| |
back to current IAEM News page
IAEM NEWS: 2009-2010 ARCHIVE
| E.M. News
 Emergency Management Academy, New IAEM Partner, Offers Tuition Discounts and Scholarships to IAEM Members (31 Dec 2010)
National Homeland Security Consortium, of Which IAEM-USA is a Member, Updates White Paper on "Protecting Americans in the 21st Century" (28 Dec 2010) The National Homeland Security Consortium (NHSC), of which IAEM-USA is a member, has updated its white paper, "Protecting Americans in the 21st Century," a document that offers specific recommendations to enhance national homeland security efforts. white paper | fact sheet
The NHSC has identified six priority issues for near term policy and strategic action by the nation’s leaders:
- Wisely sustain homeland security investments and efforts while creating incentives for innovative and creative solutions;
- Allocate the 700 MHz D block radio spectrum to public safety in order to enhance communications through new technology;
- Address immigration reform by moving from debate and conversation to action;
- Develop a methodology to measure homeland security performance in ways that recognize the constantly evolving threat;
- Make cyber security a priority policy issue for government and the private sector; and
- Develop a more comprehensive and coordinated approach in the rebuilding of communities struck by major disasters.
IAEM-USA News Release: Eddie Hicks, CEM, Takes Office as IAEM-USA President (09 Nov 2010) Eddie Hicks, CEM, director, Morgan County Emergency Management Agency, in Decatur, Ala., has taken office as 2010-2011 president of the USA Council of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM-USA). Outgoing IAEM-USA President Pamela L’Heureux, CEM, passed the gavel to Hicks on Nov. 3, during the IAEM-USA Presidential Banquet, at the IAEM 58th Annual Conference & EMEX 2010, in San Antonio, Texas. Also sworn in at the banquet were IAEM-USA First Vice President Hui-Shan Walker, MPA, CEM, VaPEM, and IAEM-USA Second Vice President Jeff Walker, CEM, MEP.
During his acceptance speech, Hicks discussed the importance of the four D’s: dedication, definition (of work), duplication (mentoring), and delivering (on the work plan). “As the need for trained emergency management professionals continues to grow, it is important for IAEM and its members to mentor our profession's future leaders," said Hicks. "This needs to happen across the spectrum – not only in our local, state and federal governments, but also in colleges and universities, hospitals and private corporations. I am honored and humbled to be leading IAEM for the next year. I hope to be an example for others and challenge our established members to mentor newcomers to the profession of emergency management."
“Eddie’s skills as a local coordinator will carry IAEM-USA into the next 12 months as he sets his goals for the U.S. Board,” said Rick Cox, CEM, IAEM-Global Board Chairman and Senior Planner IEM, Inc. “Under his leadership the U.S. membership will see an expansion of services to members and improved communications from the Board to the membership.”
“This is a huge accomplishment for the state of Alabama and the citizens of Morgan County, to have Eddie Hicks serving in such a prestigious organization,” said Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brock Long. “Being prepared for an emergency is something we take serious in Alabama and seeing a county EMA director leading the U.S. Council of the International Association of Emergency Managers indicates his level of dedication and commitment to his profession.”
Hicks has been a local emergency management director for 31 years, beginning for the first 17 years as the director in Colbert County in northwest Alabama. In 1997 he was appointed as director of Morgan County Emergency Management Agency in Decatur, Ala. He has served three separate terms as president of the Alabama Association of Emergency Managers. Additionally, he was appointed by Alabama’s Governor to two terms as Commissioner of the Alabama Service Commission. Hicks has a B.S. degree in Public Safety Administration from Athens State University and an Associate degree in Fire Science Management from Shoals Community College. He earned his Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) designation in 2001.
FEMA Administrator Challenges Emergency Managers to Plan for Entire Community: Fugate Delivers Keynote Address at 58th Annual International Association of Emergency Managers Conference (02 Nov 2010) U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate today encouraged emergency managers and stakeholders from the private sector, public health and other fields to consider the capabilities and needs of the entire community, including people with disabilities and children, when planning for disasters.
Fugate delivered this message as part of his keynote address at the 58th Annual International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Conference in San Antonio, Texas. During his remarks, Fugate also urged the audience to participate in a new public challenge FEMA is hosting to come up with creative ideas on how we can prepare communities before disaster strikes.
"Considering the needs of all members of our community and planning for worst case scenarios is exactly why we need a strong emergency management team - a team that FEMA is only one member of," said Fugate. "We know government can't do it alone - many of the most innovative ideas for how we can protect all members of our community from the impacts of disasters will come from you. That's why we are engaging the entire team in this effort to crowd source solutions by submitting creative ideas to http://challenge.gov/fema."
In addition, Fugate discussed the need for all stakeholders to prepare for worst case scenarios, what he calls "Maximum of Maximums" - disasters that go beyond the capability of government resources. FEMA news release
IAEM-USA Members Asked to Provide Ideas to DHS on How to Improve Timely Provision of Federal Support in Case of Biological Attack (10/29/10) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is soliciting unconstrained, novel ideas for federal support to assist state and local efforts to provide medical countermeasures (MCM) to the entire affected population in the event of a biological (anthrax) attack. This is an element of the Executive Order establishing federal capability for the timely provision of medical countermeasures following a biological attack. The specific objective is to solicit ideas that (1) move MCM closer to the scene sooner, and (2) enhance the distribution/dispensing process to get MCM to people in need. Comments are needed by Monday, Nov. 1, 2010; download the comments template here.
 New IAEM Member Benefit: Free Digital Subscription to Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) (15 Sept 2010) JEMS (Journal of Emergency Medical Services) is proud to partner with IAEM and provide IAEM Members with access to relevant training and education information from a trusted industry resource. JEMS is an award-winning, monthly publication with high quality clinical content, feature articles, surveys, product reviews, and more. As a n IAEM Member, you are eligible for a free digital subscription. You’ll receive 12 issues sent right to your computer. Log-in to Members Only to sign up now.
FEMA Requests IAEM-USA Member Feedback on Draft CPG-101, Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans (16 Aug 2010) The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has requested IAEM-USA member feedback on the draft version 2.0 of CPG-101, Developing and Maintaining Emergency Operations Plans. FEMA has provided a comment sheet for your use, as well as a high-level summary of changes from version 1.0 to 2.0. This update of CPG-101 is based on the lessons learned during the first year of its use. It incorporates information garnered from a variety of sources, and serves to integrate the whole community into the planning process. CPG-101 is designed to help both novice and experienced planners navigate the planning process. Used in its entirety, this guide provides information and instruction on the fundamentals of planning, as well as their application.
Feedback may be sent, using the comment sheet provided below, to John "Rusty" Russell at John.Russell@hsvcity.com by Aug. 23, 2010, for your comments to be included in the official IAEM-USA response. Or you may download the comment sheet provided below and send your feedback directly to NPD-Planning@fema.gov no later than midnight Eastern time on Aug. 27, 2010, along with any questions you may have.
IAEM-USA Members Asked to Comment on New National Weather Service Information Guide (06 Aug 2010) Following the open discussion forum with Jack Hayes at the IAEM 2009 Annual Conference, one of the National Weather Service's actions was to create better training tools for the emergency management community with regard to NWS and its services. The draft NWS Information Guide has been reviewed internally by NWS offices nationwide, and NWS now invites U.S. emergency managers to provide feedback about this publication by Sept. 30, 2010. Concurrently with sending the draft to all NWS warning coordination meteorologists (WCMs) and meteorologists-in-charge (MICs) for forwarding to their local EM partners, the NWS is also reaching out to IAEM-USA membership to contact as many emergency management professionals as possible. The goal is to have a final version of the document available electronically in time for the IAEM 2010 Annual Conference, so please take advantage of this opportunity to provide your feedback.
IAEM-USA Supports National Preparedness Month, September 2010 (03 Aug 2010) National Preparedness Month is sponsored by FEMA’s Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Advertising Council and is designed to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. This year marks the seventh annual NPM and it will focus on encouraging Americans to work together to take concrete actions toward emergency preparedness.
IAEM-USA supports the NPM Coalition and encourages all public and private sector organizations in the USA to become part of this coalition. By joining the Coalition, your organization agrees to promote emergency preparedness during the month of September. Once you register, you will receive access to the NPM Web site where you can find a toolkit that includes templates, resources and tips to assist you with promoting emergency preparedness. You will also find an NPM calendar where you can post your events and see what other organizations are doing in your community. In addition, can share your success stories and read about the successes of others.
More than 2,000 organizations have signed up so far. You can register to become an NPM Coalition Member by visiting http://ready.adcouncil.org. To learn more about NPM, visit www.ready.gov and click on the NPM banner. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Ready Campaign at NPM@dhs.gov.
IAEM Member Jaime Parejo Recognized by United Network for Worldwide Disaster Aid Through Approval of International Resolution Adopting Parejo's Rescue Dog Training System, Método Arcón (07 July 2010) IAEM is pleased to announce that United Network for Worldwide Disaster Aid has recently approved an international resolution for the adoption of Método Arcón as its official canine training system. IAEM member Jaime Parejo (Spain) is the author of Método Arcón and Director of CTRIMA (Consejo Técnico Rector Internacional Método Arcón). "Jaime has been a long time servant of the programme to develop international standards and methodology for the training of rescue dogs," noted Arthur Rabjohn, CEM, IAEM-Europa President.
FEMA Administrator Fugate Addresses IAEM Members at IAEM-USA Mid-Year Meeting (14 June 2010) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate on June 11 addressed members of IAEM-USA at the IAEM-USA 2010 Mid-Year Meeting held at FEMA's Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Fugate discussed the importance of public outreach and collaboration and all levels of government in emergency management. "FEMA is only one part of the nation's emergency management team," said Fugate. "It's at the state, tribal and local level that some of the most important work in preparedness and response happens. Today's meeting provided an opportunity to talk about ways we can work together to engage the public to make our communities better prepared and more secure."
IAEM Members Invited to Participate in BC Management 9th Annual Study (14 May 2010)
How do organizations measure their program's effectiveness? What is a competitive compensation for business continuity professionals? BC Management is polling thousands of continuity professionals internationally, and they want to hear from you.
- Initial Findings with 411 Complete Respondents: In 1 Hour of downtime 8.3% of the study respondents indicated an estimated financial loss of $1 million+ USD while 36.7% indicated the same estimated financial loss per hour at 72+ hours of downtime. Also,
- Participate in Study:
http://www.keysurvey.com/survey/287817/2b2a/
Please feel free to share this Master URL Study Link with others.
- Respond by May 21st to Qualify for the BCM Research Report Raffle – Valued up to $15,000 USD!
- If you must exit the study for whatever reason, the cookies on your computer will take you back to where you exited.
- All study respondents will receive a complimentary USA Compensation Report as a thank you for their participation - USA Compensation Report - 2008 Review.
- Study divides into three sections – Compensation Only, Program Management Only and Both Compensation and Program Management. You decide which section you would like to participate in. If you do NOT manage an internal program then choose the Compensation Only section of the study.
- Complimentary Exclusive Board Report – Published by our International Benchmarking Advisory Board assessing “How Companies View and Measure the Effectiveness of the BCM Program.” (Must manage a program and must complete the program management section of the study to receive report.)
- Entered into raffle prize drawings.
- Years of expertise in conducting compensation and program management studies - since 2001.
- The response is immense, driven by the value the results provide.
- The scope is worldwide, due to our extensive contacts and partnerships.
- The company is independent, as we are a neutral party on the results.
- Available in English, Spanish, French, Chinese and Japanese.
- Completely confidential. Contact information is NOT required. Your company/personal information is never shared.
- For more information, contact BC Management at info@bcmanagement.com.
Presentation for IAEM-USA and UCC May 7 Webinar Has Been Posted as Resource on Emergency Management for Higher Education Grant Program (07 May 2010) IAEM-USA and the IAEM-USA Universities and Colleges Caucus (UCC) produced a May 7 Webinar on "EMHE Grant Program: Tips and Tactics for Successful Applications. The 60-minute online learning event was free for IAEM members, and 92 members attended. Download the presentation here.
The Emergency Management for Higher Education (EMHE) grant program supports institutions of higher education to develop, or review and improve, and fully integrate campus-based all-hazards emergency management planning efforts. To date, the EMHE Grant Program has funded 43 institutions with approximately $18.4 million. There are approximately $9.1 million in funds budgeted for the FY2010 EMHE Grant Program; the application deadline is May 12, 2010.
IAEM members and current EMHE grantees Andre LeDuc, University of Oregon, and Keith Perry, Stanford University, will join IAEM member and OSDFS Peer Reviewer Luis Tapia, University of North Texas, to present tips and tactics for successful grant applications to the ED-OSDFS EMHE Grant Program. Dave Bujak, Florida State University, will moderate this hour-long webinar, with time for Questions & Answers at the end.
The next IAEM-UCC Webinar is being planned for mid- to late- June 2010 (date not yet confirmed). The topic will be lightning safety, specifically related to higher education athletic events. Details will be posted when available.
Fact Sheet Published on Ongoing U.S. Administration-Wide Response to the Deep Water BP Oil Spill (07 May 2010) The Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, have released the latest fact sheet on the BP Oil Spill as well as the most recent trajectories from NOAA. These documents and links to the response website and hotline numbers are included below.
IAEM-USA Members — Pamela L'Heureux, Nick Crossley, and Ron Lane — Have Been Named to U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security's Federal Preparedness Task Force (07 Apr 2010) U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano on Apr. 7, 2010, announced the formation of the local, state, tribal, and federal Preparedness Task Force — a council of experts charged with assessing the state of the nation’s disaster preparedness and making recommendations to Secretary Napolitano about ways to build resiliency in communities across America. “Enhancing preparedness across our nation requires close collaboration between all levels of government,” said Secretary Napolitano. “The recommendations of this Task Force — comprised of emergency management and homeland security experts from states, cities and tribes across the country — will help guide our ongoing efforts to ensure the resilience of communities throughout the nation.” IAEM-USA members named to the Task Force include:
- Pamela L'Heureux, CEM, IAEM-USA President, Director of Emergency Management, E. Waterboro, Maine.
- Nick Crossley, CEM, IAEM-USA Region 7 President, CEM® Commissioner, Director, Johnson County, Kansas, Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
- Ron Lane, Director, County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services, California.
The Task Force is comprised of 35 members of local, state and tribal governments — many of whom have also served within federal government—offering a diverse cross-section of experience in homeland security and emergency management missions. The Task Force will also engage Congressional partners, as well as the private sector and non-governmental and development organizations through a variety of outreach activities. Learn more and see a complete listing of Task Force members.
Arrival of IAEM Italy Is a Landmark for IAEM Growth (01 Apr 2010) Following an initial planning process of a couple of years, the International Development Committee of the International Association of Emergency Managers laid out a three-year road map for international development of the association, to achieve its vision of becoming recognized as the premier international organization of emergency management professionals. Two years ago, that road map achieved its goal of establishing a new global structure for the association that saw the creation of the seven global councils and a global board. The next landmark in the international development was the establishment of Student Chapters outside of North America; IAEM Europa led the way with the creation of Student Chapters at IPCB in Portugal and the University of Zilina in Slovakia. Now IAEM Europa is pleased to have achieved another landmark, with the arrival of IAEM Italy as the first IAEM Region outside of the USA within the new Council structure. To create a region, 75+ members have to adopt bylaws and elect officers in compliance with the association's policies and procedures. On Apr. 1, 2010, IAEM Italy completed that process and came into being. IAEM Italy President Gaetano Bastoni said, "We are proud to have reached this point in the professional development of emergency management in Italy, and look forward to being a center of activity for our members within the Europa Council and association.”
IAEM Now Offers the CEM® Overview as an On-Demand Webinar — Introductory rate of $50 (15 Mar 2010) Those interested in obtaining their CEM® or AEM designation would benefit from this hour-long overview of the CEM® program and application process. This webinar provides an abundance of information in the areas of certification basics, requirements and application pitfalls. After participating in the webinar, all prospective applicants will have a much broader idea of what is expected to receive the CEM® designation. This webinar is offered on-demand, and can be watched at any time to better fit into the busy emergency manager’s schedule. Register online here.
IAEM-Europa Announces that Italian Association of Disaster Managers Will Meet 30 January to Vote on Creating an IAEM Region in Italy (20 Jan 2010) IAEM-Europa is pleased to announce that officials from the Italian Association of Disaster Managers will meet on January 30, 2010, in Viterbo, Italy, to ask their members to pass by-laws and elect officers for a Regional Board with the intention of creating an IAEM Region in Italy. Should the required number of members vote in favour of this resolution, IAEM-Europa looks forward to welcoming them into IAEM and creating its first Region. This opportunity has come about thanks to the efforts of key individuals within the Italian Association of Disaster Managers, current IAEM members in Italy, the support of IAEM’s Italian liaison Vincent Parisi, and the efforts of Professor David Alexander, IAEM National Representative in Italy. This has been a long path, first set out on in 1998, so we are hopeful for the outcome of that meeting.
New University Chapter at University of Zilina, Slovak Republic, Joins IAEM-Europa and IAEM Student Council (01 Jan 2010) The University of Zilina in Zilina, Slovak Republic, has completed the application process to become IAEM-Europa’s second IAEM student chapter.
"I am very pleased to start 2010 with this news, and glad that the discussions held during my visit in 2009 have come to fruition," stated Arthur Rabjohn, CEM, IAEM-Europa President. "I am grateful to Jozef Ristvej, Slovak IAEM National Representative, for his efforts to grow IAEM and to the faculty staff for supporting this initiative. A new year and new endeavour will hopefully allow IAEM-Europa to complete the process for other universities in the coming months."
IAEM Student Council President Nancy Harris said, “Hopefully, this will be the first of a number of new IAEM student chapters in 2010. IAEM’s student chapter program continues to grow globally, and I would welcome other universities or colleges to contact IAEM about forming a student chapter.”
IAEM-USA Members Asked to Comment on DHS Draft of "Proposed Guidance for Protecting Responders' Health Following a Wide-Area Anthrax Attack" (18 Nov 2009) The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has posted its “Proposed Guidance for Protecting Responders' Health Following a Wide-Area Anthrax Attack” to the Federal Register.
This document provides policy recommendations for protection of personnel responding to a wide-area anthrax attack from exposure to Bacillis anthracis spores. A Federal interagency working group, consisting of subject matter experts in biodefense, infectious diseases, and occupational health and safety, has developed this draft consensus guidance regarding appropriate protective measures for responders in the immediate post-attack environment of an aerosolized anthrax attack. This proposed guidance statement reflects the most current understanding of the unique environment that will exist after a wide-area anthrax release. These recommendations will evolve with stakeholder input, scientific developments, and availability of new environmental monitoring techniques.
DHS requests IAEM-USA member feedback on the draft document, to assist the agency in finalizing this guidance informed by user experiences and operational feasibility. While overall comments are valued, critical feedback in the areas of defining tiers as a strategy for determining risk of exposure, the use of an activity based approach rather than occupational specialties, and feedback on options for ensuring appropriate medical countermeasures are immediately available to the responder community is sought. Please email your comments to John Walsh at
john.walsh@Vanderbilt.Edu no later than Nov. 24, 2009, in order for your comments to be included in IAEM-USA's response.
Pamela L'Heureux, CEM, Takes Office as IAEM-USA President, International Association of Emergency Managers (05 Nov 2009)
IAEM Announces Winners of the IAEM 2009 Global Awards Competition (04 Nov 2009)
Rick Cox, CEM, Elected Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Emergency Managers (03 Nov 2009)
FEMA Administrator Encourages International Emergency Managers To Engage Public As Part Of The Team (03 Nov 2009) The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate delivered the Nov. 2  keynote address at the IAEM 57th Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. Administrator Fugate was joined at the conference by FEMA leadership, including Deputy Administrator Richard Serino. "This event is an important opportunity for many of our nation's emergency managers to share best practices and lessons learned as we continue to build our national emergency response team," said  Administrator Fugate. "FEMA is only part of our nation’s emergency response team. This event allows us to focus on how we can better support local emergency managers, who are key partners on this team and are the front line in the case of an emergency or disaster. Local emergency managers also play a key role in encouraging public preparedness. The public is a critical partner, and the more individuals do now to prepare, the stronger our national emergency response team will be during the next disaster."
The IAEM Annual Conference provides a forum for current trends, topics, and information about the latest tools and technology in  emergency management and homeland security. Sessions encourage stakeholders at all levels of government, the private sector, public health and related professions to exchange ideas on collaborating to protect lives and property from disaster. In addition to the Administrator’s keynote address, FEMA will be exhibiting multiple programs at this year’s IAEM Conference. Those exhibits include:
- IPAWS (Integrated Public Alert and Warning System) will demonstrate innovative software that allows alerts and warnings to be targeted to geographic areas. The Geo-Targeted Alerting System (GTAS) is a joint development effort between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL) Global Systems Division (GSD) and IPAWS. www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/
- EMI (Emergency Management Institute), the lead national emergency management training, exercising, and education institution promotes integrated emergency management principles and practices through application of the National Response Framework, National Incident Management System, and an all hazards approach. EMI offers a full spectrum emergency management curriculum with more than 400 courses. www.training.fema.gov
FEMA’s mission is to support U.S. citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
More than 1,900 Emergency Managers to Gather in Orlando, Florida; Keynote Speaker Is FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate (29 Oct 2009)
Emergency Managers Receive CEM® Credential (26 Oct 2009)
Emergency Managers Receive AEM Credential (26 Oct 2009)
IAEM Issues RFPs for Development of an Online CEM®/AEM Portfolio Assessment System and an Online CEM®/AEM Test Center (18 Sept 2009)
IAEM Extends Sympathy to the Family of Deputy Director General Greg Slater, Chief of New South Wales State Emergency Services of Australia, Who Died While Competing in an Endurance Mountain Bike Race (16 Sept 2009) Deputy Director General Greg Slater, an IAEM-Oceania Member and Chief of the New South Wales (NWS) State Emergency Services of Australia (SES), has died Sept. 13 while competing in an endurance mountain bike race on the NSW South Coast. Before he joined the SES, Mr. Slater was an Australian Federal Police officer and was posted to East Timor and Cyprus. Mr. Slater also enjoyed endurance sports, including road cycling, running and long course triathlon, and competed in the Australian Ironman Triathlon Championships on four occasions. Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan noted that Mr. Slater had been recognised for his bravery on numerous occasions in his career. "Mr Slater was a recipient of the Australian Federal Police Commendation for Brave Conduct and the United Nations Fire Commander's Commendation for Brave Conduct," he said. "Mr. Slater's leadership and dedication to the community of NSW and to his country will be sorely missed." On behalf of IAEM, I extend my sympathies to Mr. Slater's family and colleagues. - .
National Commission on Children and Disasters Releases Interim Report (12 Sept 2009) The Interim Report of the National Commission on Children and Disasters (NCCD) to the President and Congress is now available at www.childrenanddisasters.acf.hhs.gov. "The Commission is strongly recommending [see page 17] the inclusion of external stakeholders to the FEMA Children's Working Group," noted Commissioner Bruce Lockwood, CEM, IAEM-USA Region 1 President, Public Health Emergency Response Coordinator for the Bristol-Burlington Health District. The Commission will be presenting and seeking feedback at the IAEM Annual Conference in Orlando, Nov. 1, 2009. Download the Interim Report here.
The purpose of the Commission is to: (1) conduct a comprehensive study that examines and assesses children’s needs as they relate to preparation for, response to, and recovery from all hazards, including major disasters and emergencies; (2) identify, review, and evaluate existing laws, regulations, policies, and programs relevant to such needs; (3) identify, review, and evaluate the lessons learned from past disasters relative to addressing such needs; and (4) report to the President and Congress on its findings and recommendations to address such needs, including regarding the need for a national resource center on children and disasters, coordination of resources and services, administrative actions, policies, regulations, and legislative changes. The final report of the Commission is due in October 2010.
IAEM-USA Announces Call for Entries for IAEM-USA Council Web Site Design Contest (10 Sept 2009) The IAEM-USA Council is sponsoring a Web Site Design Contest open to all IAEM members. Entrants will design a Web site for the IAEM-USA Council. You must be a current IAEM member in order to enter this contest. The design must include a Home Page, one Inside Page, and proposed (working) navigation.
Deadline: Deadline for entries to be received at IAEM Headquarters is .
Contest Details: Please download this document for complete details on the contest, technical specifications, entry requirements, and the official contest entry form.
Contest Prize: The winner of the contest will receive $2000 to be used for educational purposes. A student could apply the award to their school expenses. The award could be sent to the university or program for the student’s account or the student would be reimbursed for expenses incurred when receipts are supplied. A student also could choose to use the award in the same manner as a person that is not currently a student. A person not currently an active student could apply the award to conference attendance and expenses (IAEM or any other EM-related conference) or to any coursework in emergency management. The awardee would be reimbursed up to $2000 over a period of one year as receipts are supplied. The award could be used for multiple events.
Questions: Questions about the contest and specifications should be emailed to: Dawn Shiley, IAEM Communications & Marketing Manager, at shiley@iaem.com.
IAEM-USA Supports Richard Serino’s Nomination for Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency at the Department of Homeland Security
(08 Sept 2009)
IAEM-USA Joins Safe America Foundation in Leading 9/11 “Drill Down for Safety” Campaign (04 Sept 2009) The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) USA Council will participate in emergency communication drills and shelter in place drills this Sept. 11 as part of a national campaign encouraging organizations to rehearse what they would do during a natural disaster or other form of emergency.
The campaign, created by the Safe America Foundation, includes corporations, organizations and individuals across the United States, who pledged to practice on Sept. 11 how they would communicate during an emergency. The campaign, called “Pledge to Drill,” launches on Sept. 11 in conjunction with National Preparedness Month.
“IAEM-USA has always been an advocate for employee safety and emergency preparedness,” said Russ Decker, CEM, IAEM-USA President. “Through this partnership with Safe America, we’re supporting efforts to provide information and tools that will help individuals plan and prepare for communicating in the event of an emergency.”
Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco, Portugal (IPCB) Student Chapter Congratulated on Accomplishments (13 August 2009) Arthur Rabjohn, CEM, IAEM-Europa President and IAEM-Global Board Chair, congratulated the
IPCB Student Chapter for an impressive first year for the first IAEM Student Chapter outside North America.
"The chapter is to be congratulated on this tremendous work to support its members and feed the growth of our profession in Portugal," Rabjohn stated. João Canas, the President of the IPCB Student Chapter in Portugal, reported the following chapter activities.
:
- Technical visit to the MIC - Monitoring and Information Centre at EC - European Civil Protection, in Brussels, Belgium http://ec.europa.eu/environment/civil/prote/mic.htm
- Technical visit to the CNOS - National Command Centre of Operations at National Authority for Civil Protection, Lisbon, Portugal www.prociv.pt
- Technical visit to the CTOF - Operations Training Centre for the Forestry Techniques at AFN - National Forestry Authority, Lousã, Portugal http://www.afn.min-agricultura.pt/portal/search?Subject:list=AFN
- Technical visit to the CEIF - Forest Fires Research Center at ADAI - Associação para o Desenvolvimento da Aerodinâmica Industrial, Lousã, Portugal www.adai.pt
- Technical visit to 'Estádio do Dragão' (Dragon Stadium) Home of soccer giants F.C. Porto (safety, security, emergency and evacuation system), Oporto (Portugal) http://www.estadiodragao.com/
- Informal tour at SEGUREX 2009 - International Exhibition for Security and Safety, Lisbon, Portugal http://newsletter.fil.pt/segurex/2008/index.html
:
IAEM-USA Members Asked to Participate in DHS Review of Homeland Security Advisory System (29 July 2009) IAEM-USA members have been asked to comment on a review of the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) that is in process by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). IAEM-USA Region 5 President Jeff Walker represents IAEM-USA on the Review Panel for Public Safety for the HSAS. There is a very important short deadline for input of Monday, Aug. 3, 2009, for anyone wishing to have input. Posted below are two documents that IAEM-USA members are invited to review. The e-mail address to forward input is hsasreview@dhs.gov.
- HSAS Key Study Questions: a 1-page document outlining the “Key Study Questions,” such as current system strengths and weaknesses and suggested changes.
- HSAS Background Materials: includes Homeland Security Presidential Directive #3 on the advisory system, a “CRS Report to Congress on the HSAS” updated January 28, 2008, and other materials.
IAEM Mourns the Loss of Vikki Stempkowski, CEM, IAEM-USA Board Member and CEM® Commissioner (13 July 2009) IAEM Headquarters has received word that Vikki Stempkowski, CEM, IAEM-USA Board Member and current CEM® Commissioner, passed away on July 11, 2009. Vikki had served on the Board of Directors for IAEM for the past decade, first as IAEM Secretary and later as IAEM-USA Secretary. She was Emergency Manager of Plans & Operations for the University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.
According to the family, Vikki was preceded in death by her father Victor Stempkowski, mother Edith Kremer, and stepfather Charles Kremer. She is survived by her daughter Kelly Roberts Stempkowski, her son-in-law Jeff DeSensi, and her "grand-doggers" Tyler, Henley, and kitten Thor. Visitation will be held at Pearsons Funeral Home, 149 Breckenridge Lane, Louisville, Kentucky 40207, 502-896-0349, on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A private service will be held Thursday, July 16, 2009. (obituary notice at Courier-Journal)
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the J. Graham Brown Cancer Center or the Kentucky Humane Society. Those who wish to make memorial donations in Vikki's name to the IAEM Scholarship Fund can do so online or call IAEM Headquarters. Visit the guest book and share your condolences with Vikki's family.
"It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of our dear friend Vikki Stempkowski, CEM," noted Russ Decker, IAEM-USA President in a message to IAEM-USA members. "As you know, Vikki has served as IAEM Secretary for more than a decade, was a current member of the CEM® Commission, and she adopted all of us at IAEM as her second family. We will all be touched with this news and will miss her deeply.
As more details regarding arrangements are available, we will be sharing them with you. At this point, I believe Beth and I both plan to attend services in Louisville, Kentucky on behalf of IAEM. I encourage you to keep Vikki's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers."
"Vikki Stempkowski was a dedicated member of our association. She has been a cornerstone of our governance throughout the period of unprecedented growth and development of IAEM," stated Arthur Rabjohn, IAEM-Global Board Chairman.
"Anyone who has attended an IAEM Annual Conference in the last few years will know Vikki and her daughter Kelly. Their energy, enthusiasm and commitment have been a characteristic of our flagship event.
She will be greatly missed by her friends and colleagues, in not only IAEM-USA, but also our whole association. I know that the thoughts of our members are with her family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time."
IAEM-USA Members Asked to Comment on Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation-Phase II Activities (23 June 2009) The Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President, is requesting comments from IAEM-USA members in regard to a report entitled Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation - First Edition, which was released for public dissemination in January 2009. During the course of development of the First Edition Planning Guidance, the interagency authors were conscious of the fact that numerous gaps in the guidance existed. Some of the gaps are associated with a lack of scientific understanding needed to provide specific information to support decision making. Some of this science is being invested in and will present the opportunity for updated guidance that will address a wider range of issues. Other gaps were not addressed because Federal efforts were underway that would result in specific guidance for future editions. Some gaps relate to issues that have been brought to the authors' attention following release of the First Edition Planning Guidance. The final class of gaps are issues that are sufficiently covered by other guidance documents that are publically available. For this final class of gaps, more detailed references for additional information will be provided in future editions. The authors have attempted to identify the gaps from the First Edition Planning Guidance development process. As stakeholders, IAEM-USA members are asked to prioritize the gaps that the authors have identified. They are also open to additional suggestions regarding gaps in the First Edition Planning Guidance. In an effort to capture input in the prioritization process, detailed instructions have been developed in the instruction sheet below.
FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate Outlines Priorities With IAEM-USA Members at the IAEM 2009 Mid-Year Meeting (05 June 2009) The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate today addressed members of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) attending their 2009 Mid-Year Meeting at FEMA's Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Md. "As emergency managers we must continue to make sure that preparedness, and especially the preparedness of the public, is a top priority," Fugate said. "What we do now to increase the preparedness of the public, who are a vital member of the emergency response team, will go a long way in increasing our success in responding to and recovering from the next disaster."
IAEM-USA is the nation's largest association of emergency management professionals with more than 4,000 members, including emergency managers at the state and local government levels, tribal nations, the military, colleges and universities, private business and the nonprofit sector. Fugate concluded his remarks by emphasizing meeting the needs of disaster survivors. "None of this can be achieved by the federal government alone," he said. "It requires a large partnership, including federal, tribal, state, and local governments as well as the private sector, faith based groups, communities and the public."
So far this year, FEMA has responded to 24 major disasters, five emergencies and issued 24 fire management assistance grants. FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
IAEM-Europa President Arthur Rabjohn, CEM, Speaks at International Crisis Situation Solutions Conference at Zilina University, Slovakia (27 May 2009) IAEM-Europa President Arthur Rabjohn, CEM, addressed the 14th International Conference: "Crisis Situation Solutions in Specific Environments" at Zilina University, Slovakia. His presentation focused on the developing career pathways within emergency management and the importance of the application of the Principles of Emergency Management. The University of Zilina has more than 13,000 students, and since its establishment in 1953, has developed faculties in engineering and crisis management. It is hoped that this first engagement will bring about the creation of an IAEM student chapter at the university.
Veterans Administration GI Bill Program Will Reimburse Eligible Service Personnel for IAEM Certified Emergency Manager® (CEM®) Program Costs (07 Apr 2009)
IAEM Members in Councils Outside the United States Can Obtain IAEM Sponsorship to Take FEMA/EMI Online Independent Study Courses (07 Apr 2009)
IAEM-Spain Members Share Information About IAEM in Radio Interview (06 Apr 2009) Juan Manuel Calvo, Cadiz Civil Protection Coordinator (and the newest IAEM-Spain member), and Alvaro Pemartin, the IAEM-Spain National Representative, were interviewed last Friday in the program "Cadiz Protagonists" of Punto Radio. In this interview, our members introduced to the public the IAEM principles, activities, aims and working groups. They also introduced the concept of the emergency manager as the coordinator of various emergency services (medical, firefighters, police) that are involved in disaster planning and response. The journalist, Maika Martin, also asked about the Andalusian and Cadiz emergency management services and the missions of mass media in disasters.
U.S. National Weather Service Seeks Comments from U.S. Emergency Managers for its New Strategic Plan (30 Mar 2009) Dr. Jack Hayes, Director of the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS), has announced an opportunity to provide input to the new NWS Strategic Plan. This is an opportunity for IAEM-USA members to provide input on what the NWS should be doing and where it should be going. NWS is a vital partner to U.S. emergency managers, and we urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to let them know what you need. See details here; comments and suggestions are due May 1, 2009.
IAEM-USA Assists in Development of FEMA’s ICS-100 for Higher Education Training Course (24 Mar 2009)
IAEM-USA Supports the Nomination of Craig Fugate as FEMA Administrator (19 Mar 2009) The International Association of Emergency Managers United States Council (IAEM-USA) has announced its support of the nomination of Craig Fugate to serve as the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. "We are pleased that an experienced and nationally recognized professional emergency manager has been tapped to lead the nation’s emergency management agency," said IAEM-USA President Russ Decker, CEM, in a letter to Senator Joe Lieberman, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, U.S. Senate, and Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member, Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, U.S. Senate. "We believe that this move is a strong and clear statement of the importance that the Administration places on having a fully functional FEMA led by top-notch professionals," Decker stated. Download IAEM-USA Letter
IAEM-USA Supports the Nomination of Jane Hall Lute as DHS Deputy Secretary (16 Mar 2009) The International Association of Emergency Managers United States Council (IAEM-USA) supports the nomination of Jane Hall Lute as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Download IAEM-USA Letter to Senator Joe Lieberman, Chairman,
Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, U.S. Senate, and Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member,
Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, U.S. Senate.
IAEM-Europa Members Contribute to TRANSFER (Tsunami Risk And Strategies For the European Region) Project (16 Mar 2009) A technical meeting of the TRANSFER project (Tsunami Risk And Strategies For the European Region) was held in Cadiz, Spain, on Mar. 12, 2009, in the Port Authority Centre. Preliminary conclusions were introduced to a group of 30 emergency technicians from different public authorities, NGOs and institutions. Among these were two members of IAEM-Spain: Jose Antonio Aparicio Florido and José Manuel Calvo Hurtado.
TRANSFER is a UN funded project and is developed by the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS). This project involves 30 research centres, universities and European agencies. Its aims are:
- Better understanding of the tsunami processes in the Atlantic-Mediterranean region.
- Assess the risk, vulnerability and hazard in European costs.
- Identify new strategies to reduce the tsunami risks.
- Establish the basis for a tsunamis alert system in European coasts.
A big quantity of the statistical data of this research has been gathered by the IAEM members, both of them emergency managers. Obviously, they will be very useful for the final conclusions to be considered when studying the tsunami and seismic risks in the next new emergency plans for the European coastal villages and towns. During the meeting, a very interested discussion generated a deep analysis about the vulnerability of several social, economic, and activity sectors in view of a tsunami. It is essential than population and public authorities will be ready to face this kind of situations through the implementation of early alert, citizen information, responders training, development of a consistent planning, readiness of response and spreading of self-protecting suggestions. The TRANSFER Project is in its last stretch, set to finish in October 2009.
Learn more about the TRANSFER Project.
IAEM & IAEM Student Council Release New Awareness Video to Increase Participation Among Students (06 Mar 2009)
IAEM-USA Applauds Selection of Fugate to Lead FEMA (04 Mar 2009) The International Association of Emergency Managers United States Council (IAEM-USA) applauds today’s announcement by President Barack Obama that he will nominate W. Craig Fugate to become the new administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Download IAEM News Release
Disaster Conferences Inc., Planner of the Disaster Forum Conferences in Canada, Announces Bursary Program for Canadian Residents Who Successfully Complete the Certified Emergency Management® Program Through IAEM (23 Feb 2009) As a part of Disaster Conferences' commitment to developing professionalism in the field of emergency management, the organization is offering a bursary program to Canadian residents who successfully complete the Certified Emergency Management® Program through IAEM. The program is designed to reimburse up to ten (10) candidates each year for the cost of certification with IAEM.
Disaster Conferences Inc. is the planning body behind the annual Disaster Forum Conferences. Building from the solid foundation we established with its 1998, 2000 and 2002 conferences, Disaster Conferences is committed to making the Disaster Forum a permanent part of the emergency preparedness landscape in Canada. Their long-term commitment and proven formula for success will provide disaster recovery planning, business continuity, crisis communications and emergency preparedness professionals and practitioners with continuous learning opportunities in crisis mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Disaster Forum brings together renowned keynote speakers and diverse disciplinary sessions that deliver current and practical information in many disciplines. There are plenty of formal and informal opportunities for delegates to share, network and learn. Leading experts look at upcoming issues and trends in the industry and share their experiences, perspectives and lessons learned from past events. Access to conference workshops and social activities round out Disaster Forum and ensure delegates have a worthwhile and pleasant conference experience.
IAEM Announces Transition of Leadership in IAEM-Oceania (11 Feb 2009) Following the tragic events in Australia in the past week, IAEM-Oceania President Tony Pearce has stepped down as President of IAEM-Oceania to focus on his leadership role in his nation's recovery. IAEM has been very proud to have the highest official in Australia's EM community as the leader of our growth in that part of the World. Tony has done an outstanding job and has pledged his ongoing support to further growth of IAEM in Oceania. "I know I speak for all IAEM members when I wish him, his fellow EM's and the people of Australia our heart felt condolences for their losses and our best wishes for their recovery endeavours," said Arthur Rabjohn, CEM, Chairman of the IAEM-Global Board of Directors. Kristin Hoskins, the Oceania VP, will represent IAEM Oceania on the IAEM-Global Board and take on the Professional Services Directorship.
IAEM-Europa To Be Represented at Feb. 11 European 112 Day Event (10 Feb 2009) David Lane will represent IAEM-Europa at the second edition of the European 112 Day, Feb. 11, 2009, an event with the aim of informing EU citizens on the European emergency number 112. More and more member states now organise the 112 Day on that same date, such as Finland, Romania, Netherlands, Poland and Denmark. The organisation of the European 112 Day follows the efforts of the EU to promote the 112. On that day a Tripartite Convention, between European Parliament, European Commission and the Council, on the establishment of the official European 112 day on the 11th of February could be signed (as proposed by the European Parliament). The signature of this convention would provide more recognition for the 112 number and its use throughout Europe. details here
FEMA Seeks Applications for National Advisory Council; IAEM-USA Is Represented on the NAC (06 Feb 2009) FEMA is seeking applications for 11 seats on the FEMA Nationl Advisory Council. Each year one-third of the seats are available for appointment or reappointment. IAEM-USA President Russ Decker, CEM , who chairs the NIMS committee, was reappointed last year to a term which will end in 2011. Chuck Kmet, the Tribal representative and Chair of the IAEM-USA Tribal Affairs Committee, is serving a term ending in 2010. FEMA news release
Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand) Supports IAEM's Project to Seek Recognition of the Principles of Emergency Management (20 Jan 2009) Auckland University of Technology (AUT) has become the latest organization to recognize the Principles of Emergency Management in a project launched by IAEM's Board and its Marketing & Membership Work Group. IAEM is reaching out globally to the leading centers of learning, government agencies and organizations in the EM field to seek recognition of the principles as a baseline for the profession and activities of the profession.
IAEM-USA Supports Nomination of Governor Janet Napolitano as Secretary of the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security (13 Jan 2009) IAEM-USA President Russell Decker, CEM, sent a letter expressing the support of IAEM-USA for the nomination of Governor Janet Napolitano as DHS Secretary. The letter was sent to Sen. Joe Lieberman, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, U.S. Senate, and to Sen. Susan Collins, Ranking Member, Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, United States Senate. The letter urged a speedy confirmation of Gov. Napolitano given the importance of the DHS mission. download letter
IAEM Announces that IAEM Membership Certificates Are Now Available for Download (08 Jan 2009) IAEM has announced that all current IAEM members can now print their official membership certificates directly from the IAEM Web site at www.iaem.com.
- Go to the Members Menu, and click on the fourth item in the right-hand column called “Membership Certificate.”
- Or you can go straight to the Membership Certificate page.
- Enter your name in the field provided, and click on the button called “Search for Certificate.”
- You will see a list of choices for the current IAEM membership year (2008-2009), as well as the two previous membership years if you were also a member during those years.
- Select a membership year, and then follow the printing instructions at the top of the page.
- Only membership certificates from 2006 and after are available for printing online.
IAEM News 2008 Archive
|
|
