This message was sent to ##Email## To advertise in this publication please click here January 14, 2021 .ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEWS IAEM Feb. 15 webinar provides tips on submitting a successful 2021 Annual Conference speaker proposal IAEM The IAEM Conference Committee Chairs are hosting a free webinar on Friday, Feb. 15, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. EST. Register online to get insider information for a successful speaker proposal for the IAEM 69th Annual Conference & EMEX in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Oct. 15-22, 2021. Participate in the webinar to learn: All mandatory requirements for a successful proposal. Insider tips from the reviewing committee. This year's breakout focus areas. How to use the online submission system. This webinar will include time for a question-and-answer session. IAEM’s call for speakers for breakout sessions will open on Monday, Jan. 18 and close on Friday, Feb. 19. For more information visit the conference website. Support your EM education — only one month left to register for and view the IAEM Reimagined Annual Conference on-demand content IAEM Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from colleagues about successful EM practices and lessons learned while building your credentials in the emergency management field through on-demand access to the IAEM Reimagined Virtual Conference. This is an opportunity to explore almost 50 hours of educational sessions at the bargain price of just $199 for individuals (member and non-member) and $99 for student members. Content will be available until Feb. 16, 2021, and you will be able to claim contact hours for credit towards IAEM’s Certified Emergency Manager Program. Included on-demand are all breakout sessions, plenary speakers, and EMvision Talks. Also included are 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. Check out the conference program, and register for on-demand access here.”  PRODUCT SHOWCASE Managing Multiple Crises Amidst COVID–19 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. LEARN MORE EMEX sponsor highlight of the week: Juvare IAEM Juvare is a worldwide leader in emergency preparedness and critical incident management and response technology. Over 600 emergency management agencies, 50 Federal agencies, 4000 hospitals and public health departments, as well as higher education institutions and Fortune 500 companies rely on Juvare solutions every day to manage all aspects of both planned and unplanned critical incidents including: natural disasters, man-made emergencies, acts of terror, pandemics like COVID-19, and more. Offering solutions from the industry standard WebEOC® to the revolutionary Juvare Exchange®, Juvare solutions empower government agencies, corporations, healthcare facilities, academic institutions, and volunteer organizations to leverage real-time data to collaborate and manage incidents faster and more efficiently, protecting people, property, and brands. For more information, visit www.juvare.com.  SPONSORED CONTENT Promoted by American Military University COVID-19: Will This Be the Public Health’s 9/11 Earthquakes: The ‘Big One’ Might Hit the Midwest – Not California ­COVID-19: Flattening the Curve to Avoid a 'Great Depression II' Staying Safe: The Twin Threats of COVID-19 and Disaster Events ­How 1911's Triangle Fire Changed US Safety Laws .IAEM-USA COUNCIL NEWS IAEM-USA strongly supports nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas for DHS Secretary IAEM IAEM-USA President Judson M. Freed, CEM, sent a letter of support to Senator Gary Peters, incoming chairman, and Senator Rob Portman, incoming ranking member, of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, on Jan. 12, 2021. The IAEM-USA Council strongly supports the nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas to be secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “Having served with distinction as the deputy secretary of DHS (2013-2016), and previously as the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (2009-2013), Alejandro Mayorkas is uniquely qualified to lead the Department of Homeland Security,” stated Freed. “While his skill set has not been focused specifically on emergency management, we have no doubt he understands the vital role that DHS, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), plays in supporting state and local emergency management professionals in keeping our communities safe in times of disaster.”  PRODUCT SHOWCASE Prepare to Serve 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. LEARN MORE Mayorkas would prioritize FEMA when the nation needs it most The Hill Over the last four years, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has served as a poster child for the Trump’s campaign attacks on immigration, but too often the other key missions of the department get overlooked; specifically supporting our first responders, preventing terrorism, and protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure. Confirming Alejandro Mayorkas to be the next secretary of Homeland Security will ensure that the department is led by an experienced and proven leader who understands the role vital of DHS to support state and local officials to keep our families and communities safe. READ MORE 'The program is failing.' FEMA is pushed on flood rules E&E News A legal petition filed by two environmental groups could force millions of future homes to be elevated well above local flood levels and bar the construction of critical facilities such as hospitals in the most perilous flood zones. READ MORE FEMA establishes Emergency Management Priorities and Allocations System (EMPAS) regulation IAEM FEMA recently published a final rule in the Federal Register to prioritize and allocate contracts for health and medical resources in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This finalizes an interim rule from May 13, 2020, which enables FEMA to provide for the continued supply of critical medical resources to the American public. This final rule establishes the Emergency Management Priorities and Allocations System (EMPAS), which will become part of the Federal Priorities and Allocations System (FPAS) body of regulations that establish standards under Section 101 of the Defense Production Act (DPA). Consistent with other FPAS regulations, EMPAS has two principal components: priorities and allocations. Under the priorities component, contracts or orders necessary to support the national defense are given preference over other contracts or orders. Under the allocation component, materials, services, and facilities may be allocated for domestic use to promote national defense. This rule is one of several parallel rules previously published under the Defense Production Act by federal agencies. The following agencies with existing DPA Section 101 authority includes the Departments of Commerce, Energy, Health and Human Services, Transportation, and Agriculture. The regulations from these agencies currently constitute the FPAS. FEMA’s EMPAS provisions are consistent with FPAS regulations issued by sister agencies.  FEATURED ARTICLE   Earthquake Resilience Is Good Economics, Sound Business, Responsible Public Policy, Say Experts In New Webinar Series 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. LEARN MORE   FEMA seeks feedback on NIMS Incident Complexity Guide by Feb. 12 IAEM The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Integration Center seeks feedback on the 2021 National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Complexity Guide: Planning, Preparedness and Training by 5:00 p.m. EST on Feb. 12, 2020. The national engagement period provides an opportunity for interested parties to comment on the draft document, ensuring that it is relevant for all implementing partners. Review the document online, and submit the completed feedback form to fema-nims@fema.dhs.gov. The National Integration Center will host a series of 60-minute webinars to discuss the NIMS Incident Complexity Guide and answer related questions, with all webinars open to the whole community. Advance registration is required due to space limitations. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, click on your preferred webinar session from the list below. Webinar 1: 2:00 p.m. EST, Jan. 25 Webinar 2: 3:00 p.m. EST, Feb. 9  PRODUCT SHOWCASE The Ultimate Sandbag Filling Tool 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. LEARN MORE Acting Homeland Security Chief Chad Wolf resigns Roll Call Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf resigned from his post Monday, just days after he pledged to stay in the job until President Donald Trump’s last day in office. Pete Gaynor, the Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator, will take over as acting secretary, a senior DHS official said. READ MORE FEMA is accepting Youth Preparedness Council applications IAEM The FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Division is accepting applications for the Youth Preparedness Council. The online application process will open on Jan. 18, and students must complete their applications by 11:59 p.m. PST, Mar. 7. FEMA is looking for a high-quality selection of applicants in the eighth through 11th grades who reflect the diverse make-up of the nation. The council offers young leaders who are interested in supporting disaster preparedness efforts the opportunity to lead and champion causes that make a difference in their communities. The FEMA Individual and Community Preparedness Division seeks self-motivated, preparedness-minded students to join the council to work on national and local preparedness projects. You can help expand the applicant pool by broadcasting information about the application period to your network of youth, community members and partner organizations. Students who are eligible can apply online at Ready.gov. FEMA released advisory regarding the support of COVID-19 vaccine distribution IAEM FEMA is supporting state, local, tribal and territorial governments in the fight against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) by reimbursing eligible expenses incurred in providing the COVID-19 vaccine to the public. COVID-19 vaccines have been purchased and are being distributed by Operation Warp Speed at no cost to enrolled COVID-19 vaccine providers. Operation Warp Speed is also providing vaccination kits, including needles, syringes, and personal protective equipment (PPE) needed for the safe administration of COVID-19 vaccines. Eligible costs include, but are not limited to: PPE, other equipment, and supplies required for storing, handling, distributing/transporting, and administering COVID-19 vaccines; facility support costs, including leasing space for storage and/or administration of vaccines, utilities, maintenance, and security; medical and support staff not paid for by another funding source; information technology systems and support; communications to disseminate public information regarding vaccinations; and training and technical assistance for vaccine distribution and administration. FEMA will continue to consider additional costs incurred by eligible entities to expedite vaccinations across the country. Questions may be directed to the Office of External Affairs. .EM NEWS US Capitol now more vulnerable as a result of Wednesday's mob attack, former DHS official says Government Executive The mob assault on the U.S. Capitol marked the worst assault on the building that is, perhaps, most closely associated with the U.S. government since August 24, 1814, when British soldiers led by Vice Adm. Sir Alexander Cockburn entered the building by force and set fire to all they surveyed. One former senior DHS official said Wednesday’s events publicized a terrible lack of planning and coordination on behalf of the patchwork of bodies responsible for its security and advertised enormous vulnerabilities for all the world to see. READ MORE Damage to communications grid in Nashville bombing prompts questions of preparedness Homeland Preparedness News The violent suicide bombing that rocked downtown Nashville, Tenn., on Christmas morning and devastated dozens of businesses in the area also exposed the difficulties with an American reliance on reactive, rather than proactive, emergency planning efforts. While much focus has been placed on the bomber, Anthony Warner, and his potential motives, the wide-reaching effects of his act should be of greater concern, according to disaster management professor James Keck of the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness program. READ MORE PRODUCT SHOWCASE Online Master's in Infrastructure Planning & Management 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.   LEARN MORE   Reach Your Prospects Every Week 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   LEARN MORE   .CLIMATE/WATER/WEATHER UPDATES US flood damage rose 30% in 30 years, a sign of warming E&E News Increased precipitation resulting partially from climate change has caused an additional $2.5 billion a year in U.S. flood damage, according to a new study that pinpoints the effect of changing weather on the cost of natural disasters. READ MORE Climate disasters are inevitable. We need to do more than just wait to clean up the damage Fortune With every event, we are faced with a choice: pour ever-increasing quantities of money into disaster cleanup and short-term stopgaps or proactively invest in projects that enhance our resilience to climate-driven events. READ MORE .CYBERSECURITY NEWS CISA releases Cybersecurity and Physical Security Convergence Action Guide IAEM The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has published the Cybersecurity and Physical Security Convergence Action Guide, which provides guidance on converging cybersecurity and physical security functions to better position organizations to mitigate cyber-physical threats. Convergence is defined as formal collaboration between previously disjointed security functions, and is anchored by communication, coordination, and collaboration. Organizations with converged security functions are more resilient and better prepared to identify, prevent, mitigate, and respond to threats targeting both physical and cyber assets. The action guide provides information on convergence and the benefits of a holistic security approach that aligns cybersecurity and physical security functions with organizational priorities and the cyber-physical threat landscape. In addition, the guide describes the complex operating environment, the risks associated with siloed security functions, convergence in the context of organizational security functions, and provides a flexible framework for aligning security functions. Computers with access to classified material stolen from Capitol Homeland Security Today A SOFREP source inside the Pentagon has confirmed that several classified SECRET laptops were stolen from the Capitol Building during Wednesday’s chaotic events. According to the source, who spoke to SOFREP under the condition of anonymity, some of the computers were left open and logged into the government’s classified network known as the SIPRNet. READ MORE The Hack Roundup: SolarWinds shares details on how attackers inserted backdoor Nextgov SolarWinds released details and a new timeline for how attackers compromised its Orion product, which government agencies and private-sector companies are still attempting to remediate. The company, with help from KPMG and Crowdstrike, discovered “highly sophisticated and novel code” that injected the Sunburst malware into Orion products, according to a Jan. 11 blog post from SolarWinds President and Chief Executive Officer Sudhakar Ramakrishna, who joined the company this month. READ MORE .EM RESOURCES FEMA 2021 Preparedness Calendar now available IAEM The Ready 2021 Preparedness Calendar is a planning tool that marks preparedness activities and provides customizable resources to help promote preparedness throughout the year. These materials are free and can be adapted to address hazards that can impact local areas. To download the calendar, visit the FEMA website. .CEM® UPDATE IAEM announces certification review dates IAEM The 2021 certification review dates have been published on the IAEM website. Individuals interested in receiving their diploma at the IAEM Annual Conference on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, must have their initial credential application approved no later than the July 2021 online review (application submission deadline is June 30, 2021) and must pass the exam by Sept. 17, 2021. .IAEM MEMBER NEWS Penn appointed Acting Director Of DDM Government of the Virgin Islands Long-time staffer at the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) Jasen Penn has been appointed to act as the department’s Director effective January 1. Acting Governor, David D. Archer, Jr. said Penn’s appointment is yet another example of the development of Virgin Islands talent within the Public Service. READ MORE Harrison County appoints new Emergency Management Director WXXV-TV Informing and preparing the public about disaster weather, man-made emergencies, and much more, Harrison County appoints a new emergency management director. Matt Stratton was recently promoted to director of emergency management in Harrison County, filling the vacancy left in 2020 after Rupert Lacy retired. READ MORE .GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS Firefighters Grant program application is open through Feb. 12 IAEM The funding notice for the Department of Homeland Security/FEMA fiscal year 2020 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program is available. The application period for nearly $320 million in funding will remain open until 5:00 p.m. EST on Feb. 12. The program enhances the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. The program provides direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations and state fire training academies. The funds provide critically needed resources that equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operational efficiencies, foster interoperability and support community resilience. FEMA released the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program on Dec. 29. The notice and technical assistance documents for this program are available at Grants.gov and on FEMA.gov. Additional information about upcoming webinars to assist applicants is also available on FEMA.gov. .SURVEY REQUESTS Interview participants needed for capstone research project on how vaccination refusals affect emergency response plans major events IAEM Capella University doctoral candidate in Emergency Management, Christie Morris, is conducting a capstone research project on how vaccination refusals affect emergency response plans during epidemics and pandemics. The purpose of the study is to identify and address potential problems with vaccination refusals during a national public health emergency event. Morris seeks emergency management response planners and specialists who are currently working in the field, preferably in the healthcare industry, for interviews. Individuals must have experience working with planning and vaccinations. Interviews, to be conducted via Zoom, will take no more than 15 minutes. All information collected will be maintained in a confidential manner, and at no time will there be any identifying information used in the final document. All participants will have access to the results and findings of this study through a social media page. All interested in helping Morris with this project should contact her via email no later than Feb. 15, 2021. .EM CALENDAR Emergency Management Growth Initiative to hold Jan. 21 webinar, first in a series introducing students and others to experts in the EM field IAEM The Emergency Management Growth Initiative is offering a webinar on Jan. 21, 7:00-8:00 p.m. EST, that is part of a virtual series introducing students and those who are interested in an emergency management career to experts in the field. This session is geared toward engineering and hard sciences students. Panelists will include: Jay Barninger, Turkey Hill Dairy; Victor Fleites Sr., Florida Power and Light Company; and Karen R. Moore, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After the panelists’ brief presentations, a Q&A session will follow. Panelists will describe their path to emergency management, what it's like working in the field, and how current students can follow suit. Register online. PEW to host webinar series on advancing flood resilience planning and policy development beginning Jan. 21 IAEM The PEW Charitable Trusts’ flood-prepared communities initiative will host a webinar series highlighting opportunities to advance flood resilience planning and policy development in 2021. The first webinar will be held Jan. 21, 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST, on “Flood Resilience in the Year Ahead: State Innovation and Opportunities.” Since 2019, more than 10 states have mandated statewide resilience assessments or plans in order to coordinate investments and projects across agencies and localities to better prepare communities for natural hazards. This webinar will feature states leading the way to develop and implement statewide strategies that can manage vulnerabilities and increase resilience to future risks. Speakers will include: Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, State of Wisconsin; Dave Rosenblatt, New Jersey chief resilience officer and assistant commissioner, Climate and Flood Resilience, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; Shaun O’Rourke, Rhode Island chief resilience officer and director of Stormwater and Resiliency, Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank; and Dan Lauf, program director, Center for Best Practices, National Governors’ Association. Register online. .IAEM-LATIN AMERICA NEWS Mexico and Argentina align satellite networks to resolve regional challenges OOSA via ReliefWeb In collaboration with the National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE) of Argentina, the Mexican Space Agency (AEM) recently launched a digital platform to improve the integration of satellite data for environmental monitoring in Latin America. The Comprehensive Regional Satellite Information System (SIRIS) provides access to satellite information in order to enhance decision-making and facilitate disaster management. READ MORE .AROUND THE WORLD Hundreds evacuated as Indonesia's Mount Merapi volcano spews hot clouds NBC News Indonesia's Mount Merapi volcano spewed avalanches of hot clouds Thursday morning as hundreds more residents were evacuated from its fertile slopes. READ MORE At least 11 dead in Indonesia landslides VOA Indonesian officials say at least 11 people are dead and 18 others injured in back-to-back landslides in Sumedang regency, West Java, Saturday night. READ MORE Massive flooding affects more than 3,000 families in Eastern Samar CNN The Eastern Samar Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Office reported massive flooding in the province’s five towns due to incessant rains on Monday, affecting over 3,000 families. Close to 100 villages in the towns of Can-avid, Taft, Sulat, Maslog, Arteche, Dolores, and Jipapad were flooded. Most of these areas are located near river banks and flood prone areas. READ MORE Spain's worst snowstorm in recent memory leaves four dead and paralyzes much of the country The Associated Press via TIME Emergency crews in central Spain cleared 500 roads and rescued over 1,500 people stranded in their vehicles, allowing Madrid and other areas on Sunday to slowly shovel out of the country’s worst snowstorm in recent memory. After recording 50 centimeters (20 inches) of snow in the Spanish capital between Friday night and Saturday, Madrid and a large swathe of the country remained impassable Sunday, with roads, rail lines and air travel disrupted by Storm Filomena. The blizzard has been blamed for four deaths. READ MORE   IAEM Dispatch Connect with IAEM Dennis Hall, Director of Publishing, MultiView, 469-420-2656 | Download media kit Bob Kowalski, Executive Editor, MultiView, 469-420-2650 | Contribute news International Association of Emergency Managers 201 Park Washington Court  |  Falls Church, VA 22046-4527  Elizabeth B. 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