Katrina Task Force Research Bulletins
Keeping up with Katrina research can be difficult these days—but it doesn’t need to be. The Social Science Research Council’s Katrina Research Hub—a great source of news, events, and information related to Hurricane Katrina—is now offering biweekly research bulletins that condense salient research into one-page reports outlining the project, findings, and recommendations. Links to bibliographies and researchers are included if you want to learn more.
The Association of State Floodplain Managers
The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) website is awash in improvements. Visitors looking for plans and reports can now view the most recent additions in the latest document section or use the just-added search feature. There’s a job corner where you can post open positions, a calendar of upcoming events, and a new members only section that will soon offer forums and specialized resources. Although much work has been done, there’s more on the way and ASFPM is looking for feedback—let them know what you think.
A Dialogue on the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review
Got an opinion on homeland security? Sign up to take part in the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review, a process that will assist the Department of Homeland Security in planning its goals and priorities for the next four years. More information on the first-of-it’s-kind, web-based dialogue—along with updates and news—is available on the site. The three-part dialogue is set to begin August 3.
Heart Healthy Firefighter
National Firefighter Health Week, August 17-21, is right around the corner, but this site is dedicated to year-round firefighter health, especially heart health. With diet, exercise, and lifestyle resources geared towards individuals, families, and departments, firefighters will find plenty of information to help them put their whole heart into their work.
Cultural Competency for Disaster Preparedness and Crisis Response
Disasters create culturally diverse victims and now U.S. Health and Human Services is offering a program to help disaster responders deal with them in a culturally competent way. The Cultural Competency Curriculum for Disaster Preparedness and Crisis Response is a free, four-part online course that equips workers with the awareness and skills to provide culturally appropriate service during disasters. Students who complete the course can also receive Continuing Education credits.
Safer from the Start
Safer from the Start: A Guide to Firewise-Friendly Developments is the latest addition to the bevy of Firewise homeowner resources—one that helps developers and community leaders make sure homes have fire protection built in and homeowners’ associations ensure they stay that way. Community guideline examples, checklists, and other resources are included.
Safe Homes for All
The Safe Homes for All website builds on the Hurricane Mitigation Leadership Forum held in Washington, D.C., on June 24. The forum focused on climate change impacts and how they affect housing and evacuation of low-income populations. The site offers information from the most recent forum, as well as past forums. News, video, resources, comments, and calls to action are included.