FEMA’s Higher Education Program Bits and Pieces

National Emergency Training Center, Emmitsburg, MD

26 July 2013

Higher Education Program News:

Report on Session 1 Virtual Symposium.

Colleagues,

The first of four sessions in the Higher Education Program Virtual Symposium series was held on July 25, 2013.  While technical glitches caused some problems, with over 110 on-line for the session, overall I would deem it a good start on which to build.

In his opening comments Tony Russell, Superintendent of EMI, emphasized his intent to have both an annual in-residence symposium supplemented by virtual sessions.

My thanks to yesterday’s presenters - Dr. Tom Phelan, Dr. Jim Kerley, Prof. Gloria Crawford and Prof. Guy Garrett on their superb presentations. 

The slides for the yesterday’s session are posted on the Higher Education Program’s website at (https://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/edu/educonference13.asp). For those unable to attend, we plan to have the presentations available on the website shortly.  We will let you know when they are posted.

Session 2 will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2013 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm.  With a theme of “What’s New in Emergency Management”, we will hear from Mr. Nick Zefran and Ms. Kate Raferty on FEMA Corps: Strengthening the Nation’s Response Capability and Ms. Kathy Francis on Emergency Management Critical Thinkers: Optimizing Associate Level Programs to Help New, Experienced, and Expert Leaders Enhance Marketability.  

Look for Session 2 registration information here and on the Higher Education Program website at https://training.fema.gov/emiweb/edu.

The Higher Education Program looks forward to hearing from you.  If you have questions or comments on the Virtual Symposia or just in general, please let me know.  I can be reached at Houston.polson@fema.dhs.gov or 301-447-1262.

Thank you for your support of the Emergency Management Higher Education Program.

College and University News:

CSU Council for Emergency Management and Homeland Security (CEMHS)

As we approach the fall semester, it is time to start thinking about our Annual 2013 CEMHS Emergency Management and Homeland Security Summit. We have a lot to chat about at the Summit (as we do every year!). Our EM-HS Education and Training Strategic Initiative and model curriculum will have been released. The CEMHS Cybersecurity Initiative will be on the agenda-- our multi-campus education and research initiative plan to develop a cyber-security "career pathway" from K-12 through Doctoral Degree Programs with participating K-12 and Higher Education (CSU, UC, CCC and private institutions) partners. We look forward to working with our colleagues from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services on cyber program design, development, and implementation. Also on the agenda is our CEMHS Campus Preparedness and School Safety Initiative. Some very exciting news to be announced shortly on that initiative as well.

If you are interested in helping me with the Summit planning process and serving on the Conference Committee, please let me know!   

Hope you have a great day--

Best, Keith

Keith Clement, Ph.D.Associate Professor, Department of CriminologyCalifornia State University, Fresno

Planning Director, CSU Council for Emergency Management and Homeland Security (CEMHS)www.calstate.edu/cemhshttp://cemhs.blogspot.com/http://www.fresnostate.edu/cge/programs/certs/homeland/index.html

Florida Division of Emergency Management – Intern Positions Available

The Florida Division of Emergency Management is seeking part-time interns to fill a variety of positions. Candidates can expect to contribute to projects covering preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation phases of emergency management. These projects provide hands on experiences that support the achievement of emergency management goals at the Division and our statewide partner offices.  Internships are available year round parallel with the semester cycle. The internship is unpaid with academic credit available.

EligibilityApplicants must meet the following criteria. Enrollment in an accredited college or university

Possess an understanding of emergency management Availability for in-person interview Acknowledge local preference in position assignmentStudents from emergency management, homeland security, public administration, urban planning or related fields are encouraged to apply.

How to ApplyThe application can be found at http://www.floridadisaster.org/interns/ Send a cover letter, unofficial transcript, 2 to 5 page writing sample, and an academic

recommendation with the application for full consideration. All application materials are submitted to Monique Carby at Monique.Carby@em.myflorida.com or

Florida Division of Emergency Management, 2555 Shumard Oak Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399. E-mail submissions are preferred.

For additional information and to speak to the internship coordinator directly call (850)413-9892.

Red Rocks Community College Emergency Management & Planning Degree and Certificate ProgramsFall Semester Starts on August 19th 2013

Through Red Rocks Community College, students can earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree or a Certificate in Emergency Management Planning.  All courses are offered ONLINE.  To complete our Associate of Applied Science Degree in Emergency Management and Planning requires the completion of 60 credit hours of courses, including 15 hours of General Education courses, 15 hours of Electives and 30 credit hours (ten courses) of core EMP courses.  The Red Rocks spring semester starts on August 19th 2013. This fall we will be offering EMP 101, EMP 106, EMP 109, EMP 247, EMP 244, and EMP 250. More detailed information about our program is available at: http://www.rrcc.edu/catalogs/sheets/EmergencyManagementAndPlanning.pdf   

Students can take a course without the need for long distance travel and can set their own schedule.  Since ONLINE courses don't have a set classroom time, students can participate at any hour.... now the school is coming to the student, saving time and money.  Prospective students can apply to Red Rocks and register for classes totally ONLINE at http://www.rrcc.edu/.

Completed courses from other colleges or accredited institutions, which correspond to our EMP course requirements, can be transferred to Red Rocks, at no cost, after submitted transcripts are reviewed for applicability toward our EMP Program.  When requesting credit for courses for which you have certificates or are from non-accredited institutions such as FEMA you need to go through what we call our "Credit for Prior Learning Program".  At least 15 hours (5 EMP courses) must be taken through Red Rocks. 

This program was started in 1999 and is recognized by FEMA as one of the pioneering national ONLINE Emergency Management programs and is supported by the Colorado Office of Emergency Management. Floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, train wrecks, terrorist attacks and hazardous chemical spills are examples of emergencies in which life and property are endangered.  The EM professional’s

ability to perform essential work in a disaster requires skills in emergency operations and management.  How well a community or an organization prepares for and deals with these and other kinds of disasters can affect not only their economic viability but people’s lives. 

For more information:

o   Contact Name:               Ivo Roospold EMP Coordinator

o   Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .303.914.6404 o   E-Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ivo.roospold@rrcc.edu o   Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .303.914.6803

New EM Books

AVAILABLE NOW FROM CRC PRESS – The only book to examine planning, preparedness, and response considerations to large-scale, catastrophic disaster events!

 Preparedness and Response for Catastrophic Disasters Edited by: Rick BissellISBN: 9781466511897 • $79.95 / £49.99   May 2013 • Pages: 416 • Trim: 6-1/8 x 9-1/4 • Binding: Hardcover

About the Book:

Based on a popular course for the FEMA Higher Education project, Preparedness and Response for Catastrophic Disasters provides important insight into plans to mitigate and respond to the devastation caused by large-scale catastrophic events. Hurricane Katrina provided clear evidence that these occurrences are both qualitatively and quantitatively different from other disasters. Recent tragedies, like the 2004 South Asia tsunami, the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and resulting nuclear plant meltdown in Japan further illustrate that we are not prepared for such events.

Written by top disaster scholars and practitioners, the book defines what constitutes a catastrophic event, outlining both the factors that can lead to catastrophes and the unique logistical, planning, and response challenges posed by them. Distinct from general disasters, these events are termed "catastrophic" due to the regional impact, impacts to logistics and infrastructure, the devastating effects on large-scale populations, and the ripple effects on regional and global economies.

Preparedness and Response for Catastrophic Disasters examines why catastrophes must be approached differently. If governments, public administrators, and emergency management professionals are to succeed in protecting our populations, there must be consensus, decisiveness, and leadership in both the coordination and response. In addition, there must be a fundamental recognition that catastrophic events compromise the very infrastructure—public utilities, delivery of goods and service, schools, business functions, and government—that supports communities and upon which modern society is based. As such, the book explores how catastrophes can dramatically affect

populations and addresses new, innovative, and fundamentally unique strategies communities can institute to better prepare populations for catastrophic events and their aftermath.

Features and Highlights:

Presents content included in a popular course for the FEMA Higher Education project Establishes the parameters of catastrophes and defines what constitutes a catastrophic event Outlines the factors that can lead to catastrophic disasters Examines the unique logistical, planning, and response challenges posed by catastrophic

disasters Addresses the community impact of catastrophes and unique strategies to mitigate damage and

disruption

Table of Contents:

1: What Is a Catastrophe, and Why Is This Important? ● 2: Understanding Catastrophes: A Discussion of Causation, Impacts, Policy Approaches, and Organizational Structures ● 3: Ethics in Catastrophe Readiness and Response ● 4: Political and Legal Issues ● 5: Economics of Catastrophes and Disasters ● 6: Logistics and the Management of Critical Supplies Following Catastrophes ● 7: Overview of Critical Infrastructure in Catastrophes ● 8: Public Health Role in Catastrophes ● 9: Catastrophes, Mass Displacement, and Population Resettlement ● 10: Emergent Organizations and Networks in Catastrophic Environments ● 11: Methods of Planning and Response Coordination ● 12: Catastrophic Disaster Recovery: An Institutional Network Perspective ● 13: Pandemic Scenario ● 14: Training and Exercises for Catastrophes ● 15: Catastrophes in Haiti and Japan ● 16: Summary and Call to Action 

About the Editor:

Rick Bissell, Ph.D., is a professor and graduate program director at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) Department of Emergency Health Services. His research focuses on disaster epidemiology, health sector response to disasters, public health–emergency management collaboration, emerging global emergency management challenges, earthquake impact on health services, and various topics related to emergency management.

AVAILABLE NOW FROM CRC PRESS – A look at how phenomenon like social media, instant information, transparency, and public expectations are changing the field of emergency management.

Leadership in the Open: A New Paradigm in Emergency ManagementBy: Adam S. CroweISBN: 9781466516373 • $69.95 / £44.99   May 2013 • Pages: 327 • Trim: 6-1/8 x 9-1/4• Binding: Hardcover

About the Book:

Providing a roadmap for twenty-first century emergency management best practices, Leadership in the Open: A New Paradigm in Emergency Management examines public expectations relative to the use

of communication and Web 2.0 technologies for emergency management activities. It covers current technologies along with the public’s demand for transparency and ever-increasing need for instant information and updates.

As a relatively young field, emergency management has already undergone considerable evolution and change. And now that Web 2.0 technologies and social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter have become inherently ingrained in all facets of our lives, emergency managers must once again re-evaluate best practices and standardized approaches. This book builds on the author's bestseller, Disasters 2.0: The Application of Social Media Systems for Modern Emergency Management, by looking at an emergency manager's role not simply by job function, but on what the public demands.

The book is divided into three sections that focus on the fundamentals of social media, the potential effects of its strategic use in disaster management, and the attitude of engagement that is effective for community commitment. Coverage includes efficiency, magnification, humility, creativity, ethics, the tension of changing public expectations, and long-standing best practices within the emergency management community.

Features and Highlights include:

Provides a roadmap for 21st century emergency management leadership Examines public expectations relative to the use and utilization of communication and Web 2.0

technologies for emergency management activities Defines transparency and the components of transparency that can be applied in emergency

management leadership Identifies the spectrum of collaboration possibilities that exist by leveraging social media

systems

Filled with extensive real-world examples, this is an ideal guide for leaders in emergency management, first-response, and business continuity—as well as advanced level students preparing to enter the field.

Table of Contents:

1: The Rise of Social Media and Open Government  ●  2: Transparency ● 3: Instantaneous ● 4: Entrepreneurism ● 5: Efficiency and Effectiveness ● 6: Magnification ● 7: Collaboration ● 8: Humility ● 9: Creativity and Design ● 10: Ethics and Character

About the Author:

Adam Crowe is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) and a Kansas Certified Emergency Manager (KCEM) who is a nationally-renowned speaker and author on various issues related to emergency management, emergency preparedness, and community relations. He has worked in all facets of emergency management including planning, preparedness, operations, public information, stakeholder relations, debris management and public education. He has participated in dozens of exercises of various types and complexities and has participated in hundreds of hours of continuing education. He completed the Master Exercise Practitioner (MEP) program earlier this year. Additionally, he has published two

textbooks related to emergency management currently blogs for Emergency Management Magazine. He is currently of Emergency Preparedness at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Emergency Management and Homeland Security News:

Employment Opportunities:

A vacancy announcement has been posted for a Supervisory Emergency Management Specialist (Exercise & Planning), GS- 0089-14 in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), National Preparedness Directorate (NPD), Technological Hazards Division (THD), Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) BranchDEU - https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/347558300MP - https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/347800600

Joseph Martin – Disaster Gestalt: Research and Opinions on Disasters and the Study of Them http://disastergestalt.com/2013/07/24/from-the-archives-1913-detailed-survey-on- reliefrecovery-efforts-following-1906-san-francisco-earthquakefire/ (info provided by William Cummings)

From the Archives: 1913 Detailed Survey on Relief/Recovery Efforts Following 1906 San Francisco Earthquake/Fire - http://disastergestalt.com/2013/07/24/from-the-archives-1913-detailed-survey-on-reliefrecovery-efforts-following-1906-san-francisco-earthquakefire/

The San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of April 18, 1906.By Grove Karl Gilbert, Joseph Austin Holmes, Richard Lewis Humphrey, John Stephen Sewell,

Frank Soulé http://books.google.com/books?id=BEyi0K-kUdgC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false

http://archive.org/

Global Risk Forum – GRF Davos Newsletter

The 4th Conference on Community Resiliency jointly organized by Virginia Tech and the Global Risk Forum GRF will be held from 29 - 30 August 2013 in Davos, Switzerland and will contribute significantly to advancing our knowledge and actions at strengthening the resiliency of critical infrastructures that will enable our communities to prosper in an era of increased and emerging risks.

The out-standing registration package includes:

access to all sessions accommodation (2 nights at the Morosani Posthotel, Davos ****) catering at the conference centre incl. coffee breaks, lunches, etc.,

conference networking dinner on Thursday, 29 August 2013, daily highlights, conference material and proceedings

The 4th Conference on Community Resiliency is the global gathering of top experts, opinion leaders, and practitioners in resiliency you do not want to miss. Register now!

Confirmed Speakers We are pleased to announce an outstanding set of speakers from science, policy, and the private sector (in alphabetic order):

Stefan Brem, Head of Risk Analysis and Research Coordination, Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport, Federal Office for Civil Protection, Berne, Switzerland

Jack Brown, Director of the Arlington County Office of Emergency, Arlington County, USA Mauro Dell' Ambrogio, Secretary of State for Education and Research, Berne, Switzerland Roland Friedli, Senior Risk Engineer, Swiss Re Ltd., Zurich, Switzerland Martin Powell, Head of Urban Development, Siemens AG, London, UK Joao Ribeiro, General Director of the National Disasters Management Institute (INGC),

Maputo, Mozambiqueo and many more... See full list of speakers

Under the patronage of the FAO and OIE the 2nd GRF One Health Summit 2013 will be held at the Davos Congress Centre in Davos, Switzerland, from 17 - 20 November 2013.We would like to thank all scientists for the impressive amount of outstanding submissions received by now. For those of you who missed the chance to submit, the special call for sessions and papers on ecohealth, food safety and security, economic valuation and emerging and animal borne diseases is still open until 31 July 2013. Submit now!

IAEM Dispatch, June 20, 2013

CEM® NEWS

Increase in certification fee effective Sept. 16, 2013 IAEM The IAEM-Global Board has approved an increase in the certification fee. Effective Sept. 16, 2013, the new rates will be $395 (USD) for IAEM members and $595 (USD) for non-IAEM members. Candidates interested in the CEM®/AEM℠ program are encouraged to submit their certification fee now to avoid the additional cost. Contact IAEM Certification Program Administrator Kate Walker McClimans with any questions or for additional information.Credential review date set for USA CEM® Commission IAEM The next USA CEM® Commission review meeting is scheduled for Sept. 5-8, 2013. CEM®/AEM℠ applications must be received at IAEM Headquarters by Aug. 16, 2013 to be considered at this meeting. Contact IAEM Certification Program Administrator Kate Walker McClimans with any questions or for additional information. Applications for USA CEM® Commission IAEM A special thank you to all the Certified Emergency Managers that applied for the Class of 2016 USA CEM® Commissioner positions. Candidates will be notified of the results in the fall.

IAEM ANNUAL CONFERENCE UPDATE

Two new events too good to miss added to pre-conference schedule IAEM Coming out early to the IAEM 61st Annual Conference and EMEX? Plan now to join other IAEM conference attendees for learning and collaborating experiences on two recently added tours. Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation Tour (Oct. 25, 2013; 5:30-8:00 p.m.)

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the world-class Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES) at the University of Nevada Reno. The structures lab offers four shake tables: three biaxial shake tables and one six-degrees of freedom shake table. The new 100-seat auditorium with audio and video capabilities allows students and remote researchers to experience earthquake simulations or participate in research projects in real time.

Regional Emergency Operations Center and National Weather Service Reno Office Tour (Oct. 26, 2013; 5:30-8:00 p.m.) The REOC is a unique facility that was constructed in response to the 1997 New Year's Flood with local tax dollars. The second floor houses 911 dispatch, the first floor contains the emergency operations center. Approximately 50 different agencies, volunteer organizations, and private sector partners collaborate at the facility for response, recovery, mitigation, and prevention activities. During the second part of the tour, visit the NWS Reno Office, which provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. The Reno facility provides real-time weather data and forecasting for seven counties in northern Nevada and 10 counties in California. Learn more and register today!

Virtual EMEX is an invaluable year-round resource for emergency management professionals IAEM EMEX 2013 brings together the latest technological advances in homeland security and disaster preparedness suppliers under one roof, under the auspices of the International Association of Emergency Managers' 61st Annual Conference, Oct. 25-30, 2013. Visit Virtual EMEX today!

IAEM-USA NEWS

Senate Appropriations Committee acts on FY 2014 Appropriations for DHS IAEM On July 18, the Full Senate Appropriations Committee approved the FY 2014 Appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security. The FEMA section is on pages 109-127 of the Appropriations Committee Report, Senate Report 113-77. A memo on the Senate Appropriations Bill and Report with regard to FEMA is provided on the IAEM website from IAEM's policy advisor. Many local emergency managers were concerned that FEMA's EMPG Guidance did not recognize the differences between the Homeland Security Grants and EMPG. The Senate Committee report addressed this issue with the following language:

The Committee notes the purpose of EMPG is to sustain an all — hazards emergency capability at the State and local level. The Committee is concerned that in an effort to harmonize grant programs, generic grant guidance reduces clarity regarding the targeted purpose of these grants. It should be noted, FEMA capabilities are only used when a State is overwhelmed in its ability to support a disaster and the President declares Federal assistance is needed. While there were 99 Presidentially declared disasters in

fiscal year 2011, 250 gubernatorial emergencies were declared, 13,041 events required State assistance, and 44,428 local and tribal events were supported using EMPG funded staff or assets, according to the National Emergency Management Association. This level of activity and the requirement for all levels of government to work together for unexpected disasters demonstrates the criticality of sustaining a Nationwide capability. The Federal contribution through EMPG, which is a little over $1 per citizen, is matched by over 50 percent from State and local governments. This system enables an efficient response and assists in reducing costs to the Disaster Relief Fund. FEMA is directed to take into account the unique purpose of EMPG, as defined in the Stafford Act, when developing grant guidance.Updated Fiscal Year 2013 Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance is now available IAEM FEMA opened the PDM and FMA application period on July 19, 2013 and will close the application period on Oct. 18, 2013. The PDM and FMA Funding Opportunity Announcements are posted periodically. For the FY2013 PDM Program: Applicants will be limited to 5 subapplications (project and planning) plus a management costs subapplication. The following Agency priorities for funding will be used for PDM selections: 1) The #1 ranked subapplication in each State and Territory if the subapplication is within the 1% set-aside or $250,000. If the #1 ranked subapplication is greater than $250,000 that subapplication will be considered after all other State and Territory set-asides are selected; 2) Planning subapplications; 3) Indian Tribal Government subapplications;4) Non flood projects from applicants with no open HMGP declaration; 5) Non-flood projects from applicants with an open HMGP declaration; and 6) Flood mitigation projects.For the FY2013 FMA Program:1) FMA funding for mitigation planning will be limited to $100,000 for States and Territories; and 2) Subapplications containing higher ratios of SRL properties will receive priority over other projects.The updated Fiscal Year 2013 Unified Hazard Mitigation Assistance Guidance is now available.

EM RESOURCES

Space station benefiting natural disaster responders redOrbit.com International space agencies released a statement about the benefits the space station can bring to the table during natural disasters. The International Space Station sits 250 miles above the surface of the Earth, providing a broad view of the planet. The space station's partner agencies said that this orbiting outpost could play an important role in helping emergency responders know what areas are most in need during natural disasters.

EM NEWS

Putting the disaster in natural disasters: Why many choose to live in harm's way The Huffington Post As extreme weather events seem to be increasing around the world, changes consistent with the kinds of things climate change is predicted to cause, many people are realizing something for the first time. Hundreds of millions of people around the world choose to live in areas prone to severe floods, forest fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanoes. Such violent natural events only become 'disasters', in fact, because so many people have chosen to live in harm's way. Why do people expose themselves to such danger? And how does the psychology of this sort of risk-taking challenge the hazard managers who are responsible for mitigating these perils and keeping people safe? How emergency managers can benefit from big data Government Technology During a disaster, life-saving decisions are often made based on the most current information of a

situation and past experiences in similar circumstances. While that's a tried-and-true approach, the availability of complex, computer-generated data streams is changing the ball game for some emergency managers. Call for articles: Disaster Resource GUIDE extends deadline to Aug. 1 IAEM The Disaster Resource GUIDE has just extended the deadline for article submissions for its 16th Annual GUIDE to Aug. 1, 2013. This annual publication, to be published in September, will be based on the theme of "Relationships and the Road to Resilience." Articles are being sought in six categories: planning and management; human concerns; information availability and security; telecom/satcom; facility issues; and crisis communications and response. Additionally, article submissions are being accepted for quarterly special editions, the weekly Continuity e-GUIDE and the Online Guide. Complete details are available online.

AROUND THE WORLD

Death toll in China earthquake hits 94, with 1,001 injured The Wall Street Journal Rescuers with shovels and sniffer dogs chipped away at collapsed hillsides as the death toll rose to 94 from a strong earthquake in a farming region of northwest China. Just one person was listed as missing and 1,001 as injured from the recent quake near the city of Dingxi in Gansu province. Quake rattles New Zealand, but no deaths reported CNN New Zealand's capital was cleaning up after a strong earthquake that shook the city and left authorities scrambling to make sure buildings were safe. The quake struck about 35 miles south of Wellington in the channel between New Zealand's northern and southern islands. Initially reported as a magnitude-6.9 quake, the U.S. Geological Survey later reclassified its magnitude as 6.5, at a depth of 14 km. Canada Transport Agency issues emergency directives for rail safety The Wall Street Journal Canadian transportation authorities announced six emergency measures designed to strengthen train safety following a deadly derailment of a crude-laden train earlier this month in Quebec. New tropical depression forms in eastern Atlantic The Associated Press via ABC News A new tropical depression has formed in the eastern Atlantic and is expected to soon become a tropical storm. The depression's maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says it's forecast to reach tropical storm strength. Blaze erupts on Gulf of Mexico rig after natural gas blowout NBCNEWS.com A fire erupted on drilling rig off the Louisiana coast that was surrounded by a "major cloud of gas" after it experienced a blowout, officials said. The blaze began on the Hercules 265 natural gas platform, which is located around 55 miles off the Louisiana coast in the Gulf of Mexico. Eileen Angelico, a spokeswoman for the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, said no one was on board when the fire started but the cause of the blaze was unknown. New tropical depression forms in eastern Atlantic The Associated Press via ABC News A new tropical depression has formed in the eastern Atlantic and is expected to soon become a tropical storm. The depression's maximum sustained winds are near 35 mph. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says it's forecast to reach tropical storm strength.

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New York Citizen Council Weekly News, July 19, 2013

Be Ready! September is National Preparedness Month!

National Preparedness Month (NPM) is sponsored by FEMA's Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps. NPM is held each September to encourage Americans to make sure they are prepared for disasters or emergencies in their homes, businesses, and communities. NYC  Citizen Corps will be hosting and promoting public events during the month of September throughout New York City.  Click here to see how you can get involved, volunteer, or attend any of this year's National Preparedness Month activities!

NPM kick off events will take place in all five boroughs on September 4th. Click here to register to volunteer at any of the sites.

NYC CITIZEN CORPS COUNCIL INITIATIVES:

#KnowYourZone in Multiple Languages The Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City guide is now available online in multiple languages. #KnowYourZone, from Arabic to Yiddish. Click on the link to read the updated Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City guide. Learn what Hurricane Evacuation Zone you live in by going to the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder, or by calling 311.  CDC Whole Community Tour- "On the Road in New York City"  CDC's Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response (OPHPR) Learning Office is working in support of the CDC Foundation on a pilot program to identify and promote promising examples of existing community efforts that reflect and embody FEMA's Whole Community approach to emergency management.  Read more about about CDC's Whole Community site visit to NYC OEM's Partners in Preparedness program here.    Coming up this Fall: "We Are New York" Episode on Emergency Preparedness In partnership with CUNY and the NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, Citizen Corps will be producing a 25 minute episode as part of the We Are New York series geared towards English-language learners (ELL).  The episode will focus on emergency preparedness and access to city resources during emergencies and will be accompanied by various learning materials for beginner and intermediate English language learners.  If you are interested in learning more about this project and using these materials in your outreach please contact Emily Accamando at eaccamando@oem.nyc.gov  Spread the Word - NYC Citizen Corps Council News (For Nonprofit and Community Organizations)If you would like to include information in the NYC Citizen Corps Council News, or if there is anyone in your organization or another organization that would benefit from this weekly communication, please email citizencorps@oem.nyc.gov with the relevant information.

 Visit our website for more resources at www.NYC.gov/citizencorps

SANDY NEWS:

Guidance for Community Reconstruction Zone Plans Through the Community Reconstruction Zone (CRZ) Program, New York State is assisting communities to rebuild better and safer based on community-driven plans that consider current damage, future threats to community assets, and the community's economic future. Communities looking to participate in this program are encouraged to complete a successful plan, read the NYS planning toolkit for CRZ Planning Committees here. NYSEG Recovery AssistanceNew York State Electric and Gas has several Emergency Economic Development Programs offering assistance businesses, municipalities, large residential establishments affected by Hurricane Sandy. Click here for details.  Applications are due by August 1st. Volunteer Led Relief Efforts Grant  Citizens Committee for NYC is awarding $2,000 grants for volunteer-led Sandy relief efforts. Funds are available both for existing and new volunteer groups to help increase the overall capacity to provide relief to hurricane-impacted areas and to support specific projects that address hurricane-related damage to community spaces (for example: waterfronts, sidewalks, school grounds, community gardens, parks). Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through August 1. For more information and to apply, click here. NYC Build it Back ProgramOn May 10th City and Federal officials announced that New York City will receive $1.77 billion in federal disaster relief aid, including $648 million to help New York City residents whose primary homes were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. If you are a New York City resident whose primary home or multi-family building was destroyed or damaged during Hurricane Sandy and you need help, you may be eligible for the Build it Back program to help you rebuild, repair or relocate. Click here for more information. Social, Health and Mental Health Services GrantSandy Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) funds are now available for human service providers and clients impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The funds will serve to meet various health-related needs, including services for individuals, and repair, renovation, and building projects for health and social services facilities.  For more information and to apply, click here (deadline August 30th).Financial Counseling for Residents and Small Businesses   Operation HOPE/HOPE Coalition America's (HCA) Restore HOPE-Hurricane Sandy, provides free disaster financial and economic recovery services to individuals and small businesses located in the five boroughs of New York City still recovering from Sandy. HCA financial recovery coordinators are available to deliver both one-on-one financial information and group financial guidance to individual and small business clients to help with recovery and emergency preparedness. For more information, visit HCA's site or call their toll-free hotline:888-388-HOPE (4673).Hurricane Sandy NY Resource ListCheck out these great tools to see some of the resources available to New Yorkers in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

Hurricane Sandy Grants Information   NY Hurricane Sandy Disaster Recovery Resources (UPDATED July 9)  

NYDIS: Online Sandy Recovery Guide & Resources (with Widgets)

RESOURCES:

Tracking Hurricane Sandy Recovery Money  Good Jobs New York offers a brief summary of H.R. 152, the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act  describes federal disaster recovery funds and breaks down the first allocation of Community Development Block Grants for New York City. Check out their At-a-Glance: Federal Disaster Relief After Sandy to get a better understand of how funds are being allocated.  NYC.gov: Project Open HouseThe Mayors Office for People with Disabilities is now accepting applications for Project Open House (POH), a program removing "readily achievable" architectural barriers in the homes of qualified applicants. POH aims to help New Yorkers with permanent disabilities achieve greater independence in their homes.Brooklyn Community Foundation-Brooklyn Recovery Fund: Online ResourcesThe Brooklyn Community Foundation just launched their new recovery resources webpage with information for community members, leaders, and organizations. Make sure to look under Latest Recovery News section to find information on grant opportunities, government funding, and policy. Group Housing for VolunteersNow with summer here many volunteers who live out-of-state are looking to contribute their efforts to continued recovery and helping rebuild communities after Sandy. They are also looking where to reside. One of the primary coordinators for volunteer housing is New York Disaster Interfaith Services (NYDIS), whose 2,500 NYC congregation group is essential to a greater operation of using volunteer efforts.  To register your congregation as a "dorm," or request housing for incoming partners, email volunteerhousing@nydis.org.

WEBINARS/EVENTS:

Staten Island Long Term Recovery Organization Sandy Help Fairs: Saturday, July 27from 10:00am-2:00pm at Home Depot, 2750 Veterans Rd. W Wednesday, July 31from 4:00pm-8:00pm at the Project Hospitality Community Center, 514 Bay

St. Saturday, August 3from 10:00am-4:00pm at St. Margaret Mary Olympia Activity Center, 1126

Olympia Blvd.Who will be there? FEMA, NYC Build it Back, Disaster Case Management, Free Legal Aid, World Renew, Red Cross, Single Stop, Project Hope Crisis Counselors, SI Long Term Recovery, World Cares Mold Remediation, and Volunteer Rebuilding orgs.  All Hazards Consortium Webinar SeriesSeries of three webinar sessions: Webinar #1 - Understanding the Mutual Aid Process (7/23/13,1:00pm). Webinar #2 - Understanding the National Power Grid (7/30/13, 1:00pm). Webinar #3 - A Case Study for Power Restoration following Sandy (8/6/13, 1:00pm). Click here to register.Be Ready! September is National Preparedness Month!NYC Citizen Corps will be hosting and promoting public events during the month of September throughout New York City.  Click here to see how you can get involved, volunteer, or attend any of this year's National Preparedness Month activities!

NPM kick off events will take place in all five boroughs on September 4th. Click here to register to volunteer at any of the sites.

Citizen Corps encourages you to sign up to Notify NYC to receive important public safety announcements this summer.

Received from: Greta E. Marlatt; email: gmarlatt@nps.edu/ ; New or Updated Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports: Broadband Loan and Grant Programs in the USDA's Rural Utilities Service. RL33816 Federal Research and Development Funding: FY2014. R43086 An Overview of Unconventional Oil and Natural Gas: Resources and Federal Actions. R43148 Hydraulic Fracturing: Selected Legal Issues. R43152 The President's Budget Request: Overview and Timing of the Mid-Session Review. RL320509 EPA Regulations: Too Much, Too Little, or On Track? R41561Brookings How Mobile Devices Are Transforming Disaster Relief and Public Safety  

http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/research/files/papers/2013/07/16-mobile-technology-disaster-relief/west_valentini_mobile-technology-disaster-relief_v20.pdf

Center for American Progress (CAP) The Electrical Divide: New Energy Technologies and Avoiding an Electric Service Gap

http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/report/2013/07/15/69249/the-electrical-divide-new-energy-technologies-and-avoiding-an-electric-service-gap/

Center for Infrastructure Protection and Homeland Security (CIP/HS) CIP Report, July 2013, v. 12, no. 1 – Legal Insights

http://tuscany.gmu.edu/centers/cip/cip.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/July-2013_Legal-Insights1.pdf

Congress. House. Homeland Security Committee Evaluating Privacy, Security, and Fraud Concerns with ObamaCare’s Information Sharing

Apparatus http://homeland.house.gov/hearing/joint-subcommittee-hearing-evaluating-privacy-security-and-fraud-concerns-obamacare-s

Oversight of Executive Order 13636 and Development of the Cybersecurity Framework http://homeland.house.gov/hearing/subcommittee-hearing-oversight-executive-order-13636-and-development-cybersecurity-framework

Stakeholder Perspectives on TSA Acquisition Reform http://homeland.house.gov/hearing/subcommittee-hearing-stakeholder-perspectives-tsa-acquisition-reform

Congress. Senate. Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee Department of Homeland Security at 10 Years: Harnessing Science and Technology to Protect

National Security and Government Efficiency http://www.hsgac.senate.gov/hearings/the-department-of-homeland-security-at-10-years-harnessing-science-and-technology-to-protect-national-security-and-enhance-government-efficiency

Implementation of Wartime Contracting Reforms http://www.hsgac.senate.gov/subcommittees/fco/hearings/implementation-of-wartime-contracting-reforms

Strategic Sourcing: Leveraging the Government's Buying Power to Save Billions http://www.hsgac.senate.gov/hearings/strategic-sourcing-leveraging-the-governments-buying-power-to-save-billions-

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 2012 National Network of Fusion Centers Final Report

http://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/2012%20National%20Network%20of%20Fusion%20Centers%20Final%20Report.pdf

Department of Justice Report on Review of News Media Policies http://www.justice.gov/ag/news-media.pdf Government Accountability Office (GAO) America Competes Acts: Overall Appropriations Have Increased and Have Mainly Funded Existing

Federal Research Entities. GAO-13-612 http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-13-612 Department of Homeland Security: Oversight and Coordination of Research and Development

Efforts Could Be Strengthened. GAO-13-766T [testimony]  http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-13-766T

Strategic Sourcing: Improved and Expanded Use Could Provide Significant Procurement Savings. GAO-13-765T  [testimony] http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-13-765T

Lloyd’s of London Solar Storm Risk to the North American Electric Grid

http://www.lloyds.com/~/media/Lloyds/Reports/Emerging%20Risk%20Reports/Solar%20Storm%20Risk%20to%20the%20North%20American%20Electric%20Grid.pdf

National Academies Press An Ecosystem Services Approach to Assessing the Impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in

the Gulf of Mexico http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18387 Health Literacy:  Improving Health, Health Systems, and Health Policy Around the World:

Workshop Summary http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18325 Nationwide Response Issues After an Improvised Nuclear Device Attack

http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18347 Toward Quality Measures for Population Health and the Leading Health Indicators

http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18339

Thank you and have a delightful weekend,

Barbara

Barbara L. JohnsonHigher Education Program AssistantFEMA/EMI/NETCDepartment of Homeland Security16825 S. Seton Avenue, K016Emmitsburg, MD 21727 Ph: (301) 447-1452Barbara.Johnson3@fema.dhs.gov http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/edu

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