DISASTER RESEARCH 459

August 25, 2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS


  1. FY 2006 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program
  2. Interim Rule Expands Boundaries for Sheltering/Evacuation Assistance
  3. September Natural Hazards Observer Redesigned and Available Online
  4. Scholarships Available for Drought Conference
  5. Reminder: Natural Hazards Center Seeks Program Associate
  6. National Weather Service Hydrologic Services Survey
  7. Katrina Research Project on Equity
  8. Call for Session Proposals: ISCRAM 2007
  9. Some New Web Resources
  10. Conferences and Training
  11. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

1) FY 2006 Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking applications for the fiscal year 2006 (FY 2006) Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP). The FY 2006 program is slated to provide more than $32 million in equipment to first responders in selected rural and smaller communities who are typically not eligible for funding through the department’s Urban Areas Security Initiative grant program. The application period will close September 22, 2006.

Eligible applicants include law enforcement and fire agencies and other emergency responders who demonstrate in their application that the equipment will be used to improve their ability and capacity to respond to a major critical incident or improve their ability to work with other first responders.

For more information about CEDAP, including a detailed equipment catalog and application information, visit the Responder Knowledge Base at www.rkb.mipt.org/ or contact the centralized scheduling and information desk at (800) 368-6498 or askcsid@dhs.gov.


2) Interim Rule Expands Boundaries for Sheltering/Evacuation Assistance

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita created a significant need for evacuation and sheltering outside of the counties and states that were initially designated eligible for assistance under presidential emergency or major disaster declarations. At the time, the federal government did not have a mechanism to provide assistance to those entities that provided evacuation and sheltering services outside the designated areas. As a result, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued an interim rule that allows for reimbursement of sheltering and evacuation costs that are incurred outside of areas designated under presidential emergency or major disaster declarations if the costs are otherwise eligible for public assistance funding.

Effective July 14, 2006, the interim rule can be found in the July 14, 2006, Federal Register, Vol. 71, No. 135, pp. 40025-40027, which is available in any federal depository library and online at www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/. For more information, contact James A. Walke, FEMA; (202) 646-2751; james.walke@dhs.gov. Comments are due on or before September 12, 2006.


3) September Natural Hazards Observer Redesigned and Available Online

The Natural Hazards Observer has undergone a facelift and minor reorganization. Traditional features such as the Invited Comment, On the Line, and most of the other major sections remain the same, while a few resource sections have been slightly reorganized. The first issue to reflect the redesign is September 2006, which is now available online at www.colorado.edu/hazards/o/sept06/sept06.pdf.

This issue’s featured articles are:

  • Hazards and Disasters Research: How Would the Past 40 Years Rate? by Dennis Wenger
  • Disaster Myths and Their Implications for Disaster Planning and Response by Henry W. Fischer III (An introduction to the Observer’s new Disaster Myths series)
  • Prepare for Recovery Now: Lessons from Katrina by James Lee Witt

Regular features include Washington Update, Contracts and Grants, Resources, and Conferences and Training.

(As a result of some changes being made to the Center’s Web site, some Web links in the September Observer to Center Webpages are not yet live. So, specifically, if you are looking for information about the 2006 workshop session summaries, the 2007 call for workshop session proposals, or the call for Quick Response proposals, please bear with us, it will be available online in early September and announced here in the "DR".)


4) Scholarships Available for Drought Conference

The organizers of Managing Drought and Water Scarcity in Vulnerable Environments: Creating a Roadmap for Change in the United States have obtained National Science Foundation funding for approximately 20 students and minority stakeholders to attend the meeting in Longmont, Colorado, September 18-20, 2006. Scholarships will cover registration and hotel expenses (transportation not included). Organized by the Geological Society of America, the goals of this meeting are to create an integrated, interactive, future-oriented forum for understanding and improving the management of drought and water scarcity in the United States and to stimulate national debate through the publication and wide distribution of a science- and policy-based discussion document. The focus of the meeting will be on identifying successful strategies for drought and water scarcity management and on developing a decisive action plan.

To apply, e-mail complete contact information, affiliation, and reasons for wanting to attend the meeting to Deborah Nelson at dnelson@geosociety.org and put “Drought Scholarship” in the subject line. For more information about the meeting, visit www.geosociety.org/meetings/06drought/.


5) Reminder: Natural Hazards Center Seeks Program Associate

The Natural Hazards Center invites applications for the position of Program Associate located at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The position will be responsible to the Director and Program Manager for the effective management of the Natural Hazard Center’s special publications editing and Quick Response research program. In particular, the Program Associate will perform the following duties:

  • Research, write, and distribute the Center’s Disaster Research e-newsletter
  • Manage, maintain, and update the Center's Web site
  • Oversee the Quick Response research program, soliciting proposals, coordinating deployments, and editing and distributing reports
  • Edit Center special publications (both print and electronic forms) to improve clarity, consistency, and accuracy and to ensure publications meet the needs of targeted audiences

To apply, a resume, writing sample, and cover letter should be sent to Greg Guibert at greg.guibert@colorado.edu no later than September 1, 2006. The complete job description is available at www.colorado.edu/hazards/program_associate.pdf.


6) National Weather Service Hydrologic Services Survey

The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. To help in determining how to continually improve services, the NWS is undertaking research on how satisfied users are with the NWS Hydrologic Services Program. NWS Hydrologic Services include issuing river, small stream, and urban flood forecasts and warnings to the public; providing observed and forecast snow and rainfall precipitation information; and, with assistance from its partners, providing access to a variety of other hydrologic data and information for drought and water supply. Take the online survey at http://survey.cfigroup.com/cgi-bin/qwebcorporate.cgi?JAQEUC.


7) Katrina Research Project on Equity

The Katrina Research Project on Equity (KRPE - pronounced “Karpay”) is a project of the Southern Institute for Education and Research at Tulane University. You are invited to join KatrinaResearch-L, the electronic discussion list for KRPE. The list is a clearinghouse and network for research on the role of race and class in the post-Katrina recovery process in the Gulf Coast region and in displaced communities. KRPE facilitates communication and collaboration among researchers, volunteers, and community groups interested in research on race and class disparities in reconstruction programs. Its goal is to encourage community-directed research that promotes a just and equitable society.

This is a moderated list with open subscription. All postings will be reviewed by the list moderator before posting to determine if they are appropriate. To subscribe to the list:

  1. Send an e-mail to LISTSERV@tulane.edu.
  2. Leave the subject line blank.
  3. In the body of the message type SUBSCRIBE KATRINARESEARCH-L YOUR NAME (Example: SUBSCRIBE KATRINARESEARCH-L JOE SMITH).
  4. Make sure there is no signature or any other text in the message space. If you have difficulties subscribing, send an e-mail to so-inst@tulane.edu with the word “subscribe” and your name in the subject line.

What to Post to the Discussion List:

  • Research Projects: Post descriptions of ongoing research projects for discussion or general interest.
  • Volunteers Needed: Post descriptions of ongoing research projects that need volunteers. Be sure that you detail volunteer qualifications, responsibilities, and time frameworks. Community groups in search of research services can post what their needs are.
  • Proposed New Research Projects: Post proposed research projects for discussion or in search of partners (research, community group, or volunteer partners). These may be “virtual” research groups that communicate, research, and produce reports entirely via the Internet or in combination with fieldwork in the storm region.
  • Completed Research: Post abstracts of completed research or links to full reports.
  • Challenges of Social Justice Research: Post experiences and thoughts on the special challenges of recovery research in the areas of race and class.
  • Research and Training Resources: Post announcements about research resources, educational and training opportunities, public events, links to articles and other relevant electronic resources, and funding resources.
  • General News: Post news and bulletin articles relevant to the list subject.
  • Logistical Aids: Post information on community partners and travel and housing resources in the Gulf Coast region.

Visit the project’s Web site at www.katrinaresearch.org/.


8) Call for Session Proposals: ISCRAM 2007

The ISCRAM (Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management) community is rapidly growing. Following the initial academic workshop in 2004, the second and third editions held in Brussels, Belgium, (2005) and Newark, New Jersey, (2006) attracted large international audiences from Europe, North America, and the Pacific region. The conference not only offers a platform for academic researchers, but is also an opportunity for practitioners in emergency response and management to share their experiences and present their views on information systems requirements and improvements. The 4th edition of the ISCRAM conference will be held in Delft, the Netherlands, from Sunday, May 13, 2007, to Wednesday, May 16, 2007. The theme for 2007 is “Intelligent Systems for Crisis Management.”

The organizers seek proposals for special sessions. The description for a special session should be written in the form of a call for papers/presentations/demos for the specific special session itself. Please note that authors of accepted proposals will be invited to chair their proposed sessions, which will include organizing the review process (further instructions will be given). The accepted sessions will be used to structure the call for papers and presentations that will be sent out on October 1, 2006.

Proposals are invited for three types of special sessions:

  • Proposals for academic sessions - these are sessions in which researchers from academia or research labs present their research or research-in-progress papers. These sessions will require prospective presenters to submit a regular research (or research in
    progress) paper that will be reviewed according to the usual academic standards.
  • Proposals for practitioner sessions - these are sessions for practitioners to present their practice or experiences in information systems development, use, or needs. These sessions will require prospective presenters to submit a PowerPoint presentation that will be reviewed according to standards of relevance and contents.
  • Proposals for demonstration and simulation sessions - these are sessions in which noncommercial demonstrations of information systems may be presented. Simulations (games) are also welcome. These sessions will require prospective contributors to submit a description of the demonstration or simulation they intend to present at the conference.
    These will be reviewed according to standards of relevance to the general theme of the conference.

E-mail session proposals to iscram2007@iscram.org in Word or PDF format before September 18, 2006. All information regarding the conference will be published on the conference Web site at www.iscram.org/.


9) 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 www.colorado.edu/hazards/resources/.]

ReallyReady.org: A Federation of American Scientists Readiness Project
As the result of an analysis by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) that found shortcomings in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Ready.gov Web site, the FAS launched ReallyReady.org. The FAS hopes to achieve two purposes with this new site: provide clear and correct information to citizens interested in preparing themselves and their families for an emergency and persuade DHS to take a serious look at Ready.gov and their policy on the accuracy of information and to make important changes that will help Americans to prepare for terrorist attacks or natural disasters.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Guide for Local Governments
An ADA Guide for Local Governments Making Community Emergency Preparedness and Response Programs Accessible to People with Disabilities (11 pp.), from the U.S. Department of Justice, is a newly revised and expanded publication to help local government planners, first responders, and emergency staff prepare for and meet the unique needs of people with disabilities during natural and civil emergencies. The guide identifies potential problems in notifying, evacuating, transporting, sheltering, and providing information to people with disabilities during emergencies and offers solutions for preventing or minimizing those problems.

White Paper on the SDR Grand Challenges for Disaster Reduction
MCEER’s Executive Committee released this white paper (43 pp.) to provide their perspective on factors to consider in the formulation of a national research strategy for disaster loss reduction. It is a commentary on the Grand Challenges for Disaster Reduction report published by the Subcommittee on Disaster Reduction (SDR) of the National Science and Technology Council Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. MCEER advocates that a critical part of this research effort should focus on the mitigation of and response to the impact of extreme events on critical facilities and lifelines and should seek all hazards solutions.

Disastersrus.org
This Web site was created to explore emergency management applications using the Internet. A personal venture of director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management Craig Fugate, it is a compilation of links to external information of value to the emergency management community, the media, and the general public. The main focus of the site is disasters that impact Florida and the southeast United States.

New NWS Hurricane Flyer
The National Weather Service (NWS) has developed this new flyer that details what to do before, during, and after a tropical storm or hurricane. Printed copies of a trifold version should be available at local NWS offices.

Hurricane Animations: How the Storms Destroy and 150 Years of Ruin
These Associated Press animations demonstrate the typical damage caused by hurricanes at each of the five intensity categories on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale and track U.S. hurricane activity from 1851 to 2004.

Hurricane Insurance Information Center
The Insurance Information Institute has launched this updated consumer education Web site as a source of information for the public and the media on how to prepare for a hurricane. The site includes insurance and other readiness tips, links to useful related resources, and free home inventory software.

Hurricane Readiness Index
According to a June poll conducted for the Insurance Information Institute, average insured homeowners throughout Gulf and Atlantic coastal communities are not prepared for a major storm.

The Official Coastal Bend Hurricane Survival Guide: It Only Takes One
This hurricane awareness guide (24 pp.) for the Coastal Bend area of Texas was prepared and distributed by the National Weather Service through a public-private partnership. It includes hazard information, preparedness tips, evacuation routes, insurance tips, and other tools to help individuals, families, and businesses prepare for a major storm.

Mississippi Hurricane Evacuation Guide
This guide (9 pp.) from the Mississippi Department of Transportation features important contact information, alternate in-state hurricane evacuation routes, contraflow plans, maps, and more to help residents prepare for an evacuation.

White House Press Briefing on Gulf Coast Rebuilding
This is the transcript of the press briefing conducted on August 22 regarding the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast. Participants included Don Powell from the Office of Gulf Coast Rebuilding, David Paulison from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and Carl Strock from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

MileHi NewOrleans
Developed by the Katrina Research Team at Colorado State University, this new Web site was created to serve the needs and interests of Katrina evacuees living in Colorado. The site offers links to current news on Katrina; a listing of recently published academic studies, books, and reports; resources (social and personal services, affordable housing, employment assistance, etc.), local work opportunities, and information about both Denver and New Orleans.

Improving Government Performance: Government after Katrina
The Partnership for Public Service has launched Government after Katrina, a new project devoted to improving government performance by sharing information about this historic disaster and highlighting Katrina’s lessons to drive forward-looking solutions. The project’s Web site features recent news articles, reports, opinion pieces on Katrina and the governmental response, and the partnership’s “Five Lessons for Responding to Disaster: What Hurricane Katrina Should Teach Us All.”

Trends in Katrina Media Coverage
Covering Katrina: Trends in Katrina Media Coverage; Initial Analysis from the Top Ten National Newspapers and Ten Gulf Coast Newspapers (5 pp.), from the Partnership for Public Service, examines the media coverage from the top ten U.S. newspapers (by circulation) and a sampling of ten Gulf Coast papers near areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. The analysis covers the time period between August 24, 2005, a few days before the storm made landfall, and July 21, 2006.

Nursing Home Emergency Preparedness and Response during Recent Hurricanes
This report (48 pp.) is the result of a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. Findings and recommendations reflect the objectives of the study, which were to determine the national and Gulf State incidence of nursing home deficiencies for lack of emergency preparedness, examine the experiences of selected Gulf State nursing homes during recent hurricanes, and review the emergency preparedness plans of selected Gulf State nursing homes and evaluate the use of these plans.

National Council on Disability Reports on Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
Two new publications from the National Council on Disability report on how Hurricanes Katrina and Rita affected people with disabilities: The Impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on People with Disabilities: A Look Back and Remaining Challenges and The Needs of People with Psychiatric Disabilities during and after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Position Paper and Recommendations.

U.S. Government Avian and Pandemic Flu Information
Managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), this site offers one-stop access to U.S. government avian and pandemic flu information. Links include planning checklists and tools, the White House’s National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza, and the HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan.

Trust for America’s Health: Pandemic Flu and You - Get Prepared!
This Web-based resource guide on pandemic influenza contains current information and Web resources that detail how a flu pandemic might affect individuals, families, and businesses and how to get informed, plan, and prepare.


10) Conferences and Trainings

[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.]

Emergency Responders and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community: Taking the First Steps to Disaster Preparedness--Multiple Dates: Multiple Locations. Organizer: Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network (CEPIN). Recently approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, this training encourages networking, preparation, and communication between emergency responders and deaf and hard of hearing people prior to disaster situations. It is designed for individuals involved with emergency planning, response, and recovery efforts. To learn more, contact CEPIN; lbothwell@cepintdi.org; www.cepintdi.org/.

California and the World Ocean--Long Beach, California: September 17-20, 2006. Organizers: California Resources Agency, California Environmental Protection Agency, and California Coastal Conservancy Association. This international conference will bring together representatives from all U.S. states, academia, government, industry, and the public to positively influence the course of ocean and coastal protection. Emphasizing the connection between land and sea, it will stress the importance of California, other states, and other countries moving from planning for future action to taking action now. To learn more, contact the conference headquarters; (916) 922-7032; cwo2006@completeconference.com; http://resources.ca.gov/ocean/cwo06/.

2006 National Emergency Preparedness Conference-- Sacramento, California: September 21-23, 2006. Sponsors: California Service Corps/California Citizen Corps Program, Sacramento Regional Office of Homeland Security and Citizen Corps Program, and Regional Community Policing Institute-- California ( Sacramento office). Expected to draw more than 400 professionals and volunteers from emergency management, law enforcement, fire service, and public health agencies and nonprofit organizations, this conference aims to inspire readiness through planning and training techniques. Participants will explore how professional response agencies can be enhanced with the inclusion of volunteer and community assets through Citizen Corps programs. To learn more, call (916) 264-0190 or e-mail RCPI-Sacramento@pd.cityofsacramento.org; www.takethelead2006.com/.

2006 Meeting of the Eastern Section of the Seismological Society of America--Ottawa, Ontario: October 1-4, 2006. Hosts: Natural Resources Canada’s earthquake program, Ottawa-Carleton Earthquake Engineering Research Centre, and Ontario Research Centres in Earthquake Hazards and Continental Dynamics. Proposed special sessions at this annual conference include emergency management, which will focus on innovative techniques and approaches used in the four phases of disaster management: preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. Abstracts are due September 1, 2006. Professionals and students working in all aspects of theoretical and applied seismology and disaster management are encouraged to submit an abstract. To learn more, contact Maurice Lamontagne, Natural Resources Canada; maurice.lamontagne@nrcan.gc.ca; www.esssa2006.org/.

National Weather Association 31st Annual Meeting--Cleveland, Ohio: October 14-19, 2006. The general sessions at this meeting, which begin on Monday, October 16, will include a mix of formal presentations, poster sessions, training workshops, and exhibits on a wide variety of topics relating to operational meteorology, hydrology, weather broadcasting, new research applications, and related activities. To learn more, contact the NWA; (434) 296-9966; NatWeaAsoc@aol.com; www.nwas.org/06annualmeeting.html.

2nd Annual Emergency Preparedness Conference: Disaster Readiness on the Home Front--Washington, DC: October 19-20, 2006. Conveners: Joint Commission Resources, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and American Red Cross. This conference is specifically designed to examine the threat of pandemic flu and natural disaster - and the effective planning strategies, tools, and techniques available to health care organizations to maintain preparedness and readiness status. Attendees will include emergency physicians and staff, safety officers, medical directors, disaster planning professionals, occupational health physicians and nurses, emergency response planners, community planners, and others. To learn more, visit www.jcrinc.com/education.asp?durki=11641.

CPM 2006 East--Orlando, Florida: October 30-November 1, 2006. Organizer: Contingency Planning and Management (CPM). The intent of this training event is to provide attendees with a complete risk management education as well as many opportunities to network with professional peers. CPM is dedicated to the convergence of business continuity, emergency management, and security to enable organizations to prepare comprehensive and effective plans that will help them prevail in the face of disaster. To learn more, contact the CPM group; (609) 397-5500; CPMEvents@contingencyplanning.com; www.contingencyplanning.com/events/east/.

Business Continuity Planning Conference and Exhibit--New York, New York: October 31-November 1, 2006. Organizer: Securities Industry Association. This conference will bring together business continuity, disaster recovery, emergency managers, and security professionals from a variety of industries and government organizations. Sessions will cover business continuity planning sound practices, current threats and challenges, emergency management, regulatory issues, and more. To learn more, visit www.sia.com/bcp06/.

2006 International Technical Rescue Symposium--Golden, Colorado: November 2-6, 2006. Sponsors: CMC Rescue Equipment and Pigeon Mountain Industries. This symposium will gather individuals from a variety of rescue disciplines, including mountain rescue, the military, law enforcement, park services, water rescue, outdoor recreation, fire service, and rescue teams along with equipment manufacturers and distributors. It will provide an open forum to share news and views on advances in equipment and techniques, technical problems, and issues of mutual concern. To learn more, visit www.mra.org/training/documents/ITRSBrochure2006.pdf.

American Public Health Association (APHA) 134th Annual Meeting--Boston Massachusetts: November 4-8, 2006.Participants at this meeting will learn from experts in the field of public health, hear about cutting-edge research and exceptional best practices, discover the latest public health products and services, and share experiences with peers. It will feature scientific sessions, networking opportunities and events, and a public health exposition. To learn more, visit www.apha.org/meetings/.

FireRescue Conference and Exposition--Las Vegas, Nevada: November 7-11, 2006. Producers: Elsevier’s “FireRescue Magazine” and Reed Exhibitions. This conference and expo for firefighters, fire marshals, and other fire professionals will include hands-on training, an exhibit hall showcasing the latest tools and equipment, preconference workshops, and educational sessions on topics such as leadership principles, quality control, mayday drills, mass casualty for mass transit, and managing flood rescue operations. To learn more, contact “FireRescue Magazine;” (203) 840-5944, (800) 246-8371; info@firerescueexpo.com; www.firerescueexpo.com/.

International Conference on Disaster Reduction: Mumbai Declaration and Beyond: Public-Private Partnership--Mumbai, India: November 9-10, 2006. Organizer: Global Forum for Disaster Reduction, New Media Communication, and CMP Asia. This conference is a follow-up to the World Conference on Disaster Reduction held in 2005, which advanced the objectives of the Hyogo Framework of Action 2005-2015 with particular reference to the corporate sector as a major stakeholder. This second meeting aims to continue the exploration of corporate involvement in disaster management and translate earlier commitments into tangible outcomes. To learn more, contact Amit Verma; +91 22 6702 2684 ( India); amit@gfdr.org; www.wcdr.gfdr.org/.

Symposium in the Sun 2006--Orlando, Florida: November 9-12, 2006. Sponsor: International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). This national symposium is for leaders of volunteer/combination fire departments and will address the unique needs of these departments through a series of workshops, seminars, and general sessions. To learn more, contact the IAFC; (703) 273-0911; www.iafc.org/vcos/.

HazMat Explo 10--Las Vegas, Nevada: November 13-16, 2006. This conference will feature classes related to first responders, emergency planners, medical personnel, environmental workers, industry personnel, and radiological workers. Tracks will include first responder, environmental, emergency planning, homeland security, radiological, medical, industry, and special training. To learn more, call (702) 455-5710 or e-mail kinetix@hazmatexplo.org; www.hazmatexplo.org/.

5th International Symposium on New Technology for Urban Safety of Mega Cities in Asia--Phuket, Thailand: November 16-17, 2006. Organizers: Asian Institute of Technology School of Engineering and Technology and University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science International Center for Urban Safety Engineering. This symposium will include experts from a wide variety of fields, including design, construction, and maintenance of urban infrastructure; disaster forecasting; disaster management; disaster prevention; and urban asset management. It aims to provide a forum for decision makers, practicing professionals, and researchers to share new technologies, techniques, and innovations in areas such as safety assessment and existing infrastructure, planning for development and maintenance of urban infrastructure, environmental impact assessment of urbanization, advanced technologies for monitoring and assessment of urban safety, disaster engineering and management, application of remote sensing to enhance the safety of society, and rehabilitation and retrofitting of urban structures against disasters. To learn more, visit www.sce.ait.ac.th/rnus/usmca2006/.

The Survive 17th Annual Conference--London, United Kingdom: November 20-21, 2006. Topics at this year’s annual Survive business continuity conference will include understanding the strategic impact of emerging threats, successfully applying a cross functional approach to corporate resilience, recognizing the importance of government commitment and support, reaping the benefits of good corporate resilience in times of crisis, the power of the media, human resilience, preventing cascading failures, and practical advice for resilience. To learn more, visit www.survive.com/Events/viewevent.cfm?eventsID=434.

Society for Risk Analysis 2006 Annual Meeting--Baltimore, Maryland: December 3-6, 2006. This annual meeting brings together nearly 1,000 international scientists and practitioners from a wide range of disciplines who share an interest in risk analysis. This year’s meeting will include several plenary sessions focused on the theme of making a difference and the role of risk analysis in a dynamic world. It will also include technical sessions in the form of oral presentations, posters, and poster platforms. To learn more, contact the Society for Risk Analysis; (703) 790-1745; sra@burkinc.com; www.sra.org/events_2006_meeting.php.

Emergency Preparedness and Response Conference--Washington, DC: December 13-14, 2006. Presenters: Homeland Defense Journal and National Organization on Disability’s Emergency Preparedness Initiative. This conference will address emergency management planning and response for people with disabilities, the elderly, and pediatric populations. It will bring together national experts to discuss federal sector updates, evacuation, early warning and communication, workplace safety, service animals, and more. Attendees will include federal, state, and local government officials; emergency managers and planners; first responders; and representatives from nongovernmental organizations and the private sector. To learn more, contact Pamela Greenstein; (703) 807-2758; pgreenstein@marketaccess.org; www.homelanddefensejournal.com/hdl/conf_emergencypreparedness.htm.

11) Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

Useful Job Sites:

International Association of Emergency Managers
http://www.iaem.com/resources/Career/Job_bulletin_board/cgi-bin/dcboard.pl

National Emergency Management Association
http://nemaweb.org/jobs/

USAJOBS
http://www.usajobs.gov/

The Chronicle of Higher Education
http://chronicle.com/search/jobs/

_________________________________
Assistant Director of Education
The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland

The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) is accepting applications for an assistant director of education for START. This is a full-time position located at START’s headquarters at the University of Maryland in College Park. The assistant director for education works with scholars (including faculty, post-doctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students) to help START train a new generation of homeland security specialists. Towards this goal, the assistant director manages existing START programs, develops new education-related initiatives, and works with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to shape and implement educational and training programs.

Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree (PhD preferred)
  • Three to five years experience in higher education, preferably working with students, delivering instruction, or administering academic programs (relevant experience in a nonprofit environment or in government may be considered)
  • Demonstrated interest in the area of homeland security and/or disaster research
  • Strong writing and presentation skills
  • High level of comfort with computer technology (especially Microsoft Office and some experience with HTML/Web page development)
  • Experience writing and managing grants preferred

Read the full job description at http://www.personnel.umd.edu/jobposting/cgi-bin/empEXEM.idc#112184. Find out more about START at http://www.start.umd.edu/.

_________________________________
Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management Services
Philadelphia , Pennsylvania

The City of Philadelphia is seeking to hire a highly experienced and talented person to oversee the city’s Office of Emergency Management and lead emergency management strategy and planning city-wide. The deputy managing director for emergency management services is responsible for developing and articulating to multiple audiences the city’s key policies, positions, and strategies for dealing with emergencies; implementing, coordinating, and enforcing policies and legal requirements across multiple city departments; overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of the city’s emergency preparedness program; developing interagency and multijurisdictional agreements; prioritizing and implementing training programs, drills, and exercises; and seeking best practices in emergency management services. Additionally, the deputy managing director for emergency management services evaluates, improves, and promotes the city’s comprehensive disaster planning efforts; prepares and administers the annual emergency operations management budgets; and coordinates local, national, and international relationships, including business, community, and volunteer organizations.

Required Skills and Experience:

  • Ten years of general management experience, including significant enterprise-wide responsibility for developing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating a major phase of an emergency management or emergency preparedness program
  • Superior knowledge of best practices in the field of emergency management
  • Proven leadership skills in government or complex business organization
  • Knowledge of the principles, problems, and techniques of organizing, directing, and coordinating a modern municipal emergency management program, combining elements of public safety, public works, and social services in an all hazards environment
  • Ability to facilitate decision making among diverse governmental and private organizations and individuals serving on planning committees

The deadline for submitting applications is September 15, 2006. To find out more about the position, see the official announcement at http://www.phila.gov/personnel/announce/current/DMDEMS.pdf. Send resumes, recent salary history (required), and references to Shannon Fitzgerald, Managing Director’s Office, City of Philadelphia, 1401 JFK Boulevard, Room 1430, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Applications may be e-mailed to Shannon.Fitzgerald@phila.gov with a subject line of “Deputy Managing Director Employment Opportunity,” or faxed to (215) 686-6518, Attn: Shannon Fitzgerald.

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Senior Program Officer, Emergency Relief Program
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation seeks a senior program officer, emergency relief (EMR) to be responsible for the management of strategies, plans, and the portfolio of grants in humanitarian assistance and emergency relief. The senior program officer, EMR will bring leadership to the identification, selection, implementation, and management of new and existing programs and partnerships and will collaborate closely with the Emergency Relief Committee (EMRC) to expedite and advance all efforts related to the foundation’s EMR program. The senior program officer, EMR will have experience and knowledge in humanitarian assistance and emergency relief fieldwork.

Qualifications:

  • A graduate degree in a field related to humanitarian assistance/emergency relief and a minimum of 10 years experience in a range of organizations in the conception, design, and management of programs in emergency relief
  • Technical expertise developing and managing organizations, people and programs, or initiatives in emergency relief (Experience in complex multinational or international organizations and institutions is desired.)
  • Experience in emergency relief grant making in a wide range of countries and situations, including personal field experience in humanitarian assistance and emergency relief
  • Experience managing the implementation of operating plans requiring familiarity with emergency relief organizations and institutions
  • Experience developing, managing, and implementing project strategies as well as with grant making, including monitoring and evaluation of results
  • Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and diplomacy
  • Ability to travel up to 20 percent as needs dictate

Find out more about the position at http://www.gatesfoundation.org/AboutUs/WorkingWithUs/Jobs/.

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