of qualified state, local and tribal EOCs. The funding is not intended for state fusion centers. Download related documents here:
FEMA Releases 2008 Disaster Housing Plan (06/10/08)The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released the 2008 Disaster Housing Plan. The plan details FEMA's role in support of local officials to meet housing needs for disaster victims this hurricane season. It also incorporates new and stringent air quality specifications and testing protocols for factory-built housing, which must fulfill State health requirements prior to their use.
The plan involves four priority actions: maximize available housing resources; use traditional forms of interim housing; employ innovative forms of interim housing; and authorize permanent construction. press release | disaster housing plan | FAQ | fact sheet
Hurricane Awareness Resources Available on FEMA Web Site (05/28/08) This week is National Hurricane Week in the United States. With the start of hurricane season right around the corner, FEMA is urging residents to be prepared for their personal safety and survival in case a hurricane threatens their community. To assist in these efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is helping to raise awareness of the steps that can be taken to help protect citizens, their communities and property by posting information here.
U.S. Dept. of Labor Invites Comments on Proposed Guidance on Workplace Stockpiling of Respirators/Facemasks for Pandemic Flu (05/16/08) The U.S. Department of Labor is inviting comments on its document entitled "Proposed Guidance on Workplace Stockpiling of Respirators and Facemasks for Pandemic Influenza." The proposed guidance and instructions on submitting written or electronic comments are available on OSHA's Web page and through its publications office here.
Annual Business Continuity Compensation
Report Released by BC Management (05/05/08) BC Management, Inc., has released its latest annual
USA Continuity Compensation Report, which received more than 1,987 respondents internationally.
The data in this report highlights
full-time, permanent employees (FTE) in the United States,
and compensations that represent average total compensation in 2006 and 2007.
Total compensation includes base, bonuses and any
commissions earned in 2006 and 2007. Other job-related
benefits, such as stock options and profit sharing are not
included. download report
Indonesia Embarks on Major Bird Flu Exercise (04/29/08) Indonesia has spent the past few days simulating a human bird flu pandemic - according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the largest ever such simulation in the world. Countries around the world are watching for signs of a human bird flu pandemic, and they are watching Indonesia closest of all. Almost half the world's total human deaths from bird flu died there, a total 107 people. details here
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Releases Strategic Plan for FY 2008-2013 (04/15/08) The Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Dept of Homeland Security, has released FEMA’s Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2008-2013. The plan outlines a clear roadmap for building a stronger, dynamic, and innovative agency that wishes to fulfill its vision of becoming the preeminent U.S. emergency management and preparedness agency.
strategic plan | plan in brief
NEMA Issues Call for Nominations for Lacy E. Suiter Distinguished Service Award (04/11/08) The National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) is pleased to announce a call for nominations for the 2008 Lacy E. Suiter Distinguished Service Award. This award is presented to an individual who has made cumulative outstanding contributions directly to emergency management preparedness, mitigation, response or recovery at a local, state, regional or national level. These career accomplishments in emergency management should be of unusual merit. The award will be presented in conjunction with the NEMA 2008 Annual Conference on Sept. 11, 2008 in Portland, Oregon. Previous distinguished award winners include Mr. Lacy Suiter for whom the award was named posthumously, and Mr. Dale Shipley.
Award Nomination Form Nomination deadline is June 20, 2008.
Gail McGovern Selected as President and CEO of the American Red Cross (04/09/08) Gail J. McGovern has been named President and CEO of the American Red Cross. She has held top management positions at AT&T Corporation and Fidelity Investments, has experience running large organizations in competitive industries, and has a track record for improving business performance and service delivery to the public. McGovern joined the faculty of the Harvard Business School in June 2002, where she teaches marketing in the MBA and Executive programs. She was recognized by Fortune magazine in 2000 and 2001 as one of the top 50 most powerful women in corporate America. press release
New Zealand Releases National CDEM Strategy (04/07/08) The National CDEM Strategy details how New Zealand will achieve its vision for Civil Defence and Emergency Management: Resilient New Zealand: communities understanding and managing their hazards. The Strategy sets out what New Zealanders expect from CDEM and what they want to achieve.
CDEM is important because New Zealanders are, and will continue to be, at risk from a broad range of hazards. As the new CDEM arrangements for New Zealand were in their infancy at the time, the first Strategy was given the time period of 2003-2006. Officials began the Strategy review in 2006 in order to update the Strategy to reflect changes in the CDEM sector since 2003. Download the CDEM.
FEMA Disaster Assistance Policy 9525.9, Section 324 Management Costs and Direct Administrative Costs, Becomes Effective (03/12/08) The purpose of FEMA Disaster Assistance Policy 9525.9, Section 324 Management Costs and Direct Administrative Costs, is to identify Section 324 management and administrative costs that are eligible under the Public Assistance (PA) Program and to clarify the process through which grantees and subgrantees can request reimbursement for these costs. The policy is applicable to all major disasters and emergencies declared on or after Nov. 13, 2007. It is intended for personnel involved in the administration of the PA Program. Download policy.
U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency Releases FY 2008 National Incident Management System (NIMS) Compliance Package (03/10/08) FEMA has posted the Fiscal Year 2008 NIMS compliance package. Meeting NIMS compliance objectives forms the basis for NIMS compliance determinations for states, territories, tribal nations and local government. NIMS compliance directly impacts elibility for Federal Preparedness Awards under Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSDP) 5, Managing Domestic Incidents. Posted are:
U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security Announces Application Period for FY 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (02/29/08) The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security's Grant Programs Directorate will begin accepting applications for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) beginning March 3, 2008, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) with the deadline for receipt of the applications no later than April 4, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. EDT. The AFG, which will be distributed in phases throughout FY 2007, will ultimately award approximately $500 million. Complete details can be found here.
Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness Issues Call for Nominations for Annual EM and Business Continuity Awards (02/29/08) The Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness (CCEP) is inviting nominations for the annual Emergency Management & Business Continuity Awards. Nominations must be submitted online before Apr. 30, 2008. The awards recognize one individual in emergency management and one in business continuity who have made extraordinary contributions to emergency management or business continuity in Canada. The program is an opportunity for Canadians to honour individuals who have raised the bar and set standards for others to emulate.
The 2008 awards will be presented at the 18th World Conference on Disaster Management (WCDM), to be held in Toronto, Ontario from June 15-18, 2008. Recipients will also be profiled on CCEP's web site and quarterly newsletter.
Nominations recognize individuals who have made a lasting contribution in the fields of emergency management or business continuity in at least one of the following areas: Community Preparedness (Prov/Terr, Regional or Municipal); National Preparedness; or Private Sector Preparedness. Details can be found here.
FCC Issues Public Advisory on U.S. Digital Television Transition (02/28/08) The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a public advisory on the digital television (DTV) transition, which refers to the switch from analog to digital television broadcasts. On Feb. 17, 2009, federal law requires that all full-power television broadcast stations stop broadcasting in analog format and broadcast only in digital format.
Consumers who own a digital television, or who subscribe to pay television services (e.g. cable or satellite) should not be affected by the Feb. 17, 2009, cut-off date for full-power analog broadcasting. The FCC encourages consumers who subscribe to pay television services to contact their service provider to determine the impact of the DTV transition on their TV viewing and whether any additional components, such as a digital set-top box, may be needed to watch digital broadcast programming. Consumers who do not have subscription TV services and own analog televisions must acquire a digital-to-analog converter box for each of their analog TV sets. There is a public safety implication, since it is estimated that approximately 33.6 million, or 12 percent, of people in the United States watch television via an over-the-air signal only. For many individuals, the television is the primary source of news, weather, emergency and other public safety information in their local communities. Individuals who do not take the appropriate measures to ensure that their analog televisions are capable of receiving digital TV signals after Feb. 17, 2009 may be at risk of losing access to important public safety notifications. Download the FCC advisory here.
DHS Names Academic Institutions to Lead New Centers of Excellence (02/26/08)The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security announced today the selection of 11 universities to serve as important partners for conducting multi-disciplinary research and creating innovative learning environments for critical homeland security missions. These universities will partner to lead one of five new Centers of Excellence and receive a multi-year grant of up to $2 million per year, over a period of four to six years.
The five new Centers of Excellence, located across the country, will study: border security and immigration; explosives detection, mitigation, and response; maritime, island and port security; natural disasters, coastal infrastructure and emergency management; and transportation security. press release | more details
IAFC Seeks Best Practices in Critical-Infrastructure Protection (02/21/08) The IAFC, in coordination with its public-safety partners on the Emergency Services Sector Coordinating Council and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is seeking model practices in emergency-services critical-infrastructure protection and resilience efforts. Infrastructure protection for the emergency-service sector comprises the protection of human, physical and cyber elements that maintain and improve the ability of the sector to protect and preserve its own integrity in an imminent or ongoing emergency. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of peers for possible inclusion in a set of model procedures that will be associated with the National Infrastructure Protection Plan, Emergency Services Sector-Specific Plan. The goal of this project is to provide models that will help local and regional entities develop effective and comprehensive emergency plans that include how best to protect the protectors. Download proposal form, and route your comments to
IAEM Emergency Services Sector Chair Pat Fugate
at pat.fugate@charter.net no later than Mar. 1, 2008.
FEMA Search and Rescue (SAR) Work Group Requests Comments on Documents Pertaining to SAR Resources (02/21/08) The FEMA Search and Rescue Work Group is requesting feedback on the sections of the National Mutual Aid & Resource Typing Initiative and the National Emergency Response Credentialing System as they pertain to SAR. IAEM members are invited to route their comments and suggestions through Pat Fugate, chair of the IAEM ESS committee chair, at
pat.fugate@charter.net no later than Mar. 20, 2008.
introductory letter | SAR resource typing | SAR credentialing
FEMA Requests Applicants for the National Advisory Council (02/19/08) The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is requesting individuals who are interested in serving on the National Advisory Council (NAC) to apply for appointment. Current Council members, whose one-year terms end in June, 2008, are also encouraged to apply. All future appointments will be for three-year terms. The NAC was established to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of Federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters. The NAC assists FEMA in carrying out its missions by providing advice and recommendations in the development and revision of the national preparedness goal, the national preparedness system, the National Integration Management System, the National Response Framework, and other related plans and strategies. Deadline for applications: Mar. 14, 2008. Download FEMA's call for applicants here.
CDC Responds to Tragic Events at Northern Illinois University Campus (02/15/08) In response to the tragic events at the Northern Illinois University campus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted information on the CDC, Injury Center, and Emergency Preparedness and Response home pages specific to school violence, including mental health information for students, parents, and school personnel.
In addition, to posting this information on the Web, CDC’s Injury Center reached out to the Illinois Department of Public Health and plans to follow up to offer support to the university. As Richard Hunt, MD, FACEP, Division of Injury Response, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, noted, "This event is also a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and response and the need to be proactive in providing tools and information for mass casualty events specific to mental health, as well as to emergency care."
FEMA: Moving the Vision Forward (02/07/08) The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is building on the improvements of 2007 and lessons learned, so that they are better positioned to help the American people prepare for, mitigate against, respond to and recover from a natural or manmade disaster. Download a summary of FEMA’s 2007 accomplishments. You can also visit the FEMA Web site for 2007 Quick Facts; a 2007 Flash slideshow and photo gallery of FEMA activities; 2007 Disaster Declaration Maps, which show declared disasters by region, type, state and total numbers of declared disasters; and Fact Sheets outlining accomplishments, improvements and future initiatives of FEMA Directorates.
DHS Announces Release of Application Guidance for More than $3 Billion in Grant Programs (02/01/08) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Feb. 1 announced the release of application guidance for 14 federal grant programs whose collective purpose is to strengthen prevention, protection, response and recovery capabilities at all levels of government. The Department uses the application guidance to set strategic priorities that support President George W. Bush's National Homeland Security Strategy and align with the Department's National Preparedness Guidelines and the recently released National Response Framework. Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 grant programs provide $376.3 million more than last year to enhance the nation’s ability to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies.
Application kits and program guidance for the grants will be posted later today at http://www.fema.gov/grants.
NOAA Selects Bill Read as National Hurricane Center Director (01/25/08) NOAA officials today named Bill Read as the new director of its Tropical Prediction Center, which includes the National Hurricane Center and two other divisions, in Miami. Read has served as the center’s acting deputy director since August 2007. Tropical storms and hurricanes have frequently played a major role in Read’s professional life. Read and his team were at the forefront in July 2003 as Hurricane Claudette made landfall on the Texas coast. He also was part of the Hurricane Liaison Team at the National Hurricane Center in Miami when Hurricane Isabel came ashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and raced northeast in September 2003. Read was appointed to direct the Houston/Galveston weather forecast office of NOAA’s National Weather Service in 1992 and led it through the challenges of the National Weather Service modernization and restructuring program in the mid 1990s. news release
Institute of Medicine Recommends Research Priorities for Emergency Preparedness and Response (01/23/08) In response to the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (Public Law 109–417, 2006), there is an immediate and critical need to define research priorities for the Centers for Public Health Preparedness (CPHP) at schools of public health. The CDC asked the IOM to recommend a set of near-term research priorities for emergency preparedness and response in public health systems relevant to the expertise at schools of public health and related fields. These priorities will be used to help develop a research agenda and inform research funding opportunity announcements that must be issued and filled, according to congressional mandate, during the 2008 fiscal year. Download the IOM's report. It recommends that priority be given to the following four areas of research: enhance the usefulness of training; improve communications in preparedness and response; create and maintain sustainable preparedness and response systems; and generate criteria and metrics to measure effectiveness and efficiency.
Mary Fran Myers 2008 Scholarship Opportunity Announced by Natural Hazards Center (01/16/08) The Mary Fran Myers 2008 Scholarship offers the recipient the opportunity to attend the Natural Hazards Center's annual Hazards Research and Applications Workshop in Boulder, Colorado. The workshop brings together more than 400 members of the hazards community who are working to alleviate the pain and loss inflicted by disasters. The Mary Fran Myers Scholarship recognizes outstanding individuals who share Mary Fran's commitment to disaster research and practice and who have the potential to make a lasting contribution to reducing disaster vulnerability. Application deadline: April 4, 2008. Learn more.
DHS Requests Comments on its
Guide for All-Hazard Emergency Operations Planning for State, Territorial, Local and Tribal Governments
(01/04/08) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has asked IAEM members to comment on its current release of CPG-101, A Guide for All-Hazard Emergency Operations Planning for State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal Governments. This document, developed cooperatively with several dozen members from stakeholder organizations that included IAEM, represents a first step in the renewal of the FEMA guidance efforts from the 1980s and 1990s. Please provide comments on the DHS comment sheet (Excel format) no later than Feb. 8, 2008, and e-mail your comment sheet to CPGComments@anl.gov.
DHS Provides Nearly $34 Million to First Responders in Smaller U.S. Communities (12/20/07) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Dec. 20 announced the award of $33.7 million to fund equipment and training for first responders across the nation as a part of the fiscal year 2007 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP). Since the program’s inception in 2005, DHS has provided roughly 5,800 direct assistance awards worth more than $103 million for all hazards in smaller jurisdictions nationwide.
press release | FY 2007 CEDAP fact sheet
Annex to HSPD-8 Establishes U.S. National Planning System (12/17/07) On Dec. 3, 2007, President George W. Bush approved an annex to Homeland Security Presidential Directive-8 (HSPD-8). The annex directs the establishment of a national planning system to ensure consistent and standardized planning within and among all levels of government in the United States.
All U.S. federal departments and agencies have an important role in implementing the direction contained in the annex. “If properly implemented, the annex will significantly strengthen U.S. ability to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from potential or actual domestic terrorist attacks, major disasters and other incidents,” said Joel Bagnal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Homeland Security. Annex 1 to HSPD-8 | HSPD-8
U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security Releases REAL ID Grant Guidance (12/14/07) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Dec. 14 released grant guidance and application kits for two grant programs totaling more than $35 million to assist states in preparing for REAL ID implementation. REAL ID addresses a core 9/11 Commission finding to enhance the security, integrity and protection of licensing and identification systems nationwide, and was mandated by Congress.
- will provide $31.3 million for checking motor vehicle records in other states to ensure that drivers do not hold multiple licenses, and for verification against federal records like immigration status.
- will provide $4 million to help verify birth certificates and other vital records.
States competing for the REAL ID Demonstration Grant are encouraged to submit proposals that demonstrate how other states would be able to use, modify, or transfer a personal identification verification system or established architecture that is designed and developed through federal funding. For more information and the complete application kit, please visit www.grants.gov. The Ready Campaign Partners With Citizen Corps to Encourage Businesses and Voluntary Organizations to Resolve To Be Ready in 2008 (12/14/07) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign is partnering with FEMA’s Citizen Corps Program to encourage businesses and voluntary organizations to Resolve to be Ready in 2008. Download a toolkit to help your organization develop internal and external messages to encourage your members,  employees, constituents, customers and community to make a New Year’s resolution to prepare for emergencies. You will also find Web banners for your organization’s Web site, a sample E-mail you can send to your key constituents, as well as background information on Ready. You can also visit ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY to learn more about how to prepare for emergencies and receive free materials, including family emergency plan templates and sample business continuity plans. Additionally, you can help spread the message throughout your community by partnering with state and local Offices of Emergency Management, Citizen Corps Councils, and other organizations to host and arrange activities and events on and around New Year’s Eve.
Remarks by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on 2007 Achievements and 2008 Priorities (12/13/07) U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff presented remarks at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars on the agency's accomplishments in 2007 and its priorities for 2008. "By any measure, 2007 was a year of strong progress and maturation for our department," noted Secretary Chertoff. "From border security and immigration enforcement to passenger screening, critical infrastructure protection, and emergency response, we launched important initiatives to strengthen America’s security and we began to see the fruits of our labor in many vital areas." complete text of speech | fact sheet
FEMA Releases Alert on 2007-2008 NIMS Compliance and Document on Medical and Public Health Criteria for the National Emergency Response Credentialing System (12/07/07) The intent of the latest NIMS Alert released by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is to inform states, territories, tribal nations, and local government with regard to FY 2007 National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliance and the pending release of FY 2008 NIMS compliance materials. Complete materials will be available in January 2008. Download NIMS Alert. FEMA also released a document describing baseline and additional medical and public health criteria for the National Emergency Response Credentialing System. The Public Health/Medical Working Group determined the job titles listed herein to be the most commonly requested public health and medical personnel in a state-to-state mutual aid-based response. Download FEMA document on credentialing. Access more information on the National Mutual Aid and Resource Management Web site.
ISO Publishes First Internationally Ratified Benchmark Document Addressing Incident Preparedness and Continuity Management for Organizations in Both Public and Private Sectors (11/26/07) ISO document link | Continuity Forum article link ISO/PAS 22399:2007 provides general guidance for an organization — private, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations — to develop its own specific performance criteria for incident preparedness and operational continuity, and design an appropriate management system. It provides a basis for understanding, developing, and implementing continuity of operations and services within an organization and to provide confidence in business, community, customer, first responder, and organizational interactions. It also enables the organization to measure its resilience in a consistent and recognized manner.
DHS Office of Infrastructure Protection Issues Strategic Plan (11/20/07) Earlier this year the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Infrastructure Protection (OIP) underwent mission expansion and organizational changes that required a complete revision of the 2006-2011 plan. These changes were designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of OIP's mission execution as well as helping to ensure a consistent approach to assisting OIP's security partners. OIP's strategic plan lays out the direction the office is headed in such a way that the Plan would act as a bridge between the current and successive administrations. As outlined in the Plan the public/private sector partnership plays a key role in the mission success of the OIP through information sharing, infrastructure coordination and incident management. Objectives include enhancement of the Information Sharing Environment (ISE), expansion of participation, coordination and communication within all current NIPP partnerships, and development of local, regional and international partnerships. The projects intended to meet these objectives incorporate infrastructure sector analysis, the National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center, input from the CI/KR sectors, HSIN-CS, and the incident management partnership. This Plan recognizes that the need for continuously improving national CI/KR preparedness requires a foundation that must include collaboration and coordination with private sector partners and is designed to enhance the public/private sector partnership. Download OIP Strategic Plan 2008-2113.
President Bush
Issues the First U.S. National Strategy for Information Sharing to Advance the Sharing of Terrorism-Related Information (10/31/07) U.S. President George W. Bush on Oct. 31 issued the first National Strategy for Information Sharing to prioritize and unify U.S. efforts to advance the sharing of terrorism-related information. The strategy sets forth a plan to build upon the progress that the U.S. has made in improving information sharing since the Sept. 11 attacks and establish an integrated National information sharing capability. It was developed using a collaborative process and based on significant input provided by members of the Federal Information Sharing Council, as well as state, local, tribal, and private sector officials from across the United States. Learn more.
FEMA Announces Members of Regional Advisory Councils (10/30/07) The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Office of Intergovernmental Affairs has announced the membership rosters of eight of the 10 FEMA Regional Advisory Councils (RAC). The primary goal of the councils is to
improve communication and understanding among the various organizations involved in emergency management and response.
Members will review preparedness, protection, response, recovery and mitigation programs and policies to identify weaknesses and recommend improvements. Lists are provided here:
Report Issued on "Safe Port Act: One Year Later" (10/30/07) The Republican Staff of the Committee on Homeland Security, Rep. Peter T. King (R-NY), Ranking Member, has released a report, Safe Port Act: One Year Later." The report is a follow-up on the Security and Accountability For Every (SAFE) Port Act, signed into law on Oct. 13, 2006. The implementation of this bipartisan legislation, which passed both the House and Senate by overwhelming majorities, was intended to enhance America’s existing port and maritime security by expanding upon previous initiatives, and more importantly by developing new programs and allocating additional resources to address critical gaps in maritime and cargo security. This Committee on Homeland Security Republican staff report examines the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to implement the 90-plus mandates within the SAFE Port Act, with particular focus in the following key areas: increased U.S. port security readiness and preparedness; enhanced layered-security throughout the international supply chain; and leveraged intelligence and information sharing. Download report here.
Links Provided for News and Satellite Photos of Fires in Southern California (10/30/07)
President George W. Bush Signs Homeland Security Presidential Directive on Public Health and Medical Preparedness (10/22/07) U.S. President George W. Bush on Oct. 18 signed Homeland Security Presidential Directive HSPD-21. This directive establishes a National Strategy for Public Health and Medical Preparedness, which builds upon principles set forth in Biodefense for the 21st Century (April 2004) and will transform the U.S. national approach to protecting the health of the American people against all disasters. Learn more.
TOPOFF 4: Exercising National Preparedness (10/09/07) Top Officials 4 (TOPOFF 4) is the premier U.S. terrorism preparedness exercise, involving top officials at every level of government, as well as representatives from the international community and private sector. Taking place Oct. 15-19, the TOPOFF 4 Full-Scale Exercise (T4 FSE) will feature thousands of federal, state, territorial, and local officials. These officials will engage in various activities as part of a robust, full-scale simulated response to a multi-faceted threat. The exercise will address policy and strategic issues that mobilize prevention and response systems, require participants to make difficult decisions, carry out essential functions, and challenge their ability to maintain a common operating picture during an incident of national significance. Learn more.
DHS Adopts 11 NFPA Standards for Emergency Responders (10/05/07) The National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the adoption of 11 NFPA standards for emergency responders by DHS. The newly adopted standards will set requirements to assist federal agencies and state and local officials responsible for procuring equipment and services used by emergency responders. The documents adopted will provide direction and allow officials to make better procurement decisions in the following areas: professional qualifications, occupational safety and health, fire apparatus, personal protective clothing, powered rescue tools, and other equipment. Details here.
E.M. News 2007 Archive
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