In Case of Emergency, Read Blog
Those with any kind of interest in emergency preparedness won’t want to wait to break the glass on this useful aggregation that includes education resources, legislative news, advice from experts, a video series on what the public should know and much more. The blog, subtitled A Citizen’s Eye View of Emergency Preparedness, began as a way for creator John Solomon to discuss, disperse, and develop research he gathered for his upcoming book, In Case of Emergency, Read Book: Simple Steps To Prepare You and Your Family For Terrorism, Natural Disasters and Other 21st Century Crises.
NASA’s Fire and Smoke
National Aeronautics and Space Administration satellites, aircraft, and research are giving firefighters help battling wildfire and scientists a better understanding of the impact fire and smoke have on climate and ecosystems. Now information such as fire and smoke plume images, articles on the latest research, and multimedia resources will be available on NASA’s just-launched fire and smoke site. Carbon monoxide animations of current fires, video from unmanned Ikhana aircraft, and a gallery of fires around the world are just a few of the not-to-be-missed offerings.
Scientists Without Borders
Scientists Without Borders is a networking site that aims to link scientists of all kinds to “mobilize and coordinate science-based activities that improve quality of life in the developing world.” The site, which launched in May, helps connect members based on research needs and resource availability. The database—which includes organizations, projects, and individuals from physical and social sciences—is searchable by field of study, country, or keyword.
2008 USGS National Seismic Hazard Maps
The U.S. Geological Survey’s updated versions of the 2002 seismic hazard maps were created by incorporating earthquake and ground shaking information gathered from science and engineering workshops, review by science organizations and state surveys, and advice from two expert panels, according to a USGS statement. The resulting maps—which include new findings on ground shaking, faults, seismicity, and geodesy—display earthquake ground motions that can be applied to building codes, insurance rate structures, risk assessments, and other public policy.
NGDC’s Historic Hazard Events on Google Earth
The National Geophysical Data Center now offers natural hazard data in a format that will allow Google Earth users to visualize historic disasters such as tsunamis, tsunami run-ups, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions more easily. In addition to the new technology, the Natural Hazard Data site still allows users to view data sets in other forms, including ArcIMS and old-fashioned photographs.
Risk Assessment of North Pacific Shipping Spills
The National Research Council’s Risk of Vessel Accidents and Spills in the Aleutian Islands: Designing a Comprehensive Risk Assessment can be downloaded at this site. The recent report presents a framework for assessing ship accidents and spill risk and aims to help manage safer shipping operations in the North Pacific. Other Transportation Research Board publications related to waterway transportation safety also are listed.
Gentilly Mapping Project Report
Get the latest information on this unique project that employs researchers, students, politicians and residents in mapping the progress of rebuilding New Orleans’ Gentilly district. Through GIS systems, volunteers are tracking the neighborhood’s rebuilding, giving a visual representation of where efforts are succeeding or need help. The report outlines the project’s conception, methodology, and progress. Project data can be accessed at http://icpd.dartmouth.edu/viewer.php.