DISASTER RESEARCH 260

June 2, 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS:


  1. FEMA Tropical Storm Watch On-line for 1998 Hurricane Season

  2. Also on the Web

  3. Journal and Certification Available from the University of Richmond

  4. Training Available from CSTI

  5. CERI Seeks Information Services Director

  6. The EENET Summer Schedule

  7. Information Requests from the EIIP

  8. And the EIIP/Emergency Management Forum June Schedule

  9. A Couple of Conferences


1)----------
FEMA Tropical Storm Watch On-line for 1998 Hurricane Season

As the 1998 hurricane season began on June 1, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) launched its Tropical Storm Watch page on the World Wide Web - http://www.fema.gov/fema/trop.html.

This is the fourth year for FEMA's on-line service. The Tropical Storm Watch page offers hurricane preparedness information, fact sheets, maps, and links to other key sites with weather satellite images and forecasts. The site is updated daily - sometimes hourly - with news releases, situation reports, tracking maps, and graphics. As a hurricane approaches landfall, users can see the projected path of destruction and learn how FEMA is coordinating the federal government's efforts to help state and local governments cope with the impending disaster.

The FEMA home page address is http://www.fema.gov. In addition to a set of key topic buttons, the home page provides users with a quick view of the latest news. When the President declares a major disaster, the site's Disasters of 1998 page provides details on response and recovery operations with a state-by-state rundown. With more than 10,000 pages of material, the FEMA web site is content-rich with information that goes beyond hurricanes to include all aspects of emergency management. The FEMA site now logs about one million hits a week.


2)----------
Also on the Web

http://www.cusec.org

The Central United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC) has redesigned and greatly expanded its Web site. It now includes sections entitled, "CUSEC in Perspective," "CUSEC News," "CUSEC Events and Programs," "Association of CUSEC Geologists," "CUSEC Products and Services," "CUSEC Bulletin Board," "New Madrid Seismic Zone," "Safety Information," and (of course) "Related Links." The site contains a wealth of information - particularly for persons concerned about earthquakes east of Amarillo and west of Weehawken.

http://www-socal.wr.usgs.gov/north

Now on-line is a new Web page summarizing the work of the U.S. Geological Survey following the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Users can download data and maps showing many aspects of the earthquake, such as the mainshock rupture, damage patterns, local site response effects, and landslide effects. Also available are various supporting data sets including a fault database, digital geologic maps, topographic data, and reference lists to Northridge publications. The site has photos from the earthquake and animations of the earthquake rupture and aftershock sequence.


3)----------
Journal and Certification Available from the University of Richmond

Faculty and students of the Emergency Services Management degree program at the University of Richmond have put a new academic electronic journal on line - "The Richmond Journal of the Emergency Services." Persons conducting research in emergency management, disaster response, business continuity, fire, law enforcement, or emergency medical services, are invited to submit papers to the journal. The editors are especially interested in integrative, multi disciplinary work and lessons that are clearly transferable. They prefer clear, concise articles that address issues of interest to practitioners that are directly applicable and not covered in existing academic publications. The journal is peer reviewed; however, it is not an official publication of the University of Richmond and represents only its authors, contributors, and volunteer editorial and peer review staff. The front material for the Journal can be viewed at: http://members.tripod.com/~Richmond_ESM/index.html.

Additionally, the University of Richmond School of Continuing Studies now offers professional certification for emergency managers and business continuity professionals who focus on managing emergency operations during the response phase of a disaster. Certification is based on a four-part, day-long examination that tests critical knowledge, the ability to analyze scenarios, decision making processes, work prioritization skills, and teamwork in problem solving in the emergency operations center or command post. Details on the Certified Crisis Operations Manager program are also available from the Web site above. Additional information about both the journal and program can be obtained from Walter G. Green, Academic Program Director of Emergency Services Management, P.O. Box 799, Glen Allen, VA 23060-0799; (804) 371-3500; e-mail: n0psb@aol.com -or- Richmond_ESM@tripod.net.


4)----------
Training Available from CSTI

We recently received the course schedule for the 1998-99 academic year from the California Specialized Training Institute. For 27 years, CSTI has developed and presented courses to prepare emergency managers and other public officials at all levels for emergencies of all kinds. The institute is widely recognized as one of the finest emergency management training institutions in the country. CSTI offers a wide range of classes that go well beyond the traditional public safety disciplines; they are intended for all elements of local and state government, and, are also available to private industry and out-of-state students. For a copy of the CSTI schedule, contact: CSTI, P.O. Box 8123, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403; (805) 549-3535; fax: (805) 544-7103; e-mail: cstiinfo@oes.ca.gov; WWW:http://www.oes.ca.gov.


5)----------
CERI Seeks Information Services Director

The Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) at the University of Memphis is seeking a creative and enthusiastic person with excellent qualifications to coordinate and implement its public education and outreach programs. The Information Services Director (ISD) will coordinate activities with other agencies (e.g. The Mid-America Earthquake Center, USGS, IRIS, SCEC). Duties include: developing and presenting public programs about earthquakes; designing and producing brochures and pamphlets; directing the Internet presentation of education and outreach materials about seismic hazards in the central U.S. The ISD is the principal contact for public inquiries to CERI and coordinates information flow to media and response/emergency management officials during earthquake emergencies. Other duties include: writing grant proposals to fund education and outreach activities and conducting and attending workshops with CERI's customers. The ISD will supervise CERI outreach and education personnel. Applicants should hold a Masters Degree in one of two areas: 1) science education, communication, marketing, etc., or 2) earth sciences or engineering. The position requires three years' experience dedicated to scientific education, outreach, and/or disaster planning, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications and includes an excellent benefits package. The application deadline is July 15, 1998, or until filled. Application information is available from the Department of Human Resources, 108 Jones Hall, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152; (901) 678-2601.


6)----------
The EENET Summer Schedule

The Emergency Education Network (EENET) is the Federal Emergency Management Agency's system that broadcasts emergency management programs, symposia, and other media events via satellite across the nation. Upcoming EENET broadcasts include:

[All times Eastern]
June 11, 2:00-4:00 pm - "Partnerships - Private, Public and Federal"
This program will feature several unique emergency management partnerships throughout the country.

June 17, 2:00-3:30 pm - "National Alert Broadcast"
FEMA's monthly "Video Magazine" on emergency management activities and issues.

June 30, 1:00-2:00 pm - "Classroom Connection - Your Tie to EMI"
The second program in this new series featuring instructors from the EMI classroom.

July 15, 2:00-3:30 pm - "National Alert Broadcast"

July 29, 2:00-3:30 pm - "Stress Threats in Emergency Operations"

August 4, 1:00-2:00 pm - "Classroom Connection - Your Tie to EMI"

August 19, 2:00-3:30 pm - "National Alert Broadcast"

September 3, 2:00-3:30 pm - "Managing Stress Threats: A Comprehensive Approach"

September 10, 2:00-4:00 pm - "Counter-Terrorism Issues for First Responders - Home Study Course"

September 16, 2:00-3:30 pm - "National Alert Broadcast"

September 29, 1:00-2:00 pm - "Classroom Connection - Your Tie to EMI"

For additional information, including satellite broadcast specifics, see the EENET Web page: http://www.fema.gov/emi/eenet.htm; or contact the EENET office at 1-800-500-5164 or (301) 447-1068


7)----------
Information Requests from the EIIP

In the previous DR, we mentioned that the Emergency Information Infrastructure partnership (EIIP) hosts a number of Internet-based discussion groups. Below are two more information requests from those postings. For information on joining the EIIP mailing lists, which cover all aspects of emergency management, see the partnership's Emergency Management Web site: http://www.emforum.org.
e-mail: nceeris@acsu.buffalo.edu.

I.

From: Kevin Farrell kevin.farrell@firenet.apg.army.mil;
To: EIIP Preparedness list preparedness@emforum.org;
Subject: FW: investigations Evacuation procedures

As part of a Federally funded institution, Los Alamos National Laboratory has to provided adequate or reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities with regard to fires and evacuations of buildings and areas. Just recently we had an event in which a deaf person could not be accounted for during a real fire evacuation. This person has a pager, but could not be reached via the pager. Has anyone out there had any similar events in which organizations/companies had to make modifications for disabled people with regard to fires and warning devices and evacuations? I understand the ADA has been used to sue very prominent fixtures, such as the EPA. Are there any specifics suggested or encouraged within the Life Safety Code? Other sources? Experiences? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

-----------

II.

Hi, I'm from Brazil. I'm a medical director of a prehospital trauma service that functions with physicians and EMTs dealing with trauma victims only. I am very interested in this program, and especially would like to know if you can help me to find something about INCIDENT COMMAND. I am doing a protocol in mass casualty and disaster and need every information about this.

If you can help send me a message. Thank you.
best regards
Edison Teixeira
Fone/fax ++ 55 41 2337393
e mail: e.valle@sul.com.br
Address: ALAMEDA CABRAL, 144/1101
80.410210 CURITIBA -PR- BRAZIL


8)----------
And the EIIP/Emergency Management Forum June Schedule

As discussed above, the Emergency Information Infrastructure Partnership (EIIP) is an Internet-based forum for all persons with an interest in emergency management. Via its Web site - http://www.emforum.org -the EIIP conducts meetings regularly three times each week:

- Tuesdays, 1:00 PM EDT - Informal Brown Bag/Help Desk session
- Wednesdays, 12:00 Noon EDT - Formal sessions with guest speakers (schedule below)
- Thursdays, 8:00 PM EDT - Informal Round Table discussions led by a guest host (see below)

The June 1998 Wednesday Noon sessions include:
June 3 - Elaine Enarson, Ph.D., Visiting Scholar, Disaster Preparedness Resources Centre, University of British Columbia, presents her paper, "Battered Women in Disaster: A Case Study of Gendered Vulnerability," in the Virtual Library.

June 10 - The Virtual Forum takes us to the Emergency Management Institute (EMI), Emmitsburg, MD, for a session "Live From" the Community and Family Preparedness Conference.

June 17 - The EIIP Panel Room presents the FEMA Region IV Tornado Summit with panelists John Copenhaver, FEMA Region IV Director, and other leaders involved in the Tornado Summit.

June 24 - The Technology Arena hosts a demonstration of the California OES RIMS Program by Troy Armstrong.

The June 4, 8:00 pm informal round table discussion will feature Rex Hollaway leading a discussion about the Memphis Business Emergency Preparedness Council (BEPC) - http://www.bepc.net - a coalition of business and government dedicated to promoting business recovery planning and preparedness.

To participate in these forums or to learn more about the EIIP, log on to http://www.emforum.org.


9)----------
A Couple of Conferences

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

"Earthquakes: Mean Business": A One-Day Symposium on Issues in Business Continuity and Recovery, Focusing on Earthquake Preparedness. Sponsored by: Association of Contingency Planners (ACP) and the Utah Seismic Safety Commission (USSC). Salt Lake City, Utah: September 22, 1998. The symposium is part of Salt Lake City's "It's Our Fault" Earthquake Preparedness Week (September 21-26). Contact: Mike Stever; (801) 535-6030; e-mail: mike.stever@ci.slc.ut.us.

Second International Conference on Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering. Lisbon, Portugal: June 21-25, 1999. Contact: Pedro S.Seco e Pinto, Laboratorio Nacional de Engenharia Civil, Av. Do Brasil, 101, 1799 Lisboa Codex, Portugal; fax: +351-1 847 8187; e-mail: sicege@ince.pt.


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