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The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) is planning an upcoming publication highlighting "no adverse impact" (NAI) activities of communities using case studies aimed at providing floodplain managers with descriptions of actual tools and activities that can reduce flood losses and community liability. The publication will be distributed via the internet, in addition to a limited number of hard copies, in May 2004. It is being produced with support from the Public Entity Risk Institute, and will provide communities nationwide with information about what techniques have worked in implementing NAI approaches, allowing communities to select solutions to their flood problems from alternatives that have already been proven workable by communities elsewhere in the nation.
An NAI approach means that the action of one property owner within a watershed is not allowed to adversely affect the flood risks of other properties, as measured by flood stages, flood velocities, flood flows, and the potential for erosion or sedimentation, unless community-approved mitigation occurs.
Any community wishing to be included may submit a short nomination form by July 31, 2003, to the e-mail or address below. Those selected as case studies will be asked to provide additional materials, including maps and photographs; cooperate in the research interviews and possible site visit; help develop the "story"; and review the draft. Communities selected for case studies will be notified in September.
Complete information is available from Mark Riebau, ASFPM, 2809 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison, WI 53713; (608) 274-0123; e-mail: mark@floods.org; http://www.floods.org/NoAdverseImpact/whitepaper.asp.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency's (NOAA) National Ocean Service has recently launched a web portal that should be of interest to DR subscribers. The portal provides information for coastal areas in an easy to use "one stop" web-based database. The site allows users to obtain real-time coastal observations and NOAA forecasts for major U.S. estuaries and seaports, the Great Lakes, and the coastal ocean.
The map-based portal, called "nowCOAST" provides spatially-referenced links to information from meteorological, oceanographic, and river observing networks operated by federal and state agencies and educational institutions. It also provides links to forecast point guidance from many National Weather Service (NWS) atmospheric and oceanographic forecast models and to NWS' county weather forecasts and marine forecasts.
The site may be accessed at http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/op/nowcoast.htm (click on "web portal" on the Office of Coast Survey page). For more details about the project or the presentation, contact John G. W. Kelley, Marine Modeling and Analysis Programs, Coast Survey Development Lab, NOAA/National Ocean Service, Silver Spring, MD; (301) 713-2809; e-mail: John.Kelley@noaa.gov.
The "All Hands Community," a virtual, growing, and user-supported community of emergency and continuity professionals, announces the first edition of its electronic newsletter. All-Hands was started with the goal of making it easy to post articles, share files, and communicate with others in the emergency management and business continuity professions. Newsletter issues will contain links to recently added web site resources, along with relevant articles and news. The newsletter will never feature advertisements, only content straight from the community.
This service is available free upon registering as a member of the All-Hands Community at http://www.all-hands.net/pn/.The International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management (IJRAM)announces a special issue for which it is soliciting papers. The general topic of this issue is GIS and Risk Assessment/Management. Submissions are due by September 29, 2003. To submit an article, contact guest editor Lin Liu, at the University of Cincinnati, Department of Geography, P.O. Box 210131, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0131; e-mail: lin.liu@uc.edu.
Information about IJRAM, including authors' guide, sample papers, and the refereeing process, is available at http://www.inderscience.com/.
The International Volcanic Health Network (IVHHN) was launched in February of this year to try to determine the health effects of volcanic emissions. IVHHN members work in diverse disciplines such as volcanology, epidemiology, toxicology, public health, and chemistry.
The goals of the network are to: promote the expansion of the newly emerging field of volcanic health hazard research; continue existing collaborations and develop new collaborative links between the multidisciplinary international partner organizations; produce and widely disseminate protocols and volcanic health hazard information to volcano observatories scientists, governments, emergency managers, health practitioners and the general public; and encourage collection of geologic and medical data to evaluate health hazards.
For information on the network visit http://mail.bris.ac.uk/~glcjh/ivhhn/.
The technical program committee for the 13th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering (13WCEE) is seeking volunteers to review abstracts being considered for presentation at the 2004 conference (Vancouver, British Columbia: August 1-6, 2004; http://www.venuewest.com/13wcee/). The primary function of the review process is to select papers and recommend whether they should be presented in an oral or poster session. The abstract deadline was May 31, 2003, and the review process will occur during July and August of this year.
If you are interested in reviewing abstracts, or have specific questions about what's involved, visit http://www.venuewest.com/13wcee/reviewers/index.htm to submit the on-line volunteer form. Conference information is available from 13WCEE, c/o West Venue Conference Services, #645-374 Water Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6B 5C6; (604) 681-5226; e-mail: 13wcee@venuewest.com.NOAA's National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) announces a new service that allows on-line users to make custom selections from four of its most popular data sets and then write them to a CD-ROM for immediate shipment. This new feature is an easy and affordable way to retrieve customized specific data.
Currently, you can choose from the following list of data to create a custom CD: global land one-kilometer base elevation, GEODAS marine geophysical data, nighttime lights of the world, and ecosystems and global change. Complete information on this service is available at http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/customdatacd/.
[Below are a few recent job vacancies that are related to some of the myriad activities in which DR readers engage. Please contact the organizations directly for more information.]
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Program Director for the Information Technology and Infrastructure Systems Program
The National Science Foundation is seeking candidates for program director for the Information Technology and Infrastructure Systems Program within the Division of Civil and Mechanical Systems, Directorate for Engineering, Arlington, Virginia. The program director directs the implementation, review, funding, post-award management, and evaluation of the program and contributes to its intellectual integration with other programs. The director designs and implements the proposal review and evaluation process for relevant proposals, and selects well qualified individuals to provide objective reviews on proposals either as individuals or as members of a panel.
The Division of Civil and Mechanical Systems (CMS) enables knowledge creation and intellectual growth in construction, geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering, structures, dynamics and control, sensors, mechanics, materials, tribology, and reduction of risks induced by earthquakes and other natural, technological and human-generated hazards. CMS encourages cross-disciplinary research at the intersections and beyond the boundaries of traditional disciplines to promote discoveries and capitalize on emerging fields of science and engineering including nanotechnology, biotechnology, and information technology. More information about the division and their programs can be found on their website at http://www.eng.nsf.gov/cms.
Applicants must possess a Ph.D. or equivalent experience in civil, computer, transportation, industrial, environmental, or construction engineering. In addition, six or more years of successful research, research administration, and/or managerial experience pertinent to the program is required. Applications are due by June 30, 2003. Submit your application to Maria Sutton, NSF/E20030063-Rotator, Division of Human Resource Management, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230; (703) 292-4364; e-mail: rotator@nsf.gov.
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Risk Perception and Communication Post-Doc
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, is seeking a post-doctoral research associate in cancer communication. The associate will work on a project concerning risk perception and risk communication about "cancer clusters." The project has two major components. One will explore laypeople's understandings of cancer causation, interpretation of cancer data, and beliefs about cancer clusters. The second will examine state health department communications about cancer clusters and responses to these communications by community activists and by community members who report cancer clusters.
Applicants for this position should have background in health communication or risk perception, and research experience with focus groups, qualitative interviewing, or data analysis. The position will begin in September 2003 and will last for 12-14 months. Please send a letter or e-mail that summarizes your research experience and interests, along with a CV to Peter Guarnaccia, Department of Human Ecology, Cook Office Building, 55 Dudley Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8520; (732) 732-932-9153 ext 312; e-mail: guarnaccia@aesop.rutgers.edu.
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Division Director
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is searching for a division director. The incumbent will lead the development and day-to-day functions of a new combined division within the department with the primary mission of conducting anti-terrorism preparedness and response activities, as well as general emergency response, recovery and readiness activities for the State of Minnesota. The position involves statewide service delivery, grant administration, and extensive interaction with a variety of stakeholders, including emergency response and criminal justice professionals from all levels of government. Five years of senior management experience, demonstrated workforce supervision skills, and proven leadership in general emergency response coordination are required.
Applications are due by July 21, 2003. For more information, or to submit an application, contact Janelle Loye, Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, 445 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55104; (651) 296-2616; e-mail: JanelleLoye@state.mn.us.
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Emergency Management Director
The Oregon Office of Emergency Management is looking to hire a director for the city of Portland. This position is responsible for: developing and articulating Portland's key policies, positions, and strategies for dealing with emergencies; interpreting and applying state and federal legal requirements; implementing, coordinating, and enforcing policies across multiple city bureaus; overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of the city's emergency preparedness program; executing interagency agreements; conducting training; and analyzing effective disaster management services. Additionally, the director 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.
Application packets must be received by July 18, 2003, and must include: a City of Portland scannable application form; a cover letter summarizing how you meet the qualifications identified in the position description; a resume; and a list of three professional references. For more information, or to obtain the city's application form, contact Lynda W. Lewis, (503) 823-4516; e-mail: llewis@ci.portland.or.us; http://www.ci.portland.or.us/jobs/.
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Disaster Response Program Coordinator
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) seeks a program coordinator for its disaster services department. Responsibilities include leading the National Disaster Animal Response Team in the field, further developing and managing volunteer responder corps, participating in the HSUS disaster dog program, and presenting training programs throughout the country. You will provide leadership in disaster planning and operations by maintaining operational contacts with relevant individuals and organizations, working with the media relations and web sections, and implementing educational outreach to constituencies, organizations, and the public. In addition, you will be on-call as primary response person on a rotating schedule with other disaster services staff. Qualifications include knowledge of animal protection, experience in emergency response, animal handling skills, and strong organizational, communication and computer skills. You must also be able to travel frequently and handle the physical aspects of the job.
To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Human Resources, HSUS, 700 Professional Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20879; fax (301) 548-7701; or e-mail Nancy Allen: nallen@hsus.org.
[Below are some new or updated Internet resources we've discovered. For an extensive list of useful Internet sites dealing with hazards, see http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/sites/sites.html]
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/wtc/index.html
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (a federal public health agency) are creating a registry of people who were exposed to the smoke, dust, and debris during the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster and the subsequent cleanup of the disaster site. Information will be collected on the short and long-term physical and mental health of people who came in contact with smoke, dust, and debris from the WTC collapse or who witnessed the WTC disaster at close distance to help identify patterns of illness and recovery that might not be uncovered by individual doctors. When completed, it will be the largest registry of its kind, and have up to 200,000 people enrolled.
http://ema.arrl.org/fd/FD_ICS.html
The National Association for Amateur Radio Eastern Massachusetts division has posted an extensive overview of the incident command system (ICS) with a number of good web-based resources.
http://www.world-housing.net
The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI)'s housing encyclopedia web site is continually updated to include new information on a wide range of country-specific housing information.
http://www.owrb.state.ok.us/hazard/index.php
The Oklahoma Water Resources Board has launched an updated and revamped web site, and this link will lead you to the hazard mitigation pages.
[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]
2003 Homeland Security Summit: Scenario-Based Preparedness Planning and Grants Funding Opportunities for First Responders. Sponsor: Law Enforcement Development Center (LEDC). Arlington, Virginia: July 14-16, 2003. A variety of federal-level presentations will cover an update of the Department of Homeland Security, the new landscape of federal preparedness initiatives, a new national response strategy, effective incident command, new federal funding allocations, granting information, and more. Information is available from Shawn Keeley, LEDC, The Performance Institute, 1515 North Courthouse Road, Arlington, VA 22201; (703) 894-0841; e-mail: keeley@performanceweb.org; http://www.performanceweb.org/ledc/L141/L141.htm.
Critical Incident Stress Management. Sponsor: International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF). Denver, Colorado: August 21-24, 2003. Sessions cover linking emergency management with stress management, basic crisis intervention, responding to school crises, pastoral crisis intervention, domestic terrorism, and weapons of mass destruction. Information is available from ICISF, 3290 Pine Orchard Lane, Suite 106, Ellicott City, MD 21042; (410) 750-9600; http://www.icisf.org.
Homeland Security Great Lakes Region: An Integrated Approach to All-Hazards Management. Sponsor: Spill Control Association of America. Sandusky, Ohio: August 25-27, 2003. The conference will provide information for preparation, response, and recovery in the event of a variety of domestic disasters, with a focus on discussing incident management strategies and optimizing inter-agency interoperability. Complete information may be found by contacting Mark Shaye, Spill Control Association of America, 615 Griswald Avenue, 7th Floor, Ford Building, Detroit, MI 48226; (313) 962-8255; http://www.scaa-spill.org.
Toward Earthquake Loss Reduction: Developing Effective Communication, Realistic Strategies, and Successful Mitigation Actions for Your Community. Sponsor: Western States Seismic Policy Council (WSSPC). Portland, Oregon: September 20-24, 2003. This conference will focus on the efforts of those who have effectively reduced earthquake risk through the successful use of laws, local ordinances, construction projects, homes, and schools. Understanding how these successes were accomplished will help attendees better affect risk reduction in their areas of responsibility. Information is available from WSSP AC2003, 125 California Avenue, Suite D201, #1, Palo Alto, CA 94306; e-mail: wsspc@wsspc.org; http://www.wsspc.org/events/ac2003.
4th International Conference on Earthquake Resistant Engineering Structures (ERES). Sponsors: Wessex Institute of Technology (WIT), and University of Ancona. Ancona, Italy: September 22-24, 2003. This is the fourth international conference in a series on earthquake resistant engineering structures. The objective of the meeting is to provide a forum for discussion of both basic and applied research in the various fields of engineering, relevant to earthquake resistant analysis and the design of structural systems. The problem of protecting the built environment in the earthquake-prone regions of the world can be divided into two parts: upgrading structures, infrastructures, civil and industrial facilities, and lifelines; and the optimal design and construction of new facilities. Conference details may be obtained from Amy D'Arcy-Burt, ERES 2003, WIT, Ashurst Lodge, Ashurst Southampton, SO40 7AA UK; tel. 44 (0) 238 029 3223; e-mail: adarcy-burt@wessex.ac.uk; http://www.wessex.ac.uk/conferences/2003/eres03/index.html#OBJECTIVES.
2003 Virginia Hazardous Materials Conference. Sponsors: Virginia Association of Hazardous Materials Response Specialists and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Virginia Beach, Virginia: September 25-27, 2003. This conference embodies a proactive approach to emergency planning, preparedness, teamwork, and training activities regarding hazardous substances. Complete information is available from Conventions Plus, 6107 Windsor Boulevard, Zuni, VA 23898; (757) 242-3674; e-mail: conventionsplus@charter.net.
2003 IBHS Annual Congress "Taking the Lead in Property Loss Reduction." Sponsor: Institute for Business and Home Safety. Orlando, Florida: November 12-13, 2003. This congress on natural hazard loss reduction brings together professionals in the insurance industry, emergency management, government agencies and academic institutions, for the purpose of discussing the latest developments in natural hazard mitigation. For conference details, contact IBHS, 4775 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617; (813) 286-3400; http://www.ibhs.org/congress/.
Second Conference on Disaster Management-Case Histories of Disasters. Sponsor: Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS). Pilani, India: November 14-16,2003. The focus of the conference will be on earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and drought. Conference organizers are accepting contributions of case histories of disaster management for presentation through July 15, 2003. To submit histories, or to obtain more information, contact Satyendra P. Gupta Civil Engineering Group, BITS, Vidhya Vihar Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, India, e-mail: spgupta@bits-pilani.ac.in or spguptaus@yahoo.com; http://www.bits-pilani.ac.in/.
Construction (EASEC-9). Sponsor: Department of Civil Engineering, Bandung. Bali, Indonesia: December 16-18, 2003. The conference theme is "embracing the challenges of the 21st century," with a focus on the use of information technology, training and education, distance partnerships, digital communication, and more. Conference details are available from Muhamad Abduh, Department of Civil Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Ganesa 10, Bandung 40132, West Java-Indonesia; tel:(62)-(22)-2510715; e-mail: easec9@si.itb.ac.id; http://www.si.itb.ac.id/easec9/home.php.
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