E.M. NEWS
2006
IAEM News | Active Disaster News
 DHS Secretary Chertoff Shares Plans for First Responder Interoperability in Cities (11/28/06) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff on Nov. 28 announced that 46 U.S. cities will have interoperability communications by the end of 2007. DHS assistance will be provided through the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), grants that will help cities obtain digital equipment and technical specifications. Secretary Chertoff noted that all 50 states will receive the benefit of this initiative by Dec. 31, 2008. (full text of keynote address at the 2006 Grants & Training National Conference)
DHS and Ad Council Release New PSAs to Support Ready Campaign (11/15/06) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Advertising Council unveiled new public service advertisements (PSAs) today to support the Ready Campaign. Ready is a national public service advertising campaign designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies. The new PSAs include television, radio, print, internet and outdoor versions created pro bono by BBDO New York. Also released was a television ad featuring First Lady Laura Bush discussing emergency preparedness. All of the new PSAs highlight the fact that many families have not yet taken the steps needed to prepare for emergencies including getting an emergency supply kit, making a family emergency plan and learning more about different emergencies and their appropriate responses. The new documentary-style television and radio ads feature real families discussing their emergency plans, or lack of and ask, "Is your plan any better?" In her PSA, Mrs. Bush encourages Americans to take some basic steps to prepare their families for all types of emergencies. The new PSAs will be distributed to television and radio stations nationwide via FastChannel, and all of the new ads can be viewed on the Ad Council Web site at www.adcouncil.org.
NEMA Releases Biennial Report: More Federal Mandates, Less Federal Dollars; Emergency Management Agencies Focused on Standards (11/14/06) The just-released 2006 Biennial Report from the National Emergency Management Association reveals ever-increasing responsibilities for state emergency management agencies; an on-going struggle for adequate federal funding and states leading the way in continuous improvement for their emergency management programs. While all states have homeland security functions, most are tasking significant homeland security responsibilities to their state emergency management agencies. Three national priorities identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – the National Response Plan, the National Incident Management System and the National Preparedness Goal – are assigned most frequently to emergency management for implementation. The same is true for risk and vulnerability assessments, where emergency management takes the lead in 18 states. Unfortunately, these growing responsibilities that are mandated by the federal government are not supported by adequate funding. The Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) is the only federal funding available to state and local governments for all-hazards planning, training and exercises as well as some personnel costs. The report says that now there is an estimated $287 million shortfall in the program. This is up from an earlier estimated shortfall of $260 million. The fear is that as the gap grows, the nation’s ability to respond to disasters of all types is seriously compromised. Learn more.
FEMA Releases FY 2007 NIMS Compliance Package (11/02/06) The Fiscal Year 2007 NIMS compliance package was sent to U.S. governors on Oct. 23, and has been posted in its entirety here. By Sept. 30, 2007, jurisdictions will be required to comply with the FY07 NIMS requirements to receive FY08 emergency preparedness grants. In FY07, all jurisdictions must comply with specific performance-based metrics. These metrics were derived, in part, from the FY06 required compliance activities and also include some new performance measures. Download NIMS Alert: FY07 NIMS Compliance Metrics Fact Sheet.
NEMA Releases After-Action Report for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (10/08/06) The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) released its after-action report (AAR) for the 2005 hurricane season response. According to the report, despite demands put on the system by the catastrophic natural disasters of Hurricane Katrina and Rita, the compact and its leadership worked effectively – delivering unprecedented levels of personnel and resources to the affected areas. The report is the culmination of nearly 10 months of intensive review and focuses on activities related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. It identifies the compact’s major accomplishments as well as areas needed for improvement. Learn more.
America’s Firefighters to Receive $485 Million In Grants (10/08/06) The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security announced $91.8 million in direct assistance grants to 860 fire departments and first responder organizations through the department’s FY 2006 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. Additional phases will soon be announced that will total $485 million in FY 2006 AFG awards to nearly 5,000 fire-related organizations nationwide. Read press release. Read fact sheet.
NIMS Integration Center Releases Criteria for Credentialing Incident Management (IM) Personnel (10/08/06) As part of U.S. efforts to strengthen catastrophic response capabilities in line with the
National Incident Management System (NIMS), FEMA’s NIMS Integration Center has released
initial minimum criteria for IM Personnel to be deployed using a national credentialing system.
Comments and feedback are welcome via e-mail to NIMS-credentialing@L-3com.com. Learn more.
NOAA Public Alert Radios Distributed to U.S. Schools (09/27/06) NOAA Public Alert Radios are being distributed to U.S. public schools to help safeguard the children by alerting school personnel to severe weather conditions, terrorist threats and other emergencies, even when other communication lines are unavailable. This school distribution program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/Citizen Corps; the U.S. Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); and the U.S. Department of Education/Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools in recognition of September as National Preparedness Month. Learn more.
DHS Awards $399 Million in Grants to Secure the Nation’s Critical Infrastructure (09/26/06) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that grants are being distributed to ports, transit and intercity bus systems to strengthen the nation’s ability to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies. These awards are part of the Infrastructure Protection Program (IPP), which are comprised of seven programs that constitute major critical infrastructure sectors. Today’s announcement provides awards to three competitive grant programs: the Port Security Grant Program; the Transit Security Grant Program; and the Intercity Bus Security Grant Program. Download press release. Download full report on FY2006 Infrastructure Protection Program.
GAO Releases Report on Combating Nuclear Terrorism (09/21/06) The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) today issued "Combating Nuclear Terrorism: Federal Efforts to Respond to Nuclear and Radiological Threats and to Protect Emergency Response Capabilities Could Be Strengthened" (GAO-06-1015). This report discusses (1) the capabilities and assets the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) has to prevent and respond to potential nuclear and radiological attacks in the United States, (2) the physical security measures in place at DOE’s two key emergency response facilities and whether they are consistent with DOE guidance, and (3) the benefits of using DOE’s aerial background radiation surveys to enhance emergency response capabilities. GAO recommends, among other things, that (1) DOE review the physical security measures at its two key emergency response facilities to determine whether additional measures should be taken to protect the facilities, and (2) DOE and the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) evaluate the costs, benefits and limitations of making greater use of aerial background radiation surveys of U.S. cities. Download highlights. Download full report.
DHS Releases Cyber Storm Public Exercise Report (09/13/06) The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security today released the Cyber Storm Public Exercise Report. The report details key findings from Cyber Storm, which was the largest and most complex multi-national, government-led cyber exercise to examine response, coordination, and recovery mechanisms to a simulated cyber event within international, federal, state, and local governments and in conjunction with the private sector. The report's findings emphasize the continued importance of coordination, defined roles and responsibilities, information sharing, communications and training. Read the fact sheet. Download the report.
NIJ Releases 9/11 Report: DNA Identification in Mass Fatality Incidents. (09/11/06) On the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Office of Justice Programs’ National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is releasing Lessons Learned From 9/11: DNA Identification in Mass Fatality Incidents. The report was prepared by a panel of the nation’s top forensic scientists who advised New York City’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner on the identification of World Trade Center victims using DNA analysis. NIJ’s report reviews the experiences of the scientists who helped develop techniques and processes for identifying remains and offers guidance to laboratory directors on how to respond to future mass fatality events. The effort was part of the President’s DNA Initiative. You can read or download a copy of the report at www.massfatality.dna.gov. To order a hard copy or CD, call the Office of Justice Programs’ order fulfillment service, NCJRS, at 1-800-851-3420.
DHS Issues Final Rule on Procedures for Handling Critical Infrastructure Information. (09/11/06) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued the Final Rule on Procedures for Handling
Critical Infrastructure Information on Sept. 1, 2006. This rule finalizes the
procedures for the Protected Critical Infrastructure Information (PCII) Program in governing the
receipt, validation, handling, storage, marking, and use of critical infrastructure information
voluntarily submitted to DHS.
The PCII
Program was created to encourage the private sector to voluntarily share security-related
information about this infrastructure by providing special protection. Information submitted, if it
satisfies the requirements of the CII Act, is protected from Freedom of Information Act disclosure, state and local disclosure laws, and use in civil litigation.
Additionally, PCII cannot be used as the basis for a regulatory action. Learn more.
Updated National Strategy for Combating Terrorism Released Today, President George W. Bush released his updated National Strategy for Combating Terrorism (NSCT), which outlines the U.S. government strategy to protect and defend American interests at home and abroad from terrorism. The report also addresses a strategic vision for the war on terror, advancing effective democracy over the long-term, long- and short-term priorities, successes, and challenges. Click here to read the report. Click here to read the Fact Sheet.
DHS Announces Opening of Application Period for FY2006 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that it is seeking applications for the fiscal year 2006 (FY 2006) Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP). The FY 2006 program is slated to provide more than $32 million in equipment to first responders in selected rural and smaller communities who are typically not eligible for funding through the department’s Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) grant program. The application period officially opened today, Aug. 16, and will close Sept. 22, 2006.
FEMA Issues Interim Policy on Temporary Housing Donations
FEMA Issues New Recovery Strategies for Mass Sheltering and Housing Assistance Program and Debris Removal Operations To improve the quality, speed, and accountability of federal disaster support to state and local partners, the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued “Recovery Strategies” addressing two key areas of disaster operations. The “Mass Sheltering and Housing Assistance” and “Debris Removal Operations” strategies reflect important lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina, and outline a clear and manageable framework for guiding federal and state operational responses during the 2006 hurricane season, and beyond. Learn more.
Amendment to Add $15 Million to EMPG Adopted (07/13/06)Today, an amendment proposed by Sen. George V. Voinovich requesting an additional $15 million for the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) program was adopted by unanimous consent by the U.S. Senate, bringing the FY 2007 total funding for the EMPG program to $220 million (H.R. 5441).
DHS Proposes Information Sharing Improvements to Prevent Terrorists from Boarding Flights Bound for U.S. (07/12/06) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today a rule proposing a pre-departure Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) requirement. This requirement will allow DHS to collect passenger information for flights and cruises bound for the United States prior to their departure from foreign ports. The advance transmission of this information will provide DHS time to identify potential threats, then coordinate with airlines and foreign law enforcement to block a suspect person from boarding or remove them before the plane leaves the ground. APIS data includes passenger information that would be found on the front of a passport, such as full name, gender, and country of passport issuance. Learn more.
DHS Completes National Infrastructure Protection Plan (06/30/06)
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today the completion of the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP), a comprehensive risk management framework that clearly defines critical infrastructure protection roles and responsibilities for all levels of government, private industry, nongovernmental agencies and tribal partners. The NIPP builds on the principles of the President’s National Strategy for Homeland Security and its companion strategies for the physical protection of critical infrastructure and key assets and the securing of cyberspace. It also fulfills requirements in Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 7 and the Homeland Security Act of 2002. click for link
RAND Releases Report on Emergency Response to Terrorist Attacks (06/29/06) A new report from the RAND Corporation for the first time presents a framework for characterizing what emergency responders must be prepared to do following a terrorist attack. Titled “Emergency Response to Terrorist Attacks: An Analysis of Mission Performance Requirements,” the report provides a way to quantify emergency-response performance requirements in terms of the life-saving missions that need to be accomplished, the level at which those missions must be performed, and the time interval over which they must be conducted. The report is available only to qualified emergency responders and homeland security officials through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Lessons Learned Information System found on the Internet at https://www.llis.dhs.gov/member/secure/detail.cfm?content_id=17099. The site is operated by the Oklahoma City Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, and credentials must first be presented to gain access.
President Bush Issues Executive Order: Public Alert and Warning System (06/27/06) U.S. President George W. Bush has issued an executive order instructing the Secretary of the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security to assess and upgrade the nation's public warning systems, including the Emergency Alert System, so that the United States has the capability to alert and warn all Americans through an integrated system.
The order notes that the EAS should be capable of working through as many communications pathways as practicable; that the U.S. public warning system must have the capability to alert those with disabilities and those without an understanding of English; that DHS must work with owners and operators of communications facilities to maintain, protect and restore capabilities necessary for the EAS; and that the FCC must adopt rules to ensure that communications systems have the capacity to transmit alerts.
DHS
SAFECOM National Interoperability Baseline Survey (06/26/06) In an effort to assess the capacity for interoperable communications among public safety agencies nationwide, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s SAFECOM Program has invited more than 22,000 randomly selected law enforcement, fire, and emergency response organizations to participate in the National Interoperability Baseline Survey. A few weeks ago, DHS contacted randomly-selected, potential respondents to ask for their participation. If you have been asked to complete the survey and have not yet responded, please complete the online survey as soon as possible. Your participation will ensure that the results are accurate. If you are one of the randomly selected respondents, you should have received a letter from DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff as well as a postcard with the survey URL and your username and password. You will also receive a written reminder notice about the survey via U.S. mail that includes your username and password. If you have any questions concerning the survey or if you misplaced your username and password, please contact baseline@dhs.gov for assistance. A related article about the survey appeared on Page 23 in the June 2006 IAEM Bulletin.
NIMS Compliance for Hospitals and Other Health Care Facilities (06/23/06)
DHS Releases Review of Nationwide Catastropic Event Preparedness (06/16/06) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued findings today from a national assessment of the country’s catastrophic planning capabilities. Responding to directives from President Bush and the Congress, following Hurricane Katrina, the Nationwide Plan Review (PDF, 174 Pages - 3.9 MB) looked at whether existing emergency operations plans for states and urban areas are sufficient for managing a catastrophic event. The Review also presents conclusions on actions needed by the federal government to improve and coordinate planning.
Conducted in all 56 States and territories and 75 urban areas over 6 months, the Nationwide Plan Review was the most comprehensive assessment of emergency operations plans to date relative to planning for a catastrophic event. Reviewers examined nearly 2,800 emergency operations plans and related documents with participation from more than 1,000 emergency managers and homeland security officials.
The two-phase review began with a self-assessment of key planning components. Then Peer Review Teams, composed of former state and local homeland security and emergency management officials, visited each site and assessed the plans against national standards developed just prior to Katrina. To provide an overall picture, plan components were assessed on a scale of “Sufficient,” “Partially Sufficient,” or “Not Sufficient” to manage a catastrophic event. The majority of components assessed fell into the “partially sufficient” category. Fact Sheet on Nationwide Plan Review. Fact Sheet on Nationwide Plan Review Initial Conclusions.
GAO Issues Report on Improper Hurricane Disaster Relief Payments (06/15/06) The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a report on “Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Disaster Relief: Improper and Potentially Fraudulent Individual Assistance Payments Estimated To Be Between $600 Million and $1.4 Billion.” The report provides an estimate of improper and potentially fraudulent payments through February 2006 related to certain aspects of disaster registrations, identifies whether improper and potentially fraudulent payments were made to registrants who were incarcerated at the time of the disaster, identifies whether FEMA improperly provided registrants with rental assistance payments at the same time it was paying for their lodging at hotels, and reviews FEMA’s accountability over debit cards and controls over proper debit card usage.
To estimate the magnitude of payments made on the basis of invalid registrations, GAO selected a random statistical sample of 250 payments made to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita registrants as of February 2006. The agency also conducted data mining and investigations to further illustrate the effects of control breakdowns. Download report.
GAO Issues Report on U.S. Tsunami Preparedness (06/06/06) The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a report on "U.S. Tsunami Preparedness: Federal and State Partners Collaborate To Reduce Potential Impacts, But Challenges Remain." The GAO did this study because the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami
raised questions about U.S.
preparedness for such an event.
The National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) leads U.S. detection and
warning efforts and partners with
federal and state agencies in the
National Tsunami Hazard
Mitigation Program (NTHMP) to
reduce tsunami risks. In 2005,
Congress appropriated $17.24
million in supplemental funding to
enhance these efforts. This report (1) identifies U.S.
coastal areas facing the greatest
tsunami hazard and the extent to
which potential impacts have been
assessed, (2) discusses the
effectiveness of the existing federal
tsunami warning system, (3)
describes efforts to mitigate the
potential impacts of tsunamis on
coastal communities, and (4)
assesses NOAA’s efforts to develop
long-range plans for federal
tsunami programs.
GAO recommends, among other
things, that NOAA take steps to
develop software for tsunami loss
estimation, conduct periodic end-to-
end warning system tests,
increase high-risk community
participation in its tsunami
preparedness program and prepare
risk-based strategic plans for its
efforts. Download report.
NIMS Integration Center and EMI Release New Online Course on NIMS Resource Management (06/04/06) The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s NIMS Integration Center and Emergency Management Institute have made available online, interactive Web-based training that will help incident managers establish NIMS-related systems that will help them get the resources they need to respond to an emergency or disaster. Resource management is an ongoing process that establishes systems to describe, inventory, request and track resources. The systems are used during deployment or recall of resources in connection with an incident. Resource management is a key component of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which standardizes the procedures and functions involved in the resource management process. NIMS resource management provides a uniform way to identify, acquire, allocate and track resources including personnel, teams, equipment and supplies. It is tied to mutual aid, resource typing, the use of common terminology and credentialing. Find out more.
FEMA Launches Debris Contractor Registry Online (06/01/06)
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is implementing a number of improvements to strengthen its programs for the 2006 hurricane season. As part of this, FEMA is launching a new Debris Contractor Registry online. This new database will establish a nationwide list of debris removal contractors that can help communities better plan for and more rapidly respond to debris removal requirements in times of disaster.
Over the next several weeks, contractors from every community in the United States will be invited to “populate” the database with their company’s information. The Debris Contractor Registry is an element of the U.S. Public Private Partnership (USP3) which is administered through DHS. It represents a pilot program of the National Emergency Resource Registry (NERR) that will develop as the overall program grows.
Beginning June 1, debris removal contractors nationwide will be able to sign up and describe their equipment and other resources, so that state and local officials such as yourself can find what they need. In order to register their business, contractors will simply log on to the Web site at https://65.207.63.84/usp3_nerr/default.aspx and follow the instructions. Those who encounter problems or have questions or concerns regarding use of the Web site should contact the help desk at (703) 674-3003 or e-mail usp3-support@mantech-ist.com.
By June 30, local emergency managers and government officials will be able to search the records in the database to begin identifying and contacting debris removal contractor resources. The information is provided and maintained by contractors and their representatives. FEMA does not verify and takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information they provide.
FEMA does not contract with businesses for debris removal services. Contracts for these services, under presidential disaster declarations, are entered into by state and local governments, tribal authorities and eligible private nonprofit organizations for eligible work. The FEMA Public Assistance Program reimburses these eligible applicants for work completed by contractors.
It is important to note that FEMA does not endorse, approve or recommend any contractors, even those listed on the Debris Contractor Registry. Responsibility for maintenance of business information is that of the contractors. Contractors are paid through the municipal organization with which they enter into contract. Contracting with any of the entities in this database does not assure state or local government of reimbursement under a federal grant. State and local governments should follow their own competitive procurement procedures when selecting a contractor.
Information provided by: Tod Wells,
Office of Intergovernmental Affairs,
Federal Emergency Management Agency,
Department of Homeland Security,
(202) 646-3936, tod.wells@dhs.gov.
FEMA Launches Debris Contractor Registry Online (06/01/06) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is implementing a number of improvements to strengthen its programs for the 2006 hurricane season. As part of this, FEMA is launching a new Debris Contractor Registry online. This new database will establish a nationwide list of debris removal contractors that can help communities better plan for and more rapidly respond to debris removal requirements in times of disaster. Learn more.
NEMA Creates EM Distinguished Service Award (05/31/06) The National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) has created the Distinguished Service in Emergency Management Award, in recognition of the men and women who have dedicated their careers and lives to make citizens and communities safer from both natural disasters and terrorist events. The deadline for nominations is Aug. 1, 2006. Learn more.
DHS Announces $1.7 Billion in Homeland Security Grants (05/31/06) The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS)
has announced the recipients of $1.7 billion in Fiscal Year 2006 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) awards. The grants will enhance the ability of states, urban areas and territories to prepare for and respond to terrorist attacks and other disasters. click for link
FEMA Invites Comments on New Fire Management Grant Guidebook (05/31/06) The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has invited IAEM members to review its new "Guidebook for the Fire Management Grant Program." Comments and feedback should be submitted by June 30, 2006, to Tod Wells, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, FEMA, tod.wells@dhs.gov, (202) 646-3936. Please provide a copy to IAEM Headquarters at info@iaem.com. Download draft guidebook.
Paulison Confirmed as FEMA Chief (05/26/06) R. David Paulison, acting FEMA director since September, was confirmed today by the U.S. Senate as the Under Secretary for Federal Emergency Management at the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. IAEM had supported his nomination. Paulison will be a keynote speaker at the IAEM 2006 Annual Conference & EMEX Exhibit.
Foresman Testifies on Hurricane Season Preparation (05/26/06) Under Secretary for Preparedness George W. Foresman testified before the U.S. House of Representative’s Committee on Government Reform on May 24, briefing the members of the committee on the U.S. level of preparedness as the 2006 hurricane season approaches. Written testimony Oral testimony PowerPoint presentation
Other witnesses included Walter S. Dickerson, Director, Mobile Co. Emergency Management Agency; Robert R. Latham, Legislative Committee Chairman, NEMA, and Director, Mississippi State Emergency Management Agency; and Robert Shea, Acting Director of Operations, FEMA. click for link
H.R. 5316, the RESPOND Act: Restoring Emergency Services to Protect Our Nation from Disasters Act of 2006, was approved by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on May 18 and by the House Committee on Government Reform on May 19. The RESPOND Act restores FEMA as an independent cabinet-level agency, strengthens FEMA, and creates a national system to improve emergency preparedness at all levels of government. As of May 25, the bill had 76 co-sponsors, including 8 of the 11 members of the House Select Bipartisan Committee to Investigate the Preparations for and Response to Hurricane Katrina. press release
H.R. 5351, the National Emergency Management Reform and Enhancement Act of 2006, was approved by the House Committee on Homeland Security on May 18. The bill takes steps to improve communication and coordination at the federal, state and local levels; strengthen disaster preparedness and response capabilities nationwide; and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse. FEMA remains in DHS, but preparedness is returned to FEMA. During an incident of national significance, the FEMA director becomes part of the Cabinet. As of May 25, the bill had 40 co-sponsors. press release.
DHS Issues Notice of Change to National Response Plan (05/25/06) The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security has issued a notice of change to the National Response Plan (NRP), identifying locations in the December 2004 version that have been changed. The NRP will be extensively reviewed later this year. Download the full NRP, the notice of change, and the new Quick Reference Guide.
The Emergency Response & Crisis Management Grants are administered by the U.S. Dept. of Education, providing funds to local education agencies to strengthen and improve emergency response and crisis management plans. Application deadline: June 22, 2006. click for link
The full U.S. House Appropriations Committee has completed its deliberations on the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security appropriations bill. In a "managers" amendment passed by the full committee, an additional $6 million in Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) funding was added to the Homeland Security Subcommittee's mark-up of $180 million. This brings the total appropriation for EMPG in the House to $186 million, a $16 million increase over the Administration's request.
The next Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) assessor training is set for June 5-6 in Seattle, WA. The training, provided at no cost to emergency managers who are currently employed by state/territorial, local of federal government, prepares experienced emergency managers to serve as assessors as part of the accreditation and assessment process. Registration deadline is May 19, 2006. Learn more.
The U.S. National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Implementation Plan has been released. The plan describes more than 300 critical actions, many of which have already been implemented, to address the threat of pandemic influenza. Download plan.
The Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation, a U.S. federal agency, is accepting nominations for the 2006 $25,000 Homeland Security Award, to be presented by Agusta Westland, a Finmeccanica company, one of the largest helicopter companies in the world. The award will be presented to a U.S. individual or company making a measurable and constructive contribution related to basic or advanced research in homeland security that will result in a significant benefit to society. Deadline for nominations is June 16, 2006. Learn details and submit nominations online.
The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security today announced the unprecedented pre-designation of five teams to coordinate the federal government's role in support of state and local governments in preparing for and responding to major natural disasters this storm season. In total, 27 federal officials have been appointed. "Designating these teams now will give state and local officials a chance to plan, train, and exercise with their federal counterparts before a disaster strikes," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "It is imperative that officials at all levels of government, and able-bodied citizens alike, understand emergency management roles and individual responsibilities going into this storm season." Primary responsibility for disaster response has always been at the local level. The department appointed individuals as Principal Federal Officials, Deputy Principal Federal Officials, and Federal Coordinating Officers to facilitate federal support of state and local govenments. For more information and a complete list of assigned personnel, download the DHS press release.
The Ontario Association of Emergency Managers is seeking feedback by Apr. 13, 2006, on proposed changes to
Bill 56 2005, an act to amend the Emergency Management Act, the Employment Standards Act, 2000 and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Ontario is the only province in Canada that doesn't have emergency powers legislation, and
Bill 56 contains some strong measures, which has gained it both strong support as well as the concern of some stakeholders. Details are posted on the IAEM Canada Web page.
The Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives has been established at the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. The center is charged with coordinating efforts at DHS to eliminate regulatory, contracting and other programmatic obstacles to the participation of faith-based and other community organizations in the provision of social and community services. click for link
The American National Standards Institute's Homeland Security Standards Panel has issued a report on the accomplishments it has achieved at its three-year anniversary. The ANSI-HSSP has as its mission to identify existing consensus standards, or, if none exist, assist the DHS and those sectors requesting assistance to accelerate development and adoption of consensus standards critical to homeland security. The ANSI-HSSP promotes a positive, cooperative partnership between the public and private sectors in order to meet the needs of the nation in this critical area. Download report.
The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security has issued its "Nationwide Plan Review, Phase 1" report to Congress as required by the 2006 DHS Appropriations Act. This report meets the Congressional requirement to provide the status of catastrophic planning in all states and 75 of the nation’s largest urban areas, and the President’s direction to review
emergency plans for the nation’s major cities. Each state and urban area certified the status of its Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) and identified when plans were last updated and exercised. The Phase 1 results presented in this report are the initial findings based on the self-assessments received from the states, territories, and urban areas. Download report.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is requesting review comments on the current revision to NFPA 472, the standard for professional competence of responders to hazardous materials incidents. This standard covers the competencies for various reponder levels, as well as technical specialties and weapons of mass destruction. Comments are due Mar. 3, 2006. click for link In connection with this topic, the EIIP Virtual Forum is hosting a live chat presentation and Q&A session on the revision to NFPA 472 at noon, Eastern time, Feb. 22, 2006. click for link
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced several new measures designed to strengthen the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) essential functions so it can more effectively respond to manmade or natural disasters, particularly during catastrophic events. These new measures are designed to match the experience and skills of FEMA employees with 21st century tools and technology - maximizing the agency’s performance regardless of disaster size or complexity. The DHS FY 2007 budget request also asks for increased funding to begin strengthening FEMA – specifically a 10 percent increase in FEMA's budget over this fiscal year. In total, funding for FEMA’s core budget will grow 40 percent since fiscal year 2004. This budget request also provides additional resources to upgrade FEMA’s Emergency Alert System; increase FEMA’s procurement staff and overall capabilities; improve capital infrastructure and information technology; and strengthen overall mitigation, response and recovery capabilities. Learn more.
The Congressional Hazards Caucus held a Feb. 3 briefing on the benefits of mitigation, noting that in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, cost-effective mitigation has become an even great priority. Presentations from the briefing are posted online.
DHS has issued its "Fiscal Year 2007 Budget in Brief." The 121-page document includes a fiscal year overview and summary information by organization. President Bush’s fiscal year 2007 budget request for DHS represents $42.7 billion in funding, an increase of 6 percent over the previous year. The request reflects recent organizational reforms and program changes to ensure that the department’s policies, operations and structures remain mission-focused and well-aligned to meet evolving threats. click for link
The Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado has announced a call for applications for the 2006 Mary Fran Myers Scholarship, which provides financial support for recipients to attend the Hazards Research and Applications Workshop in Boulder, Colorado. Application deadline is Apr. 14, 2006. Learn more. The Natural Hazards Center, along with the Gender and Disaster Network, also sponsors the Mary Fran Myers Award, which recognizes that vulnerability to disasters and mass emergencies is influenced by social, cultural, and economic structures that marginalize women and girls. Award nominations are due May 15, 2006. Learn more.
FEMA has posted new resource documents of interest on its NIMS Integration Center Web site. These new documents, available for download, include: "Training Guidelines for Incident Command System Instructors," "Integrating NIMS into State EOPs and SOPs," and "Integrating NIMS into Local/Tribal EOPs and SOPs." These documents outline ways state and local Emergency Operations Plans and Standard Operating Procedures can be modified to align with NIMS concepts and terminology. click for link
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has posted its Fall 2006 revision cycle on its Codes and Standards Web site, and the deadline for public comments is Mar. 3, 2006. click for link Steve Charvat, CEM, has been a full voting member of the NFPA 1600 Technical Committee since its inception in the mid-1990s. You are welcome to send any comments or concerns about the 1600 revisions to him at charvat@u.washington.edu.
The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security Scholarship and Fellowship Program is supported by the Science and Technology Directorate, Office of Research and Development (ORD), University Programs. Applications are due Jan. 31, 2006. click for details
BC Management Announces Business Continuity Compensation Survey (01/16/05) BC Management has announced its annual global business continuity compensation survey, with a special emphasis on Asia. All business continuity, disaster recovery, emergency management, crisis management, risk management and information security professionals are eligible to take this confidential survey. In addition to compensation, the study covers program benchmarking and education and training. You'll receive a free copy of the survey results to compare yourself and your company to others. Survey deadline is Feb. 17, 2006. Click to take survey. Click to see results of past surveys.
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