Mental Health and Spiritual Care in Emergencies Webinar, Aug 29

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) are excited to announce a special webinar about the mental health and spiritual care aspects of emergency response.

CDC’s Rebecca Bitsko, Ph.D., chair of the CDC Mental Health Workgroup, will discuss topics such as stress, stigma, isolation, populations more likely to be adversely affected by specific emergencies, and effective communication to address mental health concerns. National VOAD’s Kevin Ellers, D.Min., Territorial Disaster Services Coordinator for The Salvation Army Central Territory, will discuss the application of mental health practices in faith-based settings, which can be one of the main sources of emotional care for many people affected by emergencies.

Please see the Zoom webinar information below, to view this special presentation on August 29, 1 PM, ET. Please log in 5-10 minutes early.

 

Join the webinar with digital audio, video, and presentation formats from a PC or Mac. You may also join through iPad, iPhone, or an Android device, (app download required through your app store).

Please click the link below to join:

https://cdc.zoom.us/j/191450968

If you cannot join through digital means, you may join by telephone:

Dial: +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll) or +1 646 558 8656 (US Toll)

Webinar ID: 191 450 968

International numbers available: https://cdc.zoom.us/zoomconference?m=cZYJvAJePRhfQfBnAmYdGsTDRvS48PiQ

NISC and EIS Council to hold EARTH EX on August 23, 2017

The National Information Sharing Consortium (NISC) and the Electric Infrastructure Security (EIS) Council will hold the Emergency All-sector Response Transnational Hazard Exercise™ (EARTH EX 2017) on Aug. 23, 2017. As of last count, nearly 300 organizations and more than 1,500 individuals are participating in the exercise. EARTH Ex 2017 is a widely distributed exercise event, using new electronic exercise tools, advancing over three phases. It enables an examination of the response and restoration decisions and actions lifeline sectors will face during a long duration power outage. The exercise is designed to improve community resilience to large-scale, long duration power outages through multi-sector exercises. Details and registration are online.

AIDF to Host Global Debate on Improving Disaster Relief and Development

More than 300 decision-makers from leading NGOs, UN and disaster relief agencies, global aid and development donors, heads of military and government emergency operations and private sector companies will gather at the Global Disaster Relief & Development Summit in Washington D.C. on 6-7^th September to discuss how to address global development challenges and strengthen disaster resilience.

Sustainable and innovative solutions in emergency communication, humanitarian logistics, health & WASH and financial inclusion are fundamental for the successful achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Hosted by the Aid & International Development Forum (AIDF), the Global Disaster Relief & Development Summit aims to examine disaster response activities to recent global emergencies and get insight into innovative solutions that can help implement technically sound humanitarian and development assistance. The conference presents two days full of learning, interactive sessions, topic-specific discussions, themed roundtables and opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.

“AIDF provides a productive and collaborative environment to discuss, debate and problem-solve global issues surrounding humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations worldwide” – John Anderson, CEO, World Panel Inc.

Over 70 key practitioners and expert speakers will discuss challenges and opportunities surrounding aid delivery and development strategy internationally. An opening keynote address will be given by Christopher Smith, Director of Individual Assistance, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Day one at the Summit will offer an update on emergency procurement strategy, best practice and innovations in humanitarian logistics and field operations. Participants will once again take part in a virtual disaster response simulation which recreates post-crisis supply chain challenges for humanitarian and development professionals. The day will conclude with a panel discussion on the future of humanitarian funding and alternative means of financing aid and development programmes. Amongst others, on day one, participants will get to hear from Bobby McCane, Head of Contracting, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); Kenny Cheung, Chief of Procurement, World Bank Group; Vimlendra Sharan, Director, Liaison Office for North America, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); Anna Spindler, Head of Supply Chain Management Logistics Service, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Paolo Sison, Director, Innovative Finance, Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance.

On the second day participants will get a chance to look into innovations and technologies that support health Sustainable Development Goals and emergency Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices. It will also explore latest trends in data and ICT with a focus on emergency communication and payment applications as tools for effective financial relief delivery. The closing panel will look at how effective partnerships for aid and development programmes can be successfully achieved. On day two, some of the expert panellists include Dr Ciro Ugarte, Director, Health Emergencies, Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization (WHO); Ugochi Daniels, Chief of Humanitarian Response, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); Joseph Burton, Counselor for Technology and Security Policy, U.S. Department of State; Dr Jordan Tappero, Senior Advisor, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Keith Kall, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships, World Vision USA and Henri Dommel, Director, Financial Inclusion, United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).

A selected number of mobile applications that support disaster response and global development will be displayed at the Planet of the Apps in the exhibition and networking area during both days of the Global Disaster Relief & Development Summit. To nominate your app please email Alina O’Keeffe at marketing@aidforum.org

Participants of the conference will benefit from unparalleled networking opportunities with humanitarian leaders, business leaders and representatives from NGOs, government and UN bodies. They will also get a chance to discover new initiatives, programme updates and practical advice, as well as foster existing relationships and establish new partnerships.

For more information or to reserve your place at the Summit, please visit http://disaster-relief.aidforum.org

 

North Carolina publishes a multi-jurisdictional white paper on response to active shooter events

The North Carolina Active Assailant/Mass Violence Work Group recently published a White Paper for the Integrated Public Safety Response to the Active Shooter/Active Assailant, as the culmination of a four-year effort with the multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional, multi-discipline group representing more than 50 local, state and federal public safety agencies. A rapid, safe, and successful response to active shooter/active assailant incidents requires planning, training, and preparation. The white paper, based on nationally recognized and best recommendations, includes an emergency management section.

EMS Agenda 2050 Project Team seeks IAEM-USA member comments

The EMS 2050 Project Team is incorporating an overview of the 1996 EMS Agenda for the Future and an assessment of industry performance to date as part of its process in creating the 2050 EMS Agenda. Your help is requested to make sure the assessment is as accurate and reflective of reality as possible, knowing there could be a wide spectrum of perceptions. Please download the first draft of the assessment, add your comments using Track Changes, and submit your feedback, name, and contact information by Nov. 1, 2017, to EMSAgenda2050@redhorsecorp.com, with a copy to John Walsh, IAEM liaison to the EMS 2050 Project Team.

Are you a grad student and also working or volunteering in EM or disaster management? Then read this post!

In an effort to assist hard-working deserving students, the IAEM Scholarship Commission has launched a scholarship program for part-time students working towards a graduate degree in emergency management, disaster management, or a closely related field. This is a trial program and will be evaluated prior to continuance in future years. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Aug. 31, 2017. Download the application and instructions at www.iaem.com/scholarships. Questions may be directed to Scholarship Program Director Dawn Shiley at shiley@iaem.com

FEMA Announces New Hydraulic Fracturing Policy

On July 6, 2017, FEMA published a new policy to provide Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) program guidance on subsurface hydraulic fracturing and horizontal directional drilling (hydraulic fracturing/HDD), designating such activity as a compatible use when it occurs at the subsurface level, or below-ground, for properties acquired for open space with HMA funds.

 

In this policy, FEMA considered the practice of hydraulic fracturing/HDD activities and determined that based on the available information, the actions occurring in subsurface layers to extract natural gas or oil are uses that are generally compatible with open space. These actions generally do not increase flood risk or present an obstruction in the floodplain.  Additionally, they generally do not obstruct the natural and beneficial floodplain functions.

 

With regard to surface level activities, FEMA determined that related appurtenances, equipment, and/or wastewater disposal associated with hydraulic fracturing/HDD are not compatible uses with open space and they are not allowed on acquired land parcels.

FEMA Policy (FP-302-094-03) can be viewed online. Information about the Hazard Mitigation program is also available at www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance.