DISASTER RESEARCH 442

December 2, 2005

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Hurricane Season 2005 Tops the Charts
  2. FY 2006 PDM Grant Applications Now Being Accepted
  3. EMPG Program Guidance and Application Kit Now Available Online
  4. EMAC Postdeployment Survey
  5. IBHS and ACSP Scholarship in Planning and Natural Hazards
  6. Call for Presentations: International Disaster Reduction Conference
  7. Call for Research-Based Emergency Management Articles
  8. Call for Manuscripts: JACR Special Issue on Hurricanes
  9. Call for Papers: Disaster Resistant Universities
  10. Call for Papers: Racial Implications from Hurricane Katrina
  11. Announcement of Opportunity: UK Flood Risk Program
  12. NOAA Accepting Proposals for Stream Barrier Removal Projects
  13. Reader Request
  14. Some New Web Resources
  15. Conferences and Training
  16. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

1) Hurricane Season 2005 Tops the Charts

On November 29, one day before the end of hurricane season, and three days before Tropical Storm Epsilon strengthened into 2005's 14th hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean (only the fifth December hurricane recorded in more than 120 years), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) released the storm stats for 2005 and predicted additional active hurricane seasons in the years to come. According to NOAA, the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the busiest on record. Breaking records that stood for decades, the season was the first to see 26 named storms, 13 hurricanes (excluding Epsilon), 3 category 5 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes (category 3 or higher) hitting the United States.

NOAA scientists had predicted that 2005 would be an extremely active hurricane season, forecasting near-record activity in an early August report. The 26 named storms topped the forecast range of 18 to 21, the 13 hurricanes inched above the forecast of 9 to 11 and the 7 major hurricanes fell within the forecast range of 5 to 7. Five hurricanes (Dennis, Katrina, Ophelia, Rita, and Wilma) and three tropical storms (Arlene, Cindy, and Tammy) directly affected the United States.

Letters of the Greek alphabet were used to name storms for the first time since storms began acquiring names in 1953, as Hurricane Wilma exhausted the original list of 21 names. Tropical Storm Alpha and Hurricane Beta hit the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, respectively. Tropical Storm Gamma brought deadly flooding to parts of Central America. Tropical Storm Delta largely stayed over open water then moved across the Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa. Tropical Storm Epsilon formed on the next to last day of the Atlantic hurricane season over the central Atlantic Ocean and gained hurricane strength days later.

The Atlantic Basin is in the active phase of a multidecadal cycle in which optimal conditions in the ocean and atmosphere, including warmer-than-average sea-surface temperatures and low wind shear, enhance hurricane activity. This increase in the number and intensity of tropical storms and hurricanes can span multiple decades (approximately 20 to 30 years). NOAA will make its official 2006 season forecast in May, prior to the June 1 start to the season and urges hurricane-prone residents to take proactive measures now.

Read the press release, download graphic and audio files from the news conference, or link to additional information, including additional noteworthy records of the 2005 season, at http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2005/s2540.htm.

2) FY 2006 PDM Grant Applications Now Being Accepted

The application period for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Predisaster Mitigation (PDM) program for fiscal year (FY) 2006 is open as of November 21, 2005. The deadline for FY 2006 PDM grant applications to be submitted to FEMA is 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on March 3, 2006.

The PDM program provides funds to states, territories, Indian tribal governments, and communities for hazard mitigation planning and the implementation of mitigation projects prior to a disaster event. Funding these plans and projects reduces overall risks to the population and structures, while also reducing reliance on funding from actual disaster declarations. PDM grants are awarded on a competitive basis and without reference to state allocations, quotas, or other formula-based allocation(s) of funds. Congress has appropriated $50 million for competitive grants, technical assistance, and program support for the FY 2006 PDM program.

Availability of PDM funds is dependent upon congressional reauthorization of the program, expected by December 31, 2005. The deadline for having a FEMA-approved mitigation plan to be eligible to receive an FY 2006 PDM program project grant is April 14, 2006.

Applicants must use the electronic grants (eGrants) management system at http://portal.fema.gov/ to submit a PDM grant application. The FY 2006 PDM Program Guidance documents provide information and guidance on implementing the PDM program in FY 2006, including program requirements, eligibility, and grants management. These guidance documents may be downloaded at http://www.fema.gov/fima/pdm.shtm.

3) EMPG Program Guidance and Application Kit Now Available Online

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) FY 2006 Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG) Program Guidance and Application Kit is now available. The FY 2006 EMPG Program Guidance and Application Kit is being released separately from the FY 2006 Homeland Security Grant Program Application Kit and Program Guidance.

The EMPG Program is designed to assist states and urban areas in achieving the target levels of capability to sustain and enhance the effectiveness of their emergency management programs. With funds provided through the FY 2006 EMPG, states have the opportunity to develop intra and interstate emergency management systems that encourage the building of partnerships to include government, business, volunteer, and community organizations based on identified needs and priorities for strengthening their emergency management and catastrophic planning capabilities.

EMPG allowable costs have been divided into planning, organization, equipment, training, and exercises categories. In addition, management and administration costs are allowable. FY 2006 EMPG guidance is available as of November 14, and the completed application must be received by the DHS Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) by December 14, 2005. ODP will evaluate applications and award funds within 30 days of receipt of application.

New and returning users may apply for the FY 2006 EMPG by signing-in or registering for a user ID and password on the Grants Management System (GMS) available online at https://grants.ojp.usdoj.gov/. Assistance with GMS may also be obtained by calling (888) 549-9901.

The FY 2006 EMPG Program Guidance and Application Kit along with instructions regarding electronic submissions through GMS can be found online at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/fundopps.htm. Additional questions may be directed to a DHS Preparedness Officer or the Centralized Scheduling and Information Desk at (800) 368-6498; e-mail: askcsid@dhs.gov.

4) EMAC Postdeployment Survey

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita resulted in the largest deployment of mutual aid through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) in its history. Civilian personnel from all disciplines and National Guard troops were deployed in unprecedented numbers. As part of the after action review process, EMAC is seeking feedback from anyone who was deployed via the compact.

The EMAC postdeployment survey is available to all personnel from all disciplines (civil and National Guard) deployed for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. To register and complete the survey, visit http://www.emacweb.org/.

5) IBHS and ACSP Scholarship in Planning and Natural Hazards

The Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) are requesting submissions for the annual scholarship award in planning and natural hazards.

Papers should address land use or other types of planning that incorporate natural hazards, including, but not limited to, flooding, coastal erosion, land subsidence, earthquakes, or other geologic or meteorological hazards whose risks can be minimized through community, regional, and state planning. Undergraduate, graduate, and joint faculty/student papers are eligible. For joint faculty/student papers, the student must be the first author and designated presenter of the paper.

Submit abstracts directly to the ACSP conference organizers between January 10 and February 28, 2006. Only papers accepted for presentation at the ACSP 2006 Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, November 9-12, 2006, will be eligible for the award. Authors whose abstracts are accepted for presentation at the conference will submit their final papers by June 30, 2006. Papers are not to exceed 20 pages and will be reviewed during the summer of 2006 with notification about the winner of the award in September. One $500 prize will be presented at the ACSP 2006 conference. The winner will agree to first publication rights by IBHS in its quarterly publication “Disaster Safety Review.”

Abstract submission procedures can be found at http://www.acsp.org/. Abstracts must be submitted directly to the ACSP conference organizers via the online abstract management system and simultaneously by e-mail to the ACSP-IBHS committee chair.

For more information, contact Diana McClure at dmcclure@ibhs.org or Ann-Margaret Esnard at aesnard@fau.edu.

6) Call for Presentations: International Disaster Reduction Conference

The scientific committee of the International Disaster Reduction Conference 2006, to be held in Davos, Switzerland, August 27-September 1, 2006, invites abstracts of papers and posters under the overall theme of risk management and the creation of safer, more resilient, and sustainable societies. Accepted abstracts will serve as the basis for conference presentations, and the resulting papers will be published in the conference proceedings. The deadline for abstract submission is January 31, 2006.

The scientific committee also welcomes proposals for special workshops and side events to be arranged and moderated by different national and international organizations on key topics for risk reduction. The deadline for submission of these proposals is February 6, 2006.

Information on conference topics and themes, procedures for submitting abstracts, and procedures for submitting applications for a special workshop or side event is available at http://www.davos2006.ch/1stannouncement.html. For more information, contact Conference Secretariat, IDRC Davos 2006, SLF, Flüelastrasse 11, CH-7260 Davos Dorf, Switzerland; +41 (0)81 417 02 25; http://www.davos2006.ch/.

7) Call for Research-Based Emergency Management Articles

The Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness is calling for brief research articles for its magazine, Emergency Management Canada. The magazine is distributed quarterly without charge to a cross-section of the emergency management and business continuity communities across Canada.

The subject matter of the research articles should be of practical interest and value to one or more sectors of the readership, which includes emergency managers/planners, emergency responders, business continuity managers, and other disaster management disciplines in both the public and private sectors. Articles should not exceed 2,000 words, should be based on recent research work, and must include a final section setting out practical implications for the reader.

Submit a brief description including the subject, date, and location of the research; key findings; and implications for the reader. All descriptions will be reviewed and invitations to submit will then be issued.

Send article descriptions and questions to editor@ccep.ca.

8) Call for Manuscripts: JACR Special Issue on Hurricanes

The Journal of Applied Communication Research (JACR) is soliciting manuscripts focusing on applied communication issues associated with Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. The manuscripts may include a wide range of methodological approaches and theoretical orientations, including qualitative, critical, and/or quantitative approaches.

Manuscripts may focus on warning systems and evacuations, social justice, communication and coordination, media coverage, the role of the media and media usage, portrayal of the evacuees, information dissemination and information systems, communication technologies, interpersonal communication and the evacuees networks of disaster response, public statements by officials, rebuilding and renewal, disaster planning, and response agencies, (e.g., FEMA, state and local agencies, and the American Red Cross) among other topics. Authors should focus their work on applied communication issues and problems and include recommendations for how communication processes could be more effective in future events.

Deadline for submission is February 15, 2006, for an expected fall 2006 publication. Papers may be submitted by visiting http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/RJAC. Users will need to create an account on the Web site. Papers should be clearly marked “JACR Special Issue on Hurricanes.” For more information, contact JACR staff at JACR@NDSU.edu.

9) Call for Papers: Disaster Resistant Universities

The International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters and the North Dakota State University Emergency Management Program are calling for papers for a special issue to be published in fall 2006. The theme of this special issue is “Disaster Resistant Universities: A New Approach to Hazard Reduction and Resiliency in Higher Education Institutions.”

All papers submitted will be peer reviewed. Deadline for paper submission is January 1, 2006. Papers should not exceed a maximum of 6,000 words or 12 pages including abstract and bibliography in Times New Roman, 12 pt font, with one-inch margins all around. Tables and figures should be embedded in the text. Papers should be written in accordance with the guidelines of the American Sociological Association.

E-mail papers in Microsoft Word format to arthur.oyolayemaiel@ndsu.edu and Lindsey.bratvold@ndsu.edu.

10) Call for Papers: Racial Implications from Hurricane Katrina

Scholars who have completed or are currently conducting empirical research on factors related to race and Hurricane Katrina are encouraged to submit a proposal for contribution to a proposed anthology of original works on racial identity and race relations as associated with Hurricane Katrina. Proposals for theoretical contributions are also welcomed.

Though the subject matter is open to any topic relating to race and Hurricane Katrina, the book will analyze the following: (1) perceptions and realities of local, state, and federal government assistance and response before, during, and after the disaster; (2) perceptions and realities of criminality and violence of and by New Orleans residents; (3) media representations; (4) effects on relocation cities and views of pre-Hurricane Katrina/existing residents of these locales; and (5) general effects on Hurricane Katrina survivors and their beliefs about the disaster (e.g., act of God, bombing of levees).

These categories do not indicate the individual chapters themselves, but the probable sections of the anthology. The overarching scope of the anthology will center on what can be learned from the aftermath of Katrina and how we can use this knowledge to improve government responses, media representations, and interactions across race groups, as well as steps to improving social and racial relations within the United States in general.

To submit a chapter proposal, e-mail a one-page synopsis of the proposed chapter, including policy implications of the study or concept and an updated curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé. Where there are multiple authors for a contributing chapter, a CV should be submitted for each author. Proposals should be submitted by December 19, 2005, via e-mail to Hillary.Potter@colorado.edu. For further information, contact Hillary Potter at (303) 492-8864 or hillary.potter@colorado.edu.

11) Announcement of Opportunity: UK Flood Risk Program

The UK National Environment Research Council invites research project proposals that will address the objectives of the Flood Risk from Extreme Events (FREE) program. The broad objectives of the program are the following:

  • improve the estimation and prediction of flood risk from extreme events occurring with return periods exceeding 1 in 50 years, including very rare events
  • reduce uncertainty and improve quantification of flood risk
  • identify and articulate critical guidance on how flood risk is changing

The emphasis will be upon research targeted at an integrated modeling approach within which different environmental systems interact with each other to achieve a “clouds-to-catchment-to-coast” approach to flood forecasting and frequency estimation.

Proposed research projects may be up to three years in duration. View the complete announcement of opportunity at http://www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/thematics/free/ao1.shtml.

12) NOAA Accepting Proposals for Stream Barrier Removal Projects

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the availability of up to $6 million in financial assistance for the Open Rivers Initiative. This program will provide grants anticipated to range from $50-250,000 for communities to remove obsolete and derelict stream barriers. This grant initiative is administered through the NOAA Community-Based Restoration Program.

Proposals must be submitted no later than January 13, 2006. More information can be found under “Funding Opportunities” at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration/. Full initiative details, including specifics on the criteria that will be used to evaluate proposals, are available by searching for Funding Opportunity #NMFS-HCPO-2006-2000405 at http://www.grants.gov/.

13) Reader Request

We are looking at lessons learnt from the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and earthquake, in particular at mitigation activities and programs that worked to reduce losses and impacts. We are including all options, including education and awareness, environmental management, preparedness, and mitigation activities, as well as any actions of media, government, business, agencies, and communities that reduced the consequences.

We are interested in any comments and information you have, any examples and case studies, any documents you can send to us, and the contact details of any of you whom we may talk to.

We can be contacted at philip.buckle1@btinternet.com.

Regards,
Philip Buckle and Graham Marsh
Coventry University, UK

14) Some New Web Resources

[Below are some new or updated Internet resources we've discovered. For an extensive list of useful Internet sites dealing with hazards, see http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/resources/.]

UN Pakistan Early Recovery Framework
The document Pakistan 2005 Earthquake: Early Recovery Framework with Preliminary Costs of Proposed Interventions has been formulated to inform and support the national strategy for reconstruction and rehabilitation with assistance from the United Nations (UN) system as well as selected nongovernmental organizations and other international partners in Pakistan. The Early Recovery Framework is based upon a joint preliminary assessment of early recovery needs in the most affected areas and aims to bridge the gap between immediate relief and long-term reconstruction.

UN Emergency Response Humanitarian Information Centre for Pakistan
The Humanitarian Information Centre for Pakistan is a common service to the humanitarian community managed by the United Nations (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Their Web site includes situation and assessment reports, coordination and logistical information, photos and map products, and technical advice to organizations to help them manage data and information in earthquake relief efforts more effectively.

Geological Survey of Pakistan
The Web site of the Geological Survey of Pakistan includes information and resources on geology and seismic risk in Pakistan as well as updates on the earthquake disaster of October 8, 2005.

Emergency Evacuation of People with Physical Disabilities
Emergency Evacuation of People with Physical Disabilities from Buildings: 2004 Conference Proceedings summarizes the recommendations of an Interagency Subcommittee on Disability Research workshop. The purpose of the workshop was to discuss research recommendations for improving available data, building and life safety codes, evacuation technologies, and evacuation practices for people with physical disabilities.

Brookings Institute Report on Financial Risks of “Mega-Catastrophes”
The paper Sharing and Reducing the Financial Risks of Future ‘Mega-Catastrophes’ is available from the Brookings Institute.

Louisiana Rebuilding and Recovery Conference Highlights
The American Planning Association and the American Institute of Architects collaborated to sponsor the Louisiana Recovery and Rebuilding Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana: November 10-12. More than 400 Louisiana residents, including citizens, public officials, community leaders, and representatives from a broad range of local and state organizations and religious and civic groups attended the event. Conference highlights, pictures, and staff reports can be found here.

APA Report on New Orleans Planning Capacity
The American Planning Association (APA) released this report created by a volunteer team of planners on the City of New Orleans’ planning capacity. Charting the Course for Rebuilding a Great American City provides short- and long-term recommendations for improving the city’s planning functions to expedite rebuilding.

National Academies Climate Change Research Highlights
Understanding and Responding to Climate Change is a new booklet from the National Academies highlighting themes from its many reports that advise agencies working on understanding changing climate, documenting its impacts, and developing effective response strategies.

NRC Letter Report - Opportunities for Water Security Research: The Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
National Research Council’s Committee on Water System Security Research developed this letter report on the opportunities for water security research afforded by the occurrence of Hurricane Katrina.

UK Guidance on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
Individual chapters of the “Emergency Preparedness” and “Emergency Response and Recovery” sections of the UK Civil Contingencies Act of 2004 are now online at the “UK Resilience” Web site.

Small Business Preparedness PSAs at Ready.gov
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security teamed up with The Advertising Council to create new public service announcements (PSAs) describing the ease and affordability of business continuity planning for small businesses. The PSAs are available here.

Web Cast: Peer Support in Disaster Preparation
The live and archived Web cast of the broadcast “Peer Support: Disaster Preparation for People with Psychiatric Disabilities” will be available for free viewing at this site. The Web cast is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Mental Health Services. To participate in the interactive Web cast, visit this site December 15, 2005, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

USGS Preliminary Earthquake Report, November 27, 2005
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Earthquake Information Center preliminary report on the magnitude 6.0 earthquake in southern Iran on November 27, can be found here.

15) Conferences and Training

[Below are some recent announcements received by the Natural Hazards Center. A comprehensive list of upcoming hazards related meetings and training is available from our Web site: http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/conf.html.]

October 8, 2005, Earthquake in Pakistan: Its Implications and Hazard Mitigation. Organizer: Geological Survey of Pakistan. Islamabad, Pakistan: January 18-19, 2006. The purpose of this conference is to bring together the global community of geology and geodesy analysts to discuss advances in geotectonics and the state-of-the-art and state-of-the-practice earthquake engineering and space technologies for hazard mitigation, particularly in light of the recent event in Pakistan. The meeting will also examine the reliability of existing building codes in Pakistan and evaluate current progress toward and research and development needs for improving such codes. For more information, contact Firdous Khan, Geological Survey of Pakistan, 84, H-8/1, Islamabad, Pakistan; 051-9257430/9257428; e-mail: gsp_conf@yahoo.com; http://www.gsp.gov.pk/internationconference2006_new.htm.

Fire Rescue East 2006: Commitment to Leadership...Strength in Numbers. Sponsors: Florida Fire and Emergency Services Foundation, Florida Society of Fire Service Instructors, and Florida State Fire College. Jacksonville, Florida: January 25-29, 2006. This conference provides education and training for fire and emergency services professionals. For more information, contact the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association, 880 Airport Road, Suite 110, Ormond Beach, FL 32174; (386) 676-2744; http://www.firerescueeast.org/.

The Forum on Earth Observations II: Managing Risk in the 21st Century. Organizer: Institute for Global Environmental Strategies. La Jolla, California: February 15-16, 2006. This event will bring together leaders from industry, academia, nongovernmental organizations, and government agencies to address key issues in the planning and implementation of a global Earth observation system and to discuss how Earth observations can be improved to promote better management of environmental and economic risks. For more information, contact Judy Carrodeguas, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, 1600 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 901, Arlington, VA 22209; (703) 312-0823; e-mail: judy_carrodeguas@strategies.org; http://www.forumoneo.org/.

Fire Asia 2006 Exhibition and Conference. Organizer: DMG World Media (“Fire” magazine). Hong Kong, China: February 15-17, 2006. This exhibition and conference will bring together over 1,600 fire and emergency service professionals from around the world to learn about new technology issues in a number of areas, including fire science research and development, fire safety management, firefighting, rescue, and protection in aviation. For more information, contact Jones C H Yeung; +852 21 70 95 00; e-mail: ch_yeung@hkfsd.gov.hk; http://www.fire-asia.com/.

Firehouse World Conference and Exposition. Sponsor: Cygnus Public Safety Group. San Diego, California: February 19-23, 2006. The largest fire and emergency services event on the West Coast, this conference will provide five days of education and training for fire, rescue, and emergency medical services professionals. The program is being revised to address educational needs in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. For more information, contact Firehouse World Conference and Exposition, 801 Cliff Road East, Suite 201, Burnsville, MN 55337; (800) 827-8009; info@firehouseworld.com; http://firehouseworld.com/.

Environmental Connection ‘06. Sponsor: International Erosion Control Association (IECA). Long Beach, California: February 20-24, 2006. This conference for contractors, engineers, builders, and regulators will share information on the best solutions available for the storm water and erosion control industry. The program will consist of two days of training courses and two days of the expo and technical sessions. For more information, contact IECA, 3001 S Lincoln Avenue, Suite A, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487; (970) 879-3010; e-mail: ecinfo@ieca.org; http://www.ieca.org/Conference/Annual/LongBeach06.asp.

Conference on America’s Beaches: Beach Management, Tourism, and the Coastal Environment. Sponsor: International Hurricane Research Center. Miami, Florida: March 2-3, 2006. This summit will focus on the social and scientific issues facing beach managers. Sessions will examine response techniques when disaster strikes, such as case experience from recent hurricanes and how to deliver information to the public, including when and how to invite tourists back. For more information, contact Natalie Defraene, Laboratory for Coastal Research, Beach Management Conference, Florida International University, University Park Campus, MARC 360, Miami, FL 33199; e-mail: defraene@fiu.edu; http://www.ihrc.fiu.edu/lcr/news/conference_2005.htm.

The International Symposium on Management and Systems for Disaster Prevention. Organizer: Center of Excellence for Social Management Systems Kochi University of Technology. Kochi, Japan: March 9-11, 2006. This symposium will review disaster prevention systems for better effectiveness and efficiency. Participants will discuss how to research and investigate causes of disaster, how to design and operate software and hardware infrastructures, and how to build systems. Disaster prevention as a system will also be discussed from a management point of view. For more information, contact ISMD 2006 Secretariat, Center of Excellence for Social Management Systems, Kochi University of Technology, Tosayamada-cho, Kochi, 782-8502, Japan; +81-887-57-2792; e-mail: ismd@kochi-tech.ac.jp; http://www.kochi-tech.ac.jp/coe21/ismd/.

Complex Network and Infrastructure Protection 2006 International Workshop. Organizers: The International Emergency Management Society and the Italian Agency for New Technology, Energy, and the Environment. Rome, Italy: March 28-29, 2006. The objective of this workshop is to bring together experts, emergency managers, infrastructures specialists, and stakeholders with different cultural and scientific backgrounds to address and analyze the new threats, vulnerabilities, and suitable defense strategies related to complex networks and infrastructure protection. For more information, contact Claudio Balducelli, ENEA CASACCIA, Via Anguillarese, 301, 00060 Rome Italy; e-mail: cnip06.info@casaccia.enea.it; http://ciip.casaccia.enea.it/cnip06/index.jsp?sel=main.

European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2006. Vienna, Austria: April 2-7, 2006. This conference will bring together geoscientists from Europe and all over the world to present work and discuss ideas in all disciplines of the earth, planetary, and space sciences. For more information, contact Copernicus Meeting Office, Max-Planck-Strasse 13, 37191 Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany; +49-5556-1440; e-mail: egu.meetings@copernicus.org; http://meetings.copernicus.org/egu2006/.

7th Biennial Fire Service Women’s Leadership Training Seminar. Organizer: Women in the Fire Service, Inc. (WFSI). Phoenix, Arizona: April 7-9, 2006. This event is hosted by the Phoenix Fire Department and supported by a local committee of urban and wildland fire personnel. The seminar will include workshops and training sessions aimed at making participants better fire service leaders. To obtain additional information, contact the WFSI, PO Box 5446, Madison, WI 53705; (608) 233-4768; e-mail: info@wfsi.org; http://www.wfsi.org/.

RIMS 2006: Expanding the Power of Risk Management. Organizer: Risk Insurance and Management Society, Inc. (RIMS). Honolulu, Hawaii: April 23-27, 2006. This conference will provide an opportunity for risk managers and insurance professionals to expand their knowledge and network with industry experts. The conference will focus on enterprise risk management as well as address strategic, business, financial, and operational risk. For more information, contact RIMS, 1065 Avenue of the Americas, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10018; (212) 286-9292; http://www.RIMS.org/2006honolulu.

GIS and Water Resources IV. Organizer: American Water Resources Association (AWRA). Houston, Texas: May 8-10, 2006. This conference focuses on innovation and application of geographic information systems (GIS) to water resources. Companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations involved in all facets of water resources are encouraged to attend. A special category has been added to the call for papers addressing topics related to the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, including the role of GIS in dealing with the after-effects of such catastrophes and in planning for future severe weather events. Abstracts can be submitted for this category until January 16, 2006. For more information, contact Patricia A. Reid, AWRA, PO Box 1626, Middleburg, VA 20118; (540) 687-8390; e-mail: pat@awra.org; http://www.awra.org/meetings/Houston2006/index.html.

Climate Change Technology Conference. Organizer: Engineering Institute of Canada. Ottawa, Ontario: May 9-12, 2006. The theme of this conference is “Engineering Challenges and Solutions in the 21st Century.” The purpose of the conference is to stimulate awareness and action for solutions that mitigate or adapt to climate change. In addition to potential technical solutions, the conference will address associated social and environmental consequences. For more information, contact EIC Climate Change Conference, 1895 William Hodgins Lane, Carp, Ontario, Canada, K0A 1L0; (613) 839-1108; e-mail: EICCC2006@ieee.org; http://www.ccc2006.ca/eng/.

The Coastal Society’s 20th Biennial Conference. St. Pete Beach, Florida: May 14-17, 2006. The theme of the 2006 conference will be “Charting a New Course: Shaping Solutions for the Coast.” Conference attendees will include scientists, policy makers, coastal managers, and the public, and it will be organized into tracks on innovative solutions for the following: Land Use Challenges, Governing Ocean Use Conflicts, Effective Integration of Science, Changing Behaviors: Professionals and the Public, and Mitigating Coastal Natural Hazards. For additional information, contact Judy Tucker, PO Box 25408, Alexandria, VA 22313-5408; (703) 933-1599; e-mail: coastalsoc@aol.com; http://www.thecoastalsociety.org/conference/tcs20/.

ISCRAM 06: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Conference. Organizer: International Community on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (ISCRAM). Newark, New Jersey: May 14-17, 2006. The theme of this conference is information systems as the integration medium for the “lifecycle of emergency preparedness and response” (planning, training, mitigation, detection, alerting, response, recovery, and assessment). The deadline for paper submission is January 12, 2006. For more information, contact Murray Turoff (New Jersey Institute of Technology), e-mail: turoff@njit.edu or Bartel Van de Walle (Tilburg University), e-mail: bartel@uvt.nl or visit http://www.iscram.org/.

3rd i-Rec International Conference on Postdisaster Reconstruction: Meeting Stakeholder Interests. Organizers: University of Florence and i-Rec at the University of Montreal. Florence, Italy: May 17-19, 2006. This conference will focus on the development of effective and sustainable postdisaster reconstruction strategies and will be a forum for sharing research work and experience from the field on practical issues in affected areas. The i-Rec conferences bring together professionals and practitioners from various fields such as housing, reconstruction, civil engineering, international development, humanitarian aid, architecture, urban planning, and environmental studies. For additional information, contact Cassidy Johnson at cassidy.johnson@sympatico.ca or visit http://www.grif.umontreal.ca/pages/irechomepage.html.

16) Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

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Manager I: Director of Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management
City and County of Denver: Denver, Colorado

The City and County of Denver is looking for an emergency management professional to direct and manage the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management and Emergency Operations Center. This is a mayor-appointed position. The individual selected will serve as the principal strategic advisor to the mayor, cabinet members, and others on emergency management matters regarding the city’s response to natural and man-made emergencies. The position is responsible for coordinating, developing, and updating citywide emergency management continuity plans and initiatives internally and externally.

The position requires a baccalaureate degree in emergency management, business administration, public administration, political science, management, or a related field, plus five years of professional experience in emergency management. Two years of emergency management experience must have included managing professional staff focused on hazard preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. One year of emergency management experience must have included budget and fiscal oversight responsibility and policy and decision making in planning and organizing multiple programs, projects, or operations. Two additional years of the required emergency management experience will serve as an equivalency to one year of education.

The applicant also must have completed the Federal Emergency Management Agency Professional Development Series at the time of application to be considered for this position.

Recruitment closes December 16, 2005. For more information about the City and County of Denver, visit http://www.denvergov.org/. Resumes should be directed to Ted Pacheco, Career Service Authority, 201 West Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80202; fax: (720) 913-5992/5989; e-mail: apps@ci.denver.co.us.

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Researcher - Safeguarding Australia Research Program
National ICT Australia: Brisbane, Queensland

The National Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Australia (NICTA) Queensland Research Laboratory currently is focused on the Disaster Prediction, Response, and Recovery (DisPRR) project investigating the disaster and emergency management sector to develop improved ICT technologies, devices, information systems, and services in that sector.

A position is available for a researcher in the information management and integration area of the DisPRR project, where the appointee will become part of the DisPRR team. The appointee will conduct high quality independent research and contribute substantially to projects in collaboration with other program staff, researchers elsewhere in NICTA, and outside partners.

The appointee will be responsible for the definition and conduct of scientific investigations related to information management for disaster prevention, response, and recovery, focusing on information modeling, representation, integration, and situational awareness related to the emergency and disaster application area.

The closing date for the position is December 16, 2005. Complete details are available online at http://nicta.com.au/jobs.html.

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Volunteer Village Management Coordinator
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance: Gulf Coast, U.S.

The Disaster Response program of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. is seeking a volunteer village management coordinator to oversee the operation of 6-12 villages that are the staging area and living quarters for faith-based volunteer work teams participating in the long-term recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast and Florida.

Previous experience with work teams and with organizing and supervising the operation of disaster response in a primitive camping environment is required. Knowledge of the disaster recovery process and the involvement of faith-based organizations is preferred. Knowledge of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. is also preferred. Must have college education, good human relations skills, and ability to be flexible. Good supervision skills are essential. Moderate travel will be required. The base of operations will be the Gulf Coast area.

To apply by mail or e-mail, send resume and cover letter to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), attn: HR W05-11-74, 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202; e-mail: jobs@ctr.pcusa.org (attn: HR W05-11-74). To view a full job description and apply directly, visit http://onedoor.pcusa.org/.

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Emergency Services Director
City of San José: San José, California

The City of San José is seeking a new emergency services director. The Office of Emergency Services (OES) provides services to the City organization and to the community to prepare an effective response to natural, technological, and human-caused disasters. San José coordinates with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Maintenance and activation of the emergency operations center is a primary mission of OES.

The city seeks a director who has a strong community presence and keeps an open door policy for citizens’ concerns. The city also places importance on strong interdepartmental relationships and a team- oriented environment. Experience with grant administration is highly valued.

A bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, emergency management, or a closely related field is required. A master’s degree is preferred. The deadline to apply is January 13, 2006.

If interested in this opportunity, submit a cover letter and resume to Bob Murray, Bob Murray and Associates, 1677 Eureka Road, Suite 202, Roseville, CA 95661, fax: (916) 784-1985; e-mail: apply@bobmurrayassoc.com; Visit http://www.bobmurrayassoc.com/ for more information.

Questions for the readership and contributions to this e-newsletter are encouraged. Questions and messages should be indicated as such and sent to hazctr@colorado.edu.

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