NOAA Space Weather Forecasts
Ever wonder how the weather is up there? We mean WAY up there. Now there’s less guessing with these two newly released products from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center. The new, no-frills reports—The Three-Day Forecast and Forecast Discussion—provide information about geomagnetic activity, solar radiation, radio blackouts, energetic particles, solar wind, and more. The agency is accepting feedback on the new reports until January 11, so check them out today.
Addressing Loss and Damage in the Context of Social Vulnerability and Resilience
This report looks at how societies respond to climate change-induced hazards and disasters and how policy and science frameworks can work toward addressing loss and risk. The report, published by the UN University Institute for Environment and Human Security, is based on knowledge gleaned from the Keystone Conference on social vulnerability in the context of climate adaptation, held in Bonn, Germany, in October. Report recommendations include considering loss and damage as part of a system where climate change shapes social processes, including social vulnerability and resilience in loss discussions, and realizing the solutions to vulnerability can also be found in climate-social interactions.
NIMS ICS Guide for the iPhone
This handy dandy app will let you keep your National Incident Management System Incident Command System Guide in your pocket and your head in the game. With customizable features such as dynamic checklists, incident-specific contacts and addresses, and the ability to bookmark oft-used sections, this app is perfect for training or the field. Not into NIMS? Check out this Mission Mode list of disaster and crisis apps (sorry Android users, they’re all iSpecific).
Survey on Emergency Communications and People with Disabilities
This survey will collect data about how people with disabilities use 911 services and emergency alerts. The effort, conducted by the Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center, will be shared with emergency response professionals with the aim of improving emergency communication for the disabled (and if that’s not enough incentive, survey takers can also qualify to win a $100 Amazon gift certificate).
Regional Risk Analysis Reports for Wildfire Management
The U.S. government's interagency Forests and Rangelands effort has just released a series of risk analysis reports designed to support decision making when fighting wildfires. The reports, which were created in response to the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy, can help fire management organizations integrate key elements of the management strategy into operations; balance federal, state, and local interests; and better leverage funds.