DISASTER RESEARCH 338

January 26, 2001

TABLE OF CONTENTS:


  1. Seeking Information on Maritime Rescue

  2. Seeking Information on Disastrous Collisions

  3. New Internet Resources

  4. World Bank Loan Supports Natural Disaster Management in Mexico

  5. Help Wanted: FEMA Region VIII

  6. Help Wanted: Rhode Island Disaster Resistant Showcase State Vista/Americorps Position

  7. BSSC Seeks Help with 2003 Update

  8. Call for Papers - 2001 ASPEP Journal

  9. Conferences and Training


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

Seeking Information on Maritime Rescue

I am looking for literature/research information on marine human rescue methods in worst possible conditions [of seas]. I will appreciate any assistance with this matter.

Konstantin Kouzovnikov, MSc.
Psychologist (Candidate Register)
Halifax, NS
Canada
E-mail: canada8@sprint.ca


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

Seeking Information on Disastrous Collisions

I am contacting you from the History Channel Series "The Most," which is a show that deals with historic and contemporary superlative topics. One of our shows is about disastrous collisions, including
- Worst Airplane Disaster: The Canary Islands, 1977
- The Most Fatal Shipwreck: Mount Blanc, 1917 (an explosion)
- Most Devastating Train Disaster: India, 1981 (caused by a cyclone colliding with a train)
Could you refer me to anyone who is an expert on disasters/and or collisions who might know something about these three topics?

Thank you,
Nathalie Neurath
Weller/Grossman Productions
14144 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 200
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
Tel: (818) 755-4800, ext. 174
Fax: (818) 755-4820
E-mail: nneurath@wellergrossman.com


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

New Internet Resources

[Below are some new or updated Internet resources of note. For an extended list of Internet sites dealing with hazards, see http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/sites/sites.html]

http://www.anglia.ac.uk/geography/radix
Provoked by the recent El Salvador earthquake (and now by the event in Gujarat), a group of disaster scholars has launched this "Radical Interpretations of Disasters" Web site, which addresses the fundamental question: Given our extensive knowledge concerning natural hazards, given recent historical disasters that should have provided object lessons and opportunities for change, given our increasing understanding of the direct link between disaster vulnerability and unsustainable development practices, and given the fundamental human value that suffering should be averted whenever possible, why is it that catastrophes like the El Salvador quake continue?

As the site developers explain, "The word 'radical' is used in the sense of radix or 'root' - the root causes of vulnerability and what to do about it." The essays presented are provocative and intended to stimulate further discussion and debate, and the developers invite all persons interested in these questions to participate. The site also offers on-line background material/resources and useful links regarding the El Salvador event.

http://www.sciencemag.org
The January 12 issue of Science (Vol. 291, Issue 5502) - available on-line at the address above - contains an analysis of volcano deaths by Tom Simkin, Lee Siebert, and Russell Blong, entitled "Volcano Fatalities - Lessons from the Historical Record" in which the authors examine more than 400 fatal volcanic eruptions. They describe their findings as "worrisome"; they found a marked increase in fatal eruptions in the 20th century, which they attribute to global population increase, not to eruption frequency, which has remained roughly constant. "Of the many agents of volcanic death," they further report, "tephra (ashfall and projectiles) is more common (and more easily mitigated) than more widely feared agents such as pyroclastic flows, tsunamis, and mudflows. During the sometimes long course of an eruption, the most dangerous time is the first 24 hours, but next most dangerous are times months or years after the start, when people are tired of the eruption and guards are lowered."

http://www.reliefweb.int
http://www.reliefweb.int/vacancies
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) ReliefWeb site, which we've mentioned several times before, is designed (and frequently updated) to "serve the information needs of the [world's] humanitarian relief community." The site includes dispatches on the latest world emergencies and disasters; other news regarding international assistance; and extensive background information on both complex emergencies and natural disasters - by country, if desired. The site provides information on financial tracking and appeals; a large map collection; a directory of humanitarian organizations; a library of various reference documents; as well as information on emergency telecommunications, early warning, and humanitarian training. It also provides a means for interested persons to sign up for e-mail notices of new ReliefWeb information, and the "Humanitarian Vacancies Section" now allows users to both post new positions and peruse job/career opportunities.

http://www.pep.bc.ca
The function of the British Columbia (Canada) Provincial Emergency Program (PEP) (administered through the BC Attorney General's office) is to "maintain effective awareness, preparedness, response and recovery programs to reduce the human and financial costs of emergencies and disasters." The PEP Web site provides background information about the program as well as a host of information about hazards management and mitigation in the Pacific Northwest. The site encompasses sections on hazard preparedness and response and provides *many* of the enabling laws, policies, manuals, guides, plans, and other documents in full text on-line. It also includes incident summaries, media releases, a special section for children, a list of coming events, and an on-line forum for discussion of hazard issues.


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

World Bank Loan Supports Natural Disaster Management in Mexico

On December 7 the World Bank approved a $404 million loan to support a wide-ranging initiative by the government of Mexico to reduce the country's vulnerability to the impact of natural disasters and to support rapid recovery when they occur. A prior study by Mexico's National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) had found that 68% of the people affected by natural disasters in the country are poor or extremely poor.

Funds from the loan will finance emergency recovery and reconstruction projects through Mexico's Fund for Natural Disasters (FONDEN), which was established in 1996. At the same time, the loan will help improve the efficiency and effectiveness with which Mexico responds to natural disasters, including environmental, social, and cultural consequences.

The loan, to be disbursed over four years starting in 2001, will also finance studies by government departments and agencies, leading to strategies and action to reduce human and economic losses due to natural disasters. These studies by the Secretariats of Communications and Transportation, Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development, Social Development, Public Education, Health, and Environment and Natural Resources, and the National Water Commission, will lead to recommendations on land use, housing, insurance, road construction, farming practices, and mapping, among other areas.

Finally, the loan will allow the government of Mexico to assess the feasibility of using insurance and new capital market instruments to manage disaster risk in order to make funds for reconstruction available quickly and thereby facilitate rapid economic recovery. These efforts could be accompanied by policies requiring government agencies to insure public properties and encouraging beneficiaries of support from FONDEN to obtain private insurance.

For more information on the World Bank's work in the Latin America and Caribbean region, see: http://wbln0018.worldbank.org/external/lac/lac.nsf. For details about this project, contact Christopher Neal; (202) 473-7229; e-mail: Cneal1@worldbank.org; or Lee Morrison; (202) 458-8741; e-mail: Lmorrison1@worldbank.org


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

Help Wanted: FEMA Region VIII

Announcement No: RVIII-00-140A
Opening Date: 01-29-01
Closing Date: 02-12-01
Position: Natural Hazards Program Specialist, GS-301-12
Salary Range: $53,962 - $70,146
Organization: FEMA, Region VIII, Mitigation Division, Community Mitigation Programs Branch
Duty Location: Denver, Colorado

This announcement is open to all candidates. No prior federal service is required. Status candidates will be considered under the agency's merit promotion procedures, unless they also request consideration under OPM's Competitive Procedures and submit two applications.

Duties: The incumbent is responsible for dealing with federal, state, and local officials on the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP); coordinates mitigation activities for the Federal Earthquake Response Preparedness Planning Program; gathers information and conducts meetings with other federal agencies, volunteer relief organizations, and state and local government officials to explain earthquake response preparedness requirements; provides a comprehensive technical review of completed response plans of other federal agencies, state and local governments, and makes appropriate recommendations on the workability of those plans; educates diverse audiences, such as local government leaders, lending institution officials, and other interested groups, on the multifaceted requirements of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act, hazard analysis and risk assessment techniques, and other multihazard disaster resistant methodologies and practices through conducting workshops, seminars, and speaking engagements; serves as needed at disaster sites as the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act mitigating representative.

Competitive status is not required for qualified disabled individuals eligible for appointment under 5CFR 213.3102 (U), qualified 30% or more disabled veterans eligible for appointment under 5 CFR 316.402 (b)(5), those eligible under the Veteran's Readjustment Act, and those eligible under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 provided these individuals otherwise meet the description of "Who May Apply."

Qualifications Requirements: Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirements as contained in the OPM's Qualification Operating Manual. These are available on-line at www.opm.gov. Applicants meeting the basic qualification requirements and any selective placement factor stated in this Employment Opportunity will be rated and ranked on the following KSA's. Applicants are encouraged to submit a written statement addressing any selective placement factor and each KSA:

  1. Knowledge of FEMA's laws, regulations, programs, policies, practices, and strategies for NEHRP and related coordination of other federal agencies' planning and response programs and earthquake hazard mitigation efforts.
  2. Ability to interpret and comply with the rules and regulations dealing with NEHRP legislation, concepts, goals in order to communicate to diverse audiences.
  3. Demonstrated experience in applying hazard analysis and risk assessment techniques, negotiating contracts that include presenting facts, drawing conclusions, providing documentation and making oral and written recommendations.
  4. Ability to prioritize program activities, coordinate with varied governmental jurisdictions, resolve issues, and implement program activities in support of creating disaster resistant communities.
.
.
.
How and Where to Apply: Applicants can apply for the position by submitting a resume, the optional application for Federal Employment (OF-612), or any other written format including the SF-171 (Application for Federal Employment). The resume or application must contain: 1) the announcement number, title, and grade of the job for which you are applying; 2) full name, mailing address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, branch and date of military service, and, if applicable, proof of reinstatement eligibility and highest federal civilian grade ever held; 3) high school name and location, date of diploma or highest grade completed, college name and location, majors, type and year of any degrees received; 4) work experience that includes job titles, duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates, hours per week and salary; and 5) list of other qualifications such as job related training courses, job related skills, job related certificates, and job related honors, awards, and special accomplishments.

Applicants claiming 10-Point veterans' preference must also file a Claim for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15, and the documentary proof required to substantiate the claim. Required forms can be obtained from local Federal Job Information/Testing Centers of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (listed in the telephone directory under U.S. Government) or call FEMA's Examining Unit on (301) 447-1390.

Completed applications must be postmarked by the closing date of this announcement. If you use a postage paid federal government agency envelope to mail your application or resume or if you send it by facsimile it will not be considered. All completed forms should be sent to the following address:
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Field Personnel Operations Division
Building E Room 113
16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
1-800-225-3304

To obtain additional information about this vacancy, visit our Web site at http://www.fema.gov, or call our Employment Opportunities hot line on (800) 225-3304.


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

Help Wanted: Rhode Island Disaster Resistant Showcase State Vista/Americorps Position

The Mission of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is to protect life and property. Rhode Island has been designated a "Showcase State for Disaster Resistance and Resilience" by the insurance industry, and RIEMA is coordinating the 14 elements of the Showcase State initiative.

The low-income community is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, and that population's problems are compounded by its lack of resources. Nevertheless, actions can be taken ahead of time to reduce risk and exposure, improve peoples' ability to help themselves, and expedite recovery. To support these aims, RIEMA plans to host a Vista volunteer whose primary tasks will be to:

AmeriCorps/Vista members are provided a monthly living allowance of $791.00 and paid on a bi-weekly basis at a rate of $364.08. They also are entitled to an education award of $4,725 after service is completed.

Eligibility:

For more information about this position, contact: Albert Scappaticci, Executive Director/RIEMA; (401) 946-9996; e-mail: scappaticciA@ri-arng.ngb.army.mil


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

BSSC Seeks Help with 2003 Update of the NEHRP Recommended Provisions

As the first step in planning for the 2003 update of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) Recommended Provisions, the Building Seismic Safety Council (BSSC) is soliciting expressions of interest in participation from its member organizations, those who participated in the 2000 update, and others in the building community. Anyone interested in participating should call Carita Tanner, BSSC, 1090 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005-4905; (202) 289-7800; e-mail: ctanner@nibs.org.


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

Call for Papers - 2001 ASPEP Journal

The American Society of Professional Emergency Planners has issued a call for papers for the 2001 edition of the organization's journal, which will be published in November 2001. The journal will be released at the annual conference of the International Association of Emergency Managers in Riverside, California. Information on the journal and the call for papers can be found at http://www.globalserve.net/~tmheath/call.htm. Interested persons can also contact Thomas M. Heath, Gamewell Emergency Management Services, 1235 Lambeth Road, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6H 2E2; (905) 844-6597; fax: (905) 849-9715; e-mail: tmheath@globalserve.net.


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

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 World Wide Web site: http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/conf.html]

Second Annual Conference on Innovations in Catastrophe Management. Sponsor: EQECAT, Inc. Ft. Myers, Florida: February 25-28, 2001. Contact: Elaine Brovont, EQECAT, Inc., 1111 Broadway, 10th Floor, Oakland, CA 94607; (510) 817-3100; e-mail: emb@eqe.com; WWW: http://www.eqecat.com.

"Telling Folks About Floods." (One-day workshop on how local officials can use public information programs to help people protect themselves from floods.) Sponsors: Illinois Association for Floodplain and Stormwater Management and South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association. Orland Hills, Illinois: March 6, 2001. Contact: Mary Lu Wetmore, (708) 747-5273, e-mail: IAFSM@aol.com.

Building Seismic Safety Council 2001 Annual Meeting. Charlotte, South Carolina: March 6-8, 2001. Contact: Patricia Blasi, BSSC, 1090 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005-4905; (202) 289-7800, e-mail: pblasi@nibs.org.

ICLR/IBC Earthquake Conference. Hosts: Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) and the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: March 23, 2001. Contact: Lorraine Penner, (604) 684-3635, e-mail: lpenner@ibc.ca; or Tracy Waddington, (416) 362-2031, e-mail: twaddington@iclr.org.

Hemispheric Conference on Vulnerability Reduction of Trade Corridors to Socio-Natural Disasters (TCC). Organized by the Organization of American States, Unit for Sustainable Development and Environment; and the Secretariat of Environment, Government of the Province of Mendoza, Argentina. Mendoza, Argentina: March 26-28, 2001. The conference will be in English and Spanish with simultaneous translation. For further information, contact Karina Nowakowski, tel: 0054-261-4232841, 0054- 261-439-4531; fax: 0054-261-452-5378; e-mail: karinnowakow@mixmail.com, or riesgo_gest@hotmail.com, or sbender@oas.org; WWW: http://www.transport-americas.org/events-english.htm.

Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference. Bellevue, Washington: April 17-18, 2001. See: http://hrs.crgnet.com/wwen, or contact Shad Burcham, King County Office of Emergency Management; (206) 205-8106; e-mail: shad.burcham@metrokc.gov.

Louisiana Floodplain Managers Association 2001 State Conference. Baton Rouge, Louisiana: April 18-20, 2001. Contact: Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Floodplain Management Section, Section 64, P.O. Box 94245, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9245; fax: (225) 274-4351.

Homeland Defense: Outfitting Emergency Response Teams: WMD, Chem-Bio, Hazmat, Emergency Medical Teams; Federal, State, and Local Emergency Response Teams. Sponsored by: MarketAccess International, Inc. and others. Washington, D.C.: April 27, 2001. Contact: Colleen Harbison, MarketAccess International, Inc., 5454 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 810, Chevy Chase, MD 20815; (301) 652-0810; fax: (301) 652-0914; e-mail: charbison@marketaccess.org; WWW: http://www.marketaccess.org.

Graduate Certificate in Conflict Management: "The First Asia Pacific Program on Conflict Prevention and Reconstruction." Offered by: Asia Pacific Disaster Management Centre (APDMC). Makati, Philippines: May 14-25, 2001. Contact: Fainula Rodriguez, Course Director; tel: (632) 817-1434; fax: (632) 817-0894; e-mail: apdmc@nsclub.net, or fainula@loxinfo.co.th.

Non-Structural Measures for Water Management Problems. Organized by: Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, UNESCO IHP Program and Canadian Commission for UNESCO, and the University of Western Ontario. London, Ontario, Canada: October 18-20, 2001. Contact: Sandra Doyle, Workshop Secretary, Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, University of Western Ontario, 1389 Western Road, London, Ontario Canada N6A 5B9; (519) 661-3234; fax: (519) 661-4273; e-mail: sdoyle@eng.uwo.ca; WWW: http://www.iclr.org.

Coastal Disasters 2002. Organizers: Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers; the Coastal Zone Foundation; and others. San Diego, California: February 24-27, 2002. Contact: Lesley Ewing, California Coastal Commission, 45 Fremont Street, Suite 2000, San Francisco, CA 94105; (415) 904-5291; fax: (415) 904-5400; e-mail: lewing@coastal.ca.gov -or- Louise Wallendorf, Hydromechanics Laboratory, U.S. Naval Academy, 590 Holloway Road, Annapolis, MD 21402-5042; (410) 293-5108; fax; (410) 293-5848; e-mail: lou@usna.edu. Also, see: http://www.coastal.ca.gov/cdsolutions; e-mail: CDSolutions@coastal.ca.gov.

Third International Conference on Landslides, Slope Stability, and the Safety of Infrastructure. Abstracts due December 15, 2001. Singapore: July 10-12, 2002. Contact: CI-Premier Ltd, 150 Orchard Road #07-14, Orchard Plaza, Singapore 238841; tel: 065-7332922; fax: 065-2353530; e-mail: cipremie@singnet.com.sg; WWW: http://www.cipremier.com.


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