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EM NEWS 2009-2010 ARCHIVE

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FEMA Launches First-Ever Blog with Message from Administrator Craig Fugate (17 Dec 2010) This week the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) launched its first-ever blog at http://blog.fema.gov with a message from FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, in order to have an ongoing conversation with all stakeholders before, during and after a disaster. Readers are encouraged to join the conversation and leave a comment on the blog. Plans are to feature entries from FEMA team members from across the agency, from its regional offices to its field offices, supporting local disaster recovery efforts. FEMA plans to provide information before, during and after disaster strikes, and will highlight best practices, innovative ideas, and insights that are being used across emergency management and across the country.
  

United States and New Zealand Sign Memorandum to Strengthen Emergency Management Collaboration (10 Dec 2010) U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and New Zealand Ambassador to the United States Mike Moore on Dec. 10, 2010, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) strengthening emergency management cooperation between the United States and New Zealand—enhancing disaster response and recovery capabilities in both nations through improved information sharing and collaboration. The MOC between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and New Zealand’s Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management establishes a framework for information sharing and emergency management cooperation—including the exchange of lessons learned from previous disasters and exercises as well as best practices regarding education and training, public awareness efforts, community and organizational resilience and risk assessment. The MOC also provides opportunities for joint research and coordination on emergency management.

While the United States and New Zealand have offered each other disaster assistance in the past, this MOC is the first formal agreement between the countries’ emergency management agencies. Secretary Napolitano and Ambassador Moore were joined by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Deputy Administrator for Protection and National Preparedness Tim Manning for the official signing.

Earlier this year, the United States and New Zealand signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in science and technology research to improve the shared capabilities of both nations to protect against terrorism and other threats.

President Obama Names December 2010 as Critical Infrastructure Protection Month in USA (02 Dec 2010) U.S. President Barack Obama issued a Presidential proclamation naming the month of December 2010 as national Critical Infrastructure Protection Month in the United States. The proclamation supports the direction being taken by infrastructure protection programs within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strengthen resilience through a regionally-focused approach to critical infrastructure security. As the President suggests, this approach will help build more resilient communities throughout the United States. Read the proclamation here. Follow updates on about CIP Month by:

• Tracking new Web postings by registering for updates on www.dhs.gov/criticalinfrastructure;
• Watching for upcoming critical infrastructure blog posts on The Blog at Homeland Security ; and
• Following DHS on Twitter @DHSJournal.

United States and Mexico Exercise Hazardous Material Release Response (26 Nov 2010) U.S. and Mexico federal, state, and local agencies on Nov. 22 exercised a full-scale response to a hazardous materials incident on the U.S./Mexico border. This exercise was in support of the U.S./Mexico joint contingency plan and the existing local sister city emergency plan. The exercise tested the multi-agency binational response to a hazmat incident immediately south of the Santa Teresa /Jeronimo Port of Entry. The event occurred between 10 a.m. and noon.

     U.S agencies participating in this event were the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, Dona Ana County Emergency Management, New Mexico State Police, and Dona Ana County law enforcement. Mexican agencies participating in this event included PROFEPA, Cuidad Juarez Fire Dept and Civil Protection, Mexican customs, CLAM, FOX COMM, Federal Police Transit, and other local stakeholders. The overall goal of this exercise was to test response and communications on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border. press release
 

Royal Canadian Mounted Police's School Action for Emergencies (SAFE) Plan, an Electronic Database that Houses Site-Specific Emergency Response Plans, Wins Prestigious International Award (05 Nov 2010) The Royal Canadian Mounted Policie (RCMP) have received the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s distinguished Webber Seavey Award for Quality in Law Enforcement for its School Action For Emergencies (SAFE) Plan. The award recognizes law enforcement’s most innovative and successful contributions to the quality of life in our communities. Launched nationally in September 2007, a SAFE Plan is an electronic database that houses site-specific emergency response plans which are used to help police and front-line workers respond efficiently and effectively to serious school incidents.

  "The increasing frequency of violence in North American schools revealed challenges and gaps in information accessibility and police response protocols," said Cpl. Stu Leach, National SAFE Plan Coordinator. "The SAFE plan was developed so responding officers could have instant access to everything from school contacts, floor plans, aerial photos, maps, lockdown procedures and other site-specific information."

  The SAFE Plan can be applied in any school event or situation that requires police deployment of resources, including an active shooter situation, bomb threat or hostage situation, among others. The plans are developed in close collaboration with all emergency responders, such as fire and emergency medical services, as well as school partners. To date, approximately 4,760 schools in RCMP jurisdictions are participating in the program and approximately 2,130 (45%) of schools now have SAFE Plans completed. The SAFE Plan was selected as a winner from among 70 submissions from law enforcement agencies worldwide.

FEMA Contracts with National Institute of Building Sciences to Create an Independent Scientific Body to Aid in Review and Resolution of Conflicting Data Related to Flood Insurance Rate Maps (02 Nov 2010) Beginning Nov. 1, 2010, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is making available an independent scientific body to aid in the review and resolution of conflicting data related to Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The establishment of the Scientific Resolution Panel (SRP) process emphasizes FEMA’s commitment to using the best science to accurately depict flood hazards.

     SRPs will be responsible for reviewing FEMA's flood hazard data and the flood hazard data submitted by communities when a mutual resolution cannot be reached through collaborative consultation. The SRPs will provide communities and FEMA with a timely and independent way of resolving challenges while ensuring the best scientific and technical data is being used for Flood Insurance Rate Maps.

     FEMA has contracted with the National Institute of Building Sciences to provide communities with a resolution process that is deemed neutral by both the challenging community and FEMA.

     The National Institute of Building Sciences, authorized by Public Law 93-383 in 1974, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that brings together representatives of government, the professions, industry, labor and consumer interests to identify and resolve building process and facility performance problems. The Institute serves as an authoritative source of advice for both the private and public sectors with respect to the use of building science and technology.

     The Institute is seeking qualified scientific and technical professionals from the public, private, and academic sectors to aid in this endeavor. Professionals with a degree in one of the identified fields and a minimum of 10 years proven experience are invited to apply to become an SRP cadre member. To learn more about the Scientific Resolution Panel initiative and the application process to serve on that panel, please visit www.floodSRP.org.

Disaster Readiness Tested in Canada's Capital (24 Oct 2010) Last week, David MacKenzie, Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, on behalf of the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, observed the National Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) team during Exercise MAGNITUDE '10, which demonstrated Ottawa's preparedness to help citizens in the event of a natural disaster or other large scale emergency. The program allows government officials from municipal, provincial and federal public safety and emergency management organizations to view part of this national exercise that took place in Ottawa from October 14-16, 2010.

     "Exercises like this are designed to confirm our preparedness for potential urban disasters. Intergovernmental collaboration is key to their success and ultimately to our response," said Mr. MacKenzie. "By working together to prepare for emergencies, we can more effectively protect the safety and security of Canadians in times of need. Canadians can be assured that these teams are constantly on the alert and ready to come to their aid."

     During Exercise MAGNITUDE '10, the City of Ottawa's first responders provided the initial response to a simulated disaster situation in the form of a major structural collapse caused by a fictional earthquake. This was followed by the deployment of Ottawa's Medium Urban Search and Rescue (MUSAR) team and subsequently the National Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) team.

     "The earthquake that hit Ottawa in June reminds us of the importance of preparing for the worst. In emergencies, we rely on our police officers, firefighters and paramedics to keep us safe. Exercises such as this help make sure our first responders are well prepared," said the Honourable Jim Bradley, Ontario Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

     Exercise MAGNITUDE '10 was developed in collaboration with the HUSAR Task Forces, Public Safety Canada, the Province of Ontario, and the City of Ottawa.

     "Ottawa is pleased to have our Municipal Urban Search and Rescue team working alongside 100 members of Canada's National Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) team during this unique training exercise," said Steve Kanellakos, Deputy City Manager of Operations at the City of Ottawa. "Our emergency responders are prepared for many types of disasters. We ask our residents to be ready at home in the event of an emergency, and we as a municipality are also prepared to help residents in need and return our city to its normal operations as quickly as possible."

     This exercise tests medium and heavy urban search and rescue capability and involves the movement of National HUSAR team members from Toronto, Ontario, Calgary, Alberta, Vancouver, British Columbia and the Province of Manitoba to Ottawa. The exercise provides an opportunity to practice integrating the Task Forces and allows officials to evaluate emergency preparedness in the urban context. Exercise MAGNITUDE '10 concludes on October 17, 2010.

Local, State, Tribal, and Federal Preparedness Task Force Publishes Report for U.S. Congress: "Perspective on Preparedness: Taking Stock Since 9/11" (19 Oct 2010) The Local, State, Tribal, and Federal Preparedness Task Force has completed its assessment of the national preparedness system and has submitted its final report and recommendations to Congress as required through the Fiscal Year 2010 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act (Public Law 11-83). "Perspective on Preparedness: Taking Stock Since 9/11" represents a significant milestone in aligning preparedness leadership, practitioners, and stakeholders to a common vision for future improvements across the Nation. FEMA Protection and National Preparedness and the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs are pleased to have supported the distinguished group of individuals in creating this document. "Perspective on Preparedness" offers an analysis of what preparedness has meant in the United States, both historically and since 9/11, and includes an in-depth analysis of post-9/11 preparedness-related activities in policy and guidance, grants, and capabilities and assessment.

• Letter to Stakeholders
• Perspective on Preparedness: Taking Stock Since 9/11

National Commission on Children and Disasters Delivers 2010 Report to U.S. Congress (12 Oct 2010) The National Commission on Children and Disasters, of which IAEM-USA Region 1 President Bruce Lockwood, CEM, is a member, on Aug. 23 released the executive summary of its report to the U.S. President and Congress. On Oct. 6, the full 2010 report was released and can be downloaded here.

"Children are 25% of our population. The Commission’s 2010 report highlights the gaps that continue to exist in meeting the unique needs of children, as well as some of the initiatives currently underway to close these gaps," said Lockwood. "I encourage everyone to read the report and use it as a tool to incorporate children more fully into their emergency plans. Successful response and recovery will be reflective of our ability to meet the needs of the whole community, including our most vulnerable population-children."
 

The commission's report cites persistent gaps in disaster preparedness for children since Hurricane Katrina five years ago. The report calls for the development of a national strategy for children in disasters to ensure that children are protected before, during and after an emergency. Among the findings of the report are seriously underfunded federal programs for school disaster preparedness, insufficient coordination among federal, state and local agencies responsible for children and lack of preparedness in the private health care system, including a finding that only six percent of hospital emergency rooms carry essential pediatric equipment.

UNISDR Encourages Local Governments to Take Part in the International Day for Disaster Reduction Campaign, Oct. 13, 2010 (29 Sept 2010) To mark the International Day for Disaster Reduction on 13 October, the UNISDR Secretariat is calling on its partners to play a more active role to protect cities against disasters. As part of its "Making Cities Resilient: My City is getting ready!" campaign, UNISDR will encourage more mayors and local governments to join the 100 cities that have already signed up to the global campaign.
   Many cities have been disrupted this year by disasters: earthquakes in Haiti, Chile and New Zealand; floods and heavy rainfalls in Pakistan, Eastern Europe, Mozambique and other parts of Africa; forest fires in Russia; and volcanic eruptions in Indonesia and Iceland. All have caused huge human suffering and economic damage. Cities have never been so at risk. More action is needed to anticipate the negative impacts of such disasters; no city is immune.

• Download more information and ideas about how your city can participate.
• Please send your plans for the International Day for Disaster Reduction to isdr-campaign@un.org. UNISDR will post your plans and experience reports on the website.
   

FEMA Releases New Fusion Center Preparedness Guide (17 Sept 2010) The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency has published the final Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 502: Considerations for Fusion Center and Emergency Operations Center Coordination. The Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 502 (CPG 502) provides state and major urban area fusion center and emergency operations center (EOC) officials with guidance for the coordination between fusion centers and EOCs. It outlines the roles of fusion centers and EOCs and provides steps by which these entities can work together to share information and intelligence on an ongoing basis. CPG 502 supports the implementation of the Baseline Capabilities for State and Major Urban Area Fusion Centers, and, likewise, assists EOCs to fulfill their missions in both steady state and active state emergency operations, as supported by the CPG 601: Design and Management of Emergency Operations Centers (future release). CPG 502 provides guidance on the broad capability requirements of an EOC.

   CPG 502 is intended for public safety leaders, including emergency management and fusion center personnel. The guide recognizes that many jurisdictions across the country have already developed working relationships and sharing protocols and therefore does not establish any immediate requirements. Rather, this guide suggests that future coordination efforts take this guidance into account.

• Download the Guide here, along with FAQs and Fact Sheet.

UK USAR Exercise Completed as Part of EU-Funded Project (11 Sept 2010) Exercise Orion consisted of an exercise held over three days. It commenced with a strategic command post exercise to cover all areas of the scenario. EU operational needs assessment teams were utilised to assess the potential EU response requirements. This was followed by a field exercise that required the intervention of UK and EU USAR Module Teams. An initial evaluation conference was held at the completion of the exercise. The EU’s Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC) dispatched an EU assessment/coordination team on site and the event provided a training opportunity for experts, who have attended the relevant EU training courses. photos | project website | YouTube
 

BP Releases Report on "Deepwater Horizon Containment and Response: Harnessing Capabilities and Lessons Learned" (08 Sept 2010) BP has published a report, "Deepwater Horizon Containment and Response Harnessing Capabilities and Lessons Learned," as a follow-up to discussions with the Bureau of Ocean Contents Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) in order to provide a preliminary outline of some of the important lessons learned in the course of responding to the explosion on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, focusing in particular upon the key equipment, facilities and planning tools that were successfully deployed in responding to this event. The stated purpose of the report is "to assist BOEMRE in assessing the capabilities that are now available to respond to oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico region. The response to the Deepwater Horizon incident has involved many participants and, accordingly, no report of this nature and prepared at this time can be comprehensive."

• Download BP Report Here

Prospective Civil Defence Emergency Management Volunteers in Wellington, New Zealand, Now Required to Complete Mandatory Training to Become Authorised Volunteers (30 Aug 2010) All prospective Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) volunteers in Wellington, New Zealand, are now required to undergo induction training and complete assessment before becoming authorised volunteers. The first class from Wellington's new civil-defence volunteer training course graduated in an Aug. 26 ceremony, in what Mayor Kerry Prendergast noted as an important milestone on the journey to strengthen and reorganise the Capital City's civil defence and disaster response capability. The training has been part of a significant transformation of emergency management in the city following a reorganisation of the City Council's Wellington Emergency Management Office (WEMO) in 2009. Learn more.

National Commission on Children and Disasters Approves Milestone Federal Report Citing Persistent Gaps in Disaster Preparedness as Fifth Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina Approaches (23 Aug 2010) The National Commission on Children and Disasters today approved a report to the U.S. President and Congress that cites persistent gaps in disaster preparedness for children since Hurricane Katrina five years ago. The report calls for the development of a national strategy for children in disasters to ensure children are protected before, during and after an emergency. Among the findings of the report are seriously underfunded federal programs for school disaster preparedness, insufficient coordination among federal, state and local agencies responsible for children and lack of preparedness in the private health care system, including a finding that only six percent of hospital emergency rooms carry essential pediatric equipment.

• Executive Summary of National Commission on Children and Disasters Report (full report available in October 2010)
• National Commission on Children and Disasters Press Release (23 Aug 2010)

FEMA Updates Host-State Evacuation and Sheltering Reimbursement (23 Aug 2010) FEMA has revised its policy, "Host-State Evacuation and Sheltering Reimbursement," to allow FEMA to reimburse for sheltering and evacuation costs incurred outside of the area designated under a Presidential emergency or major disaster declaration, if the costs are otherwise eligible for Public Assistance funding. The change in policy reflects the final rule published in November, 2009 that implemented a change to 44 CFR §206.223(a)(2).

The policy allows for host-states to be directly reimbursed by FEMA for the base salary costs for state and local employees providing assistance as part of the host-state sheltering grant from FEMA. Previously, host-states had to be reimbursed for these straight-time costs via a mutual aid process. The rule applies when a host-state receives direct reimbursement from FEMA through a grant pursuant to FEMA policy.

• FEMA Recovery Policy: Host-State Evacuation and Sheltering Reimbursement
• Frequently Asked Questions about Policy on Host-State Evacuation and Sheltering Reimbursement
    

DHS/FEMA Hosting National Dialogue on Preparedness (06 Aug 2010) DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPT. 10, 2010!

The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Protection and National Preparedness, are hosting a National Dialogue on Preparedness to supplement the mission and recommendations of the Local, State, Tribal, and Federal Preparedness Task Force (“Task Force”). At the direction of Congress, the Task Force—comprised of 35 local, state, and tribal members and 24 Federal ex officio members with diverse expertise in homeland security and emergency management—was formed in April to assess the state of disaster preparedness and make recommendations for improvement throughout the nation.

The Task Force has been working on this mission since April, through face-to-face meetings, teleconferences, and web-based collaboration. In order to supplement and build upon the discussions of the Task Force membership, DHS is opening a dialogue to a broader range of stakeholders—to include individuals from the private sector, non-governmental and volunteer organizations, additional governmental partners across all levels, and the general public. The Department’s broad stakeholder community is encouraged to join the National Dialogue, by submitting feedback and ideas at: http://preparedness.ideascale.com. The National Dialogue on Preparedness Website will be open through Aug. 31, 2010, Sept. 10, 2010, and will allow individuals to propose ideas, vote on popular recommendations, and tag discussion topics. More information on the Task Force is available at: http://www.fema.gov/preparednesstaskforce.

Victoria Bushfires Royal Commission (Australia) Releases Final 2009 Report (02 Aug 2010) The 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission’s three Commissioners presented their final report to the Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser AC, on 31 July 2010. The report was then presented to the Premier and tabled in Parliament, making it available to the public. You can view the report here.

National Flood Emergency Framework for England Released (29 July 2010) The new National Flood Emergency Framework for England, released on July 29, 2010, provides information and planning assumptions to inform and encourage contingency planning in England. It also accounts for flood emergency planning and response in other parts of the United Kingdom, for which the devolved administrations have responsibility. Download document here.
 

Australia: All-Hazards Approach to Disaster Funding (23 July 2010) Attorney-General Robert McClelland has announced that the Australian Government will extend the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) to include terrorist events as well as natural disasters. “This change will ensure that funding arrangements will be implemented without confusion in the event of a terrorist attack, just as they would be for a flood or bushfire,” Mr McClelland said.

The NDRRA are a set of cooperative arrangements under which the Commonwealth assists the States and Territories with disaster relief and recovery costs, after they exceed certain thresholds. Previously, they have applied to bushfires, earthquakes, floods, storms and storm surges, cyclones, landslides, tsunamis, meteor strikes and tornadoes.  Today’s announcement ensures that the NDRRA will be extended to jointly fund recovery assistance in the event of a terrorist incident, using the same thresholds for damage that apply to natural disasters. Learn more.

Five Years After Katrina, Report Reveals 38 U.S. States Unprepared to Protect Children During Disasters (21 July 2010) Almost five years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast and displaced more than 160,000 Louisiana and Mississippi children, a new report reveals that the vast majority of U.S. states are still not fully prepared to protect children in disasters. Fewer than one quarter of all states and the District of Columbia have enacted four basic safeguards to protect kids who are in school or child care during disasters, such as requiring all licensed child care centers to have a plan to reunite children with their families and requiring schools to have a clear written evacuation plan in place. The report is the second disaster preparedness report released by Save the Children’s U.S. Programs. The 2010 year report found that 38 states and the District of Columbia did not meet all four basic standards, and seven states met zero. Only 12 states meet all four standards, including Mississippi and Alabama, which is five more than in the 2009 report. Download the 2010 report here.

New U.S. Federal Web Portal Launched to Provide Information and Resources About BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Response and Recovery at RestoreTheGulf.gov (07 July 2010) National Incident Commander Admmiral Thad Allen on July announced the launch of a new U.S. federal Web portal—RestoreTheGulf.gov—dedicated to providing the American people with clear and accessible information and resources related to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill response and recovery.

   RestoreTheGulf.gov is designed to serve as a one-stop repository for news, data and operational updates related to administration-wide efforts to stop the BP oil leak and mitigate its impact on the environment, the economy and public health—unifying web resources across the administratioon and increasing public access to the latest information.

   The site offers information about the claims and appeals process—as well as other types of assistance availablee from federal, state, local and non-government sources—for individuals, businesses and communities who have been affected by the spill. It will also contain information about plans for the long-term economic and environmental restoration in the Gulf Coast region.

   The web portal maintained by the Unified Area Command's Joint Information Center as a short term incident communication site (www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com) will be phased out over the coming weeks as information there is moved to RestoreTheGulf.gov.
  

U.S. Commercial Service/U.S. Dept. of Commerce to Publish Disaster Reduction Handbook, Offering Opportunities to American Suppliers to Participate (07 July 2010) The U.S. Commercial Service, part of the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, is seeking to assist American disaster reduction technology suppliers to be successful in China. The agency is offering a free ad listing in the biggest disaster related catalogue to ever be distributed in China. The 2010 Disaster Reduction Handbook is being compiled by the U.S. Commercial Service and will list hundreds of disaster related companies who are leaders in this sector. It will be translated into Chinese and distributed to top Chinese Officials and Business Leaders. This is in preparation for the Shanghai International Disaster Reduction and Safety Exhibition that will be held in Shanghai October 13-15 2010.

• Download flyer about the Disaster Reduction Handbook
• Download letter to American suppliers of disaster reduction technology

Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness & Response, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Announces Reorganization (05 July 2010) The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services has announced that the official ASPR organizational structure was approved by the Office of the Secretary. It was published in the Federal Register on June 21, 2010, and will be listed for the next 30 days. ASPR is officially operating under the approved organizational structure effective immediately. The Office of Workforce Development (OWD) will be working with program offices to initiate personnel actions that have been held pending approval of the new organizational structure and will coordinate appropriately with the Department's Office of Human Resources.

Educational Facilities Clearinghouse Grant Competition Announced by U.S. Dept. of Education (21 June 2010) The U.S. Dept. of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools on June 17 announced the release of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Educational Facilities Clearinghouse (clearinghouse) grant competition (CFDA #84.215T). The clearinghouse will support educational facilities through the provision of technical assistance and training to public facilities for nursery and pre-kindergarten, kindergarten through grade 12, and higher education on issues related to educational facility planning, design, financing, construction, improvement, operation, and maintenance. The clearinghouse will also develop resources and assemble best practices on issues related to ensuring safe, healthy, and high-performance public facilities, including procedures for identifying hazards and conducting vulnerability assessments. Eligible applicants for the clearinghouse grant competition include state or local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, or other public or private agencies, organizations, or institutions. The department estimates making one award under this announcement. The application deadline date is July 30, 2010. Additional information on the program may be found in the Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards, published in the Federal Register on June 17, 2010, and the Information and Application Procedures for Fiscal Year 2010. These documents may be downloaded here. If you have any additional questions about this application, please contact Competition Manager Sara Strizzi.

U.S. DHS Secretary Napolitano Announces New Standards for Private Sector Preparedness (15 June 2010) U.S. Department of Homelandd Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano on June 15 announced the adoption of the final standards for the Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program (PS-Prep)—a major milestone in DHS' implementationn of a program recommended by the 9/11 Commission to improve private sector preparedness for disasters and emergencies. "Private organizations across the country—from businesses to universities to non-profit organizations—have a vital role to playy in bolstering our disaster preparedness and response capabilities," said Secretary Napolitano. "These new standards will provide our private sector partners with the tools they need to enhance the readiness and resiliency of our nation."

     PS-Prep is a partnership between DHS and the private sector that enables private entities to receive emergency preparedness certification from a DHS accreditation system created in coordination with the private sector. The standards—developed by the National Firee Protection Association, the British Standards Institution and ASIS International were published for public comment in the Federal Register in October 2009. The adoption of the final standards was published in a Federal Register notice today following a series of regional public meetings and the incorporation of public comments.

     DHS will continue to accept comments on PS-Prep, the three adopted standards, and/or proposals to adopt any other similar standard that satisfies the target criteria of the December 2008 Federal Register notice which announced the program. Comments may be submitted to http://www.regulations.gov or FEMA-POLICY@dhs.gov, in Docket ID FEMA-2008-0017). For more information, visit http://www.fema.gov/privatesectorpreparedness/.

Government of Australia Announces Investment of $3.6 Million for Emergency Preparedness Projects (28 May 2010) Attorney-General Robert McClelland on May 26 announced the Government of Australia will invest $3.6 million to assist Australian communities respond to and recover from natural disasters and emergencies. “This funding will support twenty-two national projects and will improve the resilience of local communities and businesses,” Mr McClelland said. Successful national projects are being supported through the National Emergency Management Program and include, for example, the:

• Fire Detection Trials Evaluation to review the performance of fire detection warning systems;
• Bushfire Arson Investigation Course to assist the investigation of bushfire arson by police and fire-fighting authorities;
• National Tsunami Inundation Modelling to conduct tsunami mapping and risk assessment;
• National Tsunami Community Education Strategy to underpin the development of a comprehensive community education program in relation to tsunamis;
• Emergency Management Volunteer Leadership Training to promote effective leadership within volunteer structures;
  National Emergency Management Volunteer’s Summit which will bring together emergency management volunteers to enhance collaboration and shared learnings; and
• National Guide to Climate Change and Emergency Management to assist the incorporation of climate change and emergency management issues in land use planning.

The projects were recommended by the National Emergency Management Committee (NEMC) comprising senior emergency management officials from each State and Territory. “These initiatives are a product of the strong and cooperative partnerships that exist to enhance disaster resilience in Australia.” Further information in relation to the projects and the National Emergency Management Program can be found at www.ema.gov.au.
  

DHS Releases First-Ever Private Sector Resources Catalog (27 May 2010) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published its first-ever "Private Sector Resources Catalog," to allow its partners to access to the resources they need to help keep the USA secure. Targeted specifically towards the private sector, this document collects the training, publications, guidance, alerts, newsletters, programs, and services available to the private sector across the department. Recognizing the diversity of the available resources as well as the continually evolving work of the department, this catalog will be updated regularly to publicize new resources and to increase private sector awareness. Click here to download the catalog.

     The Private Sector Office (PSO) of DHS coordinates active engagement between DHS and the private sector. PSO is always available to provide assistance or address comments, questions, issues and concerns and can be reached at private.sector@dhs.gov or (202) 282-8484. Sign up for PSO weekly updates here.

Updates to CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) Training Materials (26 May 2010) For direct updates on the CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) program, go to the national CERT website (www.citizencorps.gov/cert) and click link in upper right corner of home page for "GovDelivery." This is a set of listservs to which individuals can subscribe to receive alerts/updates from a wide range of government programs. Both CERT and Citizen Corps are there, and subscribing is easy (just takes e-mail to which alerts should be sent and one's zip code). Citizen Corps subscribed everyone in the national CERT registry but, of course, so many of the records there haven't been updated and the contacts for local programs are no longer current. And it would be great if everyone subscribed to CERT at GovDelivery, even if they're conscientious about keeping their contact information updated in the CERT registry.
   Those signed up in GovDelivery would have by now received alerts about new materials on the CERT website, e.g., five new training videos, quarterly national newsletter, "CERT in Action" stories posted every 6-8 weeks, an updated IS317, Introduction to CERT course. And two new supplemental training modules (CERT Animal Response I and CERT Animal Response II are in concurrence and will hopefully be posted to the website in the very near future. Anyone who's subscribed to CERT at GovDelivery will get the announcement soonest.

     The contact for additional information for the CERT program is Rachel Jacky, Director, National CERT Program, Individual and Community Preparedness Division, FEMA at 202-7856-9543. Visit the national CERT website at www.citizencorps.gov/cert.

Deepwater Horizon Joint Information Center, NOAA, National Park Service, and U.S. Coast Guard Offer Latest News and Resources Regarding BP Oil Spill (17 May 2010)

• To contact the Deepwater Horizon Joint Information Center, call (985) 902-5231.
• To volunteer, or to report oiled shoreline, call (866) 448-5816. Volunteer opportunities can also be found here.
• To submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system, or to submit alternative response technology, services, or products, call 281-366-5511.
• To report oiled wildlife, call (866) 557-1401. Messages will be checked hourly.
• For information about validated environmental air and water sampling results, visit www.epa.gov/bpspill.
• For more information on NOAA’s response, visit http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/faq_catalog.php
• For National Park Service updates about potential park closures, resources at risk, and NPS actions to protect vital park space and wildlife, visit http://www.nps.gov/aboutus/oil-spill-response.htm.
• To file a claim, or report spill-related damage, call BP’s helpline at (800) 440-0858. Fact sheets with additional information are available here. For those who have already pursued the BP claims process and are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, can call the Coast Guard at (800) 280-7118. More information about what types of damages are eligible for compensation under the Oil Pollution Act as well as guidance on procedures to seek that compensation can be found here.

U.S. and Australia Sign Landmark Emergency Management Coordination Agreement (30 Apr 2010) U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Australian Attorney-General Robert McClelland on Apr. 28 signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen emergency management cooperation in response to major storms and other disasters of all kinds. DHS press release

FEMA Publishes Recovery Fact Sheet on Permanent Relocation (20 Apr 2010) The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has published "Recovery Fact Sheet RP 9580.102: Permanent Relocation." The fact sheet provides guidance of eligibility for the permanent relocation of a disaster damaged facility under the provisions of FEMA’s Public Assistance Program. Download the fact sheet here.

FEMA Announces National Citizen Corps Achievement Awards (12 Apr 2010) The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is pleased to announce the 2010 National Citizen Corps Achievement Awards—Celebrating Resillient Communities. These awards will recognize innovative practices and achievements of Citizen Corps Councils across the nation that are making our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to manage any emergency situation.

Winning Citizen Corps Councils will exemplify excellence in community emergency planning, foster successful public-private partnerships, prioritize collaboration, demonstrate creative and innovative local problem solving, and implement sound programs that can be modeled for use by other communities. All submissions should feature programs that took place during the period of Jan. 1, 2009–May 17, 2010. Councils will be recognized in the following categories:

• Outstanding State Citizen Corps Initiatives Award
• Outstanding Citizen Corps Council Award
• Collaborative Preparedness Planning Award
• Preparing the Public Award
• Preparing Community Organizations Award
• Volunteer Integration Award

Two representatives from the winning Council in each award category will be FEMA's honored guests at a meeting in Washington, D.C. as part of National Preparedness Month. Awardees will also participate in a community preparedness roundtable discussion to share ideas and solutions regarding challenges in community preparedness with other award winning Councils, FEMA leadership, and Citizen Corps partners. FEMA will also work with each award recipient to develop a case study to be posted on the Citizen Corps website (www.citizencorps.gov), featured in outreach activities and webinars, and shared with other Councils nationwide. To be eligible for consideration, entries must be received by May 17, 2010, midnight E.D.T. Get complete instructions on how to submit your application here.

National Weather Service Announces That Legacy EMWIN Equipment Must Be Upgraded to Continue Receiving GOES East EMWIN (29 Mar 2010) The National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service recently set the date for GOES 13 to replace GOES 12 (East) as on or about April 26, 2010. Transition to the new GOES series and resultant EMWIN-N improvements has been years in the planning as the many references in the National Weather Service (NWS) Aware Reports have indicated.

• The main EMWIN web page and the EMWIN-N Transition web page has been updated with additional transition and equipment vendor information.
• The EMWIN GOES East Transition flyer PDF, that describes the transition, is available for download here.
• If you have additional questions, please email:
  emwin.system@noaa.gov
      

Government of Canada announces the Federal Emergency Response Plan (19 Mar 2010) The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, accompanied by Daniel Petit, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice, has announced the release of the Federal Emergency Response Plan (FERP). “The Federal Emergency Response Plan will help ensure the Government of Canada’s response to an emergency is seamless, and that key decisions can be made quickly when disasters strike,” said Minister Toews. “Canadians can be assured that we have the right plan and the right decision-making structures in place in the event of an emergency. “

"The plan is designed to coordinate the federal emergency response effort with those of the provincial and territorial governments as well as the private sector and non-governmental organizations. Our goal is to ensure the protection and safety of Canadians,” added Mr. Petit.

This year Canada has hosted the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, and will host the G8 and G20 meetings and the North American Leaders’ Summit. Canadians and visitors to Canada can be confident that the Government of Canada is ready to collaborate effectively with its partners to respond to any emergency.

The Federal Emergency Response Plan was developed by Public Safety Canada in consultation with other federal departments. It has been formally approved by the Government of Canada along with the Federal Policy for Emergency Management, which outlines Canada’s emergency management policy and provides a framework for emergency management at the federal level. This policy details the emergency management roles and responsibilities of federal institutions derived from existing legislative authorities.

• Download Federal Emergency Response Plan (FERP)

FCC Launches New Web Page on Broadband and Public Safety and Homeland Security (03/18/10) The FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau today launched a new web page, "Broadband and Public Safety and Homeland Security," to better ensure that the public safety community, the general public, government agencies and communications providers have access to the latest news and information on the FCC's efforts to implement the National Broadband Plan for public safety. The implementation of the plan will include initiatives to bring interoperable communications to America's first responders through the creation of a nationwide wireless broadband network and new cyber security reporting and monitoring programs; as well as Next Generation 9-1-1 services; emergency alerts and warnings through a variety of outlets (including via television and radio broadcasts (Emergency Alert System), wireless hand-held devices, such as cell phones and the Internet) and much more. The web page includes access to the latest press releases, public notices, field hearings, and presentations. learn more

NOAA Provides New Tools During 2010 National Flood Awareness Week: Mar. 15-19, 2010 (15 Mar 2010) Spring forward with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) during the National Flood Awareness Week beginning Mar. 15-19, 2010. NOAA will provide news and information regarding the 2010 US Spring flood predictions; flood awareness information; and tips for you to protect your family, home and business during the upcoming flood season. Here are some new tools to help better prepare for floods:

• Interactive Flood History Map - a new, interactive mapping tool lets you see flood history from all across the USA, right down to the county level, with data regarding past floods and their causes. As you will see based on information from NOAA/National Weather Service, floods can and do affect nearly every place in the United States.
• Flood Map Update Schedule - a risk map update schedule shows, by zip code, when your flood map was last updated, when it will become effective, etc.
• View and share flood tips and useful information from the following web sites:
  • NOAA Flood Awareness Week
  • FEMA Map Service Center - view and/or purchase a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for your community. They can also (at no cost), create a FIRMette, (smaller map of their exact location) in 3 simple steps.
  • Ready Campaign Flood Preparedness
  • Business Continuity Planning
  • FEMA Private Sector Weekly Flood Tips
    

U.S. Federal Student Aid Loan Forgiveness Program for Public Service Employees Retires Student Loan Debt for Emergency Managers Who Spend 10 Years in the Field (24 Feb 2010)

UK Government Seeks Consultation on a Draft Document Aimed to Help Those Responsible for the Provision of Humanitarian Assistance in the Event of a Major Incident (17 Feb 2010) The UK government has requested feedback on a draft humanitarian assistance strategic guidance document. The guidance was developed with the input of a working group which included stakeholder representatives. The draft document builds upon the guidance issued in 2008, "Humanitarian Assistance in Emergencies – Non-statutory guidance on establishing Humanitarian Assistance Centres," and provides a steer on some issues that were not previously covered, e.g. medium and longer term care and exit strategy. It also outlines a strategic capability building process that can be followed to ensure that HA is built and integrated into other emergency response and planning activities. The draft document and consultation question forms are available online, and comments are requested by May 14, 2010. complete details here

North Dakota State University Accepting Nominations for the Dr. B. Wayne Blanchard Award for Academic Excellence in Emergency Management Higher Education (15 Feb 2010) To honor the contributions and spirit of excellence cultivated by Dr. B. Wayne Blanchard in emergency management higher education, North Dakota State University (NDSU) seeks nominations for an award it has created in his name to honor like contributions in the emergency management higher education community. The Dr. B. Wayne Blanchard Award for Academic Excellence in Emergency Management Higher Education will annually honor the contributions of one esteemed member of the emergency management higher education community who has advanced emergency management higher education through his or her efforts. NDSU is proud to support this award and looks forward to it serving as a vehicle by which the higher education community can recognize excellence within its own ranks.

    Nominations can be submitted on behalf of oneself or others.  Nominations should be presented in a one page narrative that summarizes the contributions made to emergency management higher education by the nominated individual. If pertinent and available, the CV of the nominee may also be presented with the nomination. Nominations will be accepted via email from Feb. 12, 2010 - Mar. 5, 2010. Nominations should be emailed to carol.cwiak@ndsu.edu. A receipt confirmation email will be sent upon receipt of nominations.  Due to the international composition of the Award Committee, only email submissions will be considered.
    The members of the Award Committee will review the nominations and notify the recipient on or before Apr. 1, 2010. The recipient will be presented a plaque commemorating the award at the Higher Education Conference in June (if recipient is unable to attend the conference the plaque will be mailed) and will have their photograph and biography featured on the Dr. B. Wayne Blanchard Award for Academic Excellence in Emergency Management Higher Education web page (please note this page is currently being changed over to a new web format and is temporarily not fully available). For questions about the award, contact Carol Cwiak at NDSU at carol.cwiak@ndsu.edu or (701)231-5847.

European 112 Day on Feb. 11 Promotes Public Awareness of the Emergency Number 112, Common to All European Union Countries (11 Feb 2010) The European 112 Day is celebrated every year on 11 February. This year will mark the second edition and, on this occasion, European and national authorities organise events to promote the knowledge and good use of 112 to citizens. The emergency number 112 is common to all 27 countries of the European Union and is used to contact emergency services free of charge.

     EENA, the European Emergency Number Association, was set up in 1999 as a non-profit association registered in Belgium to serve as a neutral discussion platform for emergency services, industry and informed citizens with the aim of getting efficient, interoperable and harmonised emergency telecommunications in accordance with citizens' requirements. EENA has been advocating to authorities the issues related to the 112, as there are more and more EU citizens travelling for business or leisure. EENA is also promoting the establishment of a general, pan-European, multilingual, simplified and efficient system for alerting citizens about imminent or developing emergencies.

Center for Biosecurity, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Publishes Report on "The Next Challenge in Healthcare Preparedness: Catastrophic Health Events" (11 Feb 2010) The Center for Biosecurity, an independent, nonprofit organization of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), in January published a report on "The Next Challenge in Healthcare Preparedness: Catastrophic Health Events." The U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services contracted with the Center to conduct a two-year assessment of the HHS Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP), from the time of its establishment in 2002 through mid-2007, and to develop recommendations for improving and evaluating future hospital preparedness efforts. This document, " The Next Challenge in Healthcare Preparedness: Catastrophic Health Events," is the third major deliverable of this project.

     The report, which can be downloaded here, identifies the major challenges that need to be addressed, including:

• Many hospitals and other healthcare organizations do not yet participate in fully functional healthcare coalitions, which are necessary to catatrophic health events (CHE) response.
• Most existing coalitions do not yet have the ability to share information, resources, and decision making with neighboring coalitions during a CHE.
• There are inadequate systems to perform the necessary triage, immediate treatment, and transport of patients outside of the immediate area stricken by a CHE.
• Existing plans and resources for patient transport are grossly inadequate for moving the expected numbers of patients.
• There is not enough guidance on the crisis standards of care that will be necessary throughout all stages of a CHE.
• There is no plan that sufficiently outlines healthcare roles, responsibilities, and actions during the
  response to a CHE.

     The report states: "While the recommendations made in this report are feasible, many of them will take time to accomplish. Concrete progress toward the goal of CHE preparedness can be achieved through the series of actions outlined in this report, but will require sustained effort at the federal, state, and community levels for a number of years, and funding sufficient to make it possible.

Gender & Disaster Network and Natural Hazards Center Accepting Nominations for Mary Fran Myers Award (03 Feb 2010)

Deadline for nominations: Apr. 15, 2010 | Complete details here

     The Gender and Disaster Network and the Natural Hazards Center invite nominations of those who should be recognized for their efforts to advance gender-sensitive policy, practice, or research in the areas of disaster risk reduction. Established in 2002, the Mary Fran Myers Award recognizes that vulnerability to disasters and mass emergencies is influenced by social, cultural, and economic structures that marginalize women and girls, and may also expose boys and men to harm. The award was so named to recognize Myers’ sustained efforts as Co-Director of the Natural Hazards Center to launch a worldwide network promoting women’s opportunities in disaster-related professions and supporting research on gender issues, disasters, emergency management, and higher education.

     The intent of this award is to recognize women and men whose advocacy, research, or management efforts have had a lasting, positive impact on reducing disaster vulnerability. All those whose work has added to the body of knowledge on gender and disasters, is significant for gender-theory or practice, or has furthered opportunities for women to succeed in the field are eligible.

     The Selection Committee is especially interested in soliciting nominations from outside the United States and strives to enable award recipients with high travel costs to attend the Natural Hazards Center workshop in Colorado. 

U.S. Dept. of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools Accepting Applications for FY 2010 Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Grants (12 Jan 2010) The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools has recently released the Fiscal Year 2010 Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) grant application. The REMS program provides funds to local educational agencies (LEAs, which are typically public school districts) to establish an emergency management process that focuses on reviewing and strengthening emergency management plans, within the framework of the four phases of emergency management (prevention-mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery). 
     The program also provides resources to LEAs to provide training for staff on emergency management procedures and requires that LEAs develop comprehensive all-hazards emergency management plans in collaboration with community partners, including local law enforcement; public safety, public health, and mental health agencies; and local government. The REMS grant is a competitive grant program.

     Emergency managers can assist LEAs in their area by alerting them to this resource and sharing your expertise with them in developing their applications. The REMS grant application package may be accessed here. The application submission deadline is February 26, 2010. Funds may be requested for up to 24 months.

     The estimated average size of the awards are as follows: $150,000 for a small-size LEA (1-20 education facilities), $300,000 for a medium-size LEA (21-75 education facilities), and $600,000 for a large-size LEA (76 or more education facilities). For additional information, please contact the REMS Competition Manager, Sara Strizzi, via email at sara.strizzi@ed.gov or via telephone at (303) 346-0924.

FEMA and Commonwealth of Virginia Announce Jan. 8 Deadline for Applications for November Storm Assistance (05 Jan 2010)

U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency and Commonwealth of Virginia disaster officials announced that local governments, which qualify for federal funding due to damage sustained from the November nor’easter / the remnants of Tropical Depression Ida, have until January 8, 2010, to submit their applications for federal public assistance / infrastructure repair funding. These funds help qualifying local jurisdictions repair roads, bridges and other public property damaged in the severe storms and flooding. “To be considered for infrastructure repair funds, we must receive your application by the January 8th deadline,” said State Coordinator Michael Cline of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). This date, which is 30 days after the December 9th Presidential disaster declaration, is very important in the funding process and local officials are strongly encouraged to meet this deadline. details here

National Health Service in England Pilots 111 Service to Reduce Paramedic and Ambulance Calls (18 Dec 2009) The English National Health Service's pilot of a new free three-digit number – 111 - making it easier for patients to access non-emergency healthcare wherever they are, 24 hours a day, was given the go-ahead by Telecoms regulator Ofcom today. The new 111 service will effectively assess callers’ needs to ensure they receive the right service, first time. It will route patients to a locally available service or provide appropriate advice and information. When someone calls 111, they will be assessed straight away. If it is an emergency, their call will be immediately passed to the ambulance service who will despatch an ambulance without the need for any further assessment. For minor illnesses and injuries, the 111 service will be able to provide immediate clinical advice. Should the caller need to see a general practitioner, they will be referred to the nearest local centre. The 111 service will be piloted by the local NHS in England in the North East, the East of England and the East Midlands in 2010 to evaluate the benefits to the public and the NHS, before potentially rolling it out nationally. Learn more.

IAEM-USA Members Asked to Comment on FEMA's Revised NIMS ICS Forms Booklet (18 Dec 2009) The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is requesting public comments on revisions to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) Forms Booklet, FEMA 502-2. The ICS Forms Booklet was developed to assist emergency response personnel in the use of ICS and corresponding documentation during incident operations. Please send comments to John Walsh at john.walsh@vanderbilt.edu, no later than Jan. 11, 2010.

• Federal Register Notice (17 Dec 2009)
• Download forms (PDF) for review.

DHS Launches Virtual USA Information Sharing Initiative (09 Dec 2009) U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today officially launched Virtual USA, an innovative information-sharing initiative, developed in collaboration with thee emergency response community and state and local governments across the nation, that helps federal, state, local and tribal first responders communicate during emergencies.  The announcement came as part of the White House Open Government Initiative. Virtual USA links disparate tools and technologies in order to share the location and status of critical assets and information - such as power and water lines, flood detectors, helicopter-capable landing sites, emergency vehicle and ambulance locations, weather and traffic conditions, evacuation routes, and school and government building floor plans - across federal, state, local and tribal governments.  

• DHS News Release
• Overview of Virtual USA Initiative

FEMA Encourages Americans to "Resolve to Be Ready" with a Toolkit of Resources for 2010 (08 Dec 2009) As the New Year approaches, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Ready Campaign is once again reminding Americans to "Resolve to be Ready in 2010." The 2010 toolkit is intended to help organizations develop internal and external messages to encourage their members, employees, constituents, customers and community to make a New Year's resolution to prepare for emergencies. There are Web banners for your organization's Web site, a sample email, and a newsletter for sharing with key constituents. Ready 2010 Toolkit available here

FEMA Releases Updated Policy and FAQ on Guidelines for Requesting Assistance Under the Stafford Act During a Pandemic Influenza Outbreak (01 Dec 2009) On Oct. 27, the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released a fact sheet that shared FEMA guidelines for requesting assistance under the Stafford Act during a pandemic influenza outbreak. These guidelines will assist States in assessing impacts and evaluating the need for Federal assistance. To ensure consistency, FEMA on Dec. 1 has released an update of the policy and FAQs related to the fact sheet. The policy outlines the four primary evaluation criteria and factors to be used in granting a declaration, including:

• Whether the State has directed execution of its State Emergency Plan;
• Whether the requesting State has demonstrated that the incidence of influenza is, at a minimum, significantly higher than the State's seasonal average;
• Whether the State can demonstrate that effective response to the pandemic event is beyond the capability of the State and affected local governments; and
• Whether the State has identified specific direct federal assistance that is required to save lives, protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a disaster.

The President continues to reserve the right to approve all requests and agree or disagree with recommendations made for disaster declarations. Other federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), also have authority to provide assistance to support jurisdictions during pandemic events.  If an emergency declaration is declared, FEMA cannot duplicate assistance provided under the authority of another federal agency.

• FEMA Disaster Assistance Policy 9523.17, "Emergency Assistance for Human Influenza Pandemic
• FEMA Disaster Assistance Fact Sheet 9580.105, "H1N1 Influenza: Frequently Asked Questions"
• FEMA Disaster Assistance Fact Sheet 9580.106, "Pandemic Influenza"
    

FEMA Announces Final Rule on Assistance to Evacuee Host States (20 Nov 2009) The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced a final rule enabling host states that shelter residents evacuated from presidentially declared disaster areas to receive reimbursements from FEMA more quickly and efficiently. The rule takes effect December 21, 2009. FEMA provides financial assistance to Tribal, State and local governments, as well as certain private non-profit organizations, for response and recovery activities required as a result of a presidentially-declared major disaster or emergency. Assistance may include reimbursement for sheltering and evacuation costs incurred to assist individuals displaced by a declared major disaster or emergency.

• Read DHS news release.
• Download the final rule on assistance to evacuee host states.

This rule finalizes the July 2006 interim rule which amended FEMA’s Public Assistance eligibility regulations to:

• Allow grantees to seek reimbursement for sheltering and evacuation costs incurred outside of the area designated under a presidential emergency or major disaster declaration, if such costs are otherwise eligible for FEMA Public Assistance. 
• Further clarifies regulations and procedures implemented under the interim rule - including making key language more consistent and precise, better defining which entities are eligible for the reimbursement and addressing the responsibility of the non-federal cost-share portion of assistance.
• Allows for host-states to be directly reimbursed by FEMA for the base salary costs for state and local employees providing assistance as part of the host-state sheltering grant from FEMA.  This applies when a host-state receives direct reimbursement from FEMA through a grant, pursuant to FEMA policy.  Establishes the terms “impact-State” and “host-State” to differentiate between the State for which the President has issued a declaration and that requests evacuation and/or sheltering assistance, and the State (or Tribe) that provides the sheltering and/or evacuation assistance, respectively.

DHS Meets with Private Sector Critical Infrastructure Leaders, Launches New Web Site with Critical Infrastructure Resource Center (18 Nov 2009) U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano on Nov. 17 hosted the first in a series of roundtable meetings with private sector leaders to discuss critical infrastructure security and unveiled a new Web site designed to inform the public about the Department's critical infrastructure protection, readiness and resiliency efforts—part of her increased effort to heighten awarenness about the importance of protecting America's vital assets, systems and networks over the coming weeks.

     Secretary Napolitano also unveiled a new Web site—www.dhs.gov/criticalinfrastructure—designed to provide stakeholders and the public with easily accessible information about their role in safeguarding critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR). The website features a link to the new CIKR Resource Center, which includes information about how to sign up for free Web-based seminars on the tools, trends, issues, and best practices for infrastructure protection and resilience; resources concerning potential vulnerabilities for chemical facilities; and details about the National Response Framework, which outlines guidance for all response partners to prepare for and provide a unified response to disasters and emergencies.

FEMA Publishes Snow Assistance and Severe Winter Storm Policy (02 Nov 2009) FEMA released its final Snow Assistance and Severe Winter Storm Policy effective Nov. 2, 2009. Download policy here.

• Under the policy, snowstorm events will be evaluated by FEMA using the indicators identified in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended, for major disaster declarations. FEMA uses these indicators to make recommendations to the President, but it does not bind the ability of the President, in his discretion, to declare emergencies or major disasters. 
• The policy maintains the present criteria that a county experience a record, or near record, snowfall, but updates the methodology used by FEMA to determine whether a snowfall qualifies as a record or near record snowfall. Under the policy, FEMA will compare the highest National Climatic Data Center historical record in a county (rather than the lowest as currently used) to the National Weather Service (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 final revision made to the policy requires states to submit an estimate of eligible Public Assistance costs, including snow assistance costs for a 48 hour period that meet or exceed the county and statewide per capita cost threshold.  Although this requirement is new to FEMA’s Snow Assistance and Severe Winter Storm Policy, an estimate of damages is a normal requirement for all states requesting a major disaster declaration.

IAEM-USA Member Comments Are Sought Regarding the DHS Intent to Adopt the NFPA 1600 Standard for the Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program (29 Oct 2009) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling for comments on the standards to be used for the National Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program (PS Prep). This program will accredit certifiers of private sector organizations’ preparedness plans in an effort to increase readiness of the private sector to face emergencies.

     DHS’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has selected three standards, including NFPA 1600, from among 25 submitted for use as the basis for certifying  private sector preparedness plans under this program. See the recent NFPA press release with information on the PS Prep Web site (which links to the  Federal Register notice), and the comment form on regulations.gov. The deadline for comments is November 11, 2009. IAEM-USA members are asked to send their comments via email to Angela Jackson, IAEM Program Manager, jackson@iaem.com.
  

HUD and DHS Launch Interagency Web site to Solicit Public Comments on Disaster Recovery Issues (28 Oct 2009) Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan and Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the launch of DisasterRecoveryWorkingGroup.gov — a new interagency Web site that will allow federal disaster recovery officials to solicit public comments from state, local and tribal partners and the public.

The new website will be used by the federal government's newly-formed Long Term Disaster Recovery Working Group, co-chaired by Secretary Donovan and Secretary Napolitano, to allow stakeholders to submit ideas for disaster recovery; articulate objectives for recovery assistance going forward; identify examples of best practices; raise challenges and obstacles to success; and share thoughts, experiences and lessons learned.

HHS and DHS to Hold Series of Conference Calls to Review the "H1N1 Flu: Guide for Community and Faith-Based Organizations (27 Oct 2009) As the lead for strategic external communication to faith-based and community groups, the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS) Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (HHS Partnership Center) and the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives are collaborating to vigorously engage and inform community and faith-based organizations involved in state and local response efforts to the 2009 H1N1 Influenza on what resources are available concerning H1N1 flu.

     An invitation was issued to the first of a series of conference calls to review the "H1N1 Flu: Guide for Community and Faith-Based Organizations." The guide was developed by the HHS Partnership Center, in collaboration with the CDC, in an effort to engage C/FBOs in responding to 2009 H1N1 flu. The series of calls will cover the H1N1 flu guide in detail to address key issues regarding flu prevention and response. The calls also provide an opportunity to hear from you about the best practices and the challenges in your communities regarding the prevention and spread of H1N1 flu.

     Information to access the first conference call:

• First Call: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, 1:30-2:30 p.m. EDT.
• Dial-In Information:
  Toll Free: 1-800-320-4330  
  Passcode: 661034
  Access Lines: 140

     The DHS CFBCI and the HHS Partnership Center will keep an open and dynamic channel of communication throughout the response effort. Following the completion of the call, we will send a summary of key questions to all participants. If you are not part of the HHS Partnerships Center listerv, you can join it at www.hhs.gov/partnership.

FEMA Issues Guidelines for Requesting Assistance under the Stafford Act During a Pandemic Influenza Outbreak (27 Oct 2009) The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency has released Disaster Information Fact Sheet 9580.106 on Pandemic Influenza, which provides guidelines for requesting assistance under the Stafford Act duirng a pandemic influenza outbreak. Download Fact Sheet.

     These guidelines will assist States in assessing impacts and evaluating the need for Federal assistance. As with all declaration requests, FEMA utilizes a variety of evaluation criteria and factors. There are four primary evaluation criteria:

• Whether the State has directed execution of its State Emergency Plan;
• Whether the requesting State has demonstrated that the incidence of influenza is, at a minimum, significantly higher than the State's seasonal average;
• Whether the State can demonstrate that effective response to the pandemic event is beyond the capability of the State and affected local governments; and
• Whether the State has identified specific direct federal assistance that is required to save lives, protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a disaster.

     The President continues to reserve the right to approve all requests and agree or disagree with recommendations made for disaster declarations. Other federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), also have authority to provide assistance to support jurisdictions during pandemic events. If an emergency declaration is declared, FEMA cannot duplicate assistance provided under the authority of another federal agency.

Additional H1N1 Information Shared by DHS Intergovernmental Affairs Division:

• H1N1 Authorities Matrix
• Interplay between H1N1 Emergency Declarations
• DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano’s testimony from Oct. 21 U.S. Senate Homeland Security Hearing on "H1N1 Flu: Monitoring the Nation's Response"
• Oct. 27 testimony from DHS Officials before the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee on “Real-Time Assessment of the Federal Response to Pandemic Influenza”

The Infrastructure Security Partnership Is Accepting Applications for its 3rd Annual Award for Distinguished Leadership in Critical Infrastructure Resilience (27 Oct 2009) The TISP Annual Award for Distinguished Leadership in Critical Infrastructure Resilience recognizes the exceptional leadership of an individual who has made a significant and lasting contribution to critical infrastructure resilience. Two awards are presented each year, one for outstanding contributions in the public sector and one in private industry. The application deadline is Nov. 2, 2009. Complete details can be found here.
 

First Meeting of U.S.- Canada Consultative Group for Emergency Management Cooperation (24 Oct 2009) On Oct. 20, in Ottawa, the United States and Canada held the first meeting of the Consultative Group established under the U.S.-Canada Agreement on Emergency Management Cooperation. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Arif Alikhan and State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta Jacobson led the U.S. delegation; the Canadian delegation was chaired by Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Assistant Deputy Minister Blair James and Public Safety Assistant Deputy Minister Lynda Clairmont.
     The Consultative Group has confirmed its terms of reference and established four working groups, on federal-to-federal assistance, joint training and exercises, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure. The new agreement was signed on Dec. 12, 2008, and entered into force on July 7, 2009. The agreement provides the framework for the United States and Canada to cooperate in planning for and responding to natural and man-made incidents, emergencies, and disasters.
     This first meeting of the Consultative Group and the formation of working groups is a positive step in U.S.-Canada efforts to improve emergency management cooperation and coordination. It is also another visible sign of the continuing and vibrant tradition of collaboration, communication, and partnership between the United States and Canada.

National Commission on Children and Disasters Publishes Interim Report (14 Oct 2009) The National Commission on Children and Disasters has released its Interim Report, which summarizes its work over the past 12 months. The recommendations contained in this Interim Report fall within the following categories: 1) Disaster Management and Recovery; 2) Mental Health; 3) Child Physical Health and Trauma; 4) Emergency Medical Services and Pediatric Transport; 5) Disaster Case Management; 6) Child Care; 7) Elementary and Secondary Education; 8) Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice; 9) Sheltering Standards, Services and Supplies; 10) Housing; and 11) Evacuation.

     In the executive summary, the Commission states, "Repeatedly, we have been told that yes, children should and must be a priority. However, much more needs to be done to bring about a sweeping change in disaster planning and management culture that currently favors able-bodied adults with better means to survive and fully recover from disasters. This Interim Report is a prelude to a more extensive body of work that will be presented in the Commission’s Final Report, due in October 2010. Over the next twelve months, we will dedicate our energies to closely monitoring the implementation of recommendations contained in the Interim Report and other initiatives, while simultaneously focusing our research more intensively on program evaluation, best practices, the examination of emerging
issues and development of clear, actionable recommendations."

• Download Interim Report of National Commission on Children and Disasters
    

Eighteen Countries in Indian Ocean Taking Part in Exercise to Evaluate Tsunami Early Warning Systems (14 Oct 2009) Eighteen countries in the Indian Ocean are taking part in an exercise to evaluate the response of the region's tsunami early warning systems. The test will simulate the earthquake that struck off the northwest coast of Sumatra in 2004, t hat killed a quarter of a million people, over half of them in the Indonesian province of Aceh. The international tsunami drill is being held on World Disaster Reduction Day. In Aceh, the memories of the destructive tsunami of 2004 are still fresh in people's minds.

Newly built hotels and homes are a reminder of the devastation that took place when the 9.2-magnitude earthquake created a huge wave that crashed on to the shores of Aceh, travelling inland, destroying everything in its wake. Learn more.

UN to Hold Live Video Broadcast, Among Other Global Events, to Mark 2009 International Day for Disaster Reduction (14 Oct 2009) The international emergency management Community is invited to participate in the Oct. 14, 2009 International Day for Disaster Reduction with various events for emergency services professional around the world about their mutual interests in improving responses and citizen preparation for major disasters. Recent major disasters throughout the world show that a disaster can strike anywhere at any time. In other words, disaster reduction is truly an indiscriminately global challenge.

     The 14th of October is designated by the United Nations as the day of International Disaster Reduction, and you are invited to join in discussing the following key questions:

1. Who is responsible for being prepared in the event of a disaster?
2. How can the response to a disaster be better managed and the detrimental effects reduced?
3. What action would have the greatest impact on overall disaster reduction?

     The aim of this worldwide effort is to stimulate community and citizen awareness, participation, commitment and action toward taking their own responsibility in being prepared to respond to disasters. "Citizens must not be solely dependent upon the assistance of emergency management (emergency services) personnel,” said Eddy
Andrews of the Foundation of Public Safety Professionals. “We will be promoting the widespread use of the 303 Plan, which helps individual
community members develop a personal and family plan for their own disaster preparedness,” Eddy Andrews added.
     Free information and a guideline for plan preparation is available worldwide at http://www.the303plan.com.

President Obama Announces Intent to Nominate Elizabeth Harman as Assistant Administrator of FEMA for Grants Programs (13 Oct 2009) Elizabeth M. Harman, a former fire fighter and paramedic in Fairfax City, Virginia, is the director of the Hazardous Materials and Weapons of Mass Destruction Training Department at the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). She began working at the IAFF in 2004. In 2005 she became director of the Hazardous Materials and Weapons of Mass Destruction Training Department, managing millions of federal funds to support the largest HazMat/WMD training program of fire fighters in the U.S. Ms. Harman also has served the emergency management community with administration, exercise and evaluation, and teaching at various institutions, including Northwestern State University, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Maryland Emergency Management Agency, the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute at the University of Maryland and George Washington University. She holds an MS in Emergency Health Services from the University of Maryland and an MBA from California Pacific University.

DHS Announces October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month (13 Oct 2009) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security marks the continuation of October being named as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, to encourage public awareness of cyber risks and how individuals and businesses can protect themselves. These basic tips were offered to help families and workplaces secure valuable online and computer resources. 

• Subscribe to the National Cyber Alert System from the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team at www.us-cert.gov.
• Make sure that your anti-virus software and firewalls are up-to-date.
• Back up key files on a removable disc, and store in a safe place.
• Practice safe surfing. The Association for Library Services for Kids offers a list of hundreds of great age and content-appropriate websites for children.

NTSB Offering Three-Day Course to Emergency Responders to Transportation Accidents (09 Oct 2009) The National Transportation Safety Board is offering a three-day course, "Transportation Disaster Response - A Course for Emergency Responders," at the NTSB Training

Center in Ashburn, Virginia (near Washington, DC) on Nov. 17-19, 2009.  The course is being facilitated with the full participation of the New Jersey State Police. This course is designed specifically for local, county, state and federal emergency responders, planners and

managers as well as members of organizations and agencies

with accident response roles. Download complete details here.

FEMA Continues Response and Recovery Efforts in the Pacific (05 Oct 2009) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is into its sixth day of response and federal support to American Samoa. FEMA and federal teams, through the Federal Coordinating Officer, continue to work closely with American Samoan Governor Togiola Tulafono and Delegate Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, to provide response in areas of American Samoa impacted by Tuesday's tsunami. "In addition to our efforts in support of the Governor of American Samoa, we recognize the significant impact of current disasters in other Pacific regions, including Indonesia, the Philippines and Taiwan," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "We continue to work closely with the Governor to meet his priorities as additional federal support flows into American Samoa. While FEMA and our federal partners continue to provide resources, we know that many Americans want to help as well, we encourage them to do so by visiting one of our many partner organizations, such as the American Red Cross."

• FEMA News Release
• FEMA Fact Sheet: Family Reunification Services and Charitable Donations for American Samoa Relief Effort

FEMA Releases Disaster Assistance Fact Sheet 9580.08 Eligible Sand Replacement on Public Beaches (04 Oct 2009) The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has published its Disaster Assistance Fact Sheet 9580.08 Eligible Sand Replacement on Public Beaches. Download here.

EU Community Civil Protection Mechanism Welcomes New Member (04 Oct 2009) Croatia has joined the European Community Civil Protection Mechanism as the 31st participating state. As a participating state, it will have access to the Community Emergency Communication and Information System (CECIS) to see requests and offers of assistance in real time. In addition, Croatia can avail itself of transport pooling and co-financing. The Community Mechanism works closely with other EU membership candidate countries. The participation of candidate countries in the Community programmes is an important element of their pre-accession strategy. Learn more.

EU FloodEx 2009 Begins (28 Sept 2009) Millions of people who live in low-lying coastal areas of the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Belgium and the UK are at risk from a severe storm surge. A major exercise is under way in the Netherlands in which British specialist rescue teams, as well as those from other European countries, are simulating what might happen in the event of a major North Sea flood.

Learn more: EU FloodEx 2009 Web Site | BBC news article

Help NOAA Chart Its Future: NOAA’s Next Generation Strategic Plan (07 Sept 2009) NOAA seeks suggestions from its partners and stakeholders to help shape its Next Generation Strategic Plan. This is a chance for those inside and outside of NOAA to contribute to the direction of the agency for the next 25 years. “Think imaginatively and broadly. Unleash your passion, hopes, and ideas,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “NOAA must deal with a variety of challenges while continuing to be the nation’s most trusted source of environmental science.” Participants can share their ideas on three questions:

• What trends will shape our future?
• What will be the biggest challenges or opportunities will we face?
• What should NOAA strive to accomplish?

Comments will be accepted through Oct. 1, 2009, via http://www.noaa.gov/ngsp. Those without computer access can submit written comments to: NOAA Program, Planning and Integration, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Mailed comments should be postmarked by Oct. 2, 2009. NOAA’s Next Generation Strategic Plan is expected to be completed by spring 2010.

Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency Formally Becomes Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (04 Sept 2009) The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) formally became the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) on September 1, 2009. This change brings to fruition months of planning and represents the concretization of an organizational transition and strategic shift in focus from disaster preparedness and response to comprehensive disaster management.

     The primary evidence of the transition is reflected in the organization’s structure and mandate which has been widened to include the adoption of disaster loss reduction and mitigation policies and practices, at the national and regional level and cooperative arrangements and mechanisms to facilitate the development of a culture of disaster loss reduction.

     Apart from a shift in mandate the new agency’s governance structure will also be amended. The institution will be governed by a Council constituting the Heads of the Participating States, or their designate, but will be strengthened through the establishment of a Management Committee of Council (MCC). The technical platform of the agency will be strengthened through the involvement of specialized Regional Institutions in the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), who will provide diversified expertise in a variety of areas related to the science and policy of disaster management.

     The Agency will now function with an increased membership of eighteen (18) Participating States to include Haiti and Suriname who have recently signed on to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency Agreement.

     The organization has outlined a series of activities which will facilitate greater participation of its stakeholders in shaping coordinated strategic response to the reduction of disaster related losses in the region. Although acknowledged as a continuation of a process which commenced with the adoption of the Enhanced Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy, the Agency will continue to be governed by its mission and vision which emphasizes the need for an organization which is a “..leading, innovative centre of excellence, dedicated to building linkages for the promotion of a culture of reducing disaster losses in the region.”

     This view was emphasized by Mr. Jeremy Collymore – the Agency’s Executive Director who see the establishment of CDEMA to be a clear indication that Participating States are ready to embrace policy, systems and programmes that are appropriate for the rapidly changing risks to their development arising from the changing magnitude, frequency and costs of hazard impacts, the onset of climate change and other trans-boundary threats like pandemics. He urged the agency’s staff "to recognize that the change in name is part of a wider process to ensure that we are more responsive to a very discerning community that wants be fully engaged in the risk reduction dialogue and actions. "

For Further Information
Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency
Building No. 1, Manor Lodge Complex, Lodge Hill, St. Michael
Barbados, West Indies
Tel No: (246) 425-0386, Fax No: (246) 425-8854
E-mail: cdera@caribsurf.com
Website: www.cdera.org

EU FloodEx 2009 (4 Sept 2009)
Necessity
     Natural disasters such as floods exceed all bounds and can strike several countries at the same time. When such a scenario becomes reality, assistance at European level is essential. Operational preparation and practising of such scenarios is therefore of utmost importance.
     Thorough preparation for a flood disaster is essential and in the past years, a lot of work has been done in the Netherlands in this regard and the necessary precautions have been taken. Having international partners that can support us in case of emergency is a reassuring thought. In order to make optimal use of means it is important to be thoroughly prepared on an international level as well. Optimum international cooperation is realised based on close cooperation agreements with the partners as well as by gaining actual practical experiences together. Meticulously practising a worst conceivable flood scenario allows for testing operational and strategic procedures, and therefore being even better prepared in case of emergency.

Background
      Such a disaster is not based on theory; in the past, various countries in Europe were hit by flood disasters. One of the most devastating floods in recent European history was the 1953 flood in the North Sea area. On 31 January 1953, floods killed more than 2,100 people on the mainland of Belgium, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Over 200 people lost their lives at sea that day.

Scenario
      The development of the scenario used for FloodEx is based on the experiences and input from the EU Flood Command project, the tragedy in 1953 as well as Worst Conceivable Flood figures. The scenario is based on a storm surge in the North Sea area. The whole North Sea area is hit by a depression with extreme wind velocities. Combined with the tide, this leads to extreme high water in Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Eventually it will result in floods and wind damage.

Command Post Exercise (CPX)
      On 16 and 17 September, an international command post exercise will be conducted. During the CPX, the process of requesting international assistance will be tested. The request and division of international assistance is the basis for rescue operations during an immediate threat. The starting point of this exercise is an immediate threat of a flood, which has been preceded by an evacuation by local and national emergency services. However, the size of the area makes assistance a necessity. Decision making and evacuation are specified in a “lead in” which leads to the starting point of the exercise.
      All EU member states will be invited to participate in this exercise with their national contact points. The exercise itself will be held at national level, which means that for this exercise, no field units will be used and all participants will operate from their own crisis centres.

Field Exercise (FE)
      From 22 to 25 September, an international Field Exercise will be conducted. The goal of the field exercise is to test the procedures during a request for assistance from the Netherlands to the EU. The Dutch handbook for incoming foreign assistance will be used for this purpose. The exercise is based on the European Community Civil Protection Mechanism, with the overall objective to improve and train in practice existing procedures for alerting, mobilising and dispatching international emergency services in case of a serious flood.
      During the FE, the assistance commitments set out in the CPX are actually fulfilled. To this end, a flood in the province of North Holland will be simulated.
      The foreign units are operationally deployed together with Dutch units in various locations in the northern part of North Holland (the Amstelmeer, the surroundings of Wervershoof and the Alkmaardermeer). Direction is in the hands of the crisis organisation for the North Holland North Safety Region.

Dates
      22 September: arrival of foreign support teams in the Netherlands. Transfer to the municipality of Bergen (North Holland) where the base camp will be set up.
      23 and 24 September: in combination with Dutch units, the foreign units will be operationally deployed at various locations in North Holland North.
      25 September: departure of foreign support teams.

Exercise goals

• Testing operational and strategic procedures
• Testing EU assistance and modules
• Testing alarm systems and evacuation measures
• Testing the intervention of an EU assessment and on-sitecoordination team and the incoming foreign assistance (LEMA)
• Improving operational cooperation
• Determining joint civil protection cooperation

UK releases its Swine Flu Planning Assumptions (03 Sept 2009) This document contains revised planning assumptions in relation to the current A(H1N1) Swine Flu pandemic. The assumptions are intended to provide a common agreed basis for planning across all public and private sector organisations. These assumptions are revised, reasonable worst case scenarios for planning purposes, based on the latest scientific evidence available on the A(H1N1) virus so far. They are not predictions of how we expect the virus to behave. They support effective planning for every eventuality. These revised assumptions are appropriate for use until the end of the 2009/10 "seasonal flu" season - i.e. until Mid-May 2010.

• Download Swine flu UK planning assumptions (PDF, 83K)

National Governors' Association Asks NHSC to Support its Position on a Legislative Proposal That Would Allow the President to Call Up Reserve Troops to Operate in States During Domestic Emergencies (22 August 2009) The National Governors' Association (NGA) has asked that the National Homeland Security Consortium (NHSC), of which IAEM-USA is a member, consider supporting their position on the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) legislative proposal to Congress. The proposal would allow the President to call up reserve troops to operate in states during domestic emergencies.  As discussed at the last NHSC meeting, there is concern about unity of effort and tactical command and control issues and the authority of the governor. Below are copies of NGA's letters to DoD and to Congress regarding the legislative proposal.  The letter to the U.S> Senate Committee on Armed Services states, "Governors remain concerned regarding proposed changes to the military's authority to engage independently in domestic emergency response situations. We strongly the consideration of any such proposals should be preceded by a discussion regarding the tactical control of forces serving inside a state during a disaster response."

• NGA letter to U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services
• NGA letter to the Honorable Paul Stockton, Assistant Secretary fo Defense for Homeland Defense and America's Security Affairs

FEMA Seeks Comments on Law Enforcement Patrol Teams (Strike Teams) Interim Guidance (21 August 2009) The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released the Law Enforcement Patrol Teams (Strike Teams) Interim Guidance, reaching out to the national law enforcement and emergency management community to solicit comments on the interim guidance prior to the public comment process. Please send comments by Nov. 30, 2009 to FEMA Headquarters at FEMA-NIMS@dhs.gov.

• Law Enforcement Patrol Teams (Strike Teams) Interim Guidance
• Typed Resource Definitions (for Law Enforcement Patrol Teams)

LEAPS-TV Presentation Scheduled Aug. 11 on U. S. Public Health Service Emergency Response Resources (06 August 2009) On Tuesday, August 11, at 1600 Eastern Time, the Law Enforcement and Public Safety Safety Channel will present a program of interest to both public safety and public health personnel in the United States. It is a 90-minute special program called "Public Health Resources for Law Enforcement and Public Safety," and details the work of the emergency response teams of the U.S. Public Health Service Comissioned Corps (USPHS) and their capabilities. This Web broadcast is free of charge; for details, click here. The USPHS can help with:

• Assuring that a community's drinking water supply is safe.

• Augmenting local mental health capabilities and resources.

• Augmenting local sheltering and special needs sheltering capabilities.

• Augmenting hospital relief efforts (evacuations, damaged by weather) including tremendous clinical capabilities.

• Managing epidemiological issues.

     

FEMA Clarifies Levee Policy to Provide Financial Assistance to State and Local Governments for Eligible Work Associated with Debris Removal and Flood Fighting Activities (06 August 2009) In a continued effort to ensure that communities get the flood fighting assistance they need, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has amended its February 2009 policy on "Rehabilitation Assistance for Levees and Other Flood Control Works." This clarification allows FEMA to provide financial assistance to state and local governments for eligible work associated with debris removal and flood fighting activities.  This action is retroactive to February 25, 2009, when the revised policy went into effect. 

     The intent of the February 2009 policy was to provide guidance on what types of facilities and activities related to levees and flood control works are eligible for FEMA assistance in emergencies and disasters. Questions were raised regarding the revised policy since it was issued. FEMA will continue to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to address these questions, and will issue a further revised version of the policy once this process is finalized. The final policy will be coordinated with the USACE, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and other stakeholders.

     While this process is still ongoing, today's announcement ensures that during this process there will be no gap in flood fighting and repair assistance to impacted communities.

• FEMA memo on the policy change
• DAP 9524, Rehabilitation Assistance for Levees and Other Flood Control Works

Administration Notifies Congress of Intent to Spend $1.825 Billion out of $5.8 Billion Contingency for H1N1 (07/17/09) In a letter to Congress about the Adminsitration's intent to spend $1,825 billion of the $5.8 billion contingency funds approved for H1N1, President Barack Obama stated, "To enhance our nation's capability to respond to the potential spread of this outbreak, and in accordance with the appropriation, I hereby designate $1.825 billion of the contingent appropriation as emergency funds required to address critical needs related to emerging influenza viruses (specifically, the virus known as 2009-H1N1). These funds will support additional procurement of adjuvant for dose-sparing of vaccine antigen; immunization campaign planning; regulatory activities for H1N1 at the Food and Drug Administration; and funding for the administration of an injury compensation program." An ASHTO announcement noted that "$335 million of the additional funds will be for state, local and CDC planning for a national vaccination program. The $335 million is on top of the $350 million already appropriated." read White House letter

NEMA and Partners Identify Recommendations for an Effective National Mitigation Effort (10 July 2009) The National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the assistance of numerous other organizations, including IAEM, today released a white paper titled “Recommendations for an Effective National Mitigation Effort,” outlining the importance of mitigation efforts aimed at building disaster resiliency across the nation.

     The release of the white paper comes at a time where the threat of flooding, tornados, hurricanes, and other disasters weigh heavily on economically challenged states and localities across the country.  While mitigation initiatives can come with hefty short term price tags, the long-term effects of successful mitigation plans and projects can prove to be crucial investments for the safety and resiliency of any community.  Natural and man-made disasters can happen anywhere and at any time, making the effort to increase attention to all-hazards mitigation efforts essential to national preparedness. Download the white paper here.

National Emergency Number Association, National Association of State 9-1-1 Administrators and 9-1-1 Industry Alliance Issue Joint Policy Statement Opposing State Raiding of 9-1-1 Funds (07 July 2009) The National Emergency Number Association (NENA), National Association of State 9-1-1 Administrators (NASNA) and 9-1-1 Industry Alliance (9IA) have issued a join policy statement opposing state raiding of 9-1-1 funds. According to the statement, misuse of 9-1-1 funds not only puts one of the nation’s most critical systems at risk; it also breaks the trust established with the public. NENA, NASNA, and 9IA are strongly urging state and local governments to refrain from diverting 9-1-1 funding for unintended and unauthorized purposes. Read full policy statement.

DHS Announces Guidance for More than $500 Million in Recovery Act-Funded Preparedness Grants (29 May 2009) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released application guidance for more than $500 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) preparedness grants for fire station construction, port and transit security—funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These Recovery Act funds will strengthen our economy while improving our ability to prepare for terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies,” said DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. “The grants announced today will go directly to local projects, revitalizing communities while updating our nation’s infrastructure and enhancing our security.” The guidance released today includes $150 million for the Port Security Grant Program, $150 million for the Transit Security Grant Program and $210 million for the Fire Station Construction Grant Program. Signed into law by the President on Feb. 17, ARRA committed more than $3 billion to DHS and GSA in support of homeland security programs across the country.

• DHS news release
• Fire Station Construction Grant Program: Guidance | FAQ
• Transit Security Grant Program: Guidance | FAQ
• Port Security Grant Program: Guidance | FAQ

FEMA Announces National Citizen Corps Achievement Awards (13 May 2009) submission deadline: 12 June 2009

     The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is pleased to announce the National Citizen Corps Achievement Awards—Celebrating Resilient Communities. These awards will recognize innovative practices and achievements of Citizen Corps Councils across the nation that are making our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to manage any emergency situation. Winning Citizen Corps Councils will exemplify excellence in community emergency planning, foster successful public-private partnerships, prioritize collaboration, demonstrate creative and innovative local problem solving, and implement sound programs that can be modeled for use by other communities.

     There is one award for State Councils and five award categories for tribal, regional, and local Councils who may submit applications for multiple categories. The categories are:

• Outstanding State Citizen Corps Initiatives Award
• Outstanding Citizen Corps Council Award
• Collaborative Preparedness Planning Award
• Preparing the Public Award
• Preparing Community Organizations Award
• Volunteer Integration Award 

     Two representatives from the winning Council in each award category will be FEMA’s honored guests at an awards ceremony during the National Conference on Community Preparedness, August 9-12, 2009, in the Washington, DC area. FEMA will also work with each award recipient to develop a case study to be posted on the Citizen Corps website, featured in outreach activities, and shared with other Councils nationwide. To be eligible for consideration, entries must be received no later than June 12, 2009. Download the complete application kit and instructions here.

2009 Lacy E. Suiter Award Nominations Now Being Accepted (08 May 2009) Nominations for the 2009 Lacy E. Suiter Award for Distinguished Service in Emergency Management are now being accepted. Please submit nominations to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Headquarters office by July 31, 2009.  The Award will be presented on Oct. 12, 2009, at the NEMA 2009 Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio.

• More about the Lacy E. Suiter Award
• Nomination Information and Submission Form
   

IAEM Members Participated in Development of Demos Paper "Resilient Nation" (23 Apr 2009) Demos, a think-tank focused on power and politics, has launched "Resilient Nation," a paper uthored by Charlie Edwards and supported by ARUP. IAEM-Europa members Martin Fenlon, Mark Kimberlin and David Alexander contributed to this work, and IAEM-Oceania Past President Tony Pearce is quoted in it.

     The premise of the paper is that next generation resilience relies on citizens and communities, not the institutions of state, and calls for a radical rethink of resilience. Instead of structures or centralised services, it argues that citizens and communities are the true source of resilience for our society. Using numerous case studies it highlights what policy makers can learn from people’s resourcefulness and points to new tools that can transform our ability to respond when disaster strikes. Download the paper here.

     The mission of the Demos think-tank is to search for and communicate ideas to give people more power to shape their own lives. Demos' vision is a democracy of free citizens, with an equal stake in society.

8th Advisory Group on Environmental Emergencies Meeting Announced by EU (20 Apr 2009) The Advisory Group on Environmental Emergencies (AGEE) brings together disaster managers and environmentalists from developed and developing countries to exchange ideas and experiences on global environmental emergency response issues. The Advisory Group on Environmental Emergencies (AGEE) will hold its 8th meeting from Wednesday 6 May to Friday 8 May 2009 in Brussels. The meeting will be co-organized by the European Commission's Monitoring and Information Centre and the Joint Environment Unit. The AGEE is an international forum that brings together environmental specialists, disaster managers, and emergency policy makers from around the world to share information, expertise and lessons learned to improve preparedness and response to environmental emergencies. meeting details

IAEM Participated in Development of Final Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101 Just Released by FEMA (15 Apr 2009) The U.S. Dept. Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced the release of the final Comprehensive Preparedness Guide (CPG) 101: "Developing and Maintaining State, Territorial, Tribal, and Local Government Emergency Plans." IAEM participated in the development of CPG 101. CPG 101 completes the requirements of HSPD-8, Annex I to develop a "national integrated planning system."  Combined with the Integrated Planning System (IPS) guidance provided by the Department, the vision of a vertically integrated planning system providing for a consistent planning process across all levels of government is realized. CPG 101 serves as the emergency plan foundation for both public and private sector planning in the United States. Planners in all disciplines and organizations may find portions of the guide useful in the development of their emergency response plans. download CPG 101 here

DHS Announces Nearly $970 Million in Preparedness Grant Final Allocations (08 Apr 2009) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today final allocations for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 Preparedness Grants for 10 federal grant programs, totaling nearly $970 million in federal funding to assist state, local and tribal governments and private industry in strengthening community preparedness.  Awards will be made on a rolling basis over the summer.  From 2003 through 2009, more than $26.7 billion will have been provided to strengthen our nation’s ability to prevent, protect, respond and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters or other emergencies. news release | download FAQ sheets, guidance and complete details

Three UK Communities Receive £1 Million for Local Flood Protection Projects to Demonstrate How Natural Resources Can Help Protect Against Flooding (18 Mar 2009) Three projects in Somerset, North Yorkshire and Derbyshire have received a total of £1 million from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to demonstrate how natural resources can help protect against flooding. The funding is part of £28 million which DEFRA has allocated to fund projects that help communities adapt to changing flood risks in the face of climate change. Learn more.

FEMA Partners with NOAA on Flood Safety Awareness Week (16 Mar 2009) Floods are consistently the most common, costly and deadly natural disaster Americans face each year; 90% of all U.S. natural disasters involve flooding. As part of Flood Safety Awareness Week (Mar. 16-20, 2009), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will partner with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service (NWS) to demonstrate flood risks across the country and provide important information about steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. In partnership with NOAA, the NFIP has developed a Web site featuring an interactive map depicting historical information about how floods have impacted millions of Americans in recent years. The site also provides tools and resources for understanding your risk and knowing what to do: before a flood, during a flood, and after a flood. To learn more about Flood Safety Awareness Week and to utilize these resources, visit www.floodsmart.gov/noaafloodweek.

EU Civil Protection Announces Call for Proposals for Cooperation Projects on Prevention and Preparedness (13 Mar 2009) EU Union (EU) Civil Protection has announced its 2009 call for proposals for cooperation projects on prevention and preparedness in the field of civil protection. The call for proposals covers two separate sections, prevention and preparedness, each with its own objectives and specific budget. complete details

• Objectives of prevention projects - No specific objective or target group is set for prevention projects. However, the general requirement for eligible projects is to contribute to the development of a knowledge–based disaster prevention policies approach on prevention. Prevent and mitigate long term damage by improving risk assessment and management. Ideally, consistency should be promoted in the 'response-preparedness-prevention-remediation' chain, by matching general policy and civil protection requirements.
• Objectives of preparedness projects

  Exchange of information, experience, good practices and knowledge aiming at increasing the performance of civil protection actors (professional and volunteers) operating in the Member States as well as increasing public awareness.

Cross border civil protection cooperation regarding the direct response to natural and man-made disasters.

Enhancement of the availability of Civil Protection modules and other resources.

IAEM Supports Member Participation in BC Management Inc.'s 8th Annual Emergency Management Compensation Benchmarking Survey (26 Feb 2009) IAEM supports the participation of association members in BC Management Inc.'s 8th Annual Emergency Management Compensation and Program Benchmarking Study, a leading global survey for EM-related professions.

Survey Link: http://www.keysurvey.com/survey/233170/18e6/

Download flyer or read below for details.

     This is your exclusive invitation to join thousands of emergency professionals around the globe who complete this survey annually.  Once completed, you will receive a complimentary copy of the completed study and be entered into a raffle drawing for the following prizes:

• Amazon Gift Certificates valued at $200 (2 raffle prizes)
• Customized Compensation Benchmarking Reports (3 raffle prizes valued at $800/ report). Each report will assess average compensation based on geography, job title, years of experience, certification, degree and much more.
• Customized Program Management Benchmarking Reports (5 raffle prizes valued at $2,500 - $15,000/ per report (based on customization). Each report will assess your program’s maturity as compared to your competitors based on your program’s current status, program budget, number of dedicated personnel, reporting structure within the organization and much more.

     Note: Your complete survey response must be submitted by March 15, 2009 to be entered into the raffle drawing. Contact information at the end of the survey will be required for entry into our raffle drawing.

Survey Tips

• This is an extensive survey with advanced logic and branching.  For this reason, the survey does progress slowly.  Please allow 30 to 45 minutes to complete.
• If you leave the survey for any reason, the cookies on your computer will remember you and take you back to where you exited the survey. 
• The survey accommodates a limited number of respondents at one time. Please visit the survey at a later time if you are unable to log on. Participation is encouraged by Mar. 15, 2009.
• Survey is available in English, French, Spanish (compensation portion only), Chinese and Japanese.

Survey Facts

• Is the survey confidential? Your contact information is not required as a survey participant. Any information disclosed in this survey will NOT be shared outside of BC Management, Inc.

• When will results/reports be available?  Results for this study will be available late March - May 2009.

Thanks

     Your patience and effort to respond is greatly appreciated. The data collected from these reports have been instrumental in assisting in compensation reviews as well as elevating emergency management programs. Please visit www.bcmanagement.com for previous benchmarking reports.

Contact Info

     For further information, please contact Zoey Boyles, 714-843-4370, zboyles@bcmanagement.com.

EU Calls for Better Disaster Planning (26 Feb 2009) The European Union called Monday for better planning to curb the impact of disasters across the world, saying global warming may trigger more of them and cause worse damage. link to news article

DHS Publishes 2009 National Infrastructure Protection Plan (19 Feb 2009) The U.S. Dept of Homeland Security has released the 2009 National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP), which sets national priorities, goals, and requirements for effective distribution of funding and resources which will help ensure that our government, economy, and public services continue in the event of a terrorist attack or other disaster. download 2009 NIPP | learn more

Vancouver (BC, Canada) Conducts "Exercise Silver" to Test Security, Safety and EM Frameworks (15 Feb 2009) The Vancouver V2010 Integrated Security Unit and its public safety and security partners are conducting Exercise Silver this week in the Vancouver and Whistler areas. Exercise Silver is a functional, integrated command and coordination exercise developed to test security, safety and emergency management frameworks from local to national levels. Scenarios include criminal activities, weather, health, seismic, marine and aviation-related themes.
     Exercise Silver is a national exercise and will see more than 1,000 safety and security personnel, from more than 100 departments, agencies or authorities work together across Canada. The purpose of Silver Exercise is to prepare the whole of government response to Olympic-related scenarios. It will provide a believable and realistic environment and will test relationships and organizational limits.
     The exercise will include both simulated and live action events. On Tuesday, a marine exercise was to be conducted in close proximity to Canada Place. The public were advised that there would be an increase in marine security vessel activity during this time. The exercise was expected to take place over a two-hour period.

White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Issues Report that Includes Disaster Preparation, Response, and Recovery (19 Jan 2009) On Jan. 12, 2009, the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI) released its final report, Innovations in Compassion - The Faith-Based and Community Initiative: A Final Report to the Armies of Compassion. The report details the accomplishments of the President’s FBCI through new and creative partnerships with the “armies of compassion” to address needs from disaster recovery, addiction and homelessness here at home to HIV/AIDS in Africa.  Through these grassroots partnerships, the principles advanced by President’s FBCI have impacted the lives of millions battling poverty, disease and other social ills. 

• Innovations in Compassion - The Faith-Based and Community Initiative (full report)
• Introductory letter from DHS Deputy Secretary Paul Schneider
• White House Fact Sheet

National Hazards Center Announces Call for Applications for Mary Fran Myers Scholarship (19 Jan 2009) The Mary Fran Myers Scholarship Committee is now accepting applications for 2009 scholarship awards. Scholarship recipients will receive financial support allowing them to attend the 2009 Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop in Broomfield, Colorado, July 15-18, 2009. Scholarships can cover part or all of transportation, meals, and Workshop registration costs. The Mary Fran Myers Scholarship is awarded annually to at least one potential workshop participant. Recipients are recognized at the workshop and may be asked to serve as panelists, where they can highlight their research or practical experiences with hazards and disasters. As the longtime co-director of the Natural Hazards Center, Myers recognized that many of the people and organizations that could benefit from and contribute to the workshop, including local practitioners, students and international professionals, were among those least likely to afford it. The scholarship was established in 2003 to fulfill Myers' request that qualified and talented individuals receive support to attend. details and online application

European Civil Protection to Hold Information Day on How to Prepare Proposals Under the Civil Protection Financial Instrument (19 Jan 2009) The Directorate-General for Environment of the European Commission (Civil Protection Unit) will hold an Information Day in Brussels (Belgium) on "How to Prepare Proposals Under the Civil Protection Financial Instrument." The aim of the Information Day is to provide potential applicants with useful information on how to prepare proposals to be submitted under the next calls for proposals and calls for tender in 2009 under the Civil Protection Financial Instrument.  The Instrument deals with civil protection prevention, preparedness and response and will provide funding opportunities for a number of activities such as cooperation projects on prevention and preparedness, simulation exercises, specific exercises on modules, etc., in particular in the framework of the Community Mechanism to facilitate reinforced cooperation in civil protection assistance interventions. details and registration

FEMA Announces National Disaster Housing Strategy (19 Jan 2009) The U.S. Dept. Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Jan. 16 announced the release of the National Disaster Housing Strategy. The Strategy summarizes, for the first time in a single document, the many sheltering and housing capabilities, principles, and policies that guide and inform the disaster housing process. The Strategy also charts the new direction that our disaster housing efforts must take to better meet the disaster housing needs of individuals and communities moving forward. The Strategy promotes a national housing effort that engages all levels of government, the nonprofit and private sectors, and individuals to collectively meet the urgent housing needs of disaster victims and enable individuals, households and communities to rebuild and restore their way of life when a disaster threatens or strikes.

• National Disaster Housing Strategy
• National Disaster Housing Strategy Annexes
• Congressional Advisory: National Disaster Housing Strategy Released
• National Disaster Housing Strategy Fact Sheet

NFPA Issues Request for Comments on Recommended Changes for 2010 Edition of NFPA 1600 (02 Jan 2009) The public comment period is open for recommended changes for the 2010 edition of NFPA 1600: Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs. The Report on Proposals, a compilation of NFPA Technical Committee Reports on Proposals for public review and comment, is available for download here.  The public comment deadline is Mar. 6, 2009. Please copy Steve Charvat on the comments that you send to NFPA.

NIMS Public Works Working Group Requests Feedback from Stakeholders on Public Works Typed Resources Document (2 Jan 2009) The NIMS Public Works Working Group (PWWG) has listed a variety of Teams as recommended additions to the Public Works Typed Resources Document. On behalf of FEMA and the Public Works Working Group, Cabezon Group, Inc. requests that stakeholders participate in the review of the Public Works Teams document.

• Official Request for Stakeholder Review Letter 
• Public Works Teams document

Submit all comments directly to pwwgteams@cabezongroup.com no later than Feb. 15, 2009. When submitting your feedback specific to a credentialed team, please include the name, resource type, and page number along with your comment.

E.M. News 2008 Archive