DISASTER RESEARCH 444

January 11, 2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Independent Study Released on Future Savings from Mitigation
  2. NFPA 1600 Revised Draft Available for Comment
  3. Comments Requested on IDB Disaster Risk Policy
  4. Volunteer Reviewers Needed for Emergency Management Textbook
  5. Call for Papers: Hazards and Disasters Student Paper Competition
  6. Call for Paper: 2006 TIEMS Conference
  7. Call for Papers: Operations Research for Disaster Recovery Planning
  8. Some New Web Resources
  9. Conferences and Training
  10. Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

1) Independent Study Released on Future Savings from Mitigation

The Multihazard Mitigation Council of the National Institute of Building Sciences has released Natural Hazard Mitigation Saves: An Independent Study to Assess the Future Savings from Mitigation Activities. The report is the result of a congressionally mandated independent study to assess future savings from mitigation activities. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) commissioned the project, which began in 2000. The study is based on a detailed work plan formulated by a team of experts in various aspects of hazards mitigation and benefit assessment from the Multihazard Mitigation Council Board.

The study indicates that natural hazards mitigation is cost effective. On average, one dollar spent by FEMA on hazards mitigation saves the nation about four dollars in future benefits. In addition, grants provided by FEMA to mitigate the effects of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes between 1993 and 2003 are expected to save more that 220 lives and prevent about 4,700 injuries over approximately 50 years.

The report is available for free download at http://www.nibs.org/MMC/mmcactiv5.html.

2) NFPA 1600 Revised Draft Available for Comment

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1600 Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs is under review for revision. The NFPA 1600 committee reviewed proposals to update the document in the spring and summer of 2005. Based on the proposals, the committee drafted a revised document, which is scheduled for publication in April, 2007. The committee is seeking comment on the new draft document, which can be accessed through the link titled “Fall 2006 ROP Draft” at http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=1600&cookie%5Ftest=1.

Comments can be submitted through the online submission system for revisions to NFPA Codes and Standards at http://forums.nfpa.org:8081/pcsubmit/pctop.html. The deadline for submission of all comments is March 3, 2006.

3) Comments Requested on IDB Disaster Risk Policy

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is in the process of drafting a new disaster risk management policy. This policy is intended to improve the IDB’s ability to help borrowing member countries attain their development goals in sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction, and promotion of social equity by supporting their efforts to proactively manage disaster risk. Once approved, the policy document will replace the current Natural and Unexpected Disasters Policy (OP-704), which was approved in 1999. The purpose of the consultation process is to receive comments from government entities, civil society organizations, and the private sector on the contents of the proposed policy.

The draft of the policy along with supporting documents is available at http://www.iadb.org/sds/ENV/site_2970_e.htm. Comments will be accepted until March 21, 2006, and should be submitted by e-mail to Niels Holm-Nielsen at nielshn@iadb.org.

4) Volunteer Reviewers Needed for Emergency Management Textbook

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Higher Education Project is seeking volunteers to review a draft of an undergraduate-level college textbook, Introduction to Emergency Management. This 668-page textbook has been developed by a team at Texas A&M University. Interested volunteers, who believe they have the necessary background and expertise to review an undergraduate-level textbook dealing with emergency management, will have 45 days after receipt of the priority-mailed paper copy to review and return comments. It is requested that no one seek a review copy for information purposes only, as within a few months a final version of the textbook will be available for free downloading at the FEMA Emergency Management Higher Education Web site, http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/edu.

If interested in becoming a reviewer, visit http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/edu/collegecrsbooks.asp to become familiar with other FEMA Emergency Management Higher Education Project materials prior to reviewing this textbook. To become a volunteer reviewer or to request more information, contact Barbara Johnson, Emergency Management Institute, FEMA; (301) 447-1452; e-mail: barbara.l.johnson@dhs.gov; http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/edu/.

5) Call for Papers: Hazards and Disasters Student Paper Competition

The Natural Hazards Center is pleased to announce its third Annual Hazards and Disasters Student Paper Competition for undergraduate and graduate students. Submissions may be theoretical arguments, case studies, literature reviews, or descriptions of research results on topics relevant to the social/behavioral aspects of hazards and disasters, natural, technological, or otherwise. Topics may include, but are not limited to, Hurricane Katrina, the South Asia earthquake, climate change, warning systems, natural hazards mitigation, land use, women and children in disasters, disaster myths, or the transport of hazardous materials.

Papers will be judged on their originality, organization, and demonstrated knowledge of the topic. One undergraduate and one graduate winner will each receive $100; a mention in the Natural Hazards Observer; publication on the Natural Hazards Center Web site; an invitation to the Annual Hazards Workshop in Boulder, Colorado, registration fees included; and the opportunity to present their work at the workshop’s poster session.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 7, 2006. Additional information, including eligibility criteria and submission guidelines, is available online at http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/SPC/. Any questions/inquiries should be directed to Christine Bevc at christine.bevc@colorado.edu.

6) Call for Papers: 2006 TIEMS Conference

The International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS) invites authors to submit papers for presentation at its 13th annual conference, TIEMS 2006 in Seoul, South Korea, May 23-26, 2006. The theme is “Advances in Global Emergency Management.” Papers are invited on a series of topics, including emergency management, natural disasters, GIS and information decision support, terrorism and security, critical infrastructures, major event investigation, training and simulation, business continuity, organization and culture, risk assessment professional practices, and community resilience and vulnerability.

Abstracts should be submitted by January 27, 2006, via the online conference management system at http://tiems2006.tiems.org/.

7) Call for Papers: Operations Research for Disaster Recovery Planning

Computers & Operations Research journal requests papers for an upcoming special issue “Operations Research Approaches for Disaster Recovery Planning.” The objective for the special issue is for it to serve as an important early step in developing a body of formal knowledge on the disaster recovery planning process that is accessible and valuable to managers, researchers, students, practitioners, and vendors.

Each submitted paper will be peer-reviewed. Quality and originality of the contribution are the major acceptance criteria for each submission. The deadline for manuscripts is July 1, 2006. Only electronic submissions will be accepted and should be submitted as an e-mail attachment to Kweku-Muata Osei-Bryson at Kweku.Muata@isy.vcu.edu. For complete information on how to submit, visit http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/S03.cws_home/cor9/.

8) 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/.]

Major Management Challenges Facing DHS
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Inspector General released the report Major Management Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security, which was included in the DHS FY 2005 Performance and Accountability Report.

Protecting New Orleans: From Hurricane Barriers to Floodwalls
This Congressional Research Service report to Congress documents the evolution in the design of the Lake Pontchartrain project with specific reference to how and by whom design decisions were made.

FEMA’s Community Disaster Loan Program
The Congressional Research Service completed this report to Congress, which examines the federal Community Disaster Loan program, authorized by Section 417 of the Stafford Act and administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The program is intended to assist local governments that experience revenue losses and/or increased municipal operating expenses as the result of a presidentially declared major disaster.

Federal Hurricane Recovery Coordinator: Appointment and Oversight Issues
This Congressional Research Service report to Congress explores the potential conflict of the executive order directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a new position that coordinates federal Gulf Coast recovery and rebuilding efforts with the constitutional role of Congress in appointment and oversight processes.

State Strategies for Integrating Public Health into Homeland Security
The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices has released recommendations for how states can better integrate public health into homeland security planning and response. The report discusses each recommendation and provides guidance and examples from current models being applied in states and local jurisdictions.

Report on Postearthquake Rapid Assessment in Northern Pakistan
The findings of a team from Habitat for Humanity International, who conducted fieldwork in areas of Pakistan affected by the 2005 earthquake, can be found here. The team analyzed factors contributing to high losses, casualties, and damages to property; possible risk reduction measures to be included in long- and short-term recovery programs; and approaches to implementing reconstruction and rehabilitation programs.

The Aftershock of Katrina and Rita: Public Not Moved to Prepare
The results of a poll conducted for The Council for Excellence in Government and the American Red Cross before and during Hurricane Katrina (August 26-31) and then replicated two months later (October 26-30) shows that 38 percent of Americans were not motivated at all by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to prepare for an emergency. Only 12 percent say they have done a great deal to prepare for a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or other major emergency.

MSNBC Covers Rebuilding in Two Mississippi Communities
In the coming months, MSNBC.com will focus its coverage of the Hurricane Katrina recovery on two cities on the Mississippi coast, Bay St. Louis and Waveland.

Hurricane Katrina Community Advisory Board
Over the next two years, the Harvard Medical School will regularly interview a representative sample of over 1,000 people who had to leave their homes because of Hurricane Katrina. The study is primarily funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health. Digitally recorded oral histories and summaries of quarterly reports will be posted on this Web site as they become available.

New NSF Current E-Newsletter
The National Science Foundation (NSF) announces the debut of NSF Current, an e-newsletter highlighting research and education projects supported by the foundation. The publication will notify stakeholders of current trends in basic science and engineering research and education and provide information about important issues affecting NSF and the larger science and engineering enterprise. The publication will be available for free online and through e-mail subscription.

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
The governors of seven northeastern states announced the creation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The governors signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to implement the first mandatory U.S. cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide. The RGGI sets a cap on emissions of carbon dioxide from power plants and allows sources to trade emissions allowances.

Disaster Mental Health Page, Santa Cruz County American Red Cross
This Web page includes links to various disaster mental health guidelines including the Disaster Mental Health/Critical Incident Annotated Bibliography of Web Resources.

Colorado Homeland Security
Colorado Homeland Security is a partnership between federal, state, and local government, first responders, emergency managers, the private sector, and citizens to ensure synchronicity and unity of effort in the event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster. Colorado’s State Homeland Security Strategic Plan and information on the state’s All-Hazards Regional Coordinator Program is also available on the site.

ChicagoAlert.com
Chicago, Illinois, has launched an Internet-based emergency planning campaign that is designed to stress personal preparedness. Online users can find instructions for emergencies ranging from extreme heat to outbreaks of disease to terrorism. The Web site includes brochures, pamphlets, announcements, a list of suggestions for disaster readiness, and links to government agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

ProtectingAmerica.org
ProtectingAmerica.org was organized to support efforts to better prepare and protect Americans for the consequences of a catastrophic earthquake, storm, or other event. The Web site includes information on understanding risks, preparedness and mitigation, legislation, and other resources. There is also a California affiliate, ProtectingCalifornia.org.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and 911 Enforcement
The Joint Federal Communications Commission/National Association of Regulatory Utilities Commission Task Force on VoIP and 911 Enforcement has launched a new Web site to provide consumers, industry, and state and local governments information about the rules that require certain providers of VoIP services to supply 911 emergency calling capabilities to their customers.

East Carolina University Center for Natural Hazards Research
The Center for Natural Hazards Research focuses on hurricane, tornado, flooding, and erosion hazards as they affect eastern North Carolina and the United States. The Web site contains information on the center’s research projects as well as links and resources.

Earthquake Survey Data from UCLA
This site provides survey data collected as part of research at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) about the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of individuals in responding to earthquakes. Data sets, questionnaires, an earthquake bibliography, and links to other resources are available.

9) Conferences and Trainings

[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.]

Mid-America Earthquake Center Annual Meeting 2006. Austin, Texas: January 19-21, 2006. Sessions at this conference will include Modeling the Economic Impacts of Earthquakes and Other Disasters, Landslide and Topographic Effects during the 1999 Taiwan Earthquake and the 2005 Pakistan Earthquake, and Consequence-Based Risk Management, among others. For more information, contact the Mid-America Earthquake Center, 1241 Newmark Civil Engineering Lab, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 205 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 244-6302; http://mae.cee.uiuc.edu/AnnMeeting2006/AnnMeeting2006.htm.

“Before Disaster Strikes—-A Dialogue on Management Challenges.” Organizer: International City-County Management Association (ICMA). Charleston, South Carolina: January 26-27, 2006. This ICMA Leading Practices Conference will highlight real-life case studies from the front lines and help participants develop strategies to take home to their communities. It will showcase successful approaches for preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Topics will include finding housing solutions for residents after shelters close, documenting relief efforts to obtain reimbursement from federal, state, and local sources, managing volunteers and donations when receiving or giving aid, and building on regional team experiences to improve preparedness. For additional information, contact Sallie Burnett; (202) 962-3553; e-mail: sburnett@icma.org; http://www.icma.org/main/ca.asp?caid=332.

5th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth: Building Safe, Healthy, and Livable Communities. Sponsors: Local Government Commission and Pennsylvania State University. Denver, Colorado: January 26-28, 2006. This conference invites a variety of interdisciplinary participants and speakers to share experiences, insights, valuable tools, and strategies to encourage smart growth implementation. Participants will include local elected officials; city and county staff; landscape architects; developers and builders; planners and urban designers; transportation professionals; public health professionals; architects; bankers; crime prevention professionals; parks and recreation professionals; environmentalists; advocates for older adults and youth, social equity, and affordable housing; labor representatives; and others committed to building safer, healthier, and more livable communities. The program will include a mix of plenaries, interactive breakouts, hands-on workshops, and preconference trainings. For more information, contact Mark Bernhard, Pennsylvania State University, 225 The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, University Park, PA 16802; (814) 863-5100; e-mail: mvb8@outreach.psu.edu; http://www.outreach.psu.edu/programs/smartgrowth/default.html.

27th Annual International Disaster Management Conference. Presenter: Emergency Medicine Learning and Resource Center. Orlando, Florida: February 9-12, 2006. This conference has been designed to meet the educational needs of all individuals and agencies involved with emergency preparedness, response, and disaster recovery. Conference highlights will include lessons learned from recent disaster events, disaster response strategies and tactics, medical/public health disaster management, and terrorism response strategies and tactics. For more information, contact the Emergency Medicine Learning and Resource Center, 3717 South Conway Road, Orlando, FL 32812; (800) 766-6335; e-mail: info@emlrc.org; http://www.emlrc.org/disaster2006.htm.

Cat Modeling 2006: Shifting Paradigms. Sponsor: Reinsurance Association of America. Tampa, Florida: February 22-24, 2006. With an unbiased perspective of all catastrophe modeling applications, as well as an open forum for developing methods to confidently make modeling-based decisions, the 2006 Catastrophe Modeling seminar will provide useful new information for insurance and reinsurance decision makers. Attendees and their companies will receive up-to-date details that will provide them a greater level of comfort when using modeling technology to estimate the financial impact of natural catastrophes and other extreme events. The target audience includes primary insurers, reinsurers, executive and division managers, actuaries, financial professionals, underwriters, regulators, government agencies, academics, and investment bankers. For more information, contact Reinsurance Association of America, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20004; (800) 259-0199; e-mail: meetings@reinsurace.org; http://community.reinsurance.org/StaticContent/Meetings/recat.htm.

2006 Local, State, and Federal Public Health Preparedness Summit. Organizer: National Association of County and City Health Officials. Washington, DC: February 22-24, 2006. The theme of this summit is planning, preparing, and protecting. The purpose of the meeting is to share best practices, lessons learned, and updates on public health preparedness activities nationwide. For further information, contact 1100 17th Street NW, Second Floor, Washington, DC 20036; (202) 783-5550; e-mail: naccho@pmds.com; http://www.naccho.org/conferences/phprep06/index.cfm.

National Severe Weather Workshop 2006. Sponsors: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Oklahoma Emergency Management Association, and the Central Oklahoma Chapter of the American Meteorological Society/National Weather Association. Midwest City, Oklahoma: March 2-4, 2006. This is a national forum for academia, emergency management, media, and NOAA to exchange information and techniques for public safety during severe weather. For more information, contact Linda Crank; (405) 579-0771; e-mail: linda.crank@noaa.gov; http://www.norman.noaa.gov/nsww2006/.

15th Annual Land Use Conference. Organizer: Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute. Denver, Colorado: March 9-10, 2006. This conference will bring together a diverse group of professionals from across the Rocky Mountain West and the country for discussion and debate of critical regulatory, environmental, and land development issues. Participants will include attorneys, planners, elected officials, academic faculty, developers, real estate practitioners, builders, and others interested in land use. For additional information, contact the Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute, Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver, 2255 East Evans Avenue, Suite 404, Denver, CO 80208; (303) 871-6319; e-mail: rmlui@law.du.edu; http://www.law.du.edu/rmlui/.

New Orleans, the Mississippi Delta, and Katrina: Lessons from the Past, Lessons for the Future. Organizer: New Directions: Science, Humanities, Policy. New Orleans, Louisiana: March 22-24, 2006. This three-day workshop will focus on the environmental and societal challenges surrounding the New Orleans/Mississippi Delta in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The workshop hypothesis is that scientific and technical knowledge can have a more beneficial societal influence when placed in an interdisciplinary context where the ethics and values dimensions of both knowledge and societal/environmental needs are made explicit. For additional information, contact Robert Frodeman, Department of Philosophy and Religion Studies, University of North Texas, PO Box 310920, Denton, TX 76203-0920; (940) 565-2134; e-mail: frodeman@unt.edu; http://newdirections.unt.edu/katrina/.

DRJ’s Spring World 2006. Organizer: “Disaster Recovery Journal” (DRJ). Orlando, Florida: March 26-29, 2006. This conference focuses on all aspects of disaster recovery, contingency planning, and business continuity. Attendees will gain knowledge and information through sessions, workshops, exercises, and networking opportunities. An exhibit hall will showcase the latest products and services in the industry. To learn more, contact Bob Arnold; e-mail: bob@drj.com; http://www.drj.com/conferences/orl2006/.

9th Wildland Fire Safety Summit. Sponsor: International Association of Wildland Fire (IAWF). Pasadena, California: April 25-27, 2006. Participants in this summit will include firefighters, prescribed burners, land managers, fire chiefs, agency administrators, fire researchers, public officials, and others. Presentations will be on the topics of liability and legal implications; fire weather; making firefighters safer; safety in the wildland-urban interface; policy, practices, and procedures; case studies and lessons learned; and international wildland fire safety. For additional information about the summit, contact Dick Mangan at (406) 543-0013; e-mail: blackbull@bigsky.net or IAWF, PO Box 261, Hot Springs, SD 57747; e-mail: iawf@iawfonling.org; http://www.iawfonline.org/summit/overview.shtml.

2006 Great Lakes Homeland Security Training Conference and Expo. Host: Michigan Emergency Management Division. Grand Rapids, Michigan: May 2-4, 2006. This conference will bring together over 1,500 public officials, education representatives, and emergency responders from various disciplines looking for the tools needed to detect, prevent, and protect their communities from terrorist attacks. For additional information, contact Colleen Mohr; (517) 336-6464; e-mail: mohrc@michigan.gov or Wendy Galbreath; (517) 322-6515; e-mail: galbreathw@michigan.gov; http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123-1593_3507-118227--,00.html.

Mass Fatality Incidents for Medicolegal Professionals. Organizer: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Ashburn, Virginia: May 15-19, 2006. This five-day course at the NTSB’s training academy examines the principles of victim recovery and identification and the associated family assistance procedures for successfully managing mass fatality incidents involving transportation related accidents. In addition to classroom presentations, participants will conduct a simulated search and recovery exercise and the initial operation of a disaster morgue. 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/.

Risk Communication Challenge: Proven Strategies for Effective Risk Communication. Presenter: Harvard School of Public Health. Boston, Massachusetts: May 22-24, 2006. This program offers a combination of lectures, discussion, case studies, and attendee participation in practical learning exercises. Attendees will learn about foundational theory in risk perception and practical tools, including mental modeling, crisis communication, and media preparation, through exercises and case studies to ensure participants understand the key concepts of risk communication and acquire practical experience in how to apply those concepts. For additional information, contact Harvard School of Public Health, Center for Continuing Professional Education, CCPE – Department A, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115; (617) 384-8692; e-mail: contedu@hsph.harvard.edu; http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/ccpe/programs/RCC.shtml.

NFPA World Safety Conference & Expo. Organizer: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Orlando, Florida: June 4-8, 2006. This meeting is directed at fire and life safety professionals and offers professional development opportunities, educational tracks focused on timely issues, and an exposition featuring industry suppliers. For more information, contact ROC Exhibitions, 1963 University Lane, Lisle, IL 60532; (630) 271-8210; e-mail: info@rocexhibitions.com; http://www.nfpa.org/categoryListWSCE.asp?categoryID=1059.

Debris Flow 2006: First International Conference on Monitoring, Simulation, Prevention, and Remediation of Dense and Debris Flows. Organizer: Wessex Institute of Technology. Rhodes, Greece: June 7-9, 2006. This meeting will study the fundamental mechanical principles as well as rheological properties and phenomenological aspects of debris flows. Particular attention will be given to modeling techniques and case studies. The conference will also address the problem of debris flow disaster mitigation using structural and nonstructural measures. For more information, contact Katie Banham, Debris Flow 2006, Wessex Institute of Technology, Ashurst Lodge, Ashurst, Southampton, SO40 7AA, UK; 44 (0) 238 029 3223; e-mail: kbanham@wessex.ac.uk; http://www.wessex.ac.uk/conferences/2006/debris06/.

Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) 30th Annual Conference. Albuquerque, New Mexico: June 11-16, 2006. This conference invites a broad range of professionals to address the many issues and problems associated with reducing flood damages, making communities more sustainable, and managing floodplain and fragile coastal resources. For more information, contact the ASFPM, 2809 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison, WI 53713; (608) 274-0123; e-mail: asfpm@floods.org; http://www.floods.org/Conferences,%20Calendar/albuquerque.asp.

Ethical Aspects of Risk Conference. Host: Delft University of Technology. Delft, The Netherlands: June 14-16, 2006. This conference will bring together moral philosophers, sociologists, psychologists, and engineers to reflect on the ethical issues concerning “acceptable risk.” Cost-benefit analysis, the role of emotions, and the role of the public will all be discussed. For additional information, contact Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Technology, Policy, and Management, Jaffalaan 5, 2628 BX Delft, The Netherlands; 0031-(0)15-2783887; e-mail: ethicsrisk@tbm.tudelft.nl; http://www.ethicsrisk.tbm.tudelft.nl/.

Geohazards: Technical, Economical, and Social Risk Evaluation. Organizer: Engineering Conferences International. Lillehammer, Norway: June 18-21, 2006. The objective of this conference is to provide a roundtable for engineers, geoscientists, social scientists, public authorities, and insurance companies to discuss the human, environmental, and economic consequences of geohazards. A few of the main topics include social and human dimensions, risk assessment and management, and the impacts of climate change. The deadline for abstracts is January 15, 2006. For more information, contact Engineering Conferences International, 6 Metro Tech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201; (718) 260-3743; e-mail: info@eci.poly.edu; http://www.engconfintl.org/6ag.html.

16th World Conference on Disaster Management. Organizer: Canadian Centre for Emergency Preparedness (CCEP). Toronto, Canada: June 18-21, 2006. The purpose of this conference is to listen and learn, plan and prepare, and educate and exchange views on the lessons to be learned from all disciplines of disaster and emergency management. The theme of the 2006 conference is “The Changing Face of Disaster Management - A Global Perspective.” To learn more, contact Adrian Gordon, CCEP, 860 Harrington Court, Suite 211, Burlington, Ontario L7N 3N4, Canada; (905) 331-2552; e-mail: agordon@ccep.ca; http://www.wcdm.org/.

Risk Analysis 2006: 5th International Conference on Computer Simulation in Risk Analysis and Hazard Mitigation. Organizer: Wessex Institute of Technology. Malta: June 19-21, 2006. This conference is concerned with all aspects of risk analysis and hazards mitigation, ranging from specific assessment of risk to mitigation associated with both natural and anthropogenic hazards. Engineers and managers involved in the development of simulated risk analysis as well as researchers in academia and industry who are concerned with these problems are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Conference Secretariat, Risk Analysis 2006, Wessex Institute of Technology, Ashurst Lodge, Ashurst, Southampton, SO40 7AA, UK; 44 (0) 238 029 3223; e-mail: kbanham@wessex.ac.uk; http://www.wessex.ac.uk/conferences/2006/risk06/.

10) Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

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Marketing and Research Coordinator
Association of State Floodplain Managers: Madison, WI

The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) and the ASFPM Foundation seek to fill a new full-time position to advance outreach and education, develop Web-based promotional campaigns, assist in writing publications, and support policy, program, and educational projects that lead to the reduction of flood losses throughout the nation. The primary outcomes of this position are to 1) enhance outreach with related organizations and entities in order to foster relationships and coordinate mutual activities and 2) attract/acquire funding for and help ensure timely, compliant, and quality completion of education and policy projects, products, and events.

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Standard benefits apply. The response deadline is February 10, 2006. References will be requested and contacted for the top two to five candidates.
To apply, e-mail the following to Diane Brown at diane@floods.org:

  1. Cover letter outlining specific credentials and why you are the appropriate person for this position.
  2. Job resume detailing experience and qualifications.
  3. Two writing samples - one each of a grant proposal and a project that were successfully funded and executed.
  4. Information outlining projects/activities successfully funded and executed.

To view a complete job description with information on responsibilities and qualifications, visit http://www.floods.org/PDF/ASFPM_Foundation_Position_122205.pdf.

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Various Positions
Asian Disaster Preparedness Center: Bangkok, Thailand

The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) has the following four positions open:

  • Project Coordinator, Office of the Executive Director - This position will assist the deputy executive director in the implementation of various project activities. The deadline to apply is January 14, 2006.
  • Technical Manager, Early Warning Systems - This position will work in the Climate Risk Management group on the technical component of a project related to early warning and its application in disaster preparedness and mitigation. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2006.
  • Program Coordinator, Climate Risk Management - This position is responsible for coordinating and supporting the implementation of all Climate Risk Management programs and projects, including information and communication, research support, and coordination with various units within ADPC. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2006.
  • Project Coordinator, Disaster Management System - This position is responsible for coordinating communication and meetings of the ADPC Regional Consultative Committee on Disaster Management and coordinating the implementation of the Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management into Development project in three selected Regional Consultative Committee member countries. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2006.

To apply, complete and submit the ADPC application available on their Web site and a comprehensive resume to adpcjobs@adpc.net or fax to (662) 524-5350. For complete job descriptions, visit http://www.adpc.net/employment/index.html.

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Program Manager
Northwest Climate Change Resource Center: Eugene, OR

The Resource Innovation Group, a nonprofit affiliated with the Institute for a Sustainable Environment at the University of Oregon, seeks a program manager for its new Northwest Climate Change Resource Center (CCRC). The CCRC will help state and local governments and private companies to understand the socioeconomic consequences of climate change, quantify greenhouse gas emissions, and develop climate protection plans. Primary duties include working with the director and associate director of Resource Innovations to manage all aspects of the CCRC including client services, research, report preparation, technical assistance, and fundraising.

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Organize and present educational briefings and seminars to business and civic leaders on the scientific and socioeconomic aspects of global warming
  • Establish and manage a Web site with scientific and socioeconomic information on climate change
  • Coordinate the development, implementation, and monitoring of climate protection action plans, including socioeconomic impact assessments, greenhouse gas quantifications, and mitigation and adaptation policy development
  • Supervise and provide service-learning opportunities for University of Oregon graduate student to complete much of the research described above
  • Manage fundraising for the program, including marketing, contracts and grants from local governments and private companies as well as other sources of funds. This is a grant-funded program. Continued employment after a two-year start-up period will depend on the ability of the manager to raise funds

Qualifications: Background in economics, science, or policy fields associated with global warming; demonstrated exemplary research and report writing skills; excellent verbal skills and ability to work cooperatively with diverse people; ability and desire to work with university students. Graduate degree preferred.

The position will be located in Eugene, Oregon, and require travel throughout the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere. Salary is $40,000 - $50,000 depending on experience plus excellent benefits. The closing date for the position is January 27, 2006. To apply, mail Administrative Director, Resource Innovation Group, PO Box 51182, Eugene, OR 97405.

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Assistant Professor, Department of Geography
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC): Charlotte, NC

The Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at UNCC invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track, nine-month, assistant professor position with primary responsibility for teaching undergraduate courses in synoptic, dynamic, physical, or boundary layer meteorology and graduate courses in tropical meteorology, mesoscale meteorology, or numerical weather prediction as well as some freshman level courses. Salary is highly competitive and summer teaching for additional salary is available. Qualifications are a PhD in meteorology, climatology, or atmospheric sciences. Previous teaching experience is desired.

The position begins August 15, 2006. Review of applications will begin January 20, 2006, and continue until the position is filled. To apply, send a curriculum vitae, letter describing qualifications, teaching experience/philosophy, and the names and contact information for three references to Gerald Ingalls, Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223-0001. For more information, e-mail tdclevel@email.uncc.edu or visit the department Web site at http://www.geoearth.uncc.edu/.

Questions for the readership and contributions to this e-newsletter are encouraged. Questions and messages should be indicated as such and sent to hazctr@colorado.edu.

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