Beware of Distracted Editors
Much has been made recently of the dangers of texting and using social media while driving, but what about while trying to produce a newsletter?
For your safety, this DR is long on Natural Hazards Center announcements and short on articles. That's because we're once again in Austin for the giant media conference South by Southwest Interactive, where we're hoping to pick up more new tricks to make DR, the Observer, the Natural Hazards Library, and Workshop more useful—and yes, more fun.
But we also have a lot to tell you about this week: there's a new Observer, the student paper competition is now open, and of course we still have new resources, conferences, and jobs that can't wait.
So we'll look forward to seeing you again in two weeks, when we'll be back in Boulder full of new ideas—and able to focus.
The Latest Natural Hazards Observer Is Online
The latest edition of the Natural Hazards Observer is now available online. Featured articles from the March 2013 Observer include:
- Clarifying Resilience
- Rethinking Hurricane Risk Communication
- Helping At-Risk People Survive Tornadoes
- Reducing Risk and Building Resilience in Cities
And for those of you that would rather get the print edition, we’re still offering readers an Observer subscription for only $15 per year. Those interested in subscribing can sign up on our subscription page using a credit card, or be invoiced later.
Hazards and Disasters Student Paper Competition Now Open
Your research paper could net you $100 and free entry into this summer’s Natural Hazards Workshop if chosen as one of the two winners of our annual Hazards and Disasters Student Paper Competition.
Papers may present current research, literature reviews, theoretical arguments, or case studies on social or behavioral aspects of hazards or disasters. The competition is open to graduate or undergraduate students enrolled for at least one term of the 2012-2013 academic year.
Papers must be submitted by April 29, 2013. For more information and application instructions, visit the competition page on the Natural Hazards Center Web site.
Call Outs: Calls for Papers, Abstracts, Proposals, and More
Call for Participation
Sequester Survey
American Geosciences Institute
Deadline: Not posted
The American Geosciences Institute is requesting geoscience professionals complete a survey to help gauge how the recent federal government sequestration will impact their work. Feedback is sought from professionals in government, industry, education, nonprofit, and other sectors. The survey, which should be completed once a week, will help the AGI measure the ongoing impacts and gaps in service caused by the spending cuts. For more information, visit the survey site.
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Call for Applications
Disaster Response and Recovery Fellowships
Presidential Innovation Fellows Program
Deadline: March 17, 2013
The Presidential Innovation Fellows program is accepting applications from innovators in the private, nonprofit, and academic sectors that would like to pair with government workers to create advances in disaster response and recovery. Fellowships last 6-12 months. To learn more about the program and submit an application, visit the Presidential Innovation Fellows Web site.
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Call for Applications
Dam Safety Senior Undergraduate Scholarship
Association of State Dam Safety Officials
Deadline: March 31, 2013
The Association of State Dam Safety Officials is accepting scholarships for its Undergraduate Scholarship award. Scholarships of up to $10,000 will be awarded for the 2013-2014 academic year to eligible applicants. Applicants should be U.S. citizens and enrolled full-time in an accredited civil engineering program or related field. For more information or to submit an application, visit the Dam Safety Web site.
Some New Web Resources
Guide to Teaching Fire Safety to Students with Disabilities
Even the most experienced fire safety educator might not be experienced in helping students with disabilities stay safe. That’s why there’s this guide to help discuss what’s needed to prevent fires and how to communicate fire safety effectively. The guide—and several companion videos—focuses especially on assisting those with vision, hearing, mobility, and developmental disorders.
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InaSAFE
When disaster strike, most people would rather be in a safe place. InaSAFE software helps make sure they will be. The newly developed Indonesia Scenario Assessment for Emergencies uses information from scientists, the government, and community members to create realistic models of the impacts disasters can have on specific locales—including detailed projections by sector. The open-source software can be used by anyone who needs to explore the potential effects of disaster, so check it out today.
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Crisis360
When universities and other organizations are in crisis, Crisis360 will make sure they have view of their emergency management operations. This app—available on Apple and Android platforms—was designed to deliver situational awareness, continuity, of operations, and risk and emergency management support. With a bevy of customizable options, you’ll want to visit the Web site yourself and take a tour of what Crisis360 can do for you.
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Climate Change at the National Academies
This site from the National Academies isn’t exactly new—it used to be America’s Climate Choices—but more has changed than just the name. The site and its e-newsletter will now serve as a clearinghouse for National Academies climate change news, videos, webinars, and books. Go there to keep updated on sustainability and energy information, as well as activities such as the Climate Education Roundtable.
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SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
Sometimes disaster survivors just need someone to talk to, but who'd think to ring up dear old Uncle Sam? Turns out the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration is sitting by the phone 24/7/365, just waiting to talk to people who are feeling anxious about or having trouble coping with disaster—counselors will even respond to text messages! Not only does the Web site offer downloadable brochures and wallet cards to help identify when someone's having trouble coping and how to contact the service, but it also has specific advice for a range of current disasters, including drought.
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.]
March 14-16, 2013
International Conference on Landslide Risk
Tunis National Engineering School
Ain Draham, Tunisia
Cost and Registration: $784, open until filled
This conference will discuss landslide prediction, mitigation, and monitoring techniques. Topics include advances in mapping technologies, risk assessment, drainage and anchoring techniques, modeling of slopes in unsaturated soils, earthquake triggering of landslides, progressive slope failure, and advances in LIDAR and field monitoring.
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April 10-12, 2013
International Workshop on Environmental Security, Geological Hazards, and Management
Erasmus Mundus
Canary Islands, Spain
Cost and Registration: $326 before March 15, open until filled
This conference will discuss rural population departure resulting from increased floods, wildfires, drought, and landslide. Topics include climate change impacts on water and energy supply, geological hazards, threats to water resources, public health impacts, and governance leading to resilient, safe, and sustainable communities.
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April 13-17, 2013
National Planning Conference
American Planning Association
Chicago, Illinois
Cost and Registration: $1,045, open until filled
This conference provides professional development for those involved in community planning. Hazard related topics include Caribbean sea level rise, climate mitigation and adaptation planning, digital hazard planning in Monterey, disaster resiliency planning, post-disaster recovery planning, resources for protecting coastal counties, and how to plan for drought.
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April 15-17, 2013
Maritime Security
Maritime Security 2013
St. Petersburg, Florida
Cost and Registration: $445, open until filled
This conference will present technologies and mitigation strategies to reduce maritime security threats. Topics include best practices in the transportation and safeguarding of hazardous materials, the challenges and consequences of an IT breach during a port operation, resources to enhance existing radiological and nuclear detection, and tips for getting funding from the Port Securities Grant Program and the Urban Area Security Initiative program.
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May 19-23, 2013
World Environmental & Water Resources Congress
American Society of Civil Engineers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cost and Registration: $820 before April 15, open until filled
This conference will discuss economic stresses, developing technologies, and emerging requirements in water management. Topics include decision support tools for drought monitoring and forecasting, advances in rainwater capture and reuse, emerging contaminants in groundwater, past floods, alternate water supply planning, and hazardous, toxic, and radioactive waste.
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May 29-31, 2013
Australian and New Zealand Disaster and Emergency Management Conference
Disaster Management Conference
Brisbane, Australia
Cost and Registration: $799 before March 27, open until filled
This conference will discuss post-disaster psychological and physical problems, as well as community ability to prepare for and recover from disasters. Topics include managing animals in disasters, current trends in emergency management education, the role of local government in business recovery, trauma and disaster mental health mitigation, national response to jurisdictional emergencies, decision support systems for evacuation planning, and New Zealand’s first public alert system with mobile apps.
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Supervisory Program Specialist, GS-14
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Washington, DC
Salary: $105,211 to $136,771
Closing Date: March 11, 2013
This position will develop short and long-range community preparedness programs, including Citizen Corps and other voluntary organizations. Responsibilities include measuring national preparedness activities, reviewing proposed compliance activities, establishing partnerships with local organizations, and conducting employee performance evaluations. One year of specialized experience at or above the GS-13 level is required, including experience managing community preparedness programs.
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Emergency Management Senior Consultant
AMEC
Boulder, Colorado
Salary: Not posted
Closing Date: Open until filled
This position will manage and market hazard mitigation and emergency management services for state and local governments. Responsibilities include developing and updating hazard mitigation plans to meet multiple program standards—including the National Flood Insurance’s Community Rating System, coordinating and facilitating meetings, and assisting with grant proposals and company marketing. A bachelor’s degree in planning or emergency management and at least 10 years of experience in hazard mitigation planning is required. Knowledge of HAZUS, federal disaster grant programs, FEMA’s benefit cost software, and CRS is preferred.
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Disaster Services Manager
American Red Cross
Anchorage, Alaska
Salary: Not posted
Closing Date: Open until filled
This position participates in the development of preparedness and emergency response initiatives within the chapter’s jurisdiction. Responsibilities include recruiting, training, and leading Disaster Action Team volunteers, working with government and nongovernmental organizations in developing emergency plans, delivering trainings to community partners and volunteers, and responding to disasters within the chapter’s jurisdiction. A bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of experience implementing social service programs is required. Supervisory experience and knowledge of the Anchorage area is preferred.
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Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Palmetto Health
Columbia, South Carolina
Salary: Not posted
Closing Date: Open until filed
This position will assist with the hospital emergency management program operations, and ensure that the Joint Commission Environment of Care Emergency Preparedness guidelines are met. Responsibilities include conducting quarterly inventories of preparedness supplies, developing hospital emergency management plans, coordinating funding and managing budgets, and reducing environmental hazards and risks. Two years of college and at least five years of emergency management experience are required. National Incident Management System (NIMS) certification is preferred.
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Business Continuity Planning Director
Janus Capital
Denver, Colorado
Salary: Not posted
Closing Date: Open until filled
This position will develop and monitor the company’s business continuity program. Responsibilities include identifying critical processes, outlining the technology and tools required to recover, ensuring that continuity plans adhere to corporate policies and procedures, identifying acceptable recovery time periods, and leading the crisis management team in the event of a disaster. A bachelor’s degree in business or information management and at least 8 years of business continuity experience is required. Certified Business Continuity Planner accreditation is preferred.
Contributions of jobs, conferences, and other content to this newsletter can be sent to jolie.breeden@colorado.edu. Please include “for Disaster Research” in the subject line.
To subscribe, visit http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/dr/ or e-mail jolie.breeden@colorado.edu.