DISASTER RESEARCH 412

September 17, 2004

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Fellowships from the National Academies
  2. . . . And the Winners Are
  3. Hazard Mitigation Planning and Grant Program
  4. Call for Papers
  5. Small Grants Program for Developing Countries
  6. EERI Annual Student Paper Competition
  7. International Day for Disaster Reduction
  8. Doctoral-level Opportunity
  9. Request for Abstracts I
  10. Request for Abstracts II
  11. Request for Contributions
  12. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
  13. Some New Web Resources
  14. Conferences and Training

1) Fellowships from the National Academies

The contribution of science, technology, and engineering to the formulation and implementation of U.S. government domestic and foreign policy has long been recognized as a critical element in good governance. Without an accurate, timely understanding of rapidly advancing science and technology issues, it is increasingly difficult to identify and establish sound governmental policy that meet the needs of modern societies.

In recognition of this, the National Academies sponsors the "Jefferson Science Fellows" (JSF) program to establish a new model for engaging the American academic science, technology, and engineering communities in the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy. The program is administered by the National Academies, philanthropic foundations, and the U.S. Department of State. Nominations are due October 1, 2004. Complete program information is available at http://www.national-academies.org/jsf.

The National Academies' "Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Internship Program" is also accepting applications from graduate and postdoctoral students for its 2005 sessions. The program is designed to engage science, engineering, medical, veterinary, business, and law students in the analysis and creation of public policy and familiarize them with the interactions of science, technology and government. There is a rolling application deadline for seasonal application periods. For complete information visit http://www7.national-academies.org/internship.

More information about both programs, including detailed guidelines, eligibility requirements, and placement/research specifics, is also available from The National Academies, Fellowships Office, 500 Fifth Street NW, GR 322A, Washington, DC 20001; (202) 334-2872.

2) . . . And the Winners Are

The Hazards Center is pleased to announce the winners of our inaugural "Hazards and Disasters Student Paper Competition." First place papers were awarded in both graduate and undergraduate categories. Entries were received from disciplines related to natural, human-caused, and technological hazards or disasters from students enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students at the time of submission.

The undergraduate award went to Tristan Emery of Purdue University for an unnamed paper. The graduate award was given to Walker Ashley of the University of Georgia for a paper on derecho hazards in the U.S. Copies of both winning papers will soon be posted to the Hazards Center Web site.

Thank you to all who submitted entries! Please stay tuned for news of the 2005 contest by periodically visiting http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/specialprojects.html.

3) Hazard Mitigation Planning and Grant Program

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced an extension to the November 1, 2004, deadline of the mitigation planning section of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA2K). (See http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/o/july04/july04d.html#deadline for more detail and http://www.regulations.gov/freddocs/04-20609.htm for complete information on the extension criteria and guidelines.)

The interim rule provides a mechanism to request an extension to the date by which a state mitigation plan must be developed as a condition of grant assistance. Justifiable extensions in extraordinary circumstances may be granted for up to six months (no later than May 1, 2005).

For more information contact Karen Helbrecht, Risk Reduction Branch, Mitigation Division, FEMA, 500 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20472; (202) 646-3104; e-mail: karen.helbrecht@dhs.gov.

4) Call for Papers

This is a call for papers for a "sociology of disasters" session to be held at the Midwest Sociological Society Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, March 31-April 3, 2005. Papers can examine any disaster-related topic from social aspects of mitigation strategies to recovery efforts, responses of individuals, communities, or organizations in disaster situations, race, class and gender issues, terrorism, natural or technological hazards, etc. Both U.S. and international cross-cultural research are welcome.

All interested persons should submit paper abstracts or paper proposals and complete contact information directly to Bill Lovekamp, Southern Oregon University, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ashland, OR 97520; (541) 552-6759; e-mail: blovekamp@hotmail.com or lovekamw@sou.edu.

Submissions must be received by October 30, 2004. Additional information about sessions and the conference is available from the Midwest Sociological Society web site: http://www.themss.org/.

5) Small Grants Program for Developing Countries

The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) has developed a grant program to support local efforts, capacity building, and leadership development in the field of earthquake mitigation in the developing world. Earthquake risk reduction is challenging in developing countries due to complex socioeconomic and technical issues and the need to derive effective, locally sensitive solutions.

The grant program will support small projects led by in-country experts. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, workshops or training programs, seismic code development, developing or translating resource materials, information dissemination, and curriculum development.

Interested individuals must send an initial proposal (via e-mail) that describes the project and explains why EERI should fund it. For complete eligibility requirements and proposal procedure contact James Godfrey, EERI, 499 14th Street, Suite 320, Oakland, CA 94611; e-mail: jgodfrey@eeri.org; http://www.eeri.org.

6) EERI Annual Student Paper Competition

EERI is accepting manuscripts for its annual student paper competition to promote the active involvement of students in earthquake engineering and the earthquake hazards research community. Awards will be made in both graduate and undergraduate categories.

Papers must be received by November 1, 2004, at the EERI office. Contest guidelines can be obtained from EERI, 499 14th Street, Suite 320, Oakland, CA 94611; (510) 451-0905; http://www.eeri.org.

7) International Day for Disaster Reduction

The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) has designated October 13, 2004, as this year's International Day for Disaster Reduction. With the theme of "learning from today's disasters for tomorrow's hazards," the campaign includes an international art contest for people aged 16 and under, a freely available educational kit and game, and an online information kit that includes announcements of the programs above along with Internet and other disaster-related resources.

The Internet link for the campaign is: http://www.unisdr.org/eng/public_aware/world_camp/2004/pa-camp04-announc-eng.htm. If you have additional ideas about how to commemorate this day or if you have questions, contact Nicole Rencoret, UN Inter-Agency Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) Office, East 2088 Palais des Nations Geneva CH-1211 Switzerland; +41 22 917 2777; e-mail: rencoret@un.org.

8) Doctoral-level Opportunity

The University of Alberta, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, has an opportunity for a Ph.D. student to join a growing research team examining the human dimensions of wildfire within wildland-urban interface areas in Canada.

The student will join a three-year project housed in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (Human Geography) at the University of Alberta. The project focuses on property owners within a sample of wildland-urban interface communities in Alberta explore their wildfire risk perception, risk reduction decision-making and activities at the household level, and preferences for community-level risk reduction measures, using quantitative social science research methods.

The candidate must have a human geography, social sciences, or interdisciplinary academic background with a strong interest in the human dimensions of environmental hazards.

Interested students should contact Tara McGee, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, 114 Street - 89 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1; e-mail: tmcgee@ualberta.ca.

9) Request for Abstracts I

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) is seeking presentations for a "terrorism and all-hazards preparedness track" at an upcoming annual conference and exhibition. The NEHA conference will be held June 26-29, 2005, in Providence, Rhode Island.

Submissions are being requested from those who will bring the latest advances and concerns in terrorism response and emergency preparedness and environmental/public health issues. Practical applications in both the public and private sectors will be emphasized along with the latest in proven emerging technologies.

Abstracts must be received by October 22, 2004. For more information contact Julia C. Miller, NEHA, 720 South Colorado Boulevard, Suite 970-S, Denver, CO 80246; (303) 756-9090; e-mail: jmiller@neha.org; http://www.neha.org/AEC/abstracts/.

10) Request for Abstracts II

The "31st International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment: Global Monitoring for Sustainability and Security" will be held in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in June 2005. Abstracts are currently being accepted with the general theme of the use of Earth observation systems in monitoring, understanding and managing our planet's environment with particular emphasis on global change, security and sustainability. There are a number of hazards-related sessions.

Abstracts must be received by November 1, 2004. Complete conference information is available at http://www.niersc.spb.ru/isrse/call_for_papers.shtml and specific details on abstract submission can be found at http://isrse.arizona.edu/abstracts/abstractIntro.asp?cookies=True. For more information contact Nansen International Environmental and Remote Sensing Centre (NIERSC), 26/28 Bolshaya Monetnaya Street, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia.

11) Request for Contributions

"Big Medicine," an online information resource that focuses on emergency health services, is seeking contributors. Subscribers are concentrated in Canada, the U.S., and Australia, although submissions from other countries are welcome as well.

If you are interested in learning more or would like to contribute an article, contact Hal Newman, (514) 697-1470; e-mail: hnewman@tems.ca; http://www.bigmedicine.ca.

12) Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

[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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Emergency Preparedness Specialist

Fulton County, Georgia, is looking to hire an emergency preparedness specialist. The incumbent will perform operational duties related to supporting emergency preparedness initiatives and assisting in formulating and maintaining emergency plans, procedures, and checklists needed in response to bioterrorism or other emergency events. Responsibilities include supervising assigned staff and supporting the overall integration of area hospitals, community health centers, and other responders in preparing for and responding to emergency events.

To apply, contact Fulton County for an application form at http://www.co.fulton.ga.us/employment/employment_home2.html and submit it to the County Personnel Department, 141 Pryor Street, Suite 3030, Atlanta, GA 30303. A complete job description is available at http://www.co.fulton.ga.us/employment/employment_category_detail2_T587_R240.html .

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Preparedness Specialist
Preparedness Assistant

There are two preparedness vacancies with the New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

The preparedness specialist will focus on developing an integrated Incident Command System (ICS) for the public health and medical providers of the City of New York, specifically focusing on the application of ICS in the City's Emergency Operations Center and to mitigation practices for the healthcare community. The incumbent will be responsible for working on citywide interagency coordination issues for OEM on issues that involve inter-agency coordination, disaster drills/exercises, and operation of the New York City Emergency Operations Center. To apply for this position or learn more about what it entails contact MaryAnn Marrocolo, NYC OEM, 11 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201; e-mail: mmarrocolo@oem.nyc.gov.

The preparedness assistant will be responsible for working on citywide interagency coordination issues for OEM. The incumbent will assist the division in scheduling meetings/appointments, drafting correspondence, developing and maintaining project files and data, managing preparedness projects, and support training/exercises. To apply for this position or learn more about what it entails, submit resume and cover letter to Edward Gabriel, OEM, 11 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201; e-mail: jobs@oem.nyc.gov.

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Faculty Position in Risk Science

The Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health is seeking a tenure-track faculty member in risk science. The successful candidate will help develop and operate a new Center for Risk Science and Communication (CRSC) to provide graduate education in risk science and communication; conduct research in risk assessment analysis, management, and communication; and draw on university resources to address issues associated with risk.

Applicants should have a doctoral degree and a strong interest and experience in research that is directly related to risk science.

Applications are due October 1, 2004. Submit a cover letter (indicating research interests and relevant experience), CV, list of publications, and references to David H. Garabrant, Search Committee Chair, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, 1420 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109; dhg@umich.edu.

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Principal Planner: Emergency Management/Fire

The state of New Jersey is looking to hire a principal planner in emergency management. The incumbent will perform and supervise the more complex technical planning related to fire emergency management according to guidelines set forth by the state and federal government, carry out emergency operations assignments, respond around-the-clock, and be responsible for other related work.

Requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and three years of experience performing fire suppression work as a chief level fire officer within a career, combination or volunteer fire department.

Applications are due October 5, 2004. A complete job description is available at http://www.state.nj.us/personnel/vacancy/vs2042f.htm.

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Various FEMA Mitigation Positions

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a number of current openings in the mitigation division that are related to hurricane recovery. A variety of positions and their requirements can be found at http://www.fema.gov/fima/recoveryemployment.shtm.

If you have specific questions or concerns, contact Maria J. Vorel, FEMA Mitigation, 500 C Street, SW, Room 409-A, Washington, D.C. 20472.

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International Emergency Preparedness/EMS Educator

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)is seeking to hire emergency physicians, physicians with emergency/disaster medical experience, or Emergency Medical Technicians to assist in training and education of prehospital and hospital-based emergency medical services overseas. Tasks include planning EMS intervention strategies with the CDC International Emergency Preparedness Team; researching, developing, and field testing EMS training curriculum and modules; providing in-country training involving a variety of prehosptial, mass casualty, and other subjects; and supporting capacity building at all levels in the host developing countries where EMS training modules and disaster response are introduced. The incumbent must be available for deployment on a 24/7 basis for evaluation, assessment, or response to constituents needs.

If you have questions or are interested in applying, contact Mark Keim, CDC, Century Center, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS-E97, Atlanta, GA 30333; (404) 498-0455; e-mail: mkeim@cdc.gov.

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Non-tenure Track Positions

Western Carolina University Emergency Management (EMGT) Program, within the Department of Criminal Justice, invites applications for non-tenure track, part-time faculty positions at the rank of visiting instructor to develop and teach courses within the EMGT degree program via distance learning. Course development will be based upon syllabi currently used for campus-based instruction, with appropriate modifications made for a distance learning mode of education.

It is anticipated that the program will begin in January 2005. Candidates must possess a master's degree in emergency management or a closely related discipline, with a Ph.D. preferred along with demonstrated work experience in the realm of emergency management. Prior teaching experience in higher education is strongly preferred, with experience in distance education a plus. Courses will be taught via Web CT.

The distance learning program will be geared toward working professionals. For more information concerning the EMGT degree program, visit http://www.wcu.edu/aps/cj/CJ_courses_EM.htm.

To apply, submit a cover letter, CV, and a copy of the transcript for the highest degree earned to EMGT Search Committee, Department of Criminal Justice, Western Carolina University, Belk 416, Cullowhee, NC 28723.

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Assistant Professor Position: Hazards and Society

The University of California, Santa Barbara, Department of Geography, invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the assistant professor level in Hazards and Society. Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree by July 1, 2005, in geography or a related field.

Hazards are the result of interactions among natural (physical and biological), social, and technological factors. The successful applicant will have teaching experience and a research emphasis that integrates at least two of these three factors. The department has a strong commitment to multidisciplinary research and teaching, and provides opportunities for interactions with other departments and research units on the campus.

The application deadline is December 9, 2004, and the starting date is July 1, 2005. Qualified applicants should mail a complete curriculum vitae, a statement of research and teaching interests, and the names of at least three references to Search Committee Chair, Department of Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-4060; e-mail: hazards@geog.ucsb.edu.

13) 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 http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/resources/sites.html.]

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/printindex.asp
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its index page of printable materials related to hurricanes.

http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/index.html
As schools and communities across the U.S. prepare and develop plans for responding to potential emergency situations, the Department of Education has unveiled an Internet resource designed to be a one-stop shop to provide school leaders with resources to plan for any emergency, including natural disasters, violent incidents, and terrorist acts.

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5335a1.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5335a3.htm
The Morbidity and Mortality Report (MMR), published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has two recent reports related to the World Trade Center.

http://www.fema.gov/hazards/earthquakes/nehrp/
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has inaugurated an online resource on the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) that includes resources, best practices, news releases, and more.

http://www.norcalbt.com/region3/default.htm
The California Region III Medical/Health Agency, involving over a dozen counties, launched this new bioterrorism and public health web site.

http://www.destinationcinema.com/our_films/fon/teacher_study_guides.asp
Designed to complement the giant-screen film "Forces of Nature," teacher guides on this site offer stand-alone background information and ideas for classroom activities on natural disasters.

http://www.ibhs.org/publications/downloads/461.pdf
This publication on nonstructural mitigation for child care centers offers a kit to perform a basic, nonstructural retrofit of daycare centers geared toward volunteers. It is published by the Institute for Business & Home Safety.

http://www.mediapeace.org/terrorism.htm
As a research tool for journalists and interested individuals, the Institute for Media, Peace and Security, has created a media, conflict and terrorism reference page. The site links to analyses and commentaries on the attacks of September 11, on terrorism in general, and especially the role of the media.

http://www.oecd.org/document/41/0,2340,en_2649_34527_8002921_1_1_1_1,00.html
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has unveiled an online resource page focusing on school safety and security.

12) 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 web site: http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/conf.html.]

2004 Codes Forum: An Education Conference. Sponsor: International Code Council (ICC). Salt Lake City, Utah: September 26-29, 2004. This conference features a comprehensive education program to develop code knowledge on building protection and fire safety. Complete information is available from 2004 Codes Forum, ICC 4051 West Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478; http://www.iccsafe.org/codesforum.

DIMACS Workshop on Applications of Order Theory to Homeland Defense and Computer Security. Sponsor: Rutgers University. New Brunswick, New Jersey: September 28-29, 2004. This workshop will bring together international researchers who bring two important branches of mathematics to bear in aiding the understanding of terrorist groups and developing strategies for defense against possible external threats to the security of countries: Order Theory and Reflexive Theory. There will also be sessions on the mathematics of risk assessment, networks, information flow, and decision making. For more information contact Mel Janowitz, DIMACS/Rutgers University, e-mail: melj@dimacs.rutgers.edu; http://dimacs.rutgers.edu/Workshops/Defense/.

CPM 2004 East. Sponsor: Contingency Planning and Management (CPM). Washington DC: November 8-10, 2004. This conference will focus on education, training, and networking in business continuity, security, and emergency management. Complete registration information can be obtained from CPM 2004 East, Witter Exposition, c/o CDS, Inc., 107 Waterhouse Road, Bourne, MA 02532; (908) 788-0343; e-mail: cpm2004@witterpublishing.com; http://www.co ntingencyplanningexpo.com.

International Joint Operations Command (IJOC) Conference. Toronto, Canada: November 17-18, 2004. This multi-agency conference on incident command and terrorism response will help emergency services and government work more closely together to develop unified responses to terrorism and natural disasters. Complete details can be obtained from Claire Laurentin, Vector Command; tel: +44 (0) 2392 449 100; e-mail: claire@vectorcommand.com; http://www.ijocc.com/index.html.

Mass Fatality Incidents for Medicolegal Professionals. Sponsor: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Ashburn, Virginia: May 9-12, 2005. This course examines the principles of victim recovery and identification and the associated family assistance procedures for successfully managing mass fatality incidents involving transportation related accidents. Course faculty includes NTSB responders, forensic scientists, and federal agency representatives with a variety of experience in mass fatality response. Further information is available from Peter Knudson, NTSB Academy, 45065 Riverside Parkway, Ashburn, VA 20147; (571) 223-3907; e-mail: academy@ntsb.gov; http://www.ntsb.gov/academy.

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