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.ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEWS
IAEM will open call for speakers for 2021 Annual Conference on Jan. 18
IAEM
IAEM is seeking proposals for breakout speakers for the IAEM 69th Annual Conference & EMEX, to be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Oct. 15-22, 2021. The theme for this year’s conference is “Looking Back to Look Ahead.” Speaker proposals will be accepted Jan. 18 through Feb. 19, 2021.
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EMEX sponsor of the week: BlackBerry AtHoc
IAEM
BlackBerry® AtHoc® is a critical event management communication platform that provides secure two-way communication over multiple channels to keep people safe and business operations running. It enables organizations to communicate and collaborate securely to planned and unexpected events such as cyber-attacks, IT outages or weather events, ensuring critical information is delivered to the right people, at the right time, giving leaders the up-to-date information needed to make critical safety and operational decisions. Click here to learn more.
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IAEM on-demand access to IAEM Reimagined Conference will help you to help your communities
IAEM
Start 2021 off right by taking some time for yourself to learn from colleagues about successful emergency management practices, while building your credentials in the EM field. This will not only set you up for a year of growth, but also will help the communities you serve. On-demand for IAEM Reimagined is available through Feb. 16, so register and get started on your education today. Included on-demand are all breakout sessions, plenary speakers, and EMvision Talks. Other notable features include video overviews of the latest EM products and services in the EMEX Virtual Hall, 26 poster presentations representing significant insight from peers, and the 2020 Yearbook of Honors. Make one of your 2021 goals getting your certification through IAEM. It has never been easier to receive contact hours for IAEM’s Certified Emergency Manager Program, so register now for IAEM Reimagined on-demand. You can explore almost 50 hours of educational content at the bargain price of $199 for individuals (member and non-member) and $99 for student members.
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How will you respond when the next public safety crisis hits? Learn how First Alert’s real-time breaking news alerts can keep you a step ahead. Read our eBook to be better prepared for the next emergency.
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.IAEM-CANADA COUNCIL NEWS
Canada provides additional $70 million in funding to support Red Cross COVID-19 efforts
Homeland Security Today
In May 2020, the Government of Canada announced a commitment of up to $100 million to help the Canadian Red Cross (Red Cross) meet increased demand due to COVID-19, and to support future floods and wildfire relief efforts.
On December 23, the government announced it will provide up to an additional $70 million to the Red Cross to support its ongoing relief efforts.
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.IAEM-USA COUNCIL NEWS
'Widespread errors' found in federal flood insurance
E&E News
A new report finding "widespread errors" in flood insurance prices in Portland, Ore., raises the prospect that hundreds of thousands of people nationwide are paying too much for flood policies or are declining to buy the coverage because they incorrectly believe it is too costly.
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Columbia International University’s online Master of Arts in Disaster Relief and Emergency Management provides students the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to natural disasters and crises while demonstrating Christian compassion, service, and witness. Earn your degree in Disaster Relief & Emergency management entirely online in as little as 12 months.
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Bipartisan law enacted to improve FEMA's pre-disaster contracts
Government Executive
President Trump enacted a bipartisan measure last week to improve the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s process for issuing contracts prior to disasters to ensure readiness.
After the government’s largely problematic response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 led to the FEMA director resigning and confusion with emergency contracts, Congress mandated that FEMA issue advance contracts, so it can be better equipped to mobilize when disaster strikes.
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CISA requests comments on removal of certain Division 1.1 explosives from the CFATS Regulation
IAEM
For more than a decade, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program has aimed to make the nation and communities safer and more secure by requiring high-risk chemical facilities to implement security measures that reduce the risk of hazardous chemicals being weaponized by terrorists. In July 2020, Congress reauthorized the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards Program for three years, providing much-needed stability not only for the regulated community, but also for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which manages the CFATS program and continues to examine ways to streamline and enhance this program while ensuring that America’s critical infrastructure remains secure. CISA published a notice in the Federal Register on Jan. 6, 2021, soliciting public comment on an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) that considers removing 49 explosive chemicals from the list of regulated chemicals of interest in Appendix A of the CFATS regulation. The explosive chemicals that CISA is considering removing from Appendix A are known as Class 1, Division 1.1 explosives, which also are subject to security regulations implemented by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Comments on the ANPRM must be received by Mar. 8, 2021.
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Spanberger, Katko re-introduce bill to strengthen emergency preparedness
Augusta Free Press
Abigail Spanberger, D-Virginia, and John Katko, R-New York, have re-introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen the nation’s ability to prepare for and respond to public safety and national security threats – including future pandemics.
Starting in 2005, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center produced detailed analyses of what would happen to critical infrastructure sectors and systems – including from transportation and hospitals – if a pandemic hit the United States, in addition to similar analyses for other types of threats or disasters.
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Promoted by Optimum Seismic, Inc.
A coalition of leading business organizations will launch a monthly webinar series, “The Resilience Advantage,” on Thursday, Jan 21 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each webinar will include a 20-minute video featuring interviews with leading experts addressing earthquake resilience issues, challenges and accomplishments.
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.EM NEWS
USF volcanology team develops new approach to understanding massive volcanic eruptions*
University of South Florida via PreventionWeb
A USF geosciences team has developed a new way to reconstruct the sizes of volcanic eruptions that occurred thousands of years ago, creating a first-of-its kind tool that can aid scientists in understanding past explosive eruptions that shaped the earth and improve the way of estimating hazards of future eruptions.
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FEMA calculates riskiest, safest places in US
The Associated Press via WINK
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has calculated the risk for every county in America for 18 types of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, volcanoes and even tsunamis. And of the more than 3,000 counties, Los Angeles County has the highest ranking in the National Risk Index.
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If your responsibility includes sandbag production, you realize the biggest challenge is output: the maximum number of bags in the least amount of time. The mobile, low cost ExpressBagger® is a perfect solution if your sandbagging operation uses "people power" and needs a high output with a minimal investment. www.expressbagger.net.
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IAEM congratulates Emergency Lifeline Corporation on its 35th anniversary
IAEM
Emergency Lifeline Corporation (ELC) is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Started by Kathy Rainey in late 1985 following the Mexico City earthquake, the company began by building earthquake survival kits for businesses, schools, communities and families. With survival education as ELC’s mission, in its first year of operation a pamphlet was written and distributed with lifesaving tips, articles and advertisements for essential earthquake survival tools. Over the years, the pamphlet grew and, by 1996, it had evolved into the exhaustive Disaster Resource Guide, an international publication designed to help organizations prepare for and mitigate any type of interruption that could affect their operations. This evolved into the Risk and Resilience HUB that curates and disseminates information from experts, provides a director of vetted products and services, spotlights partner organizations and non-profits, and provides an open platform where professionals can connect and collaborate.
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.HEALTHCARE EM UPDATE
Heading off the next pandemic
Route Fifty
As the COVID-19 pandemic heads for a showdown with vaccines it’s expected to lose, many experts in the field of emerging infectious diseases are already focused on preventing the next one.
They fear another virus will leap from wildlife into humans, one that is far more lethal but spreads as easily as SARS-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19. A virus like that could change the trajectory of life on the planet, experts say.
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The University of Washington's online Master of Infrastructure Planning & Management program prepares you to lead development of the next generation of critical infrastructure systems — resilient, secure and accessible. Earn your degree completely online in two years of part-time study. Apply now to start in fall 2021.
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Thousands of industry professionals subscribe to association news briefs, which allows your company to push messaging directly to their inboxes and take advantage of the association's brand affinity.
Connect with Highly Defined Buyers and Maximize Your Brand Exposure
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Did inflatable Christmas costume give 43 Kaiser staff COVID?
San Francisco Chronicle via Emergency Management
A coronavirus outbreak at the Kaiser Permanente San Jose Emergency Department, possibly caused by an inflatable Christmas costume, has affected 43 staff members so far, all of whom tested positive within the past week, officials said.
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Some healthcare workers say they are 'forgotten' in COVID-19 vaccination plans*
NPR
Carlos Reyes wears a mask at home and eats alone in his bedroom. During the night, he has nightmares of accidently infecting his family with COVID-19. During the day, he works as a certified nursing assistant at nursing homes in central Massachusetts, often caring for COVID-19 patients.
Reyes assumed that as a front-line health care worker, he would be among the first to receive the vaccine. But when he asked his nursing homes about getting a shot, the answer was "no."
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Researchers examining COVID vaccine barriers, skepticism in five communities
Route Fifty
Initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were distributed to frontline healthcare workers in a relatively straightforward manner, with many vaccinated at hospitals where they work.
But in the months to come, state and local governments will face challenges getting vaccines to the general public, including to residents of remote areas and in communities where skepticism of both government and the vaccine runs high.
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.CLIMATE/WATER/WEATHER UPDATES
New data-driven global climate model provides projections for urban environments*
University of Illinois via PreventionWeb
Cities only occupy about 3% of the Earth’s total land surface, but they bear the burden of the human-perceived effects of global climate change, researchers said. Global climate models are set up for big-picture analysis, leaving urban areas poorly represented. In a new study, researchers take a closer look at how climate change affects cities by using data-driven statistical models combined with traditional process-driven physical climate models.
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To guard against flooding, Boston proposes climate-resilient zoning
WBUR-FM
The sea level around Boston crept up 9 inches in the 20th century. Driven by climate change, that pace is increasing, and expected to add 9 inches over the 2016 level by 2030.
As a result, Boston ranks eighth in the world among metropolitan areas in expected economic losses from coastal flooding, estimated at $237 million per year between now and 2050.
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Reviewing the horrid global 2020 wildfire season
Climate Connections
The 2020 global wildfire season brought extreme fire activity to the western U.S., Australia, the Arctic, and Brazil, making it the fifth most expensive year for wildfire losses on record.
The year began with an unprecedented fire event in Australia, where wildfire smoke in the capital city of Canberra registered the worst air quality readings in the world on January 1.
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Rethinking flood risk management
Environment Journal
University of Liverpool researchers from the Institute for Financial and Actuarial Mathematics explain how embracing a new approach to flood risk management across socio-economic environments can help to address the impacts of climate change and reduce global inequality.
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.CYBERSECURITY NEWS
CISA, FBI, IC: Massive hack 'likely Russian,' 'fewer than 10' US government agencies compromised
Homeland Security Today
The National Security Council staff stood up a task force construct known as the Cyber Unified Coordination Group (UCG), composed of the FBI, CISA, and ODNI with support from NSA, to coordinate the investigation and remediation of this significant cyber incident involving federal government networks. The UCG is still working to understand the scope of the incident but has the following updates on its investigative and mitigation efforts.
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.EM RESOURCES
CISA releases new resources to support houses of worship
IAEM
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has developed resources to support houses of worship. The Power of Hello Guide for Houses of Worship was created to promote employee vigilance tailored to houses of worship. It empowers all personnel to observe and evaluate suspicious behaviors, mitigate potential risk, and obtain help when necessary. The Houses of Worship Self-Assessment Tool is designed to guide personnel through a security-focused self-assessment to understand potential vulnerabilities and identify options for consideration in mitigating those vulnerabilities. Mitigating Attacks on Houses of Worship Security Guide and Fact Sheet analyzed ten years of targeted attacks on houses of worship to provide context to enterprise-wide security recommendations. The case studies reviewed are examples of the breadth of threats a house of worship faces daily. From physical attacks such as active shooter incidents, arsons, or bombings to less visible cyberattacks, a house of worship should be vigilant in its security practices.
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FEMA releases 2020 National Preparedness Report
IAEM
FEMA has released the 2020 National Preparedness Report (NPR), which only deals with actions taken in 2019. In its ninth year, this report presents an updated, risk-focused approach to summarizing the state of national preparedness. This report provides partners across the nation with insights into risks, vulnerabilities, and capabilities to support decisions about program priorities, resource allocations and community actions. The 2020 NPR takes an updated, risk-focused approach to summarizing the state of national preparedness in 2019. The report presents a discussion of the risks the nation faces and how those risks drive the nation’s capability requirements, as well as how the nation uses capabilities to manage risks, including a high-level overview of the nation’s current capabilities. Also, the report includes initial results for the National Risk and Capability Assessment.
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.NEW INSIGHTS
5 terrorism trends to watch in 2021*
Homeland Security Today
Among many critical national security lessons, 2020 emphasized the importance of staying nimble as multiple threats simultaneously unfold. A pandemic was coupled with the most active Atlantic hurricane season in history, political tension and protests kept law enforcement on its toes, and entities from critical infrastructure operators to local governments and houses of worship were forced to assess and adjust security postures based on an overlapping – and often overwhelming – saturation of threats.
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Where Year Two of the pandemic will take us
The Atlantic
An immense crisis can be lost amid the rush of history, and Scott Knowles, a disaster historian at Drexel University, wonders if the fracturing of democratic norms or the economic woes that COVID-19 set off might not subsume the current pandemic. “I think we’re in this liminal moment of collectively deciding what we’re going to remember and what we’re going to forget,” says Martha Lincoln, a medical anthropologist at San Francisco State University.
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Deaf, blind & dumb: COVID-19 & lack of reconnaissance
Domestic Preparedness
The word “reconnaissance” conjures the image of sizing up the enemy and making a plan. For many of those who diligently formulate and coordinate emergency response, planning, preparedness, mitigation, and recovery, and those who came out of the Civil Defense Era to build and mold modern emergency management, this pandemic response has elicited feelings of anger and a struggle between opinions and facts.
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.IAEM MEMBER NEWS
Jeff Walker, CEM, elected chair of Ohio VOAD
IAEM
IAEM Chaplain and Past President Jeff Walker, CEM, has been elected as chair of Ohio VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters). The Ohio VOAD has 43 member agencies and a strong working relationship with Ohio Emergency Management Agency. This is a volunteer position working with state and local emergency management agencies and NGOs. Congratulations, Jeff, on your new project!
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.SURVEY REQUESTS
Emergency managers requested to participate in the COVID-19 After Action Survey
IAEM
The National Homeland Security Consortium (NHSC) consists of 22 member organizations that represent a cross-section of state and local professionals who contribute to the public health, safety, and security of the United States. NHSC is developing a report that captures the successes and lessons learned thus far from the COVID-19 pandemic response. The goal is to share and institutionalize these insights and recommendations nationwide to improve preparedness and response for this and future pandemics. To support this effort, NHSC seeks emergency manager input via a survey by Jan. 15, 2021.
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NDSU seeks support on survey on ROI of federal EM funds
IAEM
North Dakota State University researcher Jessica Jenson is conducting a research project examining the use and return on investment of federal funds for emergency management at the local level. Surveys have been sent to a scientifically randomized sample of emergency managers, but responses have been slow. If you received a survey, please follow the instructions and respond quickly.
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.EM CALENDAR
Meet the IAEM-USA Executive Board at a Jan. 14 cocktail hour
IAEM
Join the IAEM-USA Executive Board for a cocktail hour on Thursday, Jan. 14, 6:00-8:00 p.m. EST. Get to know the new leadership and network with fellow IAEM members, all in one evening. You can join and stay as long as you want. There is no need to pre-register, and there is no cost to join. So, grab a cocktail or seltzer water, turn on your webcam, and get to know the new IAEM-USA Executive Board. Join online, or join by phone at +1 (312) 757-3121, access code: 379-390-525. This cocktail hour is brought to you by IAEM-USA Region 1.
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.IAEM-ASIA NEWS
.AROUND THE WORLD
Intense rain and flooding kill four people in Bolivia
CBS News via WRBL-TV
Intense rains and hail led to flash floods in Sucre, the constitutional capital of Bolivia on Monday.
Video captured showed flooding along the Guillermo Loayza, a street close to the Mercado Campesino, the city’s largest market.
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Dangerous flooding in wake of Cyclone Imogen for north Queensland as heavy rains lash Victoria and NSW
The Guardian
Life-threatening flash flooding and up to 300mm of rain are possible in parts of northern Queensland as ex-Tropical Cyclone Imogen tracks across the region, while parts of Victoria and eastern New South Wales have also been hit by heavy rain and flooding.
The Bureau of Meteorology has advised Imogen was located 60km east-north-east of Georgetown at 4am AEST and is forecast to track slowly in an east-south-east direction.
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Landslide in Himachal's Kinnaur leaves hundreds of people stranded
The Tribune
Hundreds of people have been left stranded after a landslide at Malling Nullah near Naco in Kinnaur district blocked the Kinnaur-Kaza national highway on Monday, a district official said.
The road link of Kaza subdivision in Lahaul-Spiti district and several villages of Kinnaur district have been cut off from the other parts due to the landslide that followed snow.
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7701 Las Colinas Ridge, Ste. 800, Irving, TX 75063
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