Disaster Research 473
March 8, 2007
Table of Contents
- Annual Hazards and Disasters Student Paper Competition Deadline Approaching
- DHS Awards $194 Million to States for Emergency Management
- National Weather Service Releases Smoke Forecasting Tool
- New Holistic Masters Program in London
- Call for Speakers: IAEM 55th Annual Conference
- Call for Abstracts: 2nd International Conference on Urban Disaster Reduction
- Some New Web Resources
- Conferences, Training, and Events
- Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
1) Annual Hazards and Disasters Student Paper Competition Deadline Approaching
The deadline for the Natural Hazards Center's annual student paper competition is next Friday, March 16, 2007.
Papers may present current research, literature reviews, theoretical arguments, or case studies. Paper topics may include, but are not limited to, floods/floodplain management, Hurricane Katrina, earthquakes, climate change, warning systems, hazards mitigation, emergency management, vulnerability, or other topics relevant to the social/behavioral aspects of hazards and disasters. Papers will be judged on their originality, organization, and demonstrated knowledge of the topic.
Eligibility and Criteria:
- Author must have enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in at least one term during the current academic year.
- Papers must be authored by one or more students and not co-authored by faculty or a colleague who is not a student.
- Papers cannot have been submitted for publication at the time of submission to the competition, although papers presented at professional meetings or submitted for presentation at professional meetings may be submitted.
- Papers must be less than 25 pages, including notes, references, and tables (double-spaced, 1” margins, 12 point font, in Word or PDF format)
- Paper submission should include a cover letter or submission form (available online) including name of author, academic affiliation, academic major, mailing address, e-mail, category (undergraduate or graduate), title of paper, a brief abstract/summary (100-150 words), and the citation style used.
Additional information is available online.
2) DHS Awards $194 Million to States for Emergency Management
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released $194 million to help states and local governments prepare and implement emergency management activities through the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) program. Emergency managers have been awarded more than $750 million since fiscal year 2004 through the program.
State emergency management agencies use EMPG funds to enhance their emergency management capabilities in a range of areas that include planning, equipping, and training; conducting exercises; and providing for all-hazards emergency management operations. In addition, EMPG funds are used to pay for personnel who write plans, conduct training and exercise programs, maintain emergency response programs, and educate the public on disaster readiness.
The full press release is available here.
A list of grant allocations, by state, is available here.
3) National Weather Service Releases Smoke Forecasting Tool
The National Weather Service has released a Smoke Forecast Tool, which will produce a 48-hour prediction of smoke transport and concentration, updated daily. The Smoke Forecast Tool is available here, http://www.nws.noaa.gov/aq/.
According to NOAA, emissions from large fires are a significant source of fine particle pollution, and this type of pollution is responsible for an estimated 50,000 premature deaths each year. This smoke forecast tool will help air quality forecasters and the public take steps to limit exposure to the harmful airborne particulate matter.
The Smoke Forecast Tool integrates the NOAA Satellite and Information Service’s satellite data on the location of wildfires with the National Weather Service’s weather information and NOAA’s smoke dispersion simulations.
For more information, visit http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2007/s2812.htm.
4) New Holistic Masters Program in London
A new Masters degree in earthquake engineering with disaster management will be offered by the University College London beginning September 2007. The program will embrace a holistic approach to the field by highlighting a combination of specialist earthquake engineering knowledge and an understanding of the social, economic, and political impacts of earthquake events. The goal is to prepare engineers to provide holistic design solutions and to act in disaster management roles.
More information is available at http://www.civeng.ucl.ac.uk.
5) Call for Speakers: IAEM 55th Annual Conference
The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) conference committee is issuing a call for speakers for the IAEM 55th Annual Conference and EMEX 2007. This call also includes proposals for pre-conference training sessions.
The theme of the conference, which takes place November 11-14 in Reno, Nevada, is “Partners in Emergency Management: Working Together.”
The IAEM Annual Conference provides a forum for current trends and topics, shares information about the latest tools and technology in emergency management and homeland security, and advances IAEM committee work. Sessions encourage stakeholders at all levels of government, the private sector, public health and related professions to exchange ideas on collaborating to protect lives and property from disaster. Four conference tracks will be featured this year: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Presentation applications must be submitted online at http://www.iaem.com. Click on the “Call for Speakers” link.
The deadline for applications is April 2, 2007, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern
6) Call for Abstracts: 2nd International Conference on Urban Disaster Reduction
Organizers for the 2nd International Conference on Urban Disaster Reduction, which will convene in Taipei, Taiwan, from November 27-29, have issued a call for abstract submissions.
More information about the conference is available here.
Abstracts should be submitted here.
7) Some New Web Resources
[Below are some new or updated Internet resources we have discovered. For an extensive list of useful Internet sites dealing with hazards, see www.colorado.edu/hazards/resources/.]
Worldmapper
Worldmapper is a collection of world maps in which territories are re-sized according to different subjects, illustrating individual territories’ share of the world’s population, wealth, emissions, etc. Of particular interest are the disaster maps, which show the prevalence of disasters, the number of people affected or killed by disasters, and more.
911.gov
This article, which appeared in the February 16 edition of Science is now available on this public Web site. The article discusses Web-based community response grids in which residents could report incidents and receive emergency information in seconds. The idea is that that citizens could use technology to support the coordination of emergency management.
Munich Re’s NatCatSERVICE
With more than 22,000 entries, the Munich Reassurance Group in Australasia’s NatCatSERVICE is one of the world’s leading databases for natural catastrophes. Every year between 600 and 900 events are recorded and analyzed. The site presents reports of the number of disasters by year, information on disaster losses, longterm disaster data, and lists of the deadliest and costliest catastrophes.
Expecting The Unexpected:The Need for a Networked Terrorism and Disaster Response Strategy
The article, which appears in “Homeland Security Affairs,” addresses the command-and-control approach to managing response to natural disasters. The authors advocate creating a new, alternative emergency management approach that focuses on new communications technology and social networks.
International Center for Enterprise Preparedness
The International Center for Enterprise Preparedness, based out of New York University, is an academic center dedicated to private sector crisis management and business continuity. Its Web site presents information on workshops and new research, and gives updates on upcoming events of interest to the business continuity community.
Communications of the Association for Computing Machinery
The March 2007 issue of Communications of the Association for Computing Machinery has a theme of “Emergency Response Information Systems: Emerging Trends and Technologies.” Articles of interest include those on human-computer interaction, agent-based systems for disaster management, communication challenges in emergency response, grassroots participation in emergency preparedness, and many others.
Stop Blaming the Radio
This article, which appears in Homeland Security Affairs, looks at radio interoperability and solutions to miscommunication during disasters, and explains that impediments to successful communication include insufficient radio infrastructure, behavioral reactions by people in stressful situations, intergovernmental relations, inadequate procedures and training, and general lethargy over the need to institute special operating policies distinct from routine practices.
Community Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Mitigation
This guide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides interim pandemic flu planning guidance for communities, and focuses on several measures other than vaccination and drug treatment that might be useful during an influenza pandemic. The guide introduces the Pandemic Severity Index to characterize the severity of a pandemic.
8) Conferences, Training, and Events
[Below are some recent announcements received by the Natural Hazards Center. For a comprehensive list of upcoming hazards-related meetings, visit our Web site at www.colorado.edu/hazards/resources/conferences.html.]
2nd Fire Behavior and Fuels Conference: The Fire Environment—Innovations, Management, and Policy— Destin, Florida: March 26-30, 2007. This conference will focus on the fire environment and will feature the latest innovations in wildland fire science, examples of successful and not-so-successful management practices, and current and potentially future wildland fire policy. The program will include presentations, workshops, and field trips. To learn more, visit http://emmps.wsu.edu/fire.behavior/.
Community Sustainability: Using GIS to Understand Risk and Recovery—Virtual Seminar: April 2, 2007, 11:00 a.m. Eastern. Many communities are vulnerable to natural and human-caused hazards. This Web-based presentation describes some of the tools and techniques that are used to model and characterize hazards in a community setting and explains the use of geographic information systems (GIS) in understanding social vulnerability. This seminar is part of the Wiley Faculty Network Guest Lecture Series. For more information and to register, visit http://www.wiley.com/college/sc/wfn/seminars/land142.html.
Postgraduate Certificate: Study and Management of Geological Risks— Geneva, Switzerland: April 16-June 15, 2007. Organizer: Universite de Geneve, Centre d’Etude des Risques Geologiques. The objective of this course is for students to develop expertise in the field of natural risk mitigation by integrating it into the planning of sustainable development. The course offers a multidisciplinary approach to the search for solutions for a society confronted with natural risks and aims to develop experts who can advise the public and private sectors to take preventive measures to reduce the impact of natural disasters. Applications are due November 30, 2006. To learn more, visit http://ww.unige.ch/hazards/.
2007 Meeting of the AAG— San Francisco, California: April 17-21 2007. Organizer: Association of American Geographers (AAG). This annual meeting attracts over 5,000 geographers and related professionals from the United States, Canada, and abroad and stimulates discussion about research, education, accomplishments, and developments in geography. To learn more, see http://www.aag.org/annualmeetings/SF2007/index.cfm.
GovSec, U.S. Law, and Ready! Conference and Exposition— Washington, DC: May 9-10, 2007. This conference will bring together the three key disciplines that establish, enforce, and respond to our national security interests: government security, law enforcement, and emergency management/response. Participants will connect with each other and private industry to discuss how best to protect the nation. To learn more, see http://www.govsecinfo.com/.
Coastal Sediments 2007: Coastal Engineering and Science in Cascading Spatial and Temporal Scales—New Orleans, Louisiana: May 13-17, 2007. Organizer: Coasts, Oceans, Ports, and Rivers Institute (COPRI) of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). This conference will provide an international forum for exchange of information among coastal engineers, geologists, marine scientists, shallow-water oceanographers, and others interested in the physical processes of coastal sediment transport and morphology change. To learn more, visit http://www.asce.org/conferences/cs07/index.cfm.
Wildfire 2007— Seville, Spain: May 13-17, 2007. Organizer: Ministry of Environment of Spain. Building on the objectives and outputs of the previous International Wildland Fire Conferences, this conference will provide a forum for forest fire management leaders, politicians, professionals, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to discuss and work on critical fire issues affecting people, communities, resources, and ecosystems in all regions; to strengthen the effectiveness of the regional wildland fire networks and support their links with the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Global Wildland Fire Network; and provide a forum for the fire management industry, research organizations, and fire specialists to display innovations, new technologies, products, and methods for wildland fire management and interact with conference participants. See http://www.wildfire07.es.
5th Annual Conference on Seismology and Earthquake Engineering— Tehran, Iran. May 14-16, 2007. Organizer: International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology (IIEES). In addition to covering central issues in seismology and earthquake engineering, this conference will also cover subjects related to socioeconomic and cultural issues of risk management; earthquake risk management; risk communication; public education; and preparedness, and response, recovery, and reconstruction. To learn more, visit http://www.iiees.ac.ir/SEE5/.
Disaster Management Course— Bangkok, Thailand: May 14-June 1, 2007. Organizer: Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC). The purpose of this course is to provide comprehensive disaster management knowledge and skills to enhance the capabilities of professionals working in disaster management, development, and donor agencies to effectively integrate disaster management into development programs and policies. To learn more, visit http://www.adpc.net/trg06/trg_home.htm.
GovSec China and Ready! China Conference and Expo 2007— Beijing, China: May 17-19, 2007. The purpose of this event is to address China’s homeland security issues and how senior government security officials and first responders can effectively meet obligations. The program focuses on discussing strategies, best practices, and technologies for counterterrorism, mass transit/transportation security, airport/aviation security, physical and information security, border control, securing high profile public events, and emergency management. To learn more, see http://govsecasia.com/china/.
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9) Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Emergency Management Specialist
State of New Mexico Office of Emergency Management; Santa Fe, New Mexico
PURPOSE OF POSITION: Maintain operational readiness of the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This is accomplished through a combination of day-to-day operations, planning, training, exercising and coordinating activities with local, state and federal partners as well as the private and volunteer customers regarding emergency management operations. Responsibilities include multiple programs and involve extensive public contact and external coordination.
SKILLS/ABILITIES: Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with excellent leadership abilities. Incident Command System (ICS) at 1-300 level; Emergency Management Inst. Professional Development Serves (PDS); other Emergency Management training certificates;Intermediate Windows 2000/SP Professional Office Suite skills.
SALARY: Salary range is $13.30 to 23.645 plus a 15% Temporary Recruitment Differential. Salary determination is dependent upon education, experience, certifications and other job-related considerations. Pay Band 60.
EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years total experience to include three (3) years emergency operations; four (4) years project management; four (4) years adult training.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS : Employment requires successful completion of background investigation with no felony convictions, must possess a valid NM Driver's License and extensive statewide travel is required.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: A bachelor's degree in Emergency Management, Public or Business Administration. (Please enter your education level on the Education and Work Experience page of the application even when submitting a resume).
For more information and to apply, visit https://sharehcm.state.nm.us/psp/nmhp89/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL
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Director of the Office of Emergency Management
Miami-Dade County; Miami, Florida
Miami-Dade County, Florida, is searching for an experienced, innovative leader for the position of Director, Office of Emergency Management, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department. The Director is responsible for directing and coordinating all-hazardous disaster planning and preparedness for a County of 2,000 square miles with a population of 2.3 million; directing the development and implementation of the county’s emergency plan; coordinating the county’s natural or manmade disaster planning, preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery program; and fostering effective working relationships with county agencies, as well as local, state and federal agencies engaged in emergency management and homeland security preparedness.
QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum requirements include a Bachelor’s Degree and with a minimum of six to ten years of progressively responsible managerial experience in emergency planning and disaster operations. Related management experience in a military, first response or equivalent large scale operation will be considered as qualifying experience.
SALARY: $109,340 –$176,855 annually. Miami-Dade County offers excellent fringe benefits including health, retirement, disability, deferred compensation, and an annual executive benefits package inclusive of a car allowance with a total value of $14,420.
TO APPLY: Submit a resume with cover letter indicating requisition number 7370120, current salary, and three work-related references to: Luis L. Gonzalez, Miami-Dade County, Manager, Recruitment and Internal Placement Section, Employee Relations Department, Personnel Services Division, 111 N.W. 1st Street, Suite 2020, Miami, Florida 33128-3396; or submit via e-mail as a Word document attachment to LLG@miamidade.gov by Friday, March 30th, 2007.
For more information, visit http://www.miamidade.gov/jobs.
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Emergency Management Coordinator
Huntington Hospital; Pasadena, California
RESPONSIBILITIES: Huntington Hospital is the finest community-based regional medical center in Southern California, and the only Level II Trauma Center and Regional NICU in the San Gabriel Valley. Ongoing technical advances (such as the West Tower patient care building project) confirm our reputation as a leading edge health care provider in our community. Reporting to the Director, Security, Parking Services and Emergency Management, you will coordinate hospital-wide prevention, mitigation, response and recovery efforts to ensure an effective “all-hazards” emergency management program. This entails working with internal departments, outside agencies and vendors in developing the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and hazard-specific plans and agreements that strengthen Huntington Hospital’s emergency preparedness, response and recovery efforts. Ensure compliance with all regulatory and JCAHO standards, coordinate all grant related activities, and collaborate with Workforce Learning to design, develop, coordinate and conduct hospital-wide and site specific training regarding emergency plans and the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS). We require a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 5+ years experience in emergency management, health care, or military service with two or more years in a management-level capacity. Must successfully complete required FEMA courses within 90 days of employment and obtain CEM certification from the IAEM. Ability to work variable work schedule (weekends, non-standard hours, holidays and special events) essential. We are located in the heart of Pasadena, a historically rich and culturally advanced community close to Los Angeles, with proximity to beaches, mountains and famous desert resorts. Huntington Hospital offers competitive salaries, relocation assistance and a very attractive benefit package for the right candidates. In addition to increased salary ranges, we offer an impressive array of benefits, including an onsite concierge program, which rewards employees with more quality free time outside of the workday. This exceptional program features a variety of employee concierge services and was designed to enhance employees' work/life balance in a convenient, reliable and affordable way. If you are interested in this great opportunity to work in a dynamic and growing healthcare setting, please apply online at www.hhcareers.com. Huntington Hospital values its workforce diversity.
QUALIFICATIONS: We require a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 5+ years experience in emergency management, health care, or military service with two or more years in a management-level capacity. Must successfully complete required FEMA courses within 90 days of employment and obtain CEM certification from the IAEM. Ability to work variable work schedule (weekends, non-standard hours, holidays and special events) essential.
CONTACT: Stella Kim, (626)397-5400
For more information, visit http://www.hhcareers.com.
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Manager, Risk Management and Safety
Hillsborough County, Florida
DESCRIPTION: Seeking a highly qualified professional to oversee a cost-effective risk management program through effective implementation and administration of liability, loss control, workplace safety, and other risk-related programs. The position is responsible for the procurement of all County casualty and property insurance, administration of self-insurance programs, management of certificate of insurance program, ongoing risk analysis and program evaluation, safety training, and proactive risk fund allocation and budgeting. Oversees litigation of claims and monitors insurance broker services for contract compliance.
The position reports to the Director, Employee Benefits and Risk Management Division and supervises professional, administrative, and clerical division staff. The position demonstrates initiative and independent judgment and regularly liaisons with executive and departmental staff, Procurement Services, third party vendors, and the general public.
QUALIFICATIONS: Position requires a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with coursework in Public or Business Administration, Risk Management or closely related field and ten years risk management experience in a related environment, including two years in a supervisory or management capacity. Certification as Associate Risk Manager (ARM) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is a plus. Possession of a valid FL driver’s license is mandatory. Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), and American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (AICPCU) designations highly desirable but not required.
SALARY: $60,653 - $90,958; exceptional benefits package; position open until filled.
CONTACT:
Human Resources, Executive Recruitment
P. O. Box 1110, Tampa, FL 33601
Or e-mail: dahmad@hillsboroughcounty.org
TO APPLY: Send letter of interest, resume, and contact information for five work references to:
Human Resources, Executive Recruitment
P. O. Box 1110, Tampa, FL 33601
Or e-mail: dahmad@hillsboroughcounty.org
CLOSE DATE: March 31, 2007
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If you or your organization would like to add a job posting here in the DR, please feel free to email the information to hazctr@colorado.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.