Science360 News Service
What do you get when you cross National Science Foundation know-how with a slick news aggregation format? Science360—it’s all the serious science news you could hope for with the crisp, media-heavy offerings of an online news feed. The new site, launched by NSF last week, has video, breaking news, daily exclusives, and the latest from science blogs and journals. And while the news is cool, don’t miss the with-it collection of video, audio, and images at www.science360.gov.
UNT Emergency Planning, Preparedness, and Readiness Information
Students at the University of North Texas now have a new resource to help them prepare for emergencies and disasters—and so do their parents and professors. The UNT Emergency Planning site has a little something for everyone with information on making a plan, how to get emergency and medical training, campus services, and much more.
VerySpatial.com
You don’t have to be a geography nerd to get a kick out of the goofy, interesting content at VerySpatial.com (subtitled “Geography…In Stereo”). The site is full of podcasts, “TV” episodes, and news about everything from GIS tools to arctic ice shelves. When it comes to making geography very accessible and very relevant, VerySpatial is very cool.
Slightly Morbid
When you die, who will be the faces weeping over your casket? C’mon, you know you’ve thought about it—now SlightlyMorbid.com lets you make a list and shoot off some last words, even after you’ve “left the building.” And, according to the site’s owners, it’s just as useful to let people know you’re still alive after a disaster strikes your area. Those living in danger zones could find the one-time fee, ranging from $10 to $50, quite a bargain either way.
NDIN Information Network
The National Disaster Interfaith Network has a new “e-bulletin board” papered with disaster news, research, events, and resources aimed at helping the faith-based community deliver services to those in need. Those looking for information on best practices, preparedness initiatives, or anything else to give them an edge in serving disaster victims can browse online, or sign up for the INET newsletter.
FEMA Distribution Course for State and Local Governments
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has created a self-directed course to help state and local governments effectively distribute emergency supplies during disasters. The course, along with an accompanying video and guide, is available online or by mail.
The Landslide Handbook
This online USGS handbook has a little landslide information for everyone—homeowners, community managers, and decision makers. Those in vulnerable areas can get location-specific info including photograph and charts you don’t have to be a geologist to understand.