DISASTER RESEARCH 301

September 17, 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS:


  1. Downloadable "Informer" Now Available On-Line

  2. Applicants Sought for U.S./China Research Exchange Program

  3. A New Quick Response Report from NHRAIC

  4. Seeking Information on Mitigation in Postdisaster Housing

  5. FEMA Seeks Earthquake Mitigation Partners in Bay Area

  6. AGI/NAGT Seek Help Developing Environmental Geoscience Manual (Including Natural Hazards)

  7. Help Wanted: University of Notre Dame

  8. Help Wanted: Clark University

  9. New Web Stuff

  10. The Fall EENET Schedule

  11. Independent Study Courses Currently Available from FEMA/EMI

  12. Conferences and Training


1)----------

Downloadable Informer Now Available On-Line

To meet the unexpected demand for its new publication, the Natural Hazards Informer, the Natural Hazards Center is providing a downloadable version of the first issue on the World Wide Web.

Written by practitioners and researchers, each volume of the Informer summarizes current knowledge about some specific aspect of natural hazards research and policy, saving readers the time and effort needed to research and update their understanding of a topic. The Informer is intended for practitioners, researchers, public policy makers, and others interested in hazards management, and is distributed free to all subscribers of the center's printed newsletter, the Natural Hazards Observer. If you are already a subscriber to the Observer, you do not need to subscribe to the Informer. The Informer will be sent to you automatically. If you are not currently a subscriber and would like to receive the Observer and Informer, contact the Publications Clerk, Natural Hazards Research and Applications Information Center, Campus Box 482, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0482; (303) 492-6819; fax: (303) 492-2151; e-mail: janet.kroeckel@colorado.edu; or see the Hazards Center Web site: http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/osub.html.

Subscriptions for the Natural Hazards Observer (which, again, include subscription to the Informer) are free within the U.S., and $15.00 per year overseas.

Additionally, as mentioned above, the first issue of the Informer - "Flood Mitigation Planning: The CRS Approach," by French Wetmore and Gil Jamieson - is now also available from the Hazards Center Web site in both HTML (on-line) and Adobe PDF (downloadable) format. The PDF format enables interested persons to print an exact version of the original publication. For either version, on the World Wide Web, see: http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/informer/index.htm.


2)----------

Applicants Sought for U.S./China Research Exchange Program

U.S. researchers in the fields of earthquake studies, earthquake engineering, and earthquake hazards mitigation are invited to apply for participation in the U.S./PRC Research Exchange Program in Earthquake Studies. The program, designed to further cooperative research in earthquake hazard mitigation between the United States and People's Republic of China (PRC), is jointly sponsored by the National Science Foundation (U.S.) and the Ministry of Construction (PRC). It is coordinated by the Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER), headquartered at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Applications are now being accepted for placement during the 1999-2000 fiscal year.

The program enables selected U.S. researchers to visit host institutions in the People's Republic of China for both short-term (1-2 weeks) and long-term (3, 6, or 12 months) intervals. Successful applicants will engage in cooperative research as outlined in Annex III to the U.S./PRC Protocol for Scientific and Technical Cooperative Research in Earthquake Studies, Earthquake Engineering and Hazards Mitigation. Some support for exchange travel and subsistence costs will be provided by the program's sponsors. Length of funded exchange periods will be determined based on extent of research proposed. Exchanges are expected to begin as early as January 2000. Deadline for application is November 1, 1999.

Applications will be reviewed by a U.S. selection panel to determine the relevance of proposed studies to the objectives of the U.S./PRC Protocol. Awards will be contingent upon approval of NSF.

The following research areas, as defined by the protocol's Joint Research Objectives, are encouraged:

Completed applications must be accompanied by:

For an application and information packet, contact Andrea Dargush, Assistant Director for Education and Research Administration, Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research, State University of New York at Buffalo, Red Jacket Quadrangle, Buffalo, NY 14261; tel: (716) 645-3391 ext. 106; fax: (716) 645-3399; or e-mail: dargush@acsu.buffalo.edu. Applications are available on the World Wide Web at: http://mceer.buffalo.edu/outreach/intActivity/US-PRCRel.html, and, http://mceer.buffalo.edu/outreach/intActivity/1999USPRC.pdf (PDF format).


3)----------

A New Quick Response Report from NHRAIC

The Natural Hazards Research and Applications Information Center (NHRAIC) has published a new (and timely, in light of Hurricane Floyd) Quick Response report on the World Wide Web: QR120 - "Assessing 'Practical Knowledge' of FEMA's Responsiveness and Effectiveness in the Aftermath of Hurricane Bonnie, in Wrightsville Beach and Topsail Island, North Carolina," by Melissa L. Tollinger and Deborah Dixon. The report is available from http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/qr/qr.html.


4)----------

Seeking Information on Mitigation in Postdisaster Housing

I am a graduate student at McGill University in Canada, focussing on the mitigation measures in the postdisaster relief housing provided in Tegucigalpa and Choluteca in Honduras after Hurricane Mitch. I will be visiting these areas in December 1999 in order to survey and document these issues in the shelters provided.

I would be grateful if you could direct me to specific existing research, reports, statistics, etc., regarding this topic.

Thank you,
Priya Ranganath
School of Architecture
M.Arch (Housing for developing countries)
McGill University 815 Sherbrooke Street West
Montreal H3A 2K6 Canada
E-mail: pranga1@po-box.mcgill.ca or pranga1@myTalk.com


5)----------

FEMA Seeks Earthquake Mitigation Partners in Bay Area

[Adapted from the September issue of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) Newsletter]

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region IX office in San Francisco has launched a project entitled "Development of HAZUS Earthquake Risk Assessment Capabilities for the San Francisco Bay Area" to reduce the loss of life and property after the next major earthquake in the Bay Area.

HAZUS is a national, standardized, GIS-based, earthquake loss estimation software program, with supporting information, provided free by FEMA to risk managers. Flood and wind modules are currently being developed.

Anyone interested should visit the project Web site: http://www.hazus.org to join the volunteer network known as the HAZUS User Group.

The group is seeking earthquake experts, corporate risk managers, GIS professionals, and others to support this effort and development of additional loss estimation pilot projects. The group sponsors HAZUS training and technical support, and offers other services to support development and use of the HAZUS program. For more information, contact Jamie Caplan, Project Coordinator, e-mail: caplan@javanet.com; or Jim Buika, FEMA Project Lead, tel: (415) 923-7193, e-mail: james.buika@fema.gov.


6)----------

AGI/NAGT Seek Help Developing Environmental Geoscience Manual (Including Natural Hazards)

[Adapted from the September 1999 issue of Geotimes magazine]

The American Geological Institute (AGI) and the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) are developing a new exercise manual designed to illustrate the interplay and interdependence of humans and the earth. The manual will consist of a collection of exercises for both laboratory and outside classroom activities and is intended for students in introductory environmental geoscience courses.

AGI and NAGT are seeking exercises and activities to include in the manual and invite contributions. The potential topics are diverse; however "Living with Natural Hazards" has been specifically identified.

Two copies of proposed exercises should be submitted to: Victor van Beuren, Director, Communications and Publications, AGI, 4220 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302. The deadline for submissions is December 1, 1999. For more information, contact Bill Neal, e-mail: nealw@gvsu.edu; or Jill Whitman, e-mail: whitmaj@plu.edu; or see the AGI and NAGT Web sites: http://www.agiweb.org and http://www.nagt.org.


7)----------

Help Wanted: University of Notre Dame

The Department of Civil Engineering and Geological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana is inviting applications for tenure-track faculty positions at the assistant professor level in the areas of structural and environmental engineering. Appointments at a higher rank are possible for exceptionally well-qualified candidates. The successful candidates must have an earned Ph.D. in civil engineering or a closely related field. Candidates are expected to have dedication to excellence in teaching, research, professional service and the ability to develop and sustain a strong externally funded research program. The structural engineering position involves teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in structural engineering and mechanics. Emphasis in one or more of the following areas is desired: steel structures; dynamic behavior of structures; mechanics of advanced composites; natural hazard mitigation. For the environmental engineering position, candidates must be able to teach undergraduate and graduate level courses in environmental engineering. They should have research interests in one or more of the following areas: environmental chemistry; biological treatment of water and hazardous wastes; environmental microbiology; physical/chemical processes for water quality control. Further information about the department may be found at http://www.nd.edu/~cegeos/. Interested persons should send a letter describing their research and teaching interests and goals, a copy of their curriculum vitae giving details of employment and publications, and a list of four references to Civil Engineering Search, Professor Ahsan Kareem, Chair, Department of Civil Engineering and Geological Sciences, 156 Fitzpatrick Hall, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0767. Applicant screening will begin November 15, 1999, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The University of Notre Dame is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


8)----------

Help Wanted: Clark University

Clark University seeks a director for its newly expanded Programs in International Development, Community Planning, and Environment (IDCE). These interdisciplinary programs include teaching, research, and programmatic activities with a small core faculty and larger group of affiliates. The programs enroll approximately 50 graduate students, maintain a vigorous field research effort, and support an active undergraduate major of about 30 students.

The position requires a recognized scholar-practitioner with experience in international development. As a top priority, applicants must be familiar with the most recent literature, concepts, and practices in environment and development and demonstrate leadership and program management skills related to these fields. A Ph.D. is required. Preference will be given to candidates with a degree in a social science field related to environment and development and to those with experience obtaining funding/working with development agencies. Among possible areas of related interest are geographic information systems, community-based planning, social and gender analysis, national and global environmental programs, participation, and the sustainability transition.

The position is a tenure-track post at the rank of Associate Professor. Administrative responsibilities include program leadership, budget oversight, curriculum design and review, student recruiting, staff development, and liaison with administration, departments, and other faculty. Undergraduate and graduate teaching, as well as research and publication, are also expected.

Applications will be reviewed beginning November 15, 1999 but will be accepted through December 15, 1999. Interested candidates should send a letter of application and vitae to:
Dr. B. Thomas-Slayter, Chair, Search Committee
International Development Program
Clark University
Worcester, Massachusetts 01610 USA


9)----------

New Web Stuff

[These are some of the latest and more useful Internet resources we've encountered. For an extended list of selected Internet sites dealing with hazards and disaster management, see http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/sites/sites.html]

http://www.iris.washington.edu
http://www.iris.washington.edu/DOCS/turkey.htm
The Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) has put up a "Special Event" Web page for the recent earthquake in Turkey. It includes links to sites, graphics, and general information about that recent seismic event. Persons with information that they would like to add to this page should send an e-mail message to: webmaster@iris.washington.edu.

http://www.reliefweb.int/telecoms/
A very comprehensive Web site on the regulatory, technical, and operational aspects of telecommunications in the service of humanitarian assistance has been established at the URL above. The site is being maintained by the secretariat of the Working Group on Emergency Telecommunications (WGET) at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Geneva. Comments and suggestions, including information about related URLs that could be added to those already listed, are very welcome. The developers would also be grateful if existing links to their previous site (www.unog.ch/wget/) could be replaced by links to the new site. For more information, contact Hans Zimmerman, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Palais des Nations, CH-1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland; tel: +41 22 917-3516; fax: +41 22 917-0208/-0023; e-mail: Hans.Zimmermann@ties.itu.int -or- Zimmermann@un.org.

http://www.weather.com/breaking_weather/encyclopedia
While monitoring Hurricane Floyd on the Web, we noticed this interesting corner of the Weather Channel Web site - their "Storm Encyclopedia Home Page," which includes sections on flooding, heat waves, hurricanes and tropical systems, severe thunderstorms including lightning and hail, tornadoes, and winter storms. Each section provides information about the given physical phenomenon, historical highlights, concomitant risks, human preparedness and response, and other aspects of these meteorological hazards.

http://www.disaster.info.desastres.net/PED-Ecuador/desastre/index.html
The Web site of the Subregional Disaster Program of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) in South America is an excellent place to locate information in Spanish about hazards/disaster management in the Americas. The site includes information and news about recent disasters, discussion lists, an index of conferences and training, several full-text documents, and links to other useful sites in both Spanish and English.

emergency01@egroups.com
This is the address for a new e-mail discussion list in Spanish for emergency services personnel in Latin America. Comments or questions about the group or subscriptions should be directed to the moderator: bomberos_profesionales@hotmail.com -or- emergency01-owner@egroups.com. The list is brought to you by the same folks that produce "Incident Commander" magazine (see: http://trek.iaxis.com.pe/ic/esp.html for both English and Spanish versions).


10)----------

The Fall EENET Schedule

EENET, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Education Network, has the following broadcasts scheduled for October, November, and December (all times eastern):

For a description of each of these programs and broadcast information, visit the EENET Web site: http://www.fema.gov/home/emi/eenet.htm; or contact EENET, National Emergency Training Center, 16825 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727; 1-800-500-5164; (301) 447-1068; e-mail: eenet@fema.gov.

Note: Select EENET broadcasts will also be carried via the Internet and will be available on-demand via the Internet for 30 days shortly after they are aired. For example, the dam safety program listed above will be available from the EENET Web site November 10-December 10, 1999. For more information, see the EENET Web site above or call 1- 800-500-5164.


11)----------

Independent Study Courses Currently Available from FEMA/EMI

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Management Institute (FEMA/EMI) offers numerous courses through its Independent Study Program. Interested persons can view course descriptions, download materials, and register for courses via the EMI Independent Study Web page: http://www.fema.gov/home/emi/ishome.htm. Alternatively, potential students can contact FEMA, Emergency Management Institute, Independent Study Program, 16825 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727-8998.

Currently offered courses include:


12)----------

Conferences and Training

[Below are some recent 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]

Public Private Partnership (PPP) 2000 Forum: "When Natural and Technological Hazards Collide." Co-sponsors: Stanford University Center for Earth Science Information Research and the George Washington University Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management. Washington, D.C.: October 13, 1999. See: http://www.usgs.gov/ppp2000; or contact the Institute for Business and Home Safety, 175 Federal Street, Suite 500, Boston, MA 02110-2222; (617) 292-2003; fax: (617) 292-2022; e-mail: info@ibhs.org.

Living on Shaky Ground - Lessons of Loma Prieta: A Special Two-Day Conference on Earthquake Safety and Preparedness. Oakland, California: October 14-15, 1999. Contact: Association of Bay Area Governments, P.O. Box 2050, Oakland, CA 94604-2050; (510) 464-7934; fax: (510) 464-7970; WWW: http://quake.abag.ca.gov/conferences.html.

32nd Annual Water Resources Conference. Sponsors: University of Minnesota and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Minneapolis, Minnesota: October 25, 1999. Contact: Lori Graven, Program Director, University College, University of Minnesota, 206 Nolte Center, 315 Pillsbury Drive S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455-0139; fax: (612) 626-1632.

Dealing with Natural Disasters: Achievements and New Challenges in Science, Technology and Engineering. Subjects include drought, flood, seismic and volcanic disaster mitigation. Sponsor: Royal Society. London, U.K.: October 27-29, 1999. E-mail: tina.brown@royalsoc.ac.uk.

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (NVOAD) Annual Conference. Lake Tahoe, Nevada: October 27-29, 1999. For more information, see: http://www.nvoad.com; or contact Alexander King, Salvation Army, Reno, NV; (775) 688-4555; e-mail: Alexander_King@usw.salvationarmy.org. For more on NVOAD in general, see their main Web site: http://www.nvoad.org.

Seminar on Trauma in the Workplace. Hosted by: Business and Industry Council for Emergency Planning and Preparedness (BICEPP). Los Angeles, California: December 1, 1999. Contact: BICEPP, 16335 Londelius Street, North Hills, CA 91343; (213) 386-4524; e-mail: bicepp@gtemail.net.

Project Impact Summit 99. Sponsor: Federal Emergency Management Agency. Washington, D.C.: December 12-16, 1999. See: http://www.fema.gov/impact/summit99/; or contact FEMA, Project Impact, 500 C Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20472; (202) 646-4600; e-mail: eipa@fema.gov.

Society for Risk Analyis (SRA)-Europe Annual Conference. Organized by the European Safety & Reliability Association (ESRA), the Society for Risk Analysis-Europe (SRA-E), and the U.K. Safety and Reliability Society (SaRS). Edinburgh, Scotland: May 14-17, 2000. See: http://www.sraeurope.com; http://www.esra.be; or http://www.sars.u-net.com; or e-mail: sra@burkinc.com.

American Geophysical Union (AGU) 2000 Spring Meeting. Washington, D.C.: May 30-June 3, 2000. Special session proposals due September 30, 1999. Abstracts due March 2, 2000 (via post), March 9, 2000 (via Web). Contact: AGU Meetings Department, 2000 Florida Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20009; (800) 966-2481 or (202) 462-6900; fax: (202) 328-0566; e-mail: meetinginfo@agu.org; WWW: http://www.agu.org.

Seventh National Conference on Earthquake Engineering. Boston, Massachusetts: July 21-25, 2002. Contact: Andrea Dargush, Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER), University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Red Jacket Quadrangle, Buffalo, NY 14261-0025; (716) 645-3391; fax: (716) 645-3399; e-mail: dargush@acsu.buffalo.edu.


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