Earthquake Preparedness
(Sources: FEMA and USGS)
Hurricane Irene quickly shifted the preparedness focus away from the earthquake centered in Mineral,
VA, and felt along the East Coast from Georgia all the way to Canada. However, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP), earthquakes occur in many areas of the United States and can cause serious life safety issues and economic losses for those in the impacted area. The NEHRP leads the federal government's efforts to reduce the fatalities, injuries, and property damage caused by earthquakes.
Recognizing that the public relies heavily on the Emergency Services Sector (ESS) during natural disasters, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) examined available earthquake resources. For example, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) provides maps and statistics about the probability of earthquakes for each state. Since preparedness begins with an understanding of the potential for a disaster, ESS departments and agencies susceptible to an earthquake can use USGS information to assess whether adjustments to their emergency plans and operations may be necessary.
FEMA provides information of use to decision makers and planners involved in developing, approving, and implementing earthquake-related policies in the public and private sectors. These resources help make the social and built environments more resistant to the potentially dangerous and damaging effects of earthquakes.
See the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program for a listing of additional sources regarding what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. Also, FEMA recommends Ready.gov as an excellent source for all-hazards preparation information.
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Emergency Vehicle Responses during Hurricanes
(Source: International Association of Fire Chiefs)
Fourteen states on the East Coast of the United States were adversely affected by Hurricane Irene last weekend. Current reporting indicates that 43 people were killed, widespread flooding continues, millions of homes are still without power, and large numbers of roads and bridges remain impassable. While recovery efforts proceed, Hurricane Katia in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, and a possible tropical cyclone in the eastern Gulf of Mexico are now heading in the general direction of the United States.
This week, the Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) received a request for information from a fire chief officer regarding emergency vehicle operations during storms with high winds such as hurricanes and tropical storms. EMR-ISAC research initially found the Model Procedures for Response of Emergency Vehicles during Hurricanes and Tropical Storms (PDF, 149 Kb) compiled by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). Page 8 of this document specifically addresses the issue of aerial devices, fire apparatus, and EMS vehicle operations in sustained winds to assist with the decision to continue or terminate emergency response.
The purpose of this IAFC guide is to provide guidance to chief officers in establishing a policy for responses during hurricanes and coastal storms to minimize the risk to fire/EMS personnel. It also intends to promote the protection of the human, physical, and cyber infrastructure critical to safeguard a community before, during, and after a storm.
Relevant to this subject is a research project submitted to the National Fire Academy as part of the Executive Fire Officer Program: “Research Based Guidelines for Decision Making in Hurricane Conditions: When do We Stop Responding?” (PDF, 245 Kb)
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Pipeline Emergencies
(Source: National Association of State Fire Marshals)
The National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) announced the availability of a new Instructor Guide for the Pipeline Emergencies (second edition) training program. The brand new, free of charge, online training tool was designed to support certified trainers teaching the recently updated curriculum to hazardous materials response teams, first responders, and pipeline safety personnel.
Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) ascertained that the e-book format incorporates videos and interactive graphics with simulations and textbook learning to provide a broad representation of pipeline operations and tactical response options. Inside the second edition is a complete curriculum including a textbook, DVD, training tools, presentation sides, and a facilitator's guide.
Developed by a team of emergency response and industry experts, the guide and curriculum are the direct result of a cooperative partnership that brought together pipeline owners and operators, federal, state, and local regulators, trade associations, elected officials, and emergency responders.
For more information about either training first responders or tailoring the program for the pipeline industry, contact the NASFM by emailing info@firemarshals.org or call 202-737-1226.
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National Strategy for CBRNE Standards
(Source: Office of Science and Technology Policy)
The nature and challenges associated with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) threats changed dramatically on 9/11, when terrorists used fully fueled commercial aircraft as explosive weapons. As a result of 9/11 and the anthrax attacks that followed shortly after, the federal government invested substantial time and resources to improve the safety of the United States.
The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) noted that the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy released this week the National Strategy for CBRNE Standards (PDF, 7.8 Mb). The document describes the federal vision and goals for the coordination, prioritization, establishment, and implementation of CBRNE equipment standards by 2020.
This Strategy explains the elements of a standards and testing infrastructure needed to counter CBRNE threats. It covers equipment used by federal, state, local, and tribal responders for CBRNE detection, protection, and decontamination.
More information regarding the Strategy can be seen at the White House blog. Additional information about CBRNE can be seen at the Homeland Security Defense website (PDF, 2.6 Mb) |
