Defesa Civil - uma atividade que merece atenção e evolução

De: FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) [mailto:fema@service.govdelivery.com]
Enviada em: sexta-feira, 4 de abril de 2014 17:03
Para: jccascaes@onda.com.br
Assunto: FEMA�s Higher Education Program Bits and Pieces, April 4, 2014

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Welcome and thank you for subscribing to the FEMA Higher Education Program weekly activity report. The activity report may contain information regarding Hi Ed website updates, scholarship opportunities, employment information, emergency management books and journals, and other items of interest to the emergency management academic community.

• April 4, 2014.docx

FEMA’s Higher Education Program Bits and Pieces

National Emergency Training Center, Emmitsburg, MD   

4 April 2014

Higher Education Program News:

v  16^th Emergency Management Higher Education Symposium, June 2-5, 2014. 

The 16^th Emergency Management Higher Education Symposium is scheduled for June 2-5, 2014.  Plenary, breakout sessions and workshops are once again on the schedule.  More symposium information will be posted on the Higher Education website in the next few months. Please check the website for updates and additional information.  https://training.fema.gov/emiweb/edu/

Questions or concerns about the symposium should be sent to Barbara.Johnson3@fema.dhs.gov. 

Symposium application is now on the Hi Ed website at https://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/edu/educonference14.asp.  The applicant’s signature is the only signature required on the application and an org chart is not required.

Indicate in the top margin of the application if you will need on-campus housing and the dates you will need to stay.   This in no way guarantees you a dorm room but will enable NETC Housing to maximize the use of a limited number of on-campus rooms. 

Please use the Workshop Schedule to preregister for workshop selections.  Some of the workshops have limited seating plus it gives us a good idea of how much in the way of classroom materials to have on hand. 

Note: The wine and cheese reception for Monday evening has been cancelled.   

v  Symposium Student Volunteer Intern Information

Students currently enrolled in a college/university emergency management program are needed as student volunteer interns for the 16^th Annual Emergency Management Higher Education Symposium.  Students will be given reporting assignments and general conference duties.  The reports will be incorporated into the post-symposium proceedings posted to the FEMA Emergency Management Higher Education Program website. 

Generally graduate students will be assigned primarily to take detailed notes during the concurrent breakout sessions and to write summaries of those breakout sessions for incorporating into the post-symposium “proceedings”.  Reports will be 3-4 pages per session and will highlight the most significant aspects of the session.  Graduate students will be assigned at least one breakout session to report but may be assigned up to three reports during the conference. 

Generally undergraduate students are assigned various aspects of the symposium i.e., passing microphones during plenary sessions, assisting with symposium registration, passing out symposium folders, taking hard copies of presentation materials to classrooms, posting breakout session classroom assignments and various other duties. 

In addition one or more students will be assigned to assist the Hi Ed Program Manager and as well as the Hi Ed Program Assistant throughout the week.   

Student volunteers are required to attend 100% of the symposium beginning with Monday workshops and ending on Thursday afternoon with the last breakout sessions.  The typical volunteer obligations comprise about 20% of the symposium.  When not acting in a volunteer capacity students are free to attend breakout sessions at their leisure. 

Student volunteers are encouraged to participate in all symposium activities. 

For more information contact Barbara at Barbara.Johnson3@fema.dhs.gov. 

v  Symposium Volunteer Moderators/Facilitators Needed:

Are you a hands-on person?  Do you like to be the one controlling the situation?  Then you would be the perfect person to be a symposium moderator/facilitator?  Duties include the following:

·         Starting the session on time;

·         Introduction of speakers

·         Keep the session moving and on-time

·         Ensure no one person dominates the question and answer period

If you are planning to attend the 2014 EM Higher Education Symposium and are interested in a fascinating volunteer opportunity contact Shannon Cool at Shannon.Cool@associates.fema.dhs.gov. 

v  CALL FOR ABSTRACTS: FIRST EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT THEORY AND RESEARCH WORKSHOP

Monday June 2, 2014

Emergency Management Institute, National Emergency Training Center

Emmitsburg, Maryland

Most established academic disciplines have research conferences wherein advances in theory development and new research findings or data from research underway are shared. This sharing creates the opportunity for researchers to receive feedback on their work; new knowledge to be disseminated amongst scholars; and, for the scholars to in turn build on this new knowledge through their own research and/or share the new knowledge with students in higher education programs. This sharing also provides the opportunity for those conducting research to receive peer feedback on their work, offer presentations that are meaningful for achieving tenure, and develop synergies that will enhance scholarship in the field.

As of this year, emergency management has such a research conference.

The FEMA Higher Education Program welcomes EM student and faculty scholars to submit abstracts to present at this year’s Workshop to be held Monday, June 2 at the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland the day before the 2014 FEMA Higher Education Symposium.

Abstracts for research presentations that fall within the following categories are welcomed:  advances in theory, analysis based on a literature review, results of basic research, or results of applied research.

THE DEADLINE FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSION IS April 7, 2014. You can submit your abstract for consideration at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/EMTandRWorkshop

Guidelines for Submission:

1.         Ensure your proposed presentation fits into one of the categories identified above.

2.         Please ensure that your abstract clearly describes what your presentation will address.

3.         Ensure that your proposed presentation can be delivered within a 20-30 minute time period.

4.         If you wish to attend AND/OR present at the Workshop, you must complete the FEMA General

Admissions Application (FEMA Form 119-25-1).  Symposium application and additional information can be found on the Hi Ed website at https://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/edu/educonference14.asp. 

Workshop Selection Process:

A.    Selection of abstracts for presentation at the Workshop will be made based on four criteria this year:

1.      Clarity of what the presentation would address based on the abstract submitted

2.      A desire to ensure that all presentations reflect work contributing to the development of the academic discipline of emergency management

3.      The number of abstracts received versus the amount of time available for the workshop

4.      A desire to balance presentations across the categories in which submissions have been requested

B.     Decisions regarding submitted abstracts will be made the week of April 7-11, 2014.

C.     Notification of selection will be sent the week of April 14-18, 2014 along with additional information to assist Workshop presenters in the development of their presentation.

PLEASE CONTACT JESSICA JENSEN WITH ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE THEORY AND RESEARCH WORKSHOP AT JA.JENSEN@NDSU.EDU OR 701-219-4293.

Emergency Management/Homeland Security Student Information:

v  Student Opportunity at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

The Securities and Exchange Commission is excited to announce a vacancy for a Pathways Resident Intern: Student Trainee (Program & Research) position located at the SEC’s New York Regional Office:

Position Number: 14-PW-1082492-SLK

Location: New York, NY

Compensation: $35,119.00 to $51,135.00

Grade: SK-04

The SEC is seeking bright, innovative, results-oriented individuals to join our Pathways Resident Internship Program. The Pathways Resident Internship Program targets students accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program (diploma, certificate, etc.) in an accredited/qualifying educational institution, on a full or half-time basis. This internship is for students who can commit to working year-round at this office location in New York, NY. At the successful conclusion of this program, students may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a federal career or career-conditional position. Work assignments may include the following:

·         Provides assistance and support to teams conducting examinations of self-regulatory organizations, broker-dealers and transfer agents

·         Handles routine matters and refers inquiries to appropriate personnel based on knowledge of programs and functions, assignments, internal procedures and relationships

·         Performs a broad range of duties using various computer software programs to perform such operations as updating, revising, sorting, calculating, and manipulating data in  spreadsheets

To Apply:

For important information about this position, including details on duties, qualifications, and how to apply, please visit https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/365397000  You must apply for this position by April 10, 2014. If you need additional information contact Jeffery Anoka, Outreach Coordinator, Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI) at 202-551-6086 or anokaj@sec.gov.

Emergency Management/Homeland Security News:

v  11th Annual Canadian Risk and Hazards Network Symposium

Must Today’s Risk be Tomorrow’s Disaster?

The Use of Knowledge in Disaster Risk Reduction

Toronto, ON, October 22-24, 2014

Venue: Eaton Chelsea, Toronto (http://chelsea.eatonhotels.com/)

Call for Papers and Special Sessions:

We invite you to submit proposals for special sessions and abstracts for paper presentations, for the 11th Annual CRHNet (http://www.crhnet.ca/symposium-2014)  Symposium. The symposium will be held at the Eaton Chelsea Hotel in downtown Toronto.

The Canadian Risks and Hazards Network is a broadly-based network of practitioners and researchers, composed of governmental, commercial, industrial, and community-focused members. We are interested in all risks and hazards - natural, technological, and human-caused.

The program of the 11th Symposium, including a field trip and discussion groups as well as plenary and targeted sessions, will appeal to people from all disciplines and sectors (private, academia, government, community, and voluntary agencies) whether they are working at local, national or international levels. CRHNet brings together everyone who has an interest in the cross-sectoral, multiple dimensions of risk management and disaster reduction. CRHNet and the 11th Symposium emphasize an interdisciplinary approach that will reach out to everyone with interests in risk mitigation and management.

Abstracts and special sessions on a broad range of topics related to risk and hazards are encouraged. Themes to be addressed include:

 Evolving theories of risks

 Hazard and risk policy and regulations

 Emergency management

 Public health risks and emergencies

 Technological risks and engineering

 Critical infrastructure risks and protection

 Risk management models, standards, and tools

 Risk reduction and adaptation to climate and severe weather

 Cyber security risks and emergencies

 Risk and insurance of catastrophic events

 Managing coastal hazards, risks, and emergencies

 Managing North/Arctic hazards and risks

 Risks and demographic changes

 Managing risks and emergencies in mass gathering events

 Canada and post Hyogo Framework of Action

 Information and knowledge management for disaster risk reduction

 International perspectives on risk management and disaster risk reduction

 Aboriginal disaster resilience in Canadian and international contexts

Submission Information

Prospective presenters are encouraged to submit abstract or proposals for special sessions by

going to the Symposium website:

https://www.easychair.org/conferences/?conf=crhnet2014

Each accepted paper will have a maximum of 30 minutes for presentation and discussion.

Abstracts will appear in the symposium's proceedings. Please note that posters are also welcome.

A selection of submitted full papers will be considered for publication in a special issue of the

International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction.

Registration for the conference is at https://dce.yorku.ca/CRHN/

Important Dates

o   Deadline for submission of abstract:                                    June 15, 2014

o   Notification of acceptance:                                      July 15, 2014

o   Full paper submission for journal publication:          September 15, 2014

o   Symposium:                                                              October 22-24, 2014

v  28^th Annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference, May 11-16, 2014, Orlando, Florida

State Logistics Response Center Open House

The State Logistics Response Center (SLRC) in Orlando is a 200,000 square foot, climate controlled cross-dock logistics management facility.  Situated on 13 acres, the complex includes a heliport, staging for semi-truck/trailers, 197,850 square feet of climate controlled warehouse areas and a 19,196 square foot Logistics Operations, Movement Control and Training Center.  The facility affords the State of Florida the ability to provide immediate resource support to any event in the state, as well as coordinate the logistics operations of local, state and federal agencies.  The facility maintains around $38 million in resources to support 500,000 persons for the first 3 days of a disaster.  This facility also acts as the State's Logistics Laboratory providing advanced logistics training for state and county personnel.

The Florida State Joint Logistics staff invites you to take the opportunity to tour this state-of-the-art facility on Tuesday evening, May 13 between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m.   Reservations are not necessary.  The SLRC is a short drive from the Rosen Centre Hotel.  For a map and directions, please go to:  http://goo.gl/maps/OBEhT 

Our thanks to the Florida Division of Emergency Management for making this opportunity available.

Hurricane Hunter Tours

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is providing GHC attendees the opportunity to tour one of the Lockheed WP-3D Orion Hurricane Hunter Aircraft used in the hurricane reconnaissance program, on Thursday evening, May 15.  The aircraft will be located at the Orlando International Airport and LYNX, which is operated by the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, is graciously providing transportation.  There will be two buses of 40 passengers each, one leaving the Rosen Centre Hotel at 6:00 p.m. and the other leaving at 7:00 p.m.  We estimate each round trip, including the tour, will take approximately two hours.  Boarding will be on a first-come-first-seated basis and each bus will accommodate no more than 40.  We anticipate a big response so we suggest you arrive early to be assured a seat.  Buses will load at the hotel's west side entrance under the skywalk to the Orange County Convention Center. 

Our thanks to the National Weather Service, LYNX and Orange County Emergency Management, member agency of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association, for organizing this event.

Social Media Exercise (SMEX)

If you are interested in how social media tools can be utilized in emergency management, the GHC is a great place to be! Come out and participate in the first GHC SMEX, which will be held in conjunction with other conference activities.

The public are already using social media in a disaster, it is up to emergency managers to harness this power and put it to use in the EOC and elsewhere. The interactive and real-time social media exercise at conference will help new and experienced social media users understand how this technology can impact emergency management. Participants will use social media, including Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ to send and receive information about conference activities and events. This online interaction will guide participants to further social media activities, illustrating how communities create and pass information in a disaster.

Example activities include posting information to Twitter in response to a request, taking photos with location information embedded, and participating in a virtual scavenger hunt. All of these actions will be educational and entertaining for the participants! Best of all, the GHC SMEX won't require participants to block off valuable time from packed schedules - it's all virtual.

Finally, participants can test their skill at pulling information from the 'cloud' by participating in the Social Media Exercise Wrap Up session. In this optional session, participants can compare the information they gleaned from social media sources with 'reality' as well as learn monitoring techniques for use in disasters.

The exercise is being developed by the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program at Florida State University in support of the GHC. For more information, contact David Merrick at (850) 644-9961 or dmerrick@fsu.edu.

Governor's Hurricane Conference, Inc. | (727) 944-2724 | ghcrene@verizon.net | http://www.flghc.org

v  Dr. B. Wayne Blanchard Award for Academic Excellence in Emergency Management Higher Education

North Dakota State University is proud to sponsor the Dr. B. Wayne Blanchard Award for Academic Excellence in Emergency Management Higher Education

To honor the contributions and spirit of excellence cultivated by Dr. B. Wayne Blanchard in emergency management higher education, North Dakota State University (NDSU) seeks nominations for an award it has created in his name to honor like contributions in the emergency management higher education community.

The Dr. B. Wayne Blanchard Award for Academic Excellence in Emergency Management Higher Education will annually honor the contributions of one esteemed member of the emergency management higher education community who has advanced emergency management higher education through his or her efforts.  NDSU is proud to support this award and appreciates its value as a mechanism by which the higher education community can recognize excellence within its own ranks.

Nominations can be submitted on behalf of oneself or others.  Nominations should be presented in a one page narrative that summarizes the contributions made to emergency management higher education by the nominated individual.  If pertinent and available, the CV of the nominee may also be presented with the nomination.  Nominations will be accepted via email from March 17, 2014 - April 11, 2014.  Nominations should be emailed to carol.cwiak@ndsu.edu.  A receipt confirmation email will be sent upon receipt of nominations.  Due to the international composition of the Award Committee, only email submissions will be considered.

The members of the Award Committee will review the nominations and notify the recipient in mid-April.  The recipient will be presented a plaque commemorating the award at the Higher Education Symposium in June (if recipient is unable to attend the conference the plaque will be mailed) and will have their photograph and biography featured on the Dr. B. Wayne Blanchard Award for Academic Excellence in Emergency Management Higher Education web page located at www.ndsu.edu/emgt/blanchard_award/.

For questions about the award, contact Carol Cwiak at NDSU at carol.cwiak@ndsu.edu or

(701) 231-5847.

v  Disaster Information Management Research Center, April 4, 2014

*Selections from over 100 e-sources*

*Follow NLM_DIMRC on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/NLM_DIMRC *

***National Public Health Week, April 7-13***

.The theme for Tuesday, April 8 is: “Don’t panic. Disaster preparedness starts with community-wide commitment and action.” Follow us on Twitter and feel free to share our tweets on your Twitter accounts to help us spread the word about resources the National Library of Medicine has to help communities, first responders and providers prepare. Some examples of what we are Tweeting:

*Get ready for Nat'l Public Health Week on April 7-13 and read up on community disaster prep: http://go.usa.gov/WNRQ #NPHW

*Are you digitally prepared for an emergency? Find all the apps you need at: http://go.usa.gov/WNnh #NPHW

Follow us on Twitter for more Tweets to share: https://twitter.com/NLM_DIMRC

National Public Health Week: http://www.nphw.org/

***Call for Papers***
The journal “Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness” is publishing a special issue in 2014 on the role of communication in public health preparedness measures and response to pandemics, with particular reference to infectious disease outbreaks. Topics include: crisis preparedness framework, tools for outbreak communication, information management and access, mass media/social media, and more.

Deadline: June 30, 2014

Full instructions on how to prepare a submission can be viewed at: http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/dmp

Please contact dmphpjournal@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding submission.

***Disaster Apps Challenge****

The National Defense University’s Center for Technology and National Security Policy recently launched a Disaster Apps Challenge. The Challenge encourages developers to build upon an open source disaster relief application that is already being used in the field, resulting in disaster apps that are well built and useful to a broad range of users. Submissions are due June 20, 2014.

http://disasterapps.challengepost.com/

***New TOXNET Interface Coming in Spring 2014***

TOXNET, the National Library of Medicine database on toxicology, hazardous chemicals, environmental health, and toxic releases, is releasing a new interface later this spring. It will provide an improved appearance and interactive capabilities as well as a more current look and feel. See the latest NLM Technical Bulletin for a screenshot of what the new database home page will look like.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/techbull/ma14/brief/ma14_new_toxnet.html

***Disaster Research and Evaluation Frameworks***

Disaster Research/Evaluation Frameworks, Part 1: An Overview

By Marvin Birnbaum, Elaine Daily, Ann O’Rourke & Alessandro Loretti

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, Volume 29, Number 2 (April 2014).

Part One of a nine-part electronic supplement on Research and Evaluation of Disaster Health is now available. This introductory article provides an overview of a conceptual framework of research in disaster medicine that was developed through work sponsored by the World Association for Disaster and Medicine (WADEM) and the Task Force for Quality Control of Disaster Medicine (TFQCDM). Open Access Online Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1049023X14000211 - (click on PDF icon)

***Webinar: Response and Recovery during an Environmental Disaster: Learning from the Elk River Chemical Spill***

National Association of County and City Health (NACCHO); American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC); and the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL)

Tuesday, April 22^nd, 2:30 – 4:00 pm ET

On January 9th, 2014, Freedom Industries spilled 10,000 gallons of toxic 4-methylcyclohexane methanol (MCHM) and an unknown amount of polyglycol ether (PPH), into the Elk River in West Virginia, leaving nearly 300,000 residents from nine counties without drinking water. The response to this event required the coordination of many organizations at the local, state, and federal level.  This webinar will explore the roles of local public health, poison control, and public health laboratory officials in the response; to reflect on the challenges, systems, and practices that led to the incident; and discuss ways to improve upon future responses and prevent similar incidents from occurring.

Speakers in this webinar will include: Dr. Rahul Gupta, Health Officer and Executive Director, Kanawha-Charleston Health Department; Martha A. McElfresh, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Office of Laboratory Services, CT Coordinator Threat Preparedness and Response Section; and Elizabeth Scharman, Managing Director, West Virginia Poison Control Center

http://naccho.adobeconnect.com/wvspill/event/registration.html

Just a reminder that the National Library of Medicine created a record for MCHM in the Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) in response to this spill.  The March 13, 2014 Disaster Information Specialist Program Call on accessing information on chemicals and chemical hazards included a discussion of the process involved in the development of HSDB record.

HSDB Record: http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/r?dbs+hsdb:@term+@DOCNO+8182

Recording and Slides from March 13 DIS call http://disasterinfo.nlm.nih.gov/dimrc/dismeetings.html#previous14

*** Webinar: Everyday Pediatric Readiness for Extraordinary Events

Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB)

Tuesday, April 22^nd, 4:00 – 5:30pm ET

This webcast will highlight best practices and lessons learned from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) where the threat of a tsunami or typhoon is an everyday reality and where routine and extraordinary often intersect. The CNMI Emergency Medical Services for Children program will discuss successes and challenges in pediatric disaster preparedness and response, including: the EMS systems and resources; interagency collaboration; and community planning, practice, response, and recovery.

https://hrsa.connectsolutions.com/everyday1/

*** Webinar Series: Beneficial Practices for Improving Biosurveillance***

Thursday, April 24^th, 2:00-3:00pm ET: Outbreaks

Thursday, June 5^th, 2:00-3:00pm ET: Prioritizing Your Biosurveillance Enhancements

This webinar series brings to light key findings of a 2012-13 North Carolina Preparedness and Emergency Response Research Center project and report on enhancing biosurveillance practice for situational awareness during a public health emergency. 
Webinar series: http://sph.unc.edu/nciph/biosurv-webinar/ 

Report: Improving Public Health Preparedness: Strengthening Biosurveillance Systems for Enhanced Situational Awareness: http://sph.unc.edu/nciph/nciph-biosurv-sys-rpt/

***From Disaster Lit: Resource Guide for Disaster Medicine and Public Health***

Special Topic: Tools for Addressing Anniversaries of Past Events

http://go.usa.gov/kq6z

Anniversary Reactions: Research Findings

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD [Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder] March 2010

This resource provides information about the reactions to the anniversary of traumatic events, when some people may find that they experience an increase in distressing memories of the event. It discusses why people experience anniversary reactions, what symptoms are associated with anniversary reactions, empirical studies of anniversary reactions, and what survivors can do to feel better.

http://go.usa.gov/kqHH

Tips for Families on Addressing the Anniversary

National Child Traumatic Stress Network, December 2013

This one-page resource provides tips for school staff to recommend to families on addressing the anniversary of a school crisis. It discusses what reactions to look for in children, who might need additional support, and how families and communities can help.

http://go.usa.gov/kq6k

Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) - www.silcnh.org

o   Personal Preparedness Workbook for People with Disabilities (includes video, printable magnets) in Spanish too.

o   Flood Safety information in Spanish too

o   Developmental Disabilities information (with Spanish link)

o   Youth with Special Health Care Needs Resources for parents and professionals in various formats and languages.

o   Dealing with Anxiety in audio and Spanish

The journal for Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness is publishing a special issue in 2014 on the role of communication in public health preparedness measures and response to pandemics, with particular reference to infectious disease outbreaks.

We welcome paper submissions from a variety of disciplines for this special issue. Submissions for research, editorials, commentaries that fit the

theme of this special issue will also be considered. Please contact dmphpjournal@gmail.com if you have any questions regarding submission.

Submission guidelines

Full instructions on how to prepare a submission can be viewed at http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/dmp.

For your own subscription to receive topics of interest, sign up at http://disasterinfo.nlm.nih.gov/dimrc/dimrclistserv.html

v  FBI Investigates FEMA Flood Map Changes

http://www.nbcnews.com/#/news/investigations/fbi-investigates-fema-flood-map-changes-after-nbc-news-report-n62906

v  Governor’s Hurricane Conference

This is just a reminder that if you have not made your hotel reservations for the Governor’s Hurricane Conference yet, please be sure to do so prior to next week’s hotel cut-off date of April 11, 2014. After that date the hotel will be unable to guarantee availability or the group room rate of $119/night (plus tax)* at the Rosen Centre and $89/night (plus tax)* at the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando.

As a reminder, the deposit and cancellation policy for reservations is as follows: Reservations must be secured by the cut-off date of April 11, 2014 and a guaranteed payment method of credit card or one night’s room and tax. Five (5) days prior to your arrival, a one’s night’s room and tax authorization will be processed to the method of payment on file. Credit cards, checks and money orders are acceptable forms of deposit funds. Any rooms not secured by a deposit will be released back to the Hotel at cut-off.

Individual deposits are refundable if cancelled up to five (5) days prior to arrival. You must cancel five (5) days prior to arrival. If you cancel less than five (5) days prior to arrival, your method of payment will be charged a one night’s room and tax penalty.

To make reservations at the Rosen Centre call (800) 204-7234 and request the group rate for Governor’s Hurricane Conference, or book online by clicking here.

To make reservations at the Rosen Inn at Point Orlando call (800) 999-8585 and request the group rate for Governor’s Hurricane Conference or by booking online by clicking here.

Not sure which hotel is right for you? To view more details about the Rosen Hotels, please visit the Hotel Information page here.

For questions or assistance, please contact the Governor’s Hurricane Conference Housing Bureau at (850) 224-7775, toll free at (888) 320-6129 or by emailing ghc@cmc-associates.com.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you in Orlando!

v  IAEM Dispatch, April 3, 2014

IAEM-USA NEWS

Participate in America's PrepareAthon! on April 30 IAEM
IAEM-USA encourages all members to participate in and promote the inaugural America's PrepareAthon national day of action on Apr. 30, 2014. The America's PrepareAthon! campaign aims to support Presidential Policy Directive/PPD-8: National Preparedness, increasing emergency and disaster preparedness at the grassroots level. National days of action will be held each year in the spring and autumn. The focus of the day of action on Apr. 30 will be preparing organizations and individuals for floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires. America's PrepareAthon! is modeled on the success of The Great ShakeOut earthquake drills which have moved millions of people to practice what to do during an earthquake and improve preparedness. America’s PrepareAthon! materials include interactive tools and preparedness information, as well as support resources that describe appropriate protective actions for tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and wildfires, mitigation measures and guidance for hosting a drill or discussion and more. For information about how you or your organization can participate, you can view these resources.

Flood insurance reform signed--now to analyze and implement IAEM
On Mar. 21, 2014, President Obama signed into law the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014, which repealed and modified certain provisions of the Biggert-Waters Insurance Reform Act. FEMA's official analysis is not yet available, however the current notice is posted. In testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security on Mar. 26, Administrator Fugate indicated that the first priority is to immediately implement removal of the trigger to full actuarial rates at the point of sale of a property. The second priority is to process the refunds for properties sold between enactment of Biggert-Waters on Jul. 6, 2012 and enactment of the new legislation on Mar. 21, 2014. The third priority will be development and publication of new premium rates. The Association of State Floodplain Managers has shared an initial analysis of key provisions of the bill.

EM NEWS

Letter to the editor: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services official responds Newsweek
The March 14 article "The Only Thing Scarier than Bio-Warfare is the Anti-Dote" contains significant misleading and inaccurate statements. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is dedicated to health and to the highest standards of safety, security, ethics, and transparency in health research.

Panel's warning on climate risk: Worst is yet to come The New York Times
Climate change is already having sweeping effects on every continent and throughout the world's oceans, scientists reported, and they warned that the problem was likely to grow substantially worse unless greenhouse emissions are brought under control. The report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a United Nations group that periodically summarizes climate science, concluded that ice caps are melting, sea ice in the Arctic is collapsing, water supplies are coming under stress, heat waves and heavy rains are intensifying, coral reefs are dying, and fish and many other creatures are migrating toward the poles or in some cases going extinct.

10 cities most at risk of being hit by natural disasters Business Insider
Swiss Re, a global reinsurance company, has analyzed the disaster potential for 616 of the world's largest cities. Each city is ranked according to its potential for earthquakes, storms, storm surges, tsunamis, and river floods. For each type of disaster, Swiss Re devised an extreme weather scenario in which defenses fail and the human and economic toll can be enormous.

IAEM NEWS

Call for Entries: IAEM Awards Competition is open April 1-May 30, 2014 IAEM
The 2014 IAEM Awards Competition opened on April 1, 2014. The purpose of the competition is to recognize and honor persons who have made special or significant contributions to the field of emergency management and have represented the profession well by their outstanding performance. You are encouraged to participate and to share your achievements with your colleagues. Award guidelines and official entry forms are posted on the IAEM website. Be sure to read the guidelines carefully and pay close attention to content requirements, format, and length specifications, before submitting your entries via email to Karen Thompson. The IAEM awards entry deadline is Friday, May 30, 2014, 5:00 p.m., EDT.

IAEM MEMBER NEWS

IAEM Member Cheryl Nelson, Mrs. Virginia International, is promoting disaster preparedness IAEM
New IAEM member Cheryl Nelson, the reigning Mrs. Virginia International, will be wearing an IAEM pin on her sash when she competes in the Mrs. International pageant in July in Jacksonville, Fla. Cheryl visited IAEM Headquarters on Apr. 1, 2014, to meet with staff and members about her natural disaster preparedness platform. "If crowned Mrs. International," she states on her website, "I will promote the importance of natural disaster preparedness through education, speaking engagements, and public appearances all across the United States and the world." Cheryl's interest in promoting disaster preparedness is not new. As the reigning Mrs. Virginia International she maintains a travel schedule focused on disaster preparedness education that is herculean. She holds a bachelor of science in meteorology from Penn State University, is an elected member of the Board of Directors for Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, has served as a media planner with the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, and worked as an Emmy-nominated TV host, reporter and meteorologist on television for more than a decade.

Lori Postma to appear in TV series Chicago Fire and Chicago PD IAEM
CEM® candidate Lori Postma, RN, Franciscan Healthcare-Munster, will be a "featured extra" in a two-part crossover event of the TV series Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. To catch Lori’s performance, watch or DVR the episodes, which air on Apr. 29, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern. In addition to serving as emergency preparedness and bioterrorism coordinator at Franciscan Healthcare-Munster, Lori is a firefighter for Lake Township Fire Dept., Lake Village, Ind. Learn more.

EM RESOURCES

CNN plans 'Disaster Deck' studio NewscastStudio
CNN has announced plans to create the "CNN Disaster Deck" — a studio dedicated to covering natural and manmade disasters of all types. NewscastStudio was provided exclusively with the image above of the proposed new studio. Citing its recent coverage of the so-called "Poop Cruise" and the missing Malaysian Air Flight 370, the network says the new studio will help it provide up-to-the-minute, nonstop coverage of the big stories that have brought the network ratings success in recent months.

Roadmap outlines R&D path to reduce storm impacts Homeland Security News Wire
A new measurement science research and development roadmap, prepared for the National Institute of Standards and Technology over the past two years by a private-sector group of hazard mitigation experts, provides a broad strategic approach and R&D objectives to reduce impacts from windstorms and coastal inundations, including storm surge during hurricanes and tsunamis.

SURVEY REQUESTS

IAEM-USA members urgently requested to respond to survey for National Preparedness Leadership Initiative by April 4 IAEM
As part of the program at the Harvard Kennedy School's Center for Public Leadership — National Preparedness Leadership Initiative (NPLI), Maryland Director Ken Mallette and Kristin Robinson from FEMA are asking you to complete a survey, which partially addresses the applicability of the Stafford Act to so-called non-traditional events, such as cyber attacks. This survey is totally voluntary. Their final report will be made available to the emergency management community. Questions about the survey or the project should be directed to Ken Mallette or Kristin Robinson. The survey deadline is Friday, Apr. 4, 2014.

NEW INSIGHTS

Clusters of 'broken hearts' may be linked to massive natural disasters ScienceBlog
Dramatic spikes in cases of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also called broken heart syndrome, were found in two states after major natural disasters, suggesting the stress of disasters as a likely trigger, according to research to be presented at the American College of Cardiology's 63rd Annual Scientific Session. Authors call for greater awareness among emergency department physicians and other first responders.

CEM® UPDATE

Members value Certification Prep Courses IAEM
Dr. Nicole Gerber, a recent participant in the Prep Course in Buffalo, N.Y. provided the following comments about the CEM®/AEM℠ Prep Course, "...the comprehensive CEM® Prep Course covered the basics of emergency management in the scope of the 2007 NFPA 1600, [the instructor] discussed specific topics in depth and added practical information, reviewed many sample test questions and also was very thorough in answering questions posed by the participants. IAEM has provided great guidance on expectations of EMs and then combined that with the Prep Course. The exam was not stressful and I feel more engaged in my EM role and its responsibilities." Take advantage of one of the upcoming Prep Course/Exam offerings!

·         May 5, 2014 — Atlantic City, N.J. (Prep Course and Exam in conjunction with the New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference)

·         May 5, 2014 — Lake Charles, La. (Exam only in conjunction with LEPA)

·         May 12 & 13, 2014 — San Antonio, Texas (Prep Course and Exam in conjunction with Texas Emergency Management Annual Conference)

·         May 19, 2014 — Savannah, Ga. (Prep Course and Exam in conjunction with IAEM Region 4 & 5 Conference)

·         June 14, 2014 — Garden City, N.Y. (Exam Only)

·         June 21, 2014 — Richmond, Calif. (Prep Course and Exam)

Candidates may register on the IAEM website. A minimum of 10 registrants is required for each course. Candidates with questions should contact CEM Administrator Kate McClimans.

AROUND THE WORLD

Tropical Cyclone Hellen: Worst case scenario avoided in Madagascar The Weather Channel
Fears of a "worst case scenario" were narrowly avoided in Madagascar as Tropical Cyclone Hellen made landfall, having weakened rapidly just before landfall after undergoing a period of equally rapid intensification. Hellen intensified at an extraordinary rate over the Mozambique Channel as it drifted south-southeast toward the northwestern coast of Madagascar, an island nation in the southwestern Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa.

Massive Chile earthquake was deadly without a large tsunami CBS News
Authorities lifted tsunami warnings for Chile's long coastline after a magnitude-8.2 earthquake struck the South American nation's northern coast. Six people were crushed to death or suffered fatal heart attacks, a remarkably low toll for such a powerful shift in the Earth's crust. The earthquake was so powerful, shaking was felt 300 miles away from its center in Bolivia's capital.

Washington mudslide death toll hits 29 Time
The number of confirmed deaths in the Washington state mudslide has increased to 29, officials said. Twenty-two of the bodies were identified as of Tuesday, up from 19 the day before. As the Snohomish County medical examiner's office worked to identify the six other victims, rescue workers continued picking through the debris field in the hopes of finding the people that are still missing.

Another storm slams New England, extending winter of discontent Los Angeles Times
March is supposed to come in like a lion and exit like a lamb. But like so many things in 2014's winter of our discontent, that exit thing just ain’t working out like it was supposed to. A spring storm brought fierce and challenging winds and snow across portions of Massachusetts and eastern Maine on Wednesday, hitting Cape Cod especially hard. Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard also were targeted by the storm.

For Californians, 2 quakes put preparedness back on the map The New York Times
It has been 20 years since Southern California experienced a major earthquake, a powerful 6.7-magnitude temblor that rolled through Northridge, killing 57 people. But this stretch of seismic calm, though welcome in obvious ways, has undermined efforts to force Los Angeles to deal with what officials describe as potentially lethal deficiencies in earthquake preparation.

Subscribe here -- it's free!

For more information contact: Kate Walker McClimans, CEM Administrator, kwalker@iaem.com

v  Millersville University – CALL FOR PAPERS

The Global Katrina Effect: An International Research Symposium

Center for Disaster Research & Education

Millersville University of Pennsylvania, USA

October 1 – 3, 2014

August 2015 will mark the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, considered to be one of the defining historic events within the emergency management field in the United States.  Accordingly, this anniversary will prompt numerous reflective academic assessments of how this disaster, which struck the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coasts, changed the US emergency management landscape thereafter. Less known, however, is the impact that Hurricane Katrina had on disaster management systems in other countries --over a variety of subject areas ranging from emergency preparedness to coastal management to vulnerable populations to companion animals. To highlight the global lessons drawn from Hurricane Katrina, Millersville University will host an international research symposium on October 1-3, 2014 which will bring together policymakers, practitioners and academics from around the world.  This interdisciplinary gathering will take place over a three-day period during which juried scholarly papers will address how other countries modified their disaster response institutions, practices or policies after the initial American mismanagement of the Katrina crisis came to light.

Millersville University’s Center for Disaster Research and Education invites academic specialists, practitioners and policymakers to submit proposals addressing the symposium theme.   Since the goal of the symposium is to advance new ways of understanding the impact of Hurricane Katrina through a cross-national comparative examination of case studies,  proposals should adhere to the following structure: 1)  highlighting what happened during Hurricane Katrina regarding a specific subject area; 2) reviewing changes in institutions, procedures or law in the United States as a result of lessons learned from Katrina in this sector and 3) identifying how other countries adapted their emergency management systems/policies post-Katrina and whether these innovative changes might be utilized by the US and other countries.  Interdisciplinary studies are particularly encouraged.

Submissions to take part in this research symposium should include a paper proposal between 300-500 words specifically addressing the three areas noted above, along with the applicant’s curriculum vitae.  This proposal should be based on original research and not cover work the author has previously published.  The symposium’s organizers intend to invite selected symposium papers for inclusion in an edited volume entitled:  The Global Katrina Effect, 2005-2015: Hurricane Katrina’s Impact on Disaster Management Systems Worldwide.  The deadline for submission of symposium proposals is May 1, 2014.  Submissions should be sent to BOTH symposium organizers:  robert.bookmiller@millersville.edu AND kirsten.bookmiller@millersville.edu.

Participants will be notified of selection for the symposium by mid-June 2014.  More details concerning the format for each paper will be provided at that time.  A full copy of the accepted participant’s paper is due by September 1, 2014 and will be made available to other symposium contributors. It is the goal of the symposium organizers to provide sufficient time for each participant to present their findings to the full gathering for comment and questions.  The symposium will be a public event open to university and community members.  Emergency management practitioners will be especially welcome. 

Contingent upon grant funding, hotel accommodations for the symposium participants will be covered.  All symposium meals will be covered. Information regarding funding will be provided during notification of the paper’s inclusion in the research symposium program in mid-June.

Millersville University is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Universities and is located in Lancaster County, PA (which is serviced by both Amtrak and a regional airport).  The university offers a Master’s of Science Degree in Emergency Management (MSEM) and houses the Center for Disaster Research and Education (http://www.millersville.edu/cdre/).

v  Natural Hazards Center - DR 626—April 3, 2014 - Disaster Research News You Can Use

·         Insensitive or Just Good Sense? Assigning Blame in the Oso Landslide

·         Ship Shape: Oil Spill Shines Light on Ship Channel Risks

·         Disaster News Redux: Latest IPCC Report Sends Stern Message

·         Mary Fran Myers Award Deadline is Approaching

·         Call Outs: Calls for Papers, Abstracts, Proposals, and More

o   Call for Applications - John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service
New York City Office of Emergency Management - Deadline: April 7, 2014
Call for Applications
Post Graduate Internship Program
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute
Deadline: April 14, 2014

·         Some New Web Resources

o   Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network

o   Report Card for America’s Infrastructure

o   Text-to-911

o   Beyond the Basics: Best Practices in Local Mitigation Planning

o   National Tsunami Preparedness Week

·         Conferences and Events

o   April 30 to May 3, 2014 - Fire-Rescue Med
International Association of Fire Chiefs EMS Section - Arlington, Virginia

o   April 30 to May 3, 2014 - 50th Anniversary Workshop 
University of Delaware Disaster Research Center - Newark, Delaware

o   May 25-30, 2014 - First International Summit on Tornadoes and Climate Change
Aegean Conferences - Chaina, Crete

o   June 1-6, 2014 - ASPFM Conference: Making Room for Fish and Floods
Association of State Floodplain Managers - Seattle, Washington

o   July 21-25, 2014 - National Conference on Earthquake Engineering
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute -Anchorage, Alaska

·         Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

o   Regional Hurricane Program Manager, GS13
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Denton, Texas
Deadline: April 13, 2014

o   Supervisory Attorney Advisor, GS14
Federal Emergency Management Agency
New York, New York
Deadline: April 13, 2014

o   Disaster and Emergency Management Major Research Project Supervisor
Royal Roads University, Victoria, British Columbia
Deadline: April 28, 2014

o   Wharton Risk Management and Decision Process Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Deadline: April 30, 2014

o   Public Assistance Engineer or Architect
Hagerty Consulting - Multiple locations
Deadline: Open until filled

·         Webinars, Training, and Education

o   Webinar - April 11, 2014, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. EST
Is Your State Resilient? Planning for Climate Change
American Planning Association
Cost and Registration: Free, register online

o   Webinar - April 16, 2014, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. EDT
Disaster Preparedness Planning for Family Caregivers
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Cost and Registration: Free, register online

o   Webinar
April 22, 2014, 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. MDT
Learning from the Elk River Chemical Spill
National Association of City and County Health Officials
Cost and Registration: Free, register online

Contributions of jobs, conferences, and other content to this newsletter can be sent to jolie.breeden@colorado.edu. Please include “for Disaster Research” in the subject line.

To subscribe, visit http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/dr/ or e-mail jolie.breeden@colorado.edu.

v  Naval Postgraduate School - Greta E. Marlatt; email: gmarlatt@nps.edu/;

New or Updated Congressional Research Service (CRS) Reports:

·          National Monuments and the Antiquities Act. R41330

·         EPA Regulations: Too Much, Too Little, or On Track? R41561

·         Selected Characteristics of Private and Public Sector Workers. R41897

·         Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future. R42613

·         Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund: Programs and Policy Issues. R42770

·         Wildfire Management: Federal Funding and Related Statistics. R43077

·         Mandatory Spending Since 1962. RL33074

·         Agriculture and Related Agencies: FY2014 and FY2013 (Post-Sequestration) Appropriations. R43110

·         Free Exercise of Religion by Secular Organizations and Their Owners: Implications for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). R43329

·         The President’s Budget: Overview of Structure and Timing of Submission to Congress. R43163

Brookings

·         Offshore Oil and Gas Governance in the Arctic: A Leadership Role for the U.S. http://www.brookings.edu/research/reports/2014/03/offshore-oil-gas-governance-arctic

Canadian Defense & Foreign Affairs Institute (CDFAI)

·         Canada, the Arctic Council, Greenpeace, and Arctic Oil Drilling: Complicating an Already Complicated Picture http://www.cdfai.org/PDF/Canada%20the%20Arctic%20Council%20Greenpeace%20and%20Arctic%20Oil%20Drilling.pdf

Congress. House. Homeland Security Committee

·         Publicly releasable correspondence between the Committee & Executive Branch agencies in relation to the Boston Bombing report http://homeland.house.gov/sites/homeland.house.gov/files/documents/Boston-Bombings-Report-Correspondence-3.pdf

·         The Road to Boston: Counterterrorism Challenges and Lessons from the Marathon Bombings http://homeland.house.gov/sites/homeland.house.gov/files/documents/Boston-Bombings-Report.pdf

·         Taking Down the Cartels: Examining United States – Mexico Cooperation http://homeland.house.gov/hearing/hearing-taking-down-cartels-examining-united-states-mexico-cooperation

·         HR 4289, the Department of Homeland Security Interoperable Communications Act http://homeland.house.gov/bill/hr-4289-department-homeland-security-interoperable-communications-act

·         Lessons from the LAX Shooting: Preparing for and Responding to Emergencies at Airports http://homeland.house.gov/hearing/subcommittee-field-hearing-lessons-lax-shooting-preparing-and-responding-emergencies

·         Markup: H.R. 4228, DHS Acquisition Accountability and Efficiency Act http://homeland.house.gov/markup/subcommittee-markup-hr-4228-dhs-acquisition-accountability-and-efficiency-act

·         Passport Fraud: An International Vulnerability http://homeland.house.gov/hearing/subcommittee-hearing-passport-fraud-international-vulnerability

·         The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s FY2015 Budget Request: Ensuring Effective Preparedness, Response, and Communications http://homeland.house.gov/hearing/subcommittee-hearing-federal-emergency-management-agency-s-fy2015-budget-request-ensuring

Congress. House. Judiciary Committee

·         Over-Federalization http://judiciary.house.gov/index.cfm/2014/3/hearing-over-federalization

Congress. House. Oversight & Government Reform Committee

·         Examining the IRS Response to the Targeting Scandal http://oversight.house.gov/hearing/examining-irs-response-targeting-scandal/

Congress. House. Transportation & Infrastructure Committee

·         President's Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Request for Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Programs http://transportation.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=371224

Congress. Senate. Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee

·         A “Kill Chain” Analysis of the 2013 Target Data Breach http://www.commerce.senate.gov/public/?a=Files.Serve&File_id=24d3c229-4f2f-405d-b8db-a3a67f183883

·         Protecting Personal Consumer Information from Cyber Attacks and Data Breaches http://www.commerce.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Hearings&ContentRecord_id=082407f8-9740-4e43-b2d2-1520c5495014&ContentType_id=14f995b9-dfa5-407a-9d35-56cc7152a7ed&Group_id=b06c39af-e033-4cba-9221-de668ca1978a

Congress. Senate. Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee

·         Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships to Reduce Cyber Risks to Our Nation's Critical Infrastructure http://www.hsgac.senate.gov/hearings/strengthening-public-private-partnerships-to-reduce-cyber-risks-to-our-nations-critical-infrastructure

·         Transparency and Training: Preparing Our First Responders for Emerging Threats and Hazards http://www.hsgac.senate.gov/subcommittees/emdc/hearings/transparency-and-training-preparing-our-first-responders-for-emerging-threats-and-hazards

Government Accountability Office (GAO)

·         Spectrum Management: FCC's Use and Enforcement of Buildout Requirements. GAO-14-236 http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-14-236

·         Critical Infrastructure Protection: Observations on Key Factors in DHS's Implementation of Its Partnership Approach. GAO-14-464T [testimony] http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-14-464T

·         DHS Asset Forfeiture: Additional Actions Could Help Strengthen Controls over Equitable Sharing. GAO-14-318  http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-14-318

·         Federal Contracting: Noncompetitive Contracts Based on Urgency Need Additional Oversight. GAO-14-304 http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-14-304

Heritage Foundation

·         11 Issues for Congress in the President’s FY 2015 International Affairs Budget Request http://thf_media.s3.amazonaws.com/2014/pdf/IB4179.pdf

·         Law Enforcement’s Dependence on Civil Asset Forfeiture in Georgia and Texas http://thf_media.s3.amazonaws.com/2014/pdf/IB4181.pdf

·         Lessons from the Voter ID Experience in Tennessee http://thf_media.s3.amazonaws.com/2014/pdf/IB4180.pdf

·         Martin Luther King, Jr., and the American Dream http://thf_media.s3.amazonaws.com/2014/pdf/FP50.pdf

Oxford Research Group

·         Responding to Climate Disruption: Developing the Agenda http://www.oxfordresearchgroup.org.uk/sites/default/files/FebEn14.pdf

Students Veterans Project

·         A Review of Veteran Achievement in Higher Education http://www.studentveterans.org/images/Reingold_Materials/mrp/download-materials/SVA_MillionRecordsProject_FullReport.pdf

v  New York Citizen Corps Weekly News, April 3, 2014

Mayor de Blasio Proclaims April 1, 2014 as Service Recognition Day, Honors NYC Service's Sandy Recovery Initiatives

Mayor Bill de Blasio proclaimed April 1, 2014 as Service Recognition Day in the City of New York. NYC Service Managing Director Kevin Cummings presented the proclamation at the Friends of Rockaway and St. Bernard Project, bringing NYC Service volunteers and AmeriCorps members to help Rockaway families repair their storm-damaged homes. NYC Service's Sandy Recovery initiatives have engaged almost 18,000 volunteers across 535 projects. 

Mayor de Blasio also announced Paula Gavin as Chief Service Officer for NYC Service. Paula Gavin brings years of experience in both the private sector and non-profits, including leadership positions at AT&T and the YMCA of Greater New York.

To read the full press release, click here. To learn more about NYC Service, click here. 

NYC CITIZEN CORPS INITIATIVES:

John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service (Deadline to Apply 4/7/14) 

The John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service is now accepting applications from area graduate students for the 2014-15 academic year. We will be filling nine part-time, paid graduate spots. To learn more and apply, click here.

New York Cares Rockaway Challenge

Participate in the Rockaway Volunteer Challenge! Sign up for and attend 5 or 10 New York Cares volunteer projects on the Rockaway Peninsula between February 1, 2014 and May 1, 2014 and become eligible for prizes. For more info and registration, click here. 

We Are New York: "The Storm" Episode

Check out "The Storm!", a 25 minute episode of the We Are New York series geared towards English-language learners (ELL). The episode focuses on emergency preparedness and access to city resources during emergencies and will be accompanied by various learning materials for beginner and intermediate English language learners. "The Storm" and study guide are available to view or download at any time here. If you are interested in learning more about this project or ordering a toolkit to use these materials in your outreach, please contact Emily Accamando at  eaccamando@oem.nyc.gov 

EmergeNYC

During Hurricane Irene and Sandy, thousands of volunteers spent time in one of the City's Evacuation or Distribution Centers. NYC Service is working with NYC OEM to recruit New Yorkers who can be called upon in case of an emergency to help staff Evacuation Shelters and Commodity Distribution Points. To find out how you can use your skills for good, visit EmergeNYC.

 

Spread the Word - NYC Citizen Corps News 

If you would like to include information in the NYC Citizen Corps News, or if there is anyone in your organization or another organization that would benefit from this weekly communication, please email citizencorps@oem.nyc.gov with the relevant information.

Visit our website for more resources at www.NYC.gov/citizencorps

WEBINARS/EVENTS and RESOURCES:

April 3rd - Individual and Family Preparedness with Red Cross, World Cares, and Operation Hope
This free training will provide a variety of individual and family preparedness materials for use in distribution and presentation. Presenters will share information on facilitating individual and family preparedness outreach as well as financial preparedness planning. The training will also review relevant considerations for working with geographic and culturally diverse communities. For more info and registration, click here.

April 3rd - Rebuild by Design Reveals Final Work in New York

Rebuild by Design's will present their innovative proposals to rebuild communities across the Hurricane Sandy affected region. After months of research and working alongside communities across the whole Sandy affected region, the 10 Rebuild by Design teams are ready to share their final work. For more info and registration, click here.  

April 6th - Dune Planting in the Rockaways

The Rockaway Waterfront Alliance is creating a natural protective buffer of dunes with indigenous grasses along the east end of the Rockaways. Adults and children are welcome to participate in the planting. To learn more and register, click here. 

April 7th - Canarsie Coalition: Sandy Disaster Resource Forum

Come to this forum and connect with recovery organizations committed to serving Canarsie residents. Determine the status of your Build it Back application, learn about flood insurance policy changes, meet with Disaster Case Managers, and more. For more info, click here.

April 8th - Lessons from the Storm: Using Community and Economic Development Strategies to Build Disaster Resilient Economies Webinar

Building the resilience of businesses and regional economies to natural disasters calls for a creative mix of land use, hazard mitigation, capital improvement, economic development, and other approaches. Join the NADO Research Foundation on April 8 from 2:00-3:15 pm ET for a free webinar that will discuss economic strategies for rebuilding. For more info and registration, click here.

April 9th - Psychological First Aid Seminar

This seminar will provide an overview of disaster mental health and psychological first aid. This will include the psychosocial needs of disaster survivors who may be at risk for, or are experiencing, an emotional crisis. Attendees will also be presented with strategies of self-care and crisis management resources to help meet the needs of disaster survivors. For more info and registration, click here. 

April 9th - Continuity of Operations Resources and Information Webinar

Join FEMA's National Continuity Programs, Continuity of Operations' Division Director, Mr. Eric Kretz for a webinar highlighting current and upcoming initiatives and resources dedicated to the continuity community. For the webinar, click here and enter as a guest. Or dial 1-800-320-4330, conference pin #544131 to join the conversation.

April 10th - Move-In Assistance Program Training
This training at the American Red Cross will focus on the Move-In Assistance Program for eligible individuals affected by Hurricane Sandy. To register, click here.

April 14-16th - Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Training 3-Day Intensive Course

New York Christian Resource Center and Our Space present two ICISF approved CISM Training Courses covered in three days: Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support & Group Crisis Intervention. The purpose of this three-day intensive course, which costs a fee to take, is to assist the participants in learning proven interventions that may be effectively integrated in individual, group, and self-care. For more info and registration, click here.

April 16th - Disaster Preparedness Planning for Family Caregivers Webinar

This webinar will provide information to assist family caregivers in planning for emergencies and disasters. It will highlight the unique needs of disaster preparedness planning for children with developmental disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorders, older Americans who are medically fragile, and persons who have dementia or Alzheimer's disease. For the agenda and registration, click here. 

April 17th - The Supercharged Management System: Applying the Incident Command System in Cultural Repositories Webinar

Whether you are preparing for fires and floods-or planning a major public event-the Incident Command System is a proven management tool that safeguards lives, property, and priceless collections. Learn how to put it to use at your cultural organization! For more info and registration, click here. 

April 25th - "Why Don't People Listen?" - The Whole Community and Communicating in a Crisis

The 11^th annual Institute for Disaster Mental Health conference held at SUNY New Paltz will focus on how disaster response professionals can best communicate with community members to help them avoid or minimize their exposure to disaster, and to jumpstart their recovery when events do occur. Presentations and workshops will address specific hazards and populations, with representatives familiar with the challenges of message dissemination during complex and rapidly changing disasters. For more info, click here. 

April 28th - Emergency Preparedness & Building Resilient Communities: A Four Part-Series (For Queens Service Providers Only)

DOHMH, OEM & The Jewish Community Relations Council of NY, in conjunction with The Queens Forum, present this four part series. This session is free of charge to the Queens community. Registration is required - click here for registration. For more info, email Hannah Weinerman or call 212.983.4800 X144.

April 29th - Emergency Preparedness & Building Resilient Communities: A Four Part Series (For Bronx Service Providers Only) 

DOHMH, OEM and CAUSE-NY in conjunction with The Bronx Long-Term Recovery Group present a four-part series on emergency preparedness. Participants can attend individual sessions but are encouraged to participate in all four parts of the series. For more info and registration, click here.  

April 29th - A New Age for New York: A Seminar on Advocacy and Volunteering in New Landscapes

New York is an ever-changing landscape. Demographic, geographic, technological, and political change led us into 2014. From your neighborhood to the Mayor's office, opportunities abound for meaningful civic engagement. Presented by JASA's NextAct program, this enlightening seminar, which costs $40 for non-member professionals, will explore an evolving New York. For more info and registration, click here. 

April 30th - Building Sustainable Disaster Networks: Resource and Support Exchange

Supported by the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, and New York Disaster Interfaith Services, this Resource and Support Exchange will provide critical guidance on capacity building and sustainability for Disaster Networks, best practices presented by experienced emergency managers, and opportunities to learn about and connect to local and national organizations providing technical support and resources. For more info and registration, click here.

   

April 30th - America's PrepareAthon National Day of Action

In support of Presidential Policy Directive (PPD-8), National Preparedness, America's PrepareAthon! is launching its first national day of action this year on April 30, 2014. Targeting the grassroots level, America's PrepareAthon! is a nation-wide campaign to encourage the public to practice specific preparedness actions. Communities are better prepared to withstand an emergency and recover more quickly if everyone is involved. To learn more, click here. 

May 1st - MayDay: Do One Thing for Emergency Preparedness

Every year Heritage Preservation encourages libraries, museums, archives, historical societies, and preservation organizations to set aside May 1 to participate in MayDay. This year, make sure your institution is prepared! It's easy to take part in MayDay. Last year's participants held fire safety sessions, inventoried emergency supply kits, and created and updated disaster plans. To find out how your organization can get involved, click here.

May 7th - Point of Dispensing Webinar

This webinar will provide an overview of Point of Dispensing (PoD) operations and discuss the required steps to successfully set one up within the primary care settings. During this webinar, speakers will provide guidance in how to leverage resources that were tailored for primary care centers. For registration, click here. 

May 15th - Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Care: The Essentials

This full-day conference held at NYU Kimmel Center is the first in an ongoing workshop series about evidence-based trauma treatments. The program will expose participants to the essentials of trauma, including: defining trauma and trauma in the recovery process; examining the neurobiological implications of trauma; exploring EBP and emerging interventions; and looking at aspects of evidence-informed care in different populations. For more info and registration, click here.   

Center for Neighborhood Leadership's Community Organizer Apprenticeship Program

The Center for Neighborhood Leadership trains the next generation of community leaders and increases the capacity of grassroots organizations to win concrete changes for communities. The

Organizing Apprenticeship is a rigorous ten month, five day per week training and educational program. Apprentices spend four days per week working at a host site, and one day per week in training. The apprenticeship term will begin with a required orientation in August 2014 and conclude on June 30, 2015. To learn more and apply, click here. 

Bystander Training Offered by The Office of Emergency Preparedness at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Bystander Training is a new three hour course designed to educate the average citizen about explosions and actions they may be able to take to save lives. The goal of the course is to help "bystanders" understand their own capabilities and how they may be able to assist during an emergency. If you or your organization is interested in this course, or if you would like to receive more information about it, please contact Danielle Whittaker.

New Field Guide and Religious Literacy Primer for Engaging Faith Communities During Disaster

NDIN and the University of Southern California Center for Religion and Civic Culture (CRCC) are pleased to announce the launch of two new national tools, a new Field Guide and Religious Literacy Primer for Crises, Disasters and Public Health Emergencies. Both documents are available for free download here. Using these tools, NDIN and USC CRCC offer trainings to government and non-profit organizations seeking to enhance their religious literacy, competency, and ability to engage faith communities as partners.

SANDY RECOVERY:

NY Rising Housing Recovery Assistance in Counties Outside NYC (Deadline 4/11/14)

The deadline for submitting new applications to NY Rising is April 11, 2014.  People affected by Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene, or Tropical Storm Lee are encouraged to apply. This is for homes in Nassau and Suffolk Counties and the Lower Hudson Valley.  Homeowners interested in applying may do so by calling 1-855-697-7263 or by clicking here. 

FEMA Proof of Loss Filing Extension (Deadline 4/28/14)

A six month extension has been granted to Sandy survivors still in need of filing a critical legal document that itemizes losses they feel should be covered in insurance settlements. The Proof of Loss form is crucial to accessing federal relief funds such as those available through the New York State Housing Recovery Program. Read more on the extension and form here. 

2014 Rebuild Environment: NYC Voluntary Rebuild Capacity Assessment

The 2014 Rebuild Environment report is a comprehensive assessment of the NYC voluntary sector's rebuild capacity in response to SuperStorm Sandy. Produced by a subcommittee of the Volunteer Management and Construction Coordination Committee of NYC VOAD, this document forecasts the productivity of voluntary rebuild organizations for 2014, and gives information on who is active in the rebuild effort, what services they provide, and background for understanding the voluntary rebuild effort in New York City. To view the report, click here.

Weathering the Storm: Rebuilding a More Resilient NYCHA Post-Sandy Report 

This report uses data from 600 surveys, interviews, and background research to reveal some of the major issues that NYCHA residents have faced since Hurricane Sandy, such as slow and inadequate repairs, malfunctioning boilers, mold and a lack of job opportunities. The report offers practical and effective solutions that the new NYCHA Chair and City leadership can use as a road map as they partner with community based organizations to assess how to spend Sandy related funds, revise NYCHA's emergency procedures, and consider broader NYCHA reforms. To learn more about the report, click here.

Hurricane Sandy NY Resource List

Check out these great tools to see some of the resources available to New Yorkers in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

·         NY Disaster Grants Resources Guide (UPDATED 3/26/14)

·         NY State Recovery Resources Center (UPDATED 3/14/14)   

·         Brooklyn Community Foundation- Recovery Resources  

·         NY Hurricane Sandy Disaster Recovery Resources     

·         NYDIS: Online Sandy Recovery Guide & Resources (with Widgets)  

Employment Opportunities:

v  Arkansas Tech University - Assistant Professor of Emergency Management

Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas invites applications for two tenure-track, Assistant Professor positions in the Department of Emergency Management within the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Both are nine-month positions with the opportunity for summer instruction; salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Applications are due by April 15, 2014 with the anticipated starting date of August 2014 or January 2015. A successful interview and teaching demonstration is required. Information about the Tech Department of Emergency Management Department is available at http://www.atu.edu/emergencymanagement/index.php

Duties and Responsibilities for both positions include: Develop and teach undergraduate and master’s level courses, both online and face-to-face in the Department of Emergency Management; advise students; participate in scholarly activity; and provide departmental, college, university, and professional service.

The first successful candidate will hold a minimum of a Master’s degree in Emergency Management or closely related field with knowledge of GIS and other related technologies in the emergency management field. The second successful candidate will hold a minimum of a Master’s degree in Emergency Management or closely related field with a focus in continuity or other emergency planning.  However, preference will be given to the successful candidate(s) with a Doctorate in Emergency Management or closely related field.

Additional preferred qualifications for both positions include: a proven record of excellence in teaching, student advising, assessment, and a proven record of research; experience related to disaster and crisis management, planning, response and recovery; experience in the development and delivery of both face to face and web-based college-level coursework; and experience teaching graduate students. 

To Apply: send letter of application; curriculum vita; transcripts; and three letters of reference to Dr. Sandy Smith, Head, Department of Emergency Management, 110 Dean Hall, 402 West O Street, Russellville, AR 72801-8803.

The position is subject to a pre-employment criminal background check. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. AA/EOE

Thank you and enjoy an undervalued weekend,

Barbara

Barbara L. Johnson

Higher Education Program Assistant

FEMA/EMI/NETC

Department of Homeland Security

16825 S. Seton Avenue, K016

Emmitsburg, MD 21727

Ph: (301) 447-1452

Barbara.Johnson3@fema.dhs.gov

http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/edu

 “FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.”

FEMA and the EMI Higher Education Program do not endorse any non-government Web sites, companies or applications.   

China environmental pollution: Air

ublicado em 10/02/2014

CLICK TO WATCH FULL DOCUMENTARY ONLINE:http://www.docsonline.tv/doc/600

If unavailable in your territory, or if you are interested in other license requests (feature movie, television, documentary, commercial...), please contact Javafilms: contact@javafilms.fr


Story

Over the past decennia, China has become the factory of the world. The economical growth has benefited the country in many ways, improving the lives of many citizens. However, the industrialization has been disastrous for the environment and the living conditions of many others. The ground water near Bejing is sinking one meter each year and drought has become a serious problem. Also, water pollution as waste water out of the sewers flows directly into the Liangshui river. Near the idyllic West Lake in Hangzhou, families are fighting the severe air pollution by multiple factories. Is China ready for a clean future, by applying current technological developments on solar and wind energy?

Environmental Interest

The environmental issues in China discussed in the documentary have a major impact on the biophysical environment as well as human health. Especially the growing amount of motor vehicles and industries such as the coal industry due to rapid industrialization has severe consequences for China and its population. Negative effects are water pollution and water shortages, air pollution, deforestation and desertification. As a result, the Chinese government has undertaken actions, such as implementation of stricter environmental regulations and shutting down of some polluting industries. However, government actions havent been adequate enough. The environmental issues have led to growing concerns and a growing group of Chinese activists, fearing for their environment and living conditions. Promotion of clean energy technology, such as solar energy and wind power has become increasingly important. Solar power is a growing industry for power generation and water heating. Examples are the clean energy urban projects in the Solar Valley in Dezhou city. China is already the largest wind energy provider worldwide.

About the Series

China on China is an eight-part documentary series dealing with politics and daily life in todays China. After centuries of Western dominance, the world’s center of economic and political weight is shifting eastward. In just 30 years, China has risen from longstanding poverty to being the second largest economy in the world, faster than any other country in history. What China says and does is therefore of great importance to the entire world. The series provides a rare insight into the reinvention of this Eastern superpower.

• Categoria

  Notícias e política

• Licença

  Licença padrão do YouTube
• 
  

China's Air Pollution

Publicado em 02/02/2014

From VOA Learning English, welcome to the Economics Report in Special English. China has been struggling to deal with record levels of smog over Beijing. Recently, officials in several Chinese cities announced plans to trade carbon credits as a way to reduce air pollution. For many years, China considered economic growth more important than the environment. The nation remains hungry for energy. But it has also become the world's biggest producer of carbon gasses. Beijing's smoggy days have made international news. Small particles in the air reduce visibility and threaten public health. Smog has been a concern in the city for years. But a sharp rise in pollution levels in January led to sharp criticism from many Chinese. Pollution from coal-burning power centers and factories is a big part of the problem. Now, officials hope to control industrial air pollution by creating systems to trade carbon credits. The trading systems, or platforms, would enable companies to receive credits for lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The credits can then be traded. The goal of these market-based platforms is to get businesses to invest in clean technology. Markets for carbon credits are expected to open this year in seven cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin. Officials say the government has decided to start with pilot programs because carbon trading is something new. China wants to launch a national carbon trading program by 2016. Still, public pressure continues building on the government to find an answer to thick air pollution. Wu Changhua is with The Climate Group. She says the Chinese people are looking at more than jobs. They want a better environment too. For VOA Learning English, I'm Alex Villarreal. (Adapted from a radio program originally broadcast 8Feb2013)

• Categoria

  Pessoas e blogs

• Licença

  Licença padrão do YouTube

Chinese man becomes first person to sue government over dangerous air pollution

Publicado em 26/02/2014

Chinese man becomes first person to sue government over dangerous air pollution

For more Latest and Breaking News Headlines
SUBSCRIBE to http://www.youtube.com/user/24X7Break...

A Chinese man is attempting to make history by becoming the first person to sue his government over the country's dangerous levels of air pollution.
Li Guixin submitted a complaint to a district court in the Hebei province's Shijiazhuang Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau to "perform its duty to control air pollution according to the law," according to state run Chinese language publication the Yanzhao Metropolis Daily.
On Tuesday , pollution levels in Beijing topped hazardous levels for the sixth straight day , according to the U.S. Embassy pollution monitor. The most recent ratings were literally at "beyond index" meaning they exceeded the already most extreme measurement levels of air pollution.
The World Health Organization's China representative told a briefing in Beijing on Monday that both the government and industries in China need to make a better effort to curb pollution levels across the country.
"We have to put more pressure on all of the authorities and all the industry production to improve so we can actually reduce the very heavy pollution," Bernhard Schwartlander said.
The court has not yet decided whether to take up Li's complaint but he is still the first known individual in China who has attempted to sue the government over its failure to curb dramatically increasing levels of pollution.
Chinese law reportedly makes it difficult for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to sue the government or industries over pollution levels . The BBC said higher courts in the country have already rejected Li's complaint but that the district court is currently deliberating whether or not to take up his case.
In addition, Li is asking for compensation for residents who are affected by the pollution.
"The reason that I'm proposing administrative compensation is to let every citizen see that amid this haze, we're the real victims," Li told the paper. "Besides the threat to our health, we've also suffered economic losses, and these losses should be borne by the government and the environmental departments."
In his complaint, Li said he has spent money on air purifiers, facemasks and even a treadmill so that he can get exercise while avoiding going outdoor during levels of extreme air pollution.
"Li Guixin couldn't take a walk or run like in the past as air quality worsened and he also has to wear a mask now when he goes out," said Li's lawyer Wu Yufen. "His case is relevant for everyone in our city."

TAGS
abc breaking news, bbc, bbc football, bbc iplayer, bbc news, bbc news america, bbc persian, bbc sport, bbc weather, bbc world news, breaking celebrity news, breaking election news, breaking late news, breaking local news, breaking music news, breaking news, breaking news alerts, breaking news canada, breaking news headlines, breaking news in atlanta, breaking news in nigeria, breaking news india, breaking news pensacola florida, breaking news plane crash, breaking news story, breaking sports news, business expensive news home media world, christian world news, cnn, cnn breaking news, cnn money, cnn news, cnn news breaking news, cnn news world, detroit breaking news, global news, headline, headline news, health care technology news, hot latest global news, internet technology news, las vegas breaking news, latest breaking news, latest celebrity news, latest information technology news, latest music news, latest news, latest news headlines, latest news update, latest sports news, live breaking news, local breaking news, local news today, msn breaking news, nbc breaking news, nbc world news, news of the world, news report us world, news today news, news updated daily, solar technology news, sports news today, technology news, the latest news, today news, us news and world, us news and world report, us news and world report magazine, us news and world report web site, us news world report, world news, world news daily, world news headlines

• Categoria

  Notícias e política

• Licença

  Licença padrão do YouTube
• 
  

O pesadelo viabilizado pelo SOLO CRIADO

Só para demonstrar nossa ignorância em relação ao clima - o que realmente podemos afirmar?

http://noticias.seuhistory.com/sol-apresenta-atividade-nunca-vista-antes-e-intriga-cientistas-de-todo-mundo

http://noticias.seuhistory.com/sinais-de-cansaco-do-sol-preocupam-pesquisadores

Veja o que acontece com esta garrafa

NOAA Ocean Acidification - The Other Carbon Dioxide Problem

Enviado em 02/01/2012

Fundamental changes in seawater chemistry are occurring throughout the world's oceans. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) from humankind's industrial and agricultural activities has increased the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. The ocean absorbs almost a third of the CO2 we release into the atmosphere every year, so as atmospheric CO2 levels increase, so do the levels in the ocean. Initially, many scientists focused on the benefits of the ocean removing this greenhouse gas from the atmosphere. However, decades of ocean observations now show that there is also a downside — the CO2 absorbed by the ocean is changing the chemistry of the seawater, a process called ocean acidification. This change in the ocean's chemistry will have profound effects on life in the ocean, and those who depend on it.

• Categoria

  Notícias e política

• Licença

  Licença padrão do YouTube

Veja as fotos da maior usina solar do mundo, que começou hoje a gerar eletricidade

Veja as fotos da maior usina solar do mundo, que começou hoje a gerar eletricidade

Richard Lindzen Pans Global Warming Hysteria at Schools

Publicado em 30/11/2012

Global Warming Hysteria.

Our kids are being brainwashed and frightened at school by their teachers. Find out just what your child is being subjected to at school on a daily basis, as their teachers indoctrinate them into the fraudulant catastrophic global warming theory.
Children are made to feel uneasy, scared and guilty.

• Categoria

  Ciência e tecnologia

• Licença

  Licença padrão do YouTube

Le Parlement du Climat et PNUD: Une Introduction

L'adaptation au changement climatique, le temps est venu de passer à l'action! 2012

Dessin animé réchauffement climatique CG 92

Estamos mudando?

Brasil já vive a crise climática global

Brasil já vive a crise climática global

Detalhes do Parque Barigui em Curitiba

Cataclismos - visões e histórias

Esgoto irregular no litoral de SP

Esgoto irregular no litoral de SP

Nas praias nada é mais agressivo e caro (serviços essenciais) do que o imóvel de uso em temporada

Os condomínios e grandes imóveis de temporada deveriam ser autônomos em todos os serviços essenciais possíveis. Custam muito caro e exigem redes de energia, água e esgoto, telecomunicações etc. para uso eventual, muitas vezes com descontos por terem baixo consumo médio.

Tratamento de esgoto, poços artesianos, fontes alternativas de energia, antenas e outros sistemas deveriam ser exigidos desse tipo de casas e condomínios  (imóveis de temporada em praias e no campo).

A construção de imóveis coletivos (hotéis, resorts e similares) deve ser incentivada.

O depoimento de um cidadão vitimado pelo chumbo - poluição - contaminação

Competência e incompetência - exposição do lixo para coleta - Curitiba x Itajubá

CURITIBA

ITAJUBÁ

O Rio Ivo em Curitiba

O Rio Ivo em Curitiba

Uma amiga me pediu uma opinião sobre o que fazer com o Rio Ivo, um dos muitos córregos e riachos que existem e desaparecem sob nossos pés.

O tema é fascinante e merece considerações amplas. É um ribeirão importante (a qualificação “rio” é imprópria)? Quantas pessoas são afetadas pela sua existência? Afinal o que fazer para reverter a poluição? Temos apenas restos fecais (Coliformes Fecais) e lixo? O que assusta: a cor e a viscosidade das águas ou um conjunto de características visíveis e invisíveis? Existem? Seja qual for a dimensão dos problemas e soluções, principalmente sendo pequeno e sob os nossos olhos, é didático, pedagógico pensar e cuidar dele.

Se vamos fazer algo imaginamos a questão: devemos ter preocupações com o Rio Ivo?

Os curitibanos são responsáveis?

Curitiba é uma cidade construída sobre rios e ondulações que lhe deram, no início de sua história, condições de aproveitar córregos, nascentes, umidade e topografia que lhe viabilizaram a formação da grande cidade em franco desenvolvimento que é hoje. Essa facilidade de viver entre rios e terras férteis além da posição geográfica a fizeram forte, deram-lhe saúde.

Tinha também baixadas, fundos de vale, áreas inadequadas até à proximidade humana, pois nesses ambientes além dos sapos e répteis com certeza devem ter existido bons lugares para os mosquitos.

A cidade cresceu muito, tanto pelo saneamento básico empreendido com a canalização, unificação e ocupação de espaços, aterros e cortes que mudaram suas imagens de forma radical. Até lagos artificiais construiu. Caprichosa e nunca satisfeita com sua forma natural, vive fazendo plásticas.

Mudou muito, transforma-se permanentemente em tudo o que é possível quanto por tudo o mais, que fazem dessa cidade uma futura São Paulo, talvez tão degradada e agressiva ambientalmente quanto a capital paulista.

O Rio Ivo, que nos apaixona pela passagem ainda exposta em frente à sede do Centro de Letras, é um exemplo do que pode existir quando o aprimoramento ambiental e sanitário perde espaço para diretrizes oportunistas.

Nas cidades, em qualquer lugar do mundo, a qualidade das águas é assunto sério. Rios e povoações formaram simbioses ao longo da história, pois o ser humano aprendeu a usar circuitos fluviais para o transporte de tudo e deles sempre dependeu para existir, afinal a água é essencial à nossa sobrevivência.

Essa dependência antiga e modismos atuais geraram preocupações sensatas e outras midiáticas.

Meio ambiente, ecologia, qualidade de vida para os seres humanos e cuidados com todos os seres vivos que o cercam é, contudo, uma imposição de boa ética, seja ela baseada em morais e filosofias metafísicas ou bem concretas. Ética? Podemos assim dizer para criar uma proposta de comportamento positiva do mais simples na vida de qualquer ser vivo: existir.

Nossos rios já merecem os cuidados de repartições públicas, universidades e até em escolas do nível básico, são temas mundiais e locais com destaque em leis, decretos, livros, ONGs, repartições públicas, campanhas, blogs e portais [ (Cuide dos Rios), (Associação dos Moradores e Amigos do São Lourenço),  (Bollmann) exemplificando].

Infelizmente o tema meio ambiente está a anos luz de distância de uma cultura e diretrizes razoáveis. A ausência de uma ordem universal para o ser humano talvez explique a falta de coerência de muitos militantes e a miopia de quem decide.

Questões morais e éticas são complexas, dependem de crenças e convicções. Na Engenharia, contudo, pode-se fazer afirmações inquestionáveis, independentes das crenças individuais. A Medicina, a Sociologia, muitas ciências e profissões já contêm elementos para lastrear decisões, mas quando tratamos de Leis da Natureza não encontramos alternativas, é ou não é. Assim precisamos assimilar o que aprendemos e corrigir atitudes para a construção de um futuro melhor.

Com certeza a sobrevivência humana depende da aplicação de estratégias com bases holísticas, interdisciplinares. Exatamente por isso as dificuldades enfrentadas, afinal a consciência ampla da importância da sustentabilidade é fato recente, inédito.  A Humanidade gastou muito tempo se preparando para morrer, esqueceu-se de viver e ajustar a Terra para gerações futuras, afinal o fim do mundo era próximo...

E a poluição? Esse é um tema inacreditavelmente mal definido, conceituado. Lamentavelmente tornou-se importante à mídia política, pessoal, coletiva, industrial, moral etc. Que desastre! Marquetagem irrefreada inibe a racionalidade. É até divertido ler e ver a imprecisão na Wikipédia da expressão do verbete (Poluição) de onde extraímos “Por poluição entende-se a introdução pelo homem, direta ou indiretamente de substâncias ou energia (destaque nosso) no ambiente, provocando um efeito negativo no seu equilíbrio, causando assim danos na saúde humana, nos seres vivos e no ecossistema ali presente.”

Energia é ou pode ser poluição?

A Natureza, o meio ambiente se transforma permanentemente por inúmeras razões. Qualquer “crime” de todos perde capacidade de motivação. Leva a ações diversionistas, a comportamentos superficiais. Diante do inevitável, o que fazer? Simplesmente existindo o ser humano altera o meio ambiente, assim como os dinossauros o fizeram e as baratas continuam produzindo.  Energia? Que palavra mal usada, o grau de ignorância pode ser aferido por aí.

Devemos medir e identificar fatores de poluição, visíveis e invisíveis. Exatamente aí a água[1] é um ambiente notável pela capacidade que tem de dissolver, conter, transportar metais pesados, substâncias tóxicas, radioativas, etc., lixo, venenos de diversas espécies, alguns já identificados e passíveis de medição e ações corretivas, outros não[2].

No Paraná temos o exemplo de Adrianópolis  (BARROS, 2008) que é uma pílula diante do que existiu no Japão (Desastre de Minamata) e vemos acontecer em Fukushima.

Felizmente e gradativamente cria-se uma cultura técnica objetiva que precisa ser conhecida e debatida intensamente. Encontramos trabalhos para diversos padrões culturais que merecem leitura atenta [(Poluentes inorgânicos - Fontes de emissão - Química das águas QFL 3201, ), (Poluição Ambiental por metais, 2012)].

É triste saber que o Rio Iguaçu é o segundo rio mais poluído do Brasil [ (Rios mais poluídos do Brasil) entre os grandes cursos d’água sujeitos a monitoração] e lembrar o que aconteceu em suas margens ao longo do século 20, quando a industrialização na Região Metropolitana de Curitiba veio ocupando áreas de preservação ambiental, a invasão e ocupação de baixadas e estagnação recente da concessionária de saneamento básico absorvida por diretrizes e questões secundárias atrasou programas essenciais. À jusante o desmatamento desenfreado e a utilização aleatória da terra fez o resto.

Os rios paranaenses mostram agudamente os efeitos da agricultura, pecuária e da agroindústria sem vigilância e respeito ao meio ambiente e a omissão de autoridades que poderiam agir de forma eficaz.

Em Curitiba e RMC bairros inteiros apareceram em regiões extremamente sensíveis, pois estão em fundos de vale, áreas planas e todas em torno das nascentes do Rio Iguaçu. Ou seja, o saneamento básico dessas regiões cresce exponencialmente de custos. A jusante o Iguaçu quase para, espraia-se num ecossistema que mereceria máximo respeito.

O Rio Iguaçu não desce a serra para o leste, ao contrário, inflete para o interior, oeste.

Em Curitiba e sua Região Metropolitana grande parte de seu território não mostra desnível natural, o lençol freático é baixo, o crescimento da ocupação do solo não foi disciplinado com rigor, o Rio Iguaçu está praticamente em suas nascentes e a RMC continua atraindo migrantes dentro de um processo de crescimento acelerado. Análises e classificações técnicas merecem considerações circunstanciais (RANKING DO SANEAMENTO - INSTITUTO TRATA BRASIL - RESULTADOS COM BASE NO SNIS, 2011), pois seus autores normalmente ignoram catástrofes humanas e naturais que inibiram bons serviços e empreendimentos essenciais... A realidade, contudo, é cruel.

Qualquer aglomeração humana tem limites de desenvolvimento (ANDREOLI, DALARMI, LARA, & ANDREOLI) exceto se puder pagar por soluções extravagantemente mais caras. As grandes e belas cidades que conhecemos surgiram em tempos de exploração de colônias e/ou de seu próprio povo, inviabilizando moradores antigos à medida que os impostos, os alugueis e até a pura e simples segregação redistribuíram moradores. A capital de São Paulo discute agora, por exemplo, essa questão, quando decide aumentar impostos para poder pagar serviços essenciais à megalópole.

O intrigante é ainda não termos no Brasil uma estratégia de descentralização de seu desenvolvimento e formação de núcleos urbanos. O  (Programa Mais Médicos) mostrou, demonstrou, viabilizou a compreensão cabal, material e inequívoca dos piores efeitos da política de concentração humana no litoral e em torno de poucas cidades no interior. O Brasil tem espaços já degradados onde a reinstalação de capitais de estado, sugerindo, poderia induzir uma frenagem urgente em capitais que agora demandam bilhões de reais para ajustarem seus serviços essenciais, sempre insuficientes e ruins, de modo geral. Novas tecnologias e critérios de urbanização aparecem [ (Cascaes, Brasil 2050), (Cascaes, Reurbanização Inclusiva), (Bike Way by the World Exemplos, modelos para todos) etc.]; demandam tempo, contudo, para um bom amadurecimento. Nada impede, entretanto, que a sensatez volte à cabeça de nossos líderes e eles assumam posturas racionais e atinentes à sustentabilidade necessária, possível e justa.

O Brasil é um país em construção e pode evitar desastres advindos de atividades mal fiscalizadas, improvisadas e sem planejamento. O século 21 será complexo e com o nível de conhecimentos já existente não teremos o direito à ignorância.

O desafio da sustentabilidade é complexo e demanda tremenda vontade política para ser vencido.

A compreensão da saturação ambiental e a percepção de sua dimensão é fato novo, valorizado após o final de intermináveis estratégias militares que criaram processos gigantescos de mútua destruição em tempos de guerras “quentes” e “frias”. Quantas bombas atômicas e de hidrogênio foram detonadas? Quantos arsenais estáticos e móveis (submarinos, aviões, navios) ainda existem?

 A insensatez humana não tem limites e se manifesta até em atitudes mínimas de seu dia a dia. O consumismo é flagrantemente agressivo ao meio ambiente. A obsolescência que é planejada até pelos governos atrelados a lógicas capitalistas irresponsáveis produz mais e mais automóveis, celulares, televisores, roupas, etc., tudo é feito não porque realmente precisamos disso ou daquilo, mas para engrenar um mundo que não sabe (ou não quer) encontrar alternativas de viabilização econômica da vida humana de forma sustentável.

É interessa lembrar, por exemplo, que a vida útil e a eficácia de sistemas de esgoto e até de energia dependem muito da manutenção (Esgotamento Sanitário - Operação e manutenção de redes coletoras de esgotos) e utilização planejada, o desprezo pela manutenção e hábitos adequados pode simplesmente entupir ou reduzir drasticamente a vazão (Bola de gordura gigante é retirada do esgoto em Londres, 2013). Encanamentos entopem de forma semelhante às nossas coronárias e a constelação de usinas, fontes de combustíveis etc. serão obras e programas em expansão intermináveis se não soubermos evitar desperdícios. Adianta reclamar de hidrelétricas quando não cuidamos nem de desligar luzes inúteis?

Chegamos, pois, a um ponto de compreensão, constatação e decisões estratégicas que no futuro serão apontadas como bem aplicadas ou não.

Queremos inviabilizar o futuro de nossos descendentes? Se não, se desejamos sobreviver é hora de mudanças de rumos e de valorização da vida humana, se isso for importante realmente.

Nossos rios merecem respeito.

 E o Rio Ivo?

Com certeza ele e outros merecem campanhas de vigilância e ações de manutenção de qualidade e valorização de tudo o que depende deles.

Todos os rios eram ambientes ricos em plantas, peixes, animais em seu entorno. O Rio Ivo, tributário do Rio Belém que por sua vez deságua no Rio Iguaçu, este se jogando majestosamente no Rio Paraná que lá longe formará o Rio da Prata em parceria com o Rio Paraguai para, finalmente, chegar ao Oceano Atlântico é, portanto, um modesto contribuinte de uma bacia hidrográfica gigantesca, sul americana por excelência.

É pouco pensar apenas no Rio Ivo, mas é muito importante educar, ensinar tendo um laboratório tão perto de nós que vivemos na capital do Paraná.

Para começar deveríamos pedir e promover análises físicas e químicas e biológicas desse riacho ao longo de seu curso. O que apresenta? Que mistérios escondem as suas águas?

Paralelamente valeria a pena conhecer melhor a RMC. Visitas, fotografias, filmes e reportagens podem formar um arquivo sentimental, técnico e educativo. Que tal um concurso de imagens, sons, textos, livros?

Produzir livros e blogs é fácil para aqueles que sabem escrever e pensar. O fundamental é introduzir na mente de todos mais conhecimentos necessários à importantíssima cidadania que esperamos encontrar entre pessoas amantes do lugar em que vivem. Mais ainda, não podemos perder tempo, temos que agir.

Tudo com certeza demanda um esforço de convencimento, persuasão.

O Rio Ivo tem história, ele e o Belém foram cobertos, canalizados para a viabilização de Curitiba. Quando? Como? O que acontecia e agora o que existe?

Os mais velhos devem até possuir fotografias que poderiam entrar para um acervo de utilidade pública além de ponderações valiosas, opiniões que poderão ser registradas até em filmes e colocadas em blogs e portais para acesso irrestrito de todos que se interessam pelo meio ambiente.

Uma coleção de trabalhos pode surgir a partir de uma liderança proativa e cidadã.

É só querer, querer é poder como não cansa de dizer nosso Companheiro do Lions Clube de Curitiba Batel, Professor Tosihiro ida.

Cascaes

1.12.2013

Bola de gordura gigante é retirada do esgoto em Londres. (7 de 8 de 2013). Fonte: RFI: http://www.portugues.rfi.fr/geral/20130807-bola-de-gordura-gigante-e-retirada-do-esgoto-em-londres

Água e Saúde. (s.d.). Fonte: USP: http://www.usp.br/gpqa/Disciplinas/qfl3201/aguaSaude.pdf

Aline Nardi, A. S. (s.d.). Poluentes inorgânicos - Fontes de emissão - Química das águas QFL 3201, . Fonte: USP: http://www.usp.br/gpqa/Disciplinas/qfl3201/Pol_Inorgap.pdf

ANDREOLI, C. V., DALARMI, O., LARA, A., & ANDREOLI, F. (s.d.). LIMITES AO DESENVOLVIMENTO DA REGIÃO METROPOLITANA DE CURITIBA, IMPOSTOS PELA ESCASSEZ DE ÁGUA. Fonte: SANEPAR: http://www.sanepar.com.br/Sanepar/Gecip/Congressos_Seminarios/Gestao_de_mananciais/Limites_ao_desenvolvimento.pdf

BARROS, Y. J. (2008). INDICADORES BIOLÓGICOS DE QUALIDADE DE SOLOS DE ÁREA NO MUNICÍPIO DE ADRIANÓPOLIS (PR). Fonte: UFPR: http://dspace.c3sl.ufpr.br:8080/dspace/bitstream/handle/1884/20199/DISSERTACAO_130809_PRINT.pdf?sequence=1

Bike Way by the World Exemplos, modelos para todos. (s.d.). Fonte: Bike Way by the World Exemplos, modelos para todos: http://worldbikeway.blogspot.com/

Bollmann, H. A. (s.d.). Rio Belém. Fonte: Rio Belém: http://riobelem.blogspot.com.br/

Cascaes, J. C. (s.d.). Fonte: Reurbanização Inclusiva: http://reurbanizacao-inclusiva.blogspot.com.br/

Cascaes, J. C. (s.d.). Fonte: Brasil 2050: http://brasil-2050.blogspot.com/

Coliformes Fecais. (s.d.). Fonte: Wikipédia: http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coliforme_fecal

Cuide dos Rios. (s.d.). Fonte: cuide dos rios: http://www.cuidedosrios.eco.br/

Desastre de Minamata. (s.d.). Fonte: Wikipédia: http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desastre_de_Minamata

Gesner Oliveira, P. S. (2011). RANKING DO SANEAMENTO - INSTITUTO TRATA BRASIL - RESULTADOS COM BASE NO SNIS. Fonte: Trata Brasil: http://www.tratabrasil.org.br/datafiles/uploads/pdfs/relatorio-completo-GO.pdf

Júnior, I. V. (s.d.). Esgotamento Sanitário - Operação e manutenção de redes coletoras de esgotos. Fonte: UNIPAC: http://www.unipacvaledoaco.com.br/ArquivosDiversos/operacao_e_manutencao_de_redes_coletoras_de_esgotos.pdf

Leme, C. P. (s.d.). Associação dos Moradores e Amigos do São Lourenço. Fonte: AMA São Lourenço: http://www.superviadigital.com.br/ama.htm

NASCENTES, C. (2012). Poluição Ambiental por metais. Fonte: Ambiental Sustentável: http://ambientalsustentavel.org/2012/poluicao-ambiental-por-metais/

Poluição. (s.d.). Fonte: Wikipédia: http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polui%C3%A7%C3%A3o

Programa Mais Médicos. (s.d.). Fonte: Portal da Saúde: http://portalsaude.saude.gov.br/portalsaude/area/417/mais-medicos.html

Rios mais poluídos do Brasil. (s.d.). Fonte: Pensamento Verde: http://www.pensamentoverde.com.br/meio-ambiente/rios-mais-poluidos-do-brasil/

---

[1] Grande parte das doenças que se alastram pelos países em desenvolvimento são provenientes da água de qualidade insatisfatória. As doenças podem ser de transmissão hídrica ou de origem hídrica. E são causadas por agentes químicos ou biológicos.

(Água e Saúde)

[2] A variedade de contaminantes é enorme, e os mais importantes são os metais pesados (como chumbo, arsênio, cádmio e mercúrio); agrotóxicos (nitratos, compostos organoclorados, organofosforados ou carbamatos) e compostos orgânicos voláteis (como produtos combustíveis e solventes halogenados).

(Água e Saúde)