Natural Hazards Observer
| September 2006 | Volume XXXI | Number 1 |
Below are brief descriptions of some of the resources on hazards and disasters that have recently come to the attention of the Natural Hazards Center. Direct Web links are provided for items that are available free online. Other materials can be purchased through the publisher and/or local and online booksellers.
Publications, Reports, and More
All Hazards • Hurricanes and Floods • Earthquakes, Landslides, and Volcanoes • Tsunamis • Wildfire • Climate Change • Health •
Updates, Revisions, and New Editions • GAO Reports • CRS Reports
All Hazards
Facing Hazards and Disasters: Understanding Human Dimensions. ISBN 0-309-10178-6. 2006. 408 pp. $67.00. National Academies Press; (202) 334-3313; (800) 624-6242; www.nap.edu/. Social science research conducted since the late 1970s has contributed greatly to society’s ability to mitigate and adapt to natural, technological, and willful disasters. However, as evidenced by recent events, hazards and disasters research and its application could be greatly improved. This report includes over thirty recommendations for the hazards and disasters community. Notably, comparative research should be conducted to refine and measure core components of societal vulnerability and resilience to hazards of all types, address the special requirements of confronting disasters caused by terrorist acts, and advance knowledge about mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery related to disasters having catastrophic physical and social impacts. Moreover, strategic planning and institution building are needed to address issues related to the management and sharing of data on hazards and disasters, sustain the momentum of interdisciplinary research, advance the utilization of social science findings, and sustain the hazards and disasters research workforce.
Regional Disaster Resilience: A Guide for Developing an Action Plan. The Infrastructure Security Partnership (TISP). ISBN 0-7844-0880-7. 2006. 44 pp. Free. American Society of Civil Engineers (TISP); tisp@tisp.org; www.tisp.org/rdr_guide. This guide was developed by the TISP Regional Disaster Resilience Committee, which is made up of practitioners, policy makers, and technical and scientific experts from across the nation. It provides a strategy to develop the necessary level of preparedness for communities to manage major disasters. It provides key definitions and a set of common assumptions that underpin regional disaster resilience with the goal of providing users with the ability to examine and leverage existing approaches, tools, and technologies and to foster standardization across interdependent infrastructures and regions.
Worst Cases: Terror and Catastrophe in the Popular Imagination. Lee Clarke. ISBN 0-226-10859-7. 2005. 200 pp. $22.50. The University of Chicago Press; www.press.uchicago.edu/. In this book, the author surveys possible catastrophes that animate and dominate the popular imagination, from toxic spills and terrorism to plane crashes and pandemics. Along the way, he explores how the ubiquity of worst cases in everyday life has rendered them ordinary and mundane and argues that only when the public has more substantial information and more credible warnings will it take worst cases as seriously as it should.
Surviving Armageddon: Solutions for a Threatened Planet. Bill McGuire. ISBN 0-19-280571-1. 2005. 248 pp. $24.99. Oxford University Press; (919) 677-0977, (800) 451-7556; www.oup.com/. This book looks at the major threats to our planet, assesses the solutions that have been proposed, both bizarre and realistic, and concludes that there really are ways to at least limit, if not prevent, the damage caused by future disasters.
Five Years Post 9/11, One Year Post Katrina: The State of America’s Readiness. U.S. Mayors Homeland Security Monitoring Center. 2006. 16 pp. Free. U.S. Conference of Mayors; (202) 293-7330; www.mayors.org/uscm/news/press_releases/documents/
disasterpreparednesssurvey_2006.pdf. As part of the effort to strengthen emergency preparedness and homeland security, the U.S. Conference of Mayors conducted a survey to gauge the readiness of America’s cities. This report is a compilation of the survey responses received from 183 cities representing 38 states. Questions focused on issues such as federal resources for interoperable communications, improvement in levels of disaster preparedness, city evacuation plans, and confidence in the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
National Survey of State Homeland Security Officials. 2006. 40 pp. Free online. Institute for the Economy and the Future, Western Carolina University; http://ief.wcu.edu/pdf/HSReport.pdf. In this survey report, state homeland security and emergency management officials from across the United States express serious concerns about key aspects of domestic security, including communications, immigration, critical infrastructure, safety of schools, and funding allocations.
Beyond Initial Response: Using the National Incident Management System’s Incident Command System. Tim Deal, Michael de Bettencourt, Vickie Huyck, Gary Merrick, and Chuck Mills. ISBN 1-4259-1891-3. 2006. 320 pp. $38.00. AuthorHouse; (888) 280-7715; www.authorhouse.com/. This book was written to fill a gap in Incident Command System (ICS) training and is designed to be used as both a reference and a response tool. Major focus areas include the ICS planning process, ICS positions, and Unified Command. Job aids, checklists, illustrations, and sample documents are also provided.
Simplified Guide to the Incident Command System for Transportation Professionals. 2006. 64 pp. Free online. Federal Highway Administration; Laurel.Radow@fhwa.dot.gov; www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/ics_guide/. The purpose of this guide is to introduce the Incident Command System (ICS) to stakeholders who may need to provide specific expertise, assistance, or material during highway incidents, but who may be largely unfamiliar with ICS organization and operations. These stakeholders include transportation agencies and companies involved in towing and recovery as well as elected officials and government agency managers. This document may also be beneficial to public safety professionals who are familiar with ICS but may not fully understand how ICS concepts are applicable to transportation agencies.
Communicating with the Public Using ATIS during Disasters: Concept of Operations. 2006. 35 pp. Free online. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Joint Program Office; www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/JPODOCS/REPTS_TE/14262.htm. This document is part of a study being conducted for the Federal Highway Administration Office of Operations and the DOT ITS Joint Program Office. The purpose of the study is to examine what information needs to be communicated to evacuees and other travelers under disaster conditions and how the advanced traveler information system assets of a state’s department of transportation or other transportation agency can be effectively used to deliver such information. This document details a concept of operations for dissemination of information to the traveling public during a disaster, illustrating how agencies need to interface with each other and what information needs to be shared.
Mega-Shelter: A Best Practices for Planning, Activation, Operations. 2006. 218 pp. Free online. International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM); (972) 906-7441; www.iaam.org/members/Sec_pages/Mega-ShelterPlanning
&Activation.pdf. In 2005, arenas, stadiums, convention centers, and performing arts theaters became temporary homes and medical facilities for extended periods. This document is the result of an industry task force led by IAAM to establish nationally recognized guidelines for major facilities that are converted to megashelters following a disaster. Part one addresses planning and activation; part two provides guidelines for operating a megashelter. This is a living document. Updates will be released as revisions are made.
The Disasters of the 21st Century: A Mixture of New, Old, and Mixed Types. E.L. Quarantelli. Preliminary Paper 353. 2006. 15 pp. Free online. Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware; http://dspace.udel.edu:8080/
dspace/bitstream/19716/2374/1/PP+353+REVISED.pdf. This paper examines the appearance of a new category of disasters that jump to or cut across different social systems: trans-system social ruptures (TSSR). It describes the major social characteristics of TSSR using Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the spread of the SoBig computer F virus as examples, suggests where future TSSR might occur, and concludes with a discussion about how in this century we will concurrently see these newer types of disasters along with the older ones (e.g., natural and technological), as well as a mixed form that has characteristics of both the old and the new.
The Human Impact on the Natural Environment. Andrew Goudie. Sixth edition. ISBN 1-4051-2704-X. 2006. 376 pp. $39.95. Blackwell Publishing; (800) 216-2522; orders@aidcvt.com; www.blackwellpublishing.com/. The new edition of this student text provides an up-to-date and comprehensive view of the major environmental issues facing the world today and serves as an introduction to the past, present, and future impact of humans on Earth. Specifically, it explores the impact of humans on vegetation, animals, soils, water, landforms, and the atmosphere. Four completely new chapters explore how global climate change may impact Earth in the future.
Linking Poverty Reduction and Disaster Risk Management. Annette Schmidt, Lena Bloemertz, and Elisio Macamo, editors. 2006. 90 pp. Free online. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH; ++49 (0)61 96 79-0 ( Germany); www.gtz.de/de/dokumente/en-linking-povred-drm.pdf. This baseline study, which was carried out as a reaction to the increasing numbers of disasters triggered by natural hazards in developing countries that put development at risk, looks at the connection between poverty reduction and disaster risk management and sees their interlinkage as essential for sustainable development. The purpose of the study was to show how disaster risk management and poverty reduction can be made to complement each other and suggests ways of linking the two themes.
Natural Disaster and Disaster Risk Reduction Measures: A Desk Review of Costs and Benefits. Environmental Resources Management. Draft Final Report. 2005. 45 pp. Free online. Department for International Development (United Kingdom); www.dfid.gov.uk/pubs/files/disaster-risk-reduction-study.pdf. This document reports the results of a study commissioned to provide an understanding of the economic impacts of disasters, at both macro and local level, and to assess the associated costs and benefits of disaster risk reduction measures. It features a literature review; a discussion of disaster risk reduction measures, including benefits of implementation and ways to estimate benefits; and case studies that illustrate the benefits of implementing comprehensive disaster risk reduction programs.
The Evolving UN Cluster Approach in the Aftermath of the Pakistan Earthquake: An NGO Perspective. 2006. 36 pp. Free online. Action Aid International; +44 (0)20 7561 7561 (United Kingdom); www.actionaid.org.uk/doc_lib/234_1_un_cluster_approach.pdf. This report draws from the experiences of United Nations’ (UN) agencies and international, national, and local nongovernmental organizations and donors in responding to the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan to provide an analysis of the cluster approach (a new approach to humanitarian aid) and make recommendations for the future.
Operational Framework for Integrating Risk Reduction for Aid Organisations Working in Human Settlement Development. Christine Wamsler. Working Paper 14. 2006. 46 pp. Free online. Benfield Hazard Research Centre; www.benfieldhrc.org/disaster_studies/working_papers/
workingpaper14.pdf. This working paper provides general guidance for development aid organizations working in human settlements for the integration of risk reduction within their regular duties. It is intended for use within a variety of cultural and geographical contexts and is relevant to all types of natural hazards and disasters.
From Challenge to Action: American Red Cross Actions to Improve and Enhance Its Disaster Response and Related Capabilities for the 2006 Hurricane Season and Beyond. 2006.24 pp. Free online. American Red Cross; www.redcross.org/hurricanes2006/actionplan/. Based on a self-assessment of their response to the hurricanes of 2005, the American Red Cross released this report, which describes five challenges facing the organization (relief operations, finances, technology limitations, internal controls, and fundraising) and provides three strategies for resolving these challenges.
Not If, But When: Adapting to Natural Hazards in the Pacific Islands Region. Sofia Bettencourt, Richard Croad, Paul Freeman, John Hay, Roger Jones, Peter King, Padma Lal, Alan Mearns, Geoff Miller, Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough, Alf Simpson, Nakibae Teuatabo, Ulric Trotz, Maarten Van Aalst. 2006. 60 pp. Free online. The World Bank, East Asia and Pacific Region, Pacific Islands Country Management Unit; http://siteresources.worldbank.org/
INTPACIFICISLANDS/Resources/Natural-Hazards-report.pdf. The goal of this policy note is to influence policy makers and development partners in the Pacific Islands region to undertake risk management of natural hazards and minimize the future impacts of natural disasters, climate change, and sea level rise. It advocates practical measures that countries can take to influence development policies and strengthen programs and addresses factors that may constrain or limit collaborative action between communities, island leaders, experts, and development partners.
Hurricanes and Floods
Hurricane Katrina: August 23-31, 2005. Service Assessment. 2006. 50 pp. Free. National Weather Service (NWS), Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services; www.weather.gov/om/assessments/pdfs/Katrina.pdf. With every weather-related disaster comes an NWS service assessment. This one found that the NWS performed exceptionally well in forecasting, warning, communication, preparedness, and poststorm recovery efforts. Nevertheless, room for improvement was noted. In this report, the assessment team highlighted 13 best practices and made 16 recommendations, most of which concern the infrastructure of the NWS, such as electrical power, communications, computing systems, and data gathering systems.
Second Report of the National Academy of Engineering/National Research Council Committee on New Orleans Regional Hurricane Protection Projects National Academies Report on Hurricane Protection Projects. 2006. 22 pp. Free online. National Academies Press; (202) 334-3313, (800) 624-6242; www.nap.edu/catalog/11668.html. 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, the second in a series, evaluates the information presented in IPET’s March 10, 2006, report and identifies issues related to progress toward the IPET study objectives.
Hurricanes and the U.S. Gulf Coast: Science and Sustainable Rebuilding. 2006. 29 pp. Free online. American Geophysical Union (AGU); www.agu.org/report/hurricanes/. This white paper summarizes the discussions and recommendations of a conference of 20 experts convened in January 2006 to discuss what Earth and space scientists know about the present and projected environment in New Orleans and Gulf Coast areas affected by hurricanes in 2005, determine what data are presently available for use by decision makers, and state what the future needs are in research, development, and monitoring. Seven subject areas were examined: hurricanes, storm surge and flooding, subsidence, climate change, hydrology, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness and response. The intent of the paper is to help demonstrate how important science is in its supporting role of aiding decision makers in the rebuilding of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.
We Can Do Better: Lessons Learned for Protecting Older Persons in Disasters. Mary Jo Gibson and Michele Hayunga. 2006. 88 pp. Free online. American Association of Retired Persons (AARP); www.aarp.org/research/assistance/lowincome/better.html. Last December, AARP convened a group of government officials, emergency preparedness and response experts, representatives from relief organizations, and aging and disability advocates to identify lessons learned from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and to explore workable strategies for the future to better protect older persons in the community and in nursing homes. This conference report addresses three major topics as they relate to older persons: planning and communications, identifying who will need help and what kind of help, and evacuation (i.e., transportation and special needs shelters).
Weathering the Storm: The Role of Local Nonprofits in the Hurricane Katrina Relief Effort. Tony Pipa. 2006. 48 pp. Free online. The Aspen Institute, Nonprofit Sector Research Fund; (410) 820-5338; www.nonprofitresearch.org/usr_doc/Nonprofits_and_Katrina.pdf. This working paper highlights the role of grassroots nonprofit organizations in disaster relief and emphasizes the need for the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross to coordinate more effectively with local faith-based organizations.
Katrina and Rita Impacts on Gulf Coast Populations: First Census Findings. William H. Frey and Audrey Singer. 2006. 22 pp. Free online. Brookings Institution; (202) 797-6139; metro@brookings.edu; www.brookings.edu/metro/pubs/20060607_hurricanes.pdf. This analysis provides a baseline portrait of the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on population shifts and changing characteristics in the Gulf Region in the immediate months after the storms hit.
South Louisiana Recovery Survey: Citizen and Civic Leader Research Summary of Findings Project. 2006. 36 pp. Free online. Louisiana Speaks; http://lra.louisiana.gov/assets/junemeeting/2006RecoveryResearchFinal061506.pdf. The Louisiana Recovery Authority funded this study to identify key themes, concerns, values, and priorities of Louisiana citizens in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to ensure that citizen values and priorities form the basis for the recovery plan and the investment decisions that will ultimately flow from it. This report summarizes the study’s key findings.
High Risk Area Hurricane Survey. Harvard School of Public Health Project on the Public and Biological Security. 2006. 11 pp. Free online. Harvard School of Public Health; www.hsph.harvard.edu/hurricane/topline.doc (see also www.hsph.harvard.edu/press/releases/press07202006.html). According to this survey conducted in high hurricane risk counties in eight states, many people are not prepared for the 2006 hurricane season. Specifically, 33 percent of residents said if government officials said they had to evacuate due to a major hurricane, they would not or are unsure if they would leave. Homeowners, whites, and long-term residents are the groups most likely to ride out a major hurricane. People with children under 18 are less likely to remain in their homes. Mobile home owners are no more likely to evacuate than the general public.
Summary of Significant Floods in the United States and Puerto Rico, 1994 through 1998 Water Years. C.A. Perry. Scientific Investigations Report 2005-5194. 2005. 327 pp. Free online. U.S. Geological Survey; (888) 275-8747; http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2005/5194/. This volume is a compilation of significant floods that occurred at streamgages throughout the United States and Puerto Rico from October 1, 1993, through September 30, 1998. A summary of the most devastating floods according to number of lives lost and amount of damage is provided for each water year. Significant floods are also broken down by state/territory.
Earthquakes, Landslides, and Volcanoes
Earthquake Safety Checklist. FEMA 526. 2005. 16 pp. Free. Federal Emergency Management Agency Publication Distribution Center; (800) 480-2520; www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/earthquake/pdf/fema-526.pdf. This quick reference guide helps individuals and families prepare for an earthquake and prevent earthquake-related damage to their homes. It features instructions on conducting earthquake drills and “hazard hunts” as well as a checklist of disaster supplies, tips on what to do during and after an earthquake, and additional resources.
San Francisco Is Burning: The Untold Story of the 1906 Earthquake and Fires. Dennis Smith. ISBN 0-670-03442-8. 2006. 288 pp. $25.95. Penguin Group; http://us.penguingroup.com/. In this tale of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the author recounts the tragedy through the experiences of a number of people who experienced it: a naval officer who helped save the city’s piers and wharves, the corrupt mayor, a firefighter, a woman who ran a shelter, and others. The book is an account of how a city copes with catastrophe—how it prepares for such contingencies, and how effectively it deals with them when they occur.
Bracing for Disaster: Earthquake-Resistant Architecture and Engineering in San Francisco, 1838-1933. Stephen Tobriner. 2006. 320 pp. $30.00. Heyday Books; (510) 549-3564 x304; orders@heydaybooks.com; www.heydaybooks.com/. In this book on the history of seismic engineering in San Francisco, California, the author examines the city’s complex topography and built environment relative to the performance of specific buildings in earthquakes. More than two hundred photographs, diagrams, and illustrations help tell the history of the efforts of San Francisco’s building professionals to build safely in earthquake country.
Report on the Yogyakarta-Central Java Earthquake Disaster. 2006. 9 pp. Free online. Asian Development Bank; www.adb.org/Documents/RAs/INO/yogyakarta-central-java.pdf. This report documents the impacts of the May 27, 2006, earthquake in Java, Indonesia, and the responses by the government, the international community, and the Asian Development Bank.
100 Years of Seismic Safety in California. Claire B. Rubin and Irmak Renda-Tanali. 2006. $10.00. Viewable free online. Claire B. Rubin & Associates; (703) 920-7176; cbrubin@comcast.net; www.disaster-timeline.com/. This time line was produced as part of the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. It charts historic earthquakes that affected California; state organizations; state laws, regulations, directives, and programs; improvements in building and safety standards; and associated federal actions.
Landslides: Processes, Prediction, and Land Use. Roy C. Sidle and Hirotaka Ochiai. ISBN 0-87590-322-3. 2006. 350 pp. $40.00. American Geophysical Union; www.agu.org/. This book explores the understanding of landslide processes, prediction methods, and related land use issues. It provides synopses of how various land uses and management activities influence landslide behavior, analyses of earth surface processes that affect landslide frequency and extent, examples of prediction techniques and methods of landslide hazard assessment, and discussion of landslide types and related costs and damages.
Vesuvius: Education, Security and Prosperity. Flavio Dobran, editor. ISBN 0-444-52104-6. 2006. 432 pp. $121.00. Elsevier; (800) 545-2522; usbkinfo@elsevier.com; www.elsevier.com/. The impetus for this book was VESUVIUS 2000, an interdisciplinary project designed to produce a safe and prosperous habitat for the people living around Vesuvius and preparing the Vesuvius area to confront future eruptions with minimal socioeconomic and cultural consequences. The book is divided into seven chapters, which include discussions on VESUVIUS 2000, education, social and economic realities, geophysical precursors, global volcanic simulation, and more.
Tsunamis
Tsunami Glossary. International Oceanographic Commission and International Tsunami Information Centre. 2006. 40 pp. Free online. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; +33 1 45 68 39 83 (France); http://ioc3.unesco.org/itic/contents.php?id=328. This glossary has been updated to include information on the recent establishment of global intergovernmental coordination groups for tsunami warning and mitigation and to include and improve the definition of terms. Available in English, Spanish, and French, it consists of six sections: tsunami classification; general tsunami terms; surveys and measurements; tide, mareograph, sea level; acronyms and organizations; and bibliography.
GIS and Emergency Management in Indian Ocean Earthquake/Tsunami Disaster. 2006. 40 pp. Free online. ESRI; (909) 793-2853; info@esri.com; www.esri.com/library/whitepapers/pdfs/gis-and-emergency-mgmt.pdf. The objectives of this ESRI white paper include addressing how, after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, geographic information systems (GIS) supported rescue and recovery efforts and continue to support rehabilitation efforts, identifying and reporting on implementations of technology and the associated issues and barriers, describing the GIS data and products that were important to the efforts and those that would have been useful if available, and describing how technology can help prevent catastrophes in this region of the world.
Wildfire
Wildfire: A Century of Failed Forest Policy. George Wuerthner, editor. ISBN 1-59726-070-3. 2006. 350 pp. $45.00. Island Press (University of Chicago Distribution Center); (800) 621-2736; custserv@press.uchicago.edu; www.islandpress.com/. With over 150 photographs and contributions from more than 25 fire ecologists, this book explores wildfire from ecological, economic, and social/political perspectives while also documenting how past forest policies have hindered natural processes and created the problems we face today. Overall, the book aims to promote the restoration of fire to the landscape and to encourage its natural behavior so it can resume its role as a major ecological process.
Climate Change
Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change. Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, editor. ISBN 0-521-86471-2. 2006. 406 pp. $130.00. Cambridge University Press; (845) 353-7500; orders@cup.org; www.cambridge.org/. In 2005, the government of the United Kingdom held a conference to look at scientific issues associated with climate change. This book presents the most recent findings from the international scientists that attended. Topics include critical thresholds and key vulnerabilities of the climate system, impacts on human and natural systems, socioeconomic costs and benefits of emissions pathways, and technological options for meeting different stabilization levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The target audience includes researchers in environmental science, climatology, and atmospheric chemistry; policy makers; and industry scientists and engineers.
Heating Up the Planet: Climate Change and Security. Alan Dupont and Graeme Pearman. Lowy Institute Paper 12. 2006. 82 pp. Au$25.00. Free online. Lowy Institute for International Policy; www.lowyinstitute.org/Publication.asp?pid=391. According to these authors, there is no doubt the world is facing a prolonged period of planetary warming. They argue that climate change poses fundamental questions about human security and survival that require consideration of political and strategic risk as well as economic costs. In this paper, they examine the implications of temperature increases and sea level rise for food, water, energy, infectious diseases, natural disasters, and environmental refugees and ask whether scientists may have underestimated climate change risks. They conclude with recommendations for identifying and ameliorating security consequences of climate change.
Health
Essentials of Public Health Management. L. Fleming Fallon Jr. and Eric J. Zgodzinski. ISBN 0-7637-3153-6. 2006.524 pp. $66.95. Jones and Bartlett Publishers; (978) 443-5000; info@jbpub.com; www.jbpub.com/. Written by practitioners for practitioners and students of public health, this reference text aims to provide a practical, nontheoretical approach to the hands-on management of public health departments and their daily operations. A full section dedicated to emergency preparedness also looks at integrated crisis preparedness, crisis management, and bioterrorism.
Flood Hazards and Health: Responding to Present and Future Risks. Roger Few and Franziska Matthies, editors. ISBN 1-84407-215-0. 2006. 240 pp. £49.50. Earthscan; +44 (0)20 7387 8558 (United Kingdom); earthinfo@earthscan.co.uk; www.earthscan.co.uk/. This book is an assessment and discussion of the global health implications of flooding and future flood risk. It combines an analysis of the human health impacts of flooding with analysis of individual and societal response to those risks, discussing the findings in the context of potential future increases in flood hazards as a result of climate change. The analysis emphasizes the developmental as well as environmental causes of flood risk and the socially differentiated nature of vulnerability and coping capacity.
Disasters: Selected Readings. ISBN 92-751263-3X. Electronic document. 2006. $30.00. Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office of the World Health Organization for the Americas and the Caribbean; http://publications.paho.org/. This publication highlights various aspects of disaster planning and response. It touches on topics such as the handling of supplies, dealing with mass casualties, protecting various elements of the health sector, and coping with mental health issues among survivors. PAHO is offering Observer readers a discount on a package that includes this book as well as Mental Health Services in Disaster: Manual for Humanitarian Workers; Mental Health Services in Disasters: Instructor’s Guide; and the Management of Dead Bodies after Disasters: A Field Manual for First Responders. The total cost of the package is $72.00 (regularly $96.00) without shipping. To receive this discount, contact Mylena Pinzon at pinzonmi@gmail.com.
Updates, Revisions, and New Editions
The purpose of this new section is to alert Observer readers when publications and products previously mentioned in the Observer have been updated or revised or released as a new edition.
2006 National Hurricane Operations Plan. 2006. 181 pp. Free online. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research; (301) 427-2002; ofcm.mail@noaa.gov; www.ofcm.gov/nhop/06/nhop06.htm.
Introduction to Emergency Management. George D. Haddow and Jane A. Bullock. Second edition. ISBN 0-7506-7961-1. 2006. 424 pp. $59.95. Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann; (800) 545-2522; usbkinfo@elsevier.com; www.elsevier.com/.
Introduction to Homeland Security. Jane A. Bullock, George D. Haddow, Damon Coppola, Erdem Ergin, Lissa Westerman, and Sarp Yeletaysi. Second edition. ISBN 0-7506-7992-1. 2006. 672 pp. $69.95. Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann; (800) 545-2522; usbkinfo@elsevier.com; www.elsevier.com/.
The following time lines have been updated and are available for purchase and free online viewing from Claire B. Rubin & Associates; (703) 920-7176; cbrubin@comcast.net; www.disaster-timeline.com/.
Terrorism Time Line: Major Focusing Events and U.S. Outcomes (2001-2005). Claire B. Rubin, Irmak Renda-Tanali, and William R. Cumming. Version 5.00. 2006. $10.00.
Disaster Time Line: Major Focusing Events and U.S. Outcomes (1979-2005). Claire B. Rubin, Irmak Renda-Tanali, and William R. Cumming. Version 3.00. 2006. $10.00.
Government Accountability Office Reports
The following Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports are available free online at www.gao.gov/. Printed copies are also available (first copy is free, additional are $2.00 each). To order, contact the GAO; (202) 512-6000, TDD (202) 512-2537; www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/ordtab.pl.
Wildland Fire Suppression: Lack of Clear Guidance Raises Concerns about Cost Sharing between Federal and Nonfederal Entities. 2006. GAO-06-570. 49 pp.
Wildland Fire Suppression: Better Guidance Needed to Clarify Sharing of Costs between Federal and Nonfederal Entities. 2006. GAO-06-896T. 19 pp.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Coordination between FEMA and the Red Cross Should Be Improved for the 2006 Hurricane Season. 2006. GAO-06-712. 39 pp.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Disaster Relief: Improper and Potentially Fraudulent Individual Assistance Payments Estimated to Be Between $600 Million and $1.4 Billion. 2006. GAO-06-844T. 30 pp.
Expedited Assistance for Victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: FEMA’s Control Weaknesses Exposed the Government to Significant Fraud and Abuse. 2006. GAO-06-655. 53 pp.
Coast Guard: Observations on the Preparation, Response, and Recovery Missions Related to Hurricane Katrina. 2006. GAO-06-903. 49 pp.
Homeland Security: DHS Is Addressing Security at Chemical Facilities, but Additional Authority Is Needed. 2006. GAO-06-899T. 25 pp.
Homeland Security: Guidance and Standards Are Needed for Measuring the Effectiveness of Agencies’ Facility Protection Efforts. 2006. GAO-06-612. 74 pp.
Individual Disaster Assistance Programs: Framework for Fraud Prevention, Detection, and Prosecution. 2006. GAO-06-954T. 17 pp.
Disaster Preparedness: Limitations in Federal Evacuation Assistance for Health Facilities Should Be Addressed. 2006. GAO-06-826. 57 pp.
Congressional Research Service Reports
Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Legislation for Disaster Assistance: Summary Data FY1989 to FY2005. Justin Murray. January 9, 2006. RL33226. 9 pp. www.opencrs.com/document/RL33226/.
Disaster Evacuation and Displacement Policy: Issues for Congress. Keith Bea. April 26, 2006. RS22235. 6 pp. www.opencrs.com/document/RS22235/.
Homeland Security Department: FY2007 Appropriations. Jennifer E. Lake and Blas Nuñez-Neto. May 10, 2006. RL33428. 72 pp. www.opencrs.com/document/RL33428/.
Project Bioshield. Frank Gottron. June 5, 2006. RS21507.6 pp. www.opencrs.com/document/RS21507/.
Disaster Debris Removal After Hurricane Katrina. Linda Luther. June 16, 2006. RL33477. 22 pp. www.opencrs.com/document/RL33477/.
FEMA Reorganization Legislation in the 109th Congress. Keith Bea and Henry Hogue. July 7, 2006. RL33522. 39 pp. www.opencrs.com/document/RL33522/.
Homeland Security Grants: Evolution of Program Guidance and Grant Allocation Methods. Shawn Reese. August 1, 2006. RL33583. 26 pp. www.hlswatch.com/sitedocs/RL33583.pdf.
Web Sites of Interest
All Hazards • Severe Weather, Climate Change, and Floods •
Wildfire • Earthquakes and Tsunamis • Health
United Nations International Strategy for DisasterReduction Library www.unisdr.org/eng/library/lib-index.htm
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:Economics and Social Sciences Web Site
www.economics.noaa.gov/
U.S. Department of the Interior: Emergency Management www.doi.gov/emergency/
Federal Emergency Management Agency: Incident Command System Resource Center
www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/ICSResource/
HelpinDisaster.org: Disaster Volunteer Registry
www.helpindisaster.org/
National Science Foundation Special Report on Disasters (Updated): Immediate Response and NSF and 9/11
www.nsf.gov/news/special_reports/disasters/
American Red Cross: Disaster Victim Safe and Well Registry
https://disastersafe.redcross.org/
Disability Resources in an Emergency from the Northeast Center for Special Care
www.northeastcenter.com/links_disability_resources_in_a_disaster.htm
MileHi NewOrleans: Helping Hurricane Katrina Evacueesin Colorado
www.milehineworleans.org/
Extension Disaster Education Network: Children and Disasters http://eden.lsu.edu/Issues_View.aspx?IssueID=9DC4F45E-D715-4577-8AFF-BCC29D5BEEC5
ReallyReady.org: A Federation of American Scientists Project
www.reallyready.org/
Disaster Watch: Initiative Supporting Growth and Development of Women-Centered, Community-Based Postdisaster Response
www.disasterwatch.net/
Severe Weather, Climate Change, and Floods
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Hurricanes (English and Spanish) www.epa.gov/hurricanes/
Hurricane Animations: How the Storms Destroy and 150 Years of Ruin http://hurricane.emeraldcoast.com/interactive/hurricane_categories.php
Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City—Hurricane Guide in 11 Languages
www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/ready/hurricane_guide.shtml
National Aeronautics and Space Administration DataVisualization: 27 Storms: Arlene to Zeta
http://learners.gsfc.nasa.gov/mediaviewer/27Storms/
U.S. Census Bureau: Hurricane Data and EmergencyPreparedness
www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/emergencies/
Times-Picayune Interactive Graphics: Flash Flood—Hurricane Katrina’s Inundation of New Orleans, August 29, 2005
www.nola.com/katrina/graphics/flashflood.swf
Urban Institute Policy Briefs: After Katrina
www.urban.org/afterkatrina/
The Long Island Express: The Great Hurricane of 1938
www2.sunysuffolk.edu/mandias/38hurricane/
Struckbylightning.org: Lightning/Electrical Safety Education
http://struckbylightning.org/
National Center for Atmospheric Research Center for Capacity Building
www.ccb.ucar.edu/
Institute of Business & Home Safety: Water Damage Recovery Guide
www.ibhs.org/newsroom/view.asp?id=489
National Wildfire Coordination Group’s Training Information
http://training.nwcg.gov/
Firewise Online Learning Center
www.firewise.org/fw_youcanuse/learningcenter/
Western Wildfire Impact Reduction Center
www.westernwildfire.org/
Proceedings of the 2006 Wildland Fire Safety Summit
www.iawfonline.org/summit/
National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program
www.nehrp.gov/
EQNET Earthquake Information: Java, Indonesia, May 27, 2006 and July 17, 2006
http://128.205.131.100:591/archives/java_052706.htm http://128.205.131.100:591/archives/java_071706.html
United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Library: ISDR – BIBLIO 1: Tsunami
www.unisdr.org/eng/library/biblio/isdr-%20biblio-1-tsunami-2006.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Support for the Emergency Management Assistance Compact
www.bt.cdc.gov/planning/emac/
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule: Disclosures for Emergency Preparedness—A Decision Tool www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/decisiontool/
U.S. Government Avian and Pandemic Flu Information www.pandemicflu.gov/
Trust for America’s Health: Pandemic Flu and You—Get Prepared!
www.pandemicfluandyou.org/
World Health Organization Global Influenza Programme
www.who.int/csr/disease/influenza/en/