Disaster Planning
Your Guide to the Safe Handling of Flammable Liquids
In the March article, Your Guide To The Safe Handling Of Flammable Liquids, we discussed the chemistry of fire and some fire facts about flammable liquids,...
Responder Health and Safety: Who Cares for the Caregivers?
During emergency situations, such as natural or man-made disasters, often the last people thought to need care are the first responders, the caregivers....
Reform is on the Agenda at Department of Homeland Security
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano ordered an Efficiency Review across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) last month – an effort that the Obama administration says will make the department work better by promoting efficiency, reducing duplication and improving customer service in DHS functions....
President Obama Proposes W. Craig Fugate to Lead FEMA
President Barack Obama on March 4 announced his intent to nominate the Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Craig Fugate, to be his FEMA administrator. ...
Hudson Rescue Workers Aided by Science
Underwater sensors and forecast models, which provided lifesaving information on wind and water conditions, aided the emergency teams responding to the Jan. 15 US Airways Flight 1549 crash....
OSHA Fines New Jersey Distribution Center $123,100 for Workplace Safety Violations
OSHA proposed $123,100 in penalties for Edison, N.J.-based O.C.E. Warehouse and Distribution Center for alleged workplace safety and health violations, including failing to provide unobstructed exit routes for employees in case of emergency....
Report: Nation Not Ready for Pandemic Flu
The Committee on Homeland Security released a majority staff report examining the nation’s state of preparedness and response capabilities in the event of a pandemic influenza outbreak. The report identifies current weaknesses and provides recommendations for what Congress, the incoming administration and the public and private sectors can do to achieve national readiness to combat this threat....
OSHA Forms Alliance with PandemicPrep.Org in St. Louis
OSHA’s St. Louis area office and PandemicPrep.Org have formed an alliance to provide information, guidance and access to training resources that will enhance public and occupational knowledge of pandemic influenza....
Pennsylvanians Urged to Include Emergency Preparedness in New Year's Resolutions
While many people typically resolve to improve their lifestyles, health or financial situations in the new year, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Robert P. French urges residents to also include a resolution to be ready for emergencies....
DHS Announces $34 Million in Emergency Operations Center Grants
On Dec. 16, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) opened the application period for approximately $34 million under the FY 2009 Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) Grant Program. These grants are intended to improve state, local and tribal emergency management and preparedness capabilities by supporting flexible, sustainable, secure and interoperable Emergency Operations Centers....
The Ready Campaign Encourages Americans to Resolve to Be Ready in 2009
With the new year approaching, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Ready Campaign reminds Americans to Resolve to be Ready in 2009. Resolve to be Ready is a nationwide effort designed to encourage individuals, families, businesses and communities to take action and prepare for emergencies in the new year....
Report: Economic Crisis Affects U.S. Preparedness for Health Emergencies
Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) on Dec. 9 released the sixth annual “Ready or Not? Protecting the Public's Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism” report, which finds that progress made to better protect the country from disease outbreaks, natural disasters and bioterrorism is now at risk, due to budget cuts and the economic crisis. In addition, the report concludes that major gaps remain in many critical areas of preparedness, including surge capacity, rapid disease detection and food safety....
Emergency Managers Call for Restoring FEMA to Independent Agency Status
The U.S. Council of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM-USA) is calling for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to be restored to its former status as an independent agency reporting directly to the president. ...
FEMA Develops Earthquake Disaster Response Initiative
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is developing an initiative with the eight states of the New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) in the central United States to develop catastrophic earthquake disaster response plans. ...
Report: Highest Hazard U.S. Chemical Facilities Can Be Converted to Protect Millions from Possible Terrorist Attack
A new report from the Center for American Progress identifies safer and more secure alternatives for the nation’s 101 most dangerous chemical facilities...
New Report Asks: Are You Prepared for the Next Natural Disaster?
Every year, tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters injure and kill thousands of people and damage billions of dollars worth of property in the United States...
Nearly Half of U.S. States Fail on Emergency Plan Communication
Seven years after Sept. 11, and in the wake of major natural disasters such as forest fires, hurricanes and flooding, nearly half of U.S. states either have no state-level emergency plan or do not provide it readily to the public, reveals a new study by George Mason University Communication Professor Carl Botan....
International Safety: CSA Unveils Emergency Management, Business Continuity Standard
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) announced a new emergency management and business continuity programs standard, CSA Z1600, designed for private and public organizations of all sizes to use if disaster strikes....
Kellogg Co. Donates Funds, Food for Disaster Preparedness and Response
Feeding America announced that Kellogg's Corporate Citizenship Fund, the charitable arm of Kellogg Co., granted $350,000 to support its nationwide network of food banks disaster relief preparedness and response efforts. Kellogg Co. also donated 24 truckloads of food to help with disaster relief for victims of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav and the Midwest floods earlier this year. ...
Lights and Stripes: Proper Use Could Save Your Life
The highway is one of the most dangerous environments in which emergency responders work, and many responders and motorists have been killed or injured in secondary crashes. ...
First Responders and the Importance of Conflict Resolution
When first responders reach the site of an emergency that is in progress, it often is unnerving and unsettling. They must keep their wits about them and...
CDC Awards $24 Million for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Projects
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) awarded $24 million to fund 55 projects in 29 state and local public health departments that could serve as innovative approaches for influenza pandemic preparedness. ...
Safety Tips for Hurricane Cleanup and Recovery
Insurance provider Zurich suggests organizations begin salvage operations after conducting an initial damage assessment and securing the facilities. Salvage operations may range from securing undamaged equipment and goods to salvaging electronic equipment, documents, furniture and other items. ...
