Disaster Research 465
November 3, 2006
Table of Contents
- Pay Tribute to Gilbert F. White
- Help Reestablish CHART’s Library
- November Natural Hazards Observer Available Online
- Summer Research Institute for Undergraduates
- PERI/ICMA Launch Emergency Management Network
- Call for Presentations: National Emergency Management Summit
- Some New Web Resources
- Conferences, Training, and Events
- Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
1) Pay Tribute to Gilbert F. White
A Web page has been set up on the Gilbert F. White Web site for the purposes of paying tribute to Gilbert and sharing memories and anecdotes. Visit the page at www.colorado.edu/hazards/gfw/tributes.html, read the tributes, and write one yourself. Tributes should be sent directly to gfwmem@colorado.edu.
2) Help Reestablish CHART’s Library
Hurricane Katrina heavily damaged the offices of the University of New Orleans’ Center for Hazards Assessment, Response and Technology (CHART). Roof damage, broken windows, and leaky window seals resulted in water damage and widespread mold. Walls, files, upholstered furniture, and books were damaged. About half of CHART’s library was destroyed. The offices are still uninhabitable more than a year after the storm, but CHART has persevered and is committed to the recovery of metropolitan New Orleans, its neighborhoods, and the northern Gulf Coast.
In an effort to restore its library, CHART has registered a book wish list with online bookseller Alibris. If you would like to help the center recover their capacity, go to www.alibris.com/wish/donate-a-book.cfm and click on Louisiana. CHART also welcomes books from alternative sources but asks that you notify them of your intended donation at chart@uno.edu so that they can remove the title from the list.
3) November Natural Hazards Observer Available Online
The November 2006 Natural Hazards Observer is now available online at www.colorado.edu/hazards/o/.
This issue’s featured articles are:
- Preparing for a Flu Pandemic: A Northwest Perspective by Eric Holdeman and Michael Loehr
- Panic and the Vision of Collective Incompetence by Russell R. Dynes
- Overcoming Legal Challenges: A Perfect Storm of Opportunities by Edward A. Thomas
- Respect for Nature as Cornerstone to Community Resiliency: The View from Katrina “Ground Zero” by Shirley Laska
Regular features include Washington Update, Contracts and Grants, Resources, and Conferences and Training.
4) Summer Research Institute for Undergraduates
The Disaster Research Center at the University of Delaware is again offering a Summer Research Institute for undergraduate students to provide hands-on research training and mentoring on the social science aspects of disasters. Each summer, ten students from a wide variety of social science disciplines are selected to participate in the nine-week summer institute. All transportation and lodging expenses are covered for the student participants, who also receive a stipend for the summer.
All students who will be entering their junior or senior year in the fall of 2007 are invited to apply. Students who are underrepresented in graduate schools (minority students, women, students from poorer regions of the country, and students from institutions with limited graduate programs) are especially encouraged to apply. The application deadline is February 1, 2007, and students will be notified of their acceptance into the program by March 1, 2007. Program details, guidelines, and application materials can be found online at www.udel.edu/DRC/REU/. The program is sponsored by the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program and the U.S. Department of Defense.
5) PERI/ICMA Launch Emergency Management Network
The Public Entity Risk Institute (PERI) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) have joined together to launch the National Emergency Management Network (NEMN - a national network that enables local governments to work together to augment their emergency response and recovery capacity. The NEMN program includes a combination of training, information resources, and tools that prepare and link local governments and organizations.
Membership in the NEMN is available to public entities on an annual subscription basis and includes access to educational and training resources and NEMN software technologies that aid in visualizing, sharing, deploying, and managing emergency response and recovery resources. For more information and to join the NEMN, visit www.nationalemergencymanagementnetwork.com/ or call (866) 460-6366.
6) Call for Presentations: National Emergency Management Summit
The National Emergency Management Summit, which will be held March 4-6, 2007, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is calling for presentation proposals. An extraordinary confluence of events - environmental, epidemiological, and geopolitical - have coalesced to create a heightened risk of natural disaster, epidemic, and terrorism in the United States. The summit seeks to assess these risks and articulate practical approaches to medical preparation and response to disasters, epidemics, and terrorism. Individuals interested in making presentation proposals at the summit may submit a proposal online at www.EmergencyManagementSummit.com/ on or before Friday, November 10, 2006, in order to be considered.
7) 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 www.colorado.edu/hazards/resources/.]
Web Clearinghouse: The Societal Aspects of Weather
This site is a service of the National Center for Atmospheric Research’s Societal Impacts Program. The purpose of the site is to provide a database of consistent, relevant Internet resources about societal aspects of weather and weather forecasting.
Community Disaster Resilience: A Summary of the March 20, 2006 Workshop of the Disasters Roundtable
The purpose of this workshop was to bring together researchers, policy makers, and practitioners in the hazards and disasters field to focus on community resilience in the face of disaster. Participants discussed such issues as the nature of community disaster resilience, what can further and inhibit it, and how it can be measured to determine the degree to which it is realized. This report (15 pp.) summarizes the discussions.
What the Rapanos-Carabell Wetlands Decisions Mean to Floodplain and Stormwater Managers
In June, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision in a case known as Rapanos-Carabell, which involves the geographic extent of the area which the federal government may regulate as “wetlands” under the Clean Water Act of 1972. This paper from the Association of State Floodplain Managers explores the decision and what it means for floodplain and stormwater management.
A Networked Approach to Improvements in Emergency Management
This paper from the International City/County Management Association describes why changes are needed in emergency management and offers specific recommendations for improvements in the nation’s intergovernmental system. Building on lessons learned from recent disaster experiences, it lays out an ambitious new approach that is based on a network of partnerships among cities and counties and is supported by state governments and a sophisticated database.
Shoreline Management Technical Assistance Toolbox
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, in partnership with NOAA’s Restoration Center, developed this toolbox to provide coastal managers, local decision makers, and other interested parties with information about and easy access to management tools, case studies, and other resources available for addressing shoreline management issues. The site focuses on management approaches that avoid shoreline hardening, including policy tools and alternative “soft” shoreline stabilization methods.
If Disaster Strikes Will You Be Covered? A Homeowner’s Insurance Guide to Natural Disasters
This guide (38 pp.) from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes and the Actuarial Foundation provides homeowners with information to help protect the financial investments they have made in their homes. It discusses the major perils that threaten property, the different insurance products and forms, and steps to take to mitigate potential losses from natural disasters.
Third Report of the NAE/NRC Committee on New Orleans Regional Hurricane Protection Projects
In November 2005, the assistant secretary of the Army for civil works asked the National Academies to convene a committee of experts to provide an independent review of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s Interagency Performance Evaluation Task Force (IPET) studies. This letter report from the committee (38 pp.), the third in a series, reviews the IPET’s June 1, 2006, final draft report.
NWS Drought Handout
This new handout (3 pp.) from the National Weather Service (NWS) summarizes the issue of drought.
NWS El Niño, La Niña, and ENSO Handout
This new handout (4 pp.) from the National Weather Service (NWS) summarizes the issues of El Niño, La Niña, and ENSO.
APHA’s Get Ready (for flu) Campaign
The American Public Health Association (APHA) launched this campaign to help the public prepare for a potential influenza pandemic and outbreaks of other emerging infectious diseases. Unlike existing efforts to prepare the nation for a pandemic, APHA’s campaign speaks directly to individuals, families, and communities, telling people exactly what they need to prepare themselves. The campaign includes a blog, fact sheets, and podcasts.
A Legal Analysis of Emergency Powers Granted in Mississippi Law Regarding Pandemics and Bioterrorism
Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, many states have reviewed their public health laws to determine whether they could respond effectively to public health emergencies. This report (35 pp.) is the result of a review of Mississippi’s laws that determined that some incremental changes should be made regarding emergency public health powers.
8) Conferences, Trainings, and Events
[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: www.colorado.edu/hazards/resources/conferences.html.]
7th National Conference on Science, Policy, and the Environment: Integrating Environment and Human Health—Washington, DC: February 1-2, 2007. At this conference, scientists, policy makers, educators, and others will come together to develop science-based solutions to protect people and the planet. Specifically, it will address the relationship between the health of the planet and the health of people. To learn more, e-mail: conference2007@ncseonline.org; www.ncseonline.org/2007conference/.
6th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference: Building Safe, Healthy and Livable Communities—Los Angeles, California: February 8-10, 2007. Organizer: Local Government Commission. This conference will include a mix of plenaries, interactive breakouts, hands-on workshops, specialized trainings, and optional tours of local model projects. It will also feature the latest on smart growth issues, implementation tools and strategies, best practices, interactive learning experiences, new partners, new projects, and new policies. It will attract a multidisciplinary audience of local elected officials, city and county staff, landscape architects, developers and builders, planners, transportation professionals and traffic engineers, public health professionals, architects, and others committed to building safer, healthier, and more livable communities. Learn more at www.newpartners.org/.
Environmental Connection ‘07—Reno, Nevada: February 12-16, 2007. Organizer: International Erosion Control Association. This conference for contractors, engineers, builders, and regulators will share information on the best solutions available for the stormwater and erosion control industry. The program will include 20 full-day training courses and over 50 case studies and technical paper presentations. Learn more at www.ieca.org/conference/annual/aboutec.asp.
2007 PARMA Conference—Monterey, California: February 13-16, 2007. Organizer: Public Agency Risk Managers Association ( PARMA). PARMA is a forum promoting, developing, and advancing education and leadership in public agency risk management. It is dedicated to facilitating the exchange of ideas and innovative solutions toward risk management in government. This is its annual conference. Learn more at http://parma.com/index.cfm?pageid=545.
Cat Modeling 2007—New Orleans, Louisiana: February 13-16, 2007. Organizer: Reinsurance Association of America (RAA). This catastrophe modeling seminar explores how we use models, how this impacts our decision process, and how the past years’ events may impact both the primary and reinsurance markets in the years to come. With an unbiased perspective of all catastrophe modeling applications, as well as an open forum for developing methods to confidently make modeling-based decisions, this seminar will provide new information for insurance and reinsurance decision makers. To learn more, contact the RAA at (800) 259-0199 or meetings@reinsurance.org; http://community.reinsurance.org/StaticContent/Meetings/recat.htm.
EPICC Forum 2007—Vancouver, Canada: February 19-21, 2007. Organizer: Emergency Preparedness for Industry and Commerce Council (EPICC). EPICC is a nonprofit society whose mission is “to lead businesses in preparing to survive a disaster.” The purpose of this forum is to inform businesses about business continuity and emergency preparedness to assist them in disaster mitigation. To learn more, contact EPICC at (604) 222-9122 or epiccforum@telus.net; www.epiccforum.org/.
ASBPA’s 2007 Coastal Summit: America’s Coasts, America’s Treasures: National Perspectives and Policy—Washington, DC: March 21-23, 2007. Organizer: American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). The objectives of this conference are to provide an in-depth look at critical issues affecting beach preservation and management; enhance media relations and lobbying skills; develop an understanding of federal budgeting and appropriations; and provide networking opportunities with members of Congress, federal officials, and beach lovers. Learn more at www.asbpa.org/conferences/conferences.htm.
68th ASPA National Conference—Monumental Possibilities: Capitalizing on Collaboration—Washington, DC: March 23-27, 2007. Organizer: American Society of Public Administrators (ASPA). This annual conference will focus on collaboration across sectoral and governmental lines, extending to topics such as budgeting, finance, accountability, and performance; intergovernmental and international relations; human resource management and social equity; responding to threats and disasters; public safety, law, and the courts; ethical issues and administrative courage; environmental justice, public works management and policy; housing, social services, health policy and management; environment, science, and technology; education for the public service; the political context of public service; issues in local government; and issues in federal service. Learn more at www.aspanet.org/scriptcontent/index_aspaconference.cfm.
DRJ’s Spring World 2007—Orlando, Florida: March 25-28, 2007. Organizer: Disaster Recovery Journal (DRJ). 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, visit www.drj.com/conferences/orl2007/.
Risk & Rationalities—Cambridge, United Kingdom: March 29-31, 2007. Organizer: Economic and Social Research Council Social Contexts and Responses to Risk Network. This conference will examine the dynamics of risk, approaches to risk in different disciplines, government and responses to risk, varying rationalities in the management and regulation of risk, the advantages and limitations of heuristics, affect and emotion in explaining risk responses, trust and risk, and more. Learn more at www.kent.ac.uk/scarr/events/events.htm.
9) Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Useful Job Sites:
International Association of Emergency Managers
www.iaem.com/resources/Career/Job_bulletin_board/cgi-bin/dcboard.pl
National Emergency Management Association
http://nemaweb.org/jobs/
DisasterManagementJobs.com
www.disastermanagementjobs.com/
USAJOBS
www.usajobs.gov/
The Chronicle of Higher Education
http://chronicle.com/search/jobs/
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Emergency Management Training and Exercise Coordinator
Office of Emergency Management Exercise and Training Programs, Seattle, Washington
Responsibilities: Lead position for Seattle’s Office of Emergency Management Exercise and Training Programs. Develop strategies for needs analysis and program development related to citywide emergency management training and exercises. Coordinate the development of a comprehensive exercise program including orientations, tabletops, functional, and full-scale exercises that test emergency plans. Maintain and update a citywide five-year exercise schedule predicated on the needs of the city’s emergency management program. Review plans, develop measurable objectives; determine which employees from various departments and emergency support functions would most benefit from the exercises; develop after-action reports; and institutionalize the lessons learned. Coordinate emergency management exercises with individual departments; city/regional/state government agencies; and nonprofit and private sector entities to assure congruence with accepted emergency management standards as well as compatibility with city plans. Participate in drills, workshops, and exercises conducted by other agencies as a representative of city government. Identify needs and provide solutions for emergency management-related training, coordinate the development of a comprehensive citywide five-year emergency management training schedule, and identify and market appropriate training opportunities that benefit the various aspects of the city’s emergency management efforts. Provide training directly where appropriate as well as be able to facilitate partnerships with other training agencies from other levels of government as well as the nonprofit and private sectors. Coordinate efforts necessary to maintain compliance with the National Incident Management System. Serve on a rotating basis as staff duty officer, the primary point of contact for agencies in need of emergency management support during nonwork hours.
Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in education, emergency management, business administration, or related field and three years of professional experience in emergency management, training, exercise design and implementation, policy development and implementation, program development and management, public safety, or related field. Experience in strategic planning and advising management on program direction and allocation of resources. A valid Washington State driver’s license. Pass a Seattle Police Department comprehensive background investigation.
Desired Qualifications: Five years experience in developing and implementing training and exercise programs and emergency management services. Completion of relevant emergency management courses such as the Professional Development Series, Emergency Management Institute Independent Study Series, etc. Experience in exercise development and evaluation programs such as the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program. Actual experience in managing some major aspect of emergency response in the field or in an emergency operations center setting is highly beneficial.
Learn more and apply online at www.seattle.gov/jobs/. Refer to job SPD701967. Position opens Sunday, October 29, 2006, and closes Sunday, November 19, 2006.
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Emergency Management Director
Multnomah County , Oregon
The director of emergency management manages the county’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and reports to the County Commission Chair. The director plans, develops, implements, and improves emergency management plans, programs, and procedures to ensure a coordinated response to major emergencies and disasters in Multnomah County. The director leads the activities of the OEM to provide and integrate the four phases of comprehensive emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery into a seamless, effective organization. This is an opportunity for an energetic, strong leader to assess community needs, get the support of stakeholders, and create a structure and process that instills the credibility of safety in the region’s citizens. The county seeks a motivated, strategic leader with a track record of progressive, innovative thinking, and program development and implementation. The ideal candidate is confident and has worked effectively as a change agent in a complex organization and has an understanding of emergency management programs.
Ten years of progressively responsible experience in federal, state, county or a local government agency, with at least seven years at the senior management level leading complex programs is preferred. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable in the field of public safety and have an understanding of managing disasters or emergencies on a regional level. Preferred candidates will be well versed in the principles and practices of the Incident Command System, the National Incident Management System, and homeland security issues and protocol.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a masters degree in a field relating to emergency management or public administration is preferred. A certification as a certified emergency manager and/or completion of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Emergency Management Institute’s Professional Development Series is also preferred.
To request a detailed position specification, contact Kathy Marsh at kathy@waldronhr.com. To apply, send a cover letter and resume (e-mail preferred) as soon as possible, but no later than November 15, 2006, to Waldron & Company, Three Centerpointe Drive, Suite 200, Lake Oswego, OR 97035; (503) 620-1266.
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.