Fire restrictions begin July 2 for BLM Grand Junction, Colorado River Valley Field Offices

From the Garfield County Emergency Communications Facebook Page and from the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit:  Fire restrictions begin July 2 for BLM Grand Junction, Colorado River
Valley Field Offices.

This includes BLM lands in Eagle, Garfield, Mesa and Pitkin counties. Some portions of southern Rio Blanco and Routt counties and northern portions of Delta and Montrose counties are also included within these BLM field office boundaries and covered by these restrictions.

Fire managers base decisions about fire restrictions on specific moisture measurements in vegetation. Hot, dry weather has increased fire danger to high levels at elevations below 8,000 feet.

BLM will be enforcing temporary restrictions of:

  • campfires are only allowed within designated fire grates in developed
  • campgrounds (fire pans are not acceptable)
  • no fires of any type including charcoal outside of developed areas
  • no smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed
  • recreation site or in a barren area free of vegetation
  • no use of explosive materials
  • no welding or operation of an acetylene or other similar torch with
  • open flame
  • no operation of any internal combustion engine without a spark
  • arresting device properly installed and in working order
  • no fireworks on federal lands

The White River and Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison national forests are not enacting fire restrictions at this time because of generally higher elevations and variability in fuel moisture conditions.
Forest officials remind visitors, however, that a fire danger is always present and urge visitors to be very careful with fire, smoking, chainsaws and vehicle exhausts and converters – all of which can cause
fires.

Restrictions on these BLM lands will be in place until further notice. Violation of federal fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of not more than $100,000 or imprisonment for not more than 12 months or both.
Those found responsible for starting wildfires will also face restitution costs of suppressing the fire.

For more information about fire restrictions in these areas, log on to http://gacc.nifc.gov/rmcc/dispatch_centers/r2gjc/ or call the Grand Junction Field Office at (970) 244-3000 or the Colorado River Valley Field Office at (970) 876-9000.

2010 Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC) Conference - Registration and Info

2010 Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC) Conference
Vail, Colorado - September 8, 9, 10, 2010

What
The Colorado Emergency Planning Commission (CEPC) has planned this 2 day conference for Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC) members, first responders, and local, state and federal partners who are responsible for hazardous material response planning. We will host a LEPC101 on Wednesday afternoon focused on new members.

When
Wednesday, September 8 - 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. - LEPC101
Thursday, September 9 - 8:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Full Day
Friday, September 10 - 8:00 - 12:00 p.m. - Half Day

Where
Manor Vail Lodge 1-970-343-6110
595 East Vail Valley Drive
Vail, CO 81657

Lodging
LEPC members are eligible for lodging by contacting Cindy VonFeldt at 720-852-6628 or cindy.vonfeldt@state.co.us by no later than August 9, 2010. The individual attendee can make a lodging reservation by calling 1-800-950-8245 and identifying themselves as part of the Colorado Emergency Planning Commission or CEPC group. The group discount will apply to all reservations made before August 9, 2010.

Register
Registration is required by August 20, 2010. You can access the registration form on http://www.dola.colorado.gov/dem/training/75EZ.cfm

Fill out all the information on yourself, complete the course name as “LEPC Conference” and click on the “submit query” button at the bottom of the application form when completed. We will send a confirmation via e-mail by August 27, 2010.

For more information: Cindy VonFeldt 720-852-6628 or cindy.vonfeldt@state.co.us

Fire Safety on San Juan Public Lands - Good Reminder for Holiday Weekend Backcountry Safety

In a release this morning from the Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center, authorities remind backcountry visitors that, while the "fire danger is not yet extreme on Bureau of Land Managment and San Juan National Forest lands in southwestern Colorado... warm temperatures, low relative humitites and windy days can make trees and grassses more susceptible to ignition."  Fire authorities also add that, so far this year, there have been 154 human-caused fires in Colorado.

As we head into this holiday weekend, their release applies to all of us (including myself!!!) that are planning to head into the backcountry for some fun. In particular,

  • Confine campfires to established fire rings, grates or areas cleared of flammable materials.  Have a shovel and water on hand in case of emergency.
  • Never leave a campfire unattended for any amount of time. Before leaving a campfire, pour water on it, and stir and mix the ashes until cool to the touch.
  • Make sure spark arresters on chainsaws are in working condition. Carry a shovel and bucket of water with you in case of emergency.
  • Do not park hot vehicles in dry grass – hot engines can ignite dry flammable materials.
  • Smoke only in areas cleared of flammable materials. Dispose of cigarette butts in a safe and responsible manner.
  • Remember that it is illegal to light or use fireworks on all National Forest and BLM lands.
For specific information regarding this release or activity in the San Juan Public Lands, call (970) 247-4874.  For info about locales into which you, your friends and family might be heading this weekend, check out the local emergency management contacts on the DEM main site at http://dola.colorado.gov/dem/localem.htm

Have fun and be safe!!!

Public Health Emergency - PHE.gov

I wanted to pass along, if you had not seen it already, a site rolled out by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, called PHE.gov - "for Public Health Emergency" - that you should check out.  Broken down into target areas to assist public health and emergency management officials, the site contains a wealth of vetted links and info for health and med services support, specific info for fed/state/local planners, medical countermeasures, international prep and response, context docs for public health emergency response and detailed info on a wide range of subjects for responders, clinicians and practitioners.

In addition, the PHE coordinators are rolling out a complement of social media sites to augment the "hub" of PHE.gov including a PHE Facebook site, PHE Twitter Feed, PHE YouTube.  One of the cooler things the site has accomplished is tackling the problem of a central resource for links to other State public health social media sites and outlets (which can be found at http://www.phe.gov/emergency/news/multimedia/Pages/statesocialmediasites.aspx).  As a state agency involved in emergency management and operating in close coordination with our Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, it is very interesting to have a one-stop to see what our colleagues around the nation are doing with social media and online outreach and emergency notification.

Too, on the site, you will find links to the the latest National Situation Update and info regarding declared disasters and emergencies.  Whether you are interested in all-hazard health threats, food safety, air and water quality info or mental health issues and support, related to emergency management, there is something for you here.

So, take a minute and check out PHE.gov.

NWS Survey

One of our most vital resources and providers of information is the National Weather Service.  It seems that each day, there is a new report, analysis or accessibility option that makes their work even more integral to our business of emergency management.  In that spirit, I hope you join us here at the Division is completing a short survey for the NWS to help them see how users are getting weather information and how they might refine or find new means to make the weather info we need accessible.  The survey can be located at https://svy.cfigroup.com/cgi-bin/qwebcorporate.dll?idx=3XRBCG

Course Announcement - All-Hazards Resource Unit Leader - Aug 17-20 - Carbondale/Glenwood Springs, CO

When
August 17-20, 2010
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location
Carbondale/Glenwood Springs

What
This 4 day L965 ICS Position Specific FEMA developed all hazards planning class is intended for local, county, state and others who are responsible or potentially responsible for managing multi-jurisdictional or interagency incidents for extended operational periods, as a part of a Type III or Type IV Incident Management Team.
           
The workshop focuses on leadership principles, organizational skills, document preparation, operational planning, transitional briefings and Resource Unit Leader job duties. This class alone DOES NOT qualify an individual to be credentialed as a Resource Unit Leader as experience is also needed and documented through the task book process.

Prerequisites
An open position task book in the Resource Unit Leader position (or Planning Section Chief) is required and must be faxed to 720-852-6750 upon registration.  A position task book (PTB) MUST be opened so we are attracting the right people into the class.
           
Lodging will be provided beyond 50 miles.

Register        
https://dola.colorado.gov/dem_training/75ez
                       
For more information Robyn Knappe 720-852-6617 or robyn.knappe@state.co.us

Campfires Cause Concern for Land Management Officials

I wanted to pass on the following release from our partners at the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit in Grand Junction, CO.

----

It is fire season in the West.  There are large wildfires burning in several western states including three in Colorado.

Since the first of May, fire crews from the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit (UCR) have responded to 25 reports of unattended campfires, with several burning well beyond the fire ring they were built in.  

Officials for the UCR report that forecasted fire danger over the next few days and for the July 4th weekend ranges from Moderate to Very High. While there are no fire restrictions in effect at this time, all recreationists are urged to exercise caution with open campfires, leaving no fire unattended and to make sure fires are completely out prior to leaving them. Avoid building fires you don’t need; however if you do, it’s recommended that you build campfires only in established fire rings within established recreation facilities. Recreationists should have plenty of water and a shovel near any fire while it is burning, and use plenty of water to put it out. Make sure the ashes have stopped sizzling and are cold to the touch before leaving the area.

Fire managers have the flexibility to manage naturally started fires for multiple objectives, including allowing fire to play its natural, beneficial role in the ecosystem.  However, all human-caused fires are suppressed are suppressed by firefighters and fully investigated.  Human-caused fires often occur in areas with a greater potential to harm life and property.

Fire officials want folks to enjoy their time outdoors; however, they also remind visitors that unattended campfires are not the only way human-caused wildfires get started.  Smoking in brush area, heat from vehicle exhaust and converters, fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are also major causes of wildfire.  The use of fireworks or similar devices is prohibited on federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service and the National Park Service.

The ongoing mountain pine beetle epidemic is creating a build-up of fuels in many areas, making the possibility of human-caused wildfire even greater.  Not only is the potential greater, the outcomes could significantly more costly and damaging.

Fires should be reported by calling 911 or the UCR dispatch center in Grand Junction at 970-257-4800.  Please be prepared to give as much information as possible regarding location and size of the fire when you report it.

Contact
Patrick (Pat) A. Thrasher
Public Affairs Officer, White River National Forest
Phone:970-945-3237
Cell Phone: 970-366-0039
FAX: 970-945-3211
E-Mail: pthrasher@fs.fed.us

Course Announcement - All-Hazards Situation Unit Leader - Aug 2-6, 2010 - Centennial, CO

When
August 2-6, 2010
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Location    
Colorado Division of Emergency Management, Tr Room 1 9195 E. Mineral Ave. Centennial, CO 80112
   
What    
This 5 day L964 ICS Position Specific FEMA developed all hazards planning class is intended for local, county, state and others who are responsible or potentially responsible for managing multi-jurisdictional or interagency incidents for extended operational periods, as a part of a Type III or Type IV Incident Management Team.
           
The workshop focuses on leadership principles, organizational skills, document preparation, operational planning, transitional briefings and Situational Unit Leader job duties. This class alone DOES NOT qualify an individual to be credentialed as a Situation Unit Leader as experience is also needed and documented through the task book process.

Prerequisites
An open task book in the Situation Unit Leader position (or Planning Section Chief) is required and must be faxed to 720-852-6750 upon registration.  In lieu of a task book, DEM will also accept a letter of support from the emergency manager for those involved in Emergency Operations Center or emergency management operations.
           
Lodging will be provided beyond 50 miles.

Register        
www.dola.state.co.us/oem Training 75-5 EZ Form
                      
For more information Robyn Knappe 720-852-6617 or robyn.knappe@state.co.us

Course Announcement - ICS-300 - Aug 23-24 - Centennial, CO

ICS-300 – Intermediate ICS Principles
August 23-24, 2010
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily

What    
ICS-300 provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS). The course expands upon information covered in the ICS-100 and ICS-200 courses.  Personnel must have completed the following Incident Command System Courses or an equivalent to these courses: Introduction to ICS (ICS-100) and Basic ICS (ICS-200) and IS-700 NIMS.

Where       
South Metro Fire Administration Bldg
9195 E. Mineral Ave., Basement
Centennial CO 80112

Register           
https://dola.colorado.gov/dem_training/75ez
This course is first come, first served. No charge.

Contact
Robyn Knappe, DEM Training Officer, robyn.knappe@state.co.us

Target Audience
Individuals who may assume a supervisory role in expanding incidents or Type 3 incidents or larger.  Special emphasis will be given to emergency personnel who staff the EOC.

Recommended Prerequisites
NIMS IS 700, IS 800, ICS 100

ICS-300/400 Training Course - Brighton, CO - June 29-Jul 2, 2010

ICS 300 Expanding Incidents
June 29- June 30, 2010
332 N. 19th Ave. Brighton, CO
Hosted by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office & Office of Emergency Management

Course Description
This course provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS). The target audience for this course is for individuals who may assume a supervisory role in expanding incidents or Type 3 incidents. These incidents may extend into multiple operational periods. This course expands upon information covered in the ICS-100 and ICS-200 courses. This course will include but not be limited to: unified command, incident/event assessment and objective development, the ICS planning process, incident/event resource management, transfer of command and demobilization.

Course Objectives
  • Describe how the NIMS Command and Management component supports the management of expanding incidents.
  • Describe the incident/event management process for supervisors and expanding incidents as prescribed by the Incident Command System (ICS).
  • Implement the incident management process on a simulated Type 3 incident.
  • Develop an Incident Action Plan for a simulated incident.

Course Length 16 hour (for 24 students or less )
Prerequisite ICS-200 (Basic ICS)

 
Target Audience/Discipline: Emergency Management Directors and staff, Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Service (EMS), Elected and appointed officials, Public works, Volunteer agencies, Military.

 
Register by emailing Nikki Blair @ nblair@co.adams.co.us or call, 303-655-3218

Job Announcement - Emergency Program Manager - National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) - Boulder, CO

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Boulder, CO, a component of the U. S. Department of Commerce, Boulder Laboratories has an opening for a Supervisory Emergency Management Program Manager, ZA-340-IV (equivalent to GS-13/14). The position is responsible for emergency preparedness, coordinating site-wide administrative operations and serving as Executive Officer to the DOC Boulder Laboratories Site Manager (BLSM) on Federal administrative laws, regulations, procedures and practices.

This new position is being posted on 6/25 on http://www.usajobs.gov/. Interested individuals will apply to vacancy number NISTOD-2010-0039. The position is also being posted on http://www.usmilitaryclassifieds.com/index.php.

The vacancy closes July 26th.  Interested applicants can call Linda Rosales, NIST HR Advisor, with any questions. Lisa's contact number will be listed on the vacancy announcement posted on USAJobs.

Volunteers Needed - Hospital Patient Evacuation Exercise - June 24, 2010 - Lafayette, CO

Exempla Good Samaritan Medical Center, Exempla Lutheran Medical Center and Exempla Saint Joseph Hospitals will be conducting a hospital patient evacuation exercise called "Operation Toto" on Thursday, June 24, 2010 from 10:30 am - 2:30 pm and needs some volunteers to play patients. The exercise will test system-wide emergency preparedness and partnerships with Boulder, Denver and Jefferson Counties. Lunch will be provided to volunteers along with the opportunity to work to help refine your local public health officials' capabilities to respond to challenging patient care situations. For questions, contact Mac Butterfass at (303) 689-4598 or butterfassm@exempla.org.  To sign up as a volunteer patient for this exercise, please call Exempla's AnswerLine at (303) 689-4595.

State of Colorado 2011 Pre-Disaster Mitigation, Flood Mitigation Assistance Program and Repetitive Flood Claims Program Announcements

The Colorado Division of Emergency Management Mitigation Team is now accepting applications from eligible sub-grantees for the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM), Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA) and Repetitive Flood Claims Program (RFC).  It is the Mitigation Teams’ hope that local emergency management partners will take a comprehensive look at their community’s risk, determine if any projects would meet the requirements for funding, and submit an application.  These grants represent a fantastic opportunity to improve a community’s ability to mitigate natural hazards and reduce potential impacts on citizens, property and local economies.

The Mitigation Team is soliciting Notice of Interest for these programs by July 16, 2010.  Please take a look at the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Announcement Letter and contact Ken Brink, Mitigation Specialist at Kenneth.brink@state.co.us or call 720-852-6695.

Pueblo County Sheriff's Office - 911 Call Request re: Medano Fire

From the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page:  "911 is nearly overwhelmed with reports of heavy smoke and haze in the areas of Rye and Colorado City. The smoke and haze are a result of a fire in the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Citizen's please limit your 911 calls in reference to fires in that area, to visible flames only. Thanks in advance for your help with this!"


For the latest regarding the Medano Fire adjacent to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, visit the fire update page by the National Park Service

Colorado Emergency Management Academy - Program/Registration Announcement

Overview
The Department of Local Affairs, Division of Emergency Management (DEM), in conjunction with the Colorado Emergency Management Association (CEMA), is conducting an Emergency Management - Basic Academy Program (hereinafter referred to as the EM Basic Academy). The first group is scheduled to begin coursework in October 2010 and will end with the academy in July 2011. The following courses are included in this program:
  • IS 703a – NIMS Resource Management
  • WebEOC Operations
  • G318 – Mitigation Planning Workshop for Local Gov’t
  • IS 271 – Anticipating Weather and Comm. Risk
  • G-250.7 – Rapid Assessment Workshop
  • EOP Development
  • G-358 – Evacuation and Re-entry Planning
  • G-191 – ICS/EOC Interface (Colorado Process)
  • G-270.4 Recovery from Disaster – the Local Gov’t Role
  • Damage Assessment / Situation Assessment
  • G-775 – EOC Operations (CO Specific)
  • Multiple Practical Exercises
Purpose
The purpose of the EM Basic Academy is to provide the skills and knowledge required for new emergency managers to effectively manage a Type III Incident in their jurisdiction. 

Target Audience
The EM Basic Academy is intended for emergency managers who have been in their positions for less than 3 years and whose primary responsibilities are in emergency management. Applicants must commit to the entire series of courses and the 5-day Academy, as well as provide a letter indicating supervisor support for their time dedicated to the program. Applicants will also require a recommendation for attendance from their CDEM Field Manager. The 2010 group is limited to 30 people.

Application Procedures
Applications will be available for distribution in July 2010, and are due by August 10, 2010. Prerequisites for this academy include: FEMA Professional Development Series (series of 7 independent study courses), IS 700, IS-800, and IS-1. These courses can all be found at: http://training.fema.gov/is/.

Program Fees and Tuition
The EM Basic Academy is free to those accepted to the program. Lodging will be provided by DEM for all resident courses for those who travel more than 50 miles, and course materials will be provided by DEM. Additionally, networking opportunities will be provided by CEMA at no cost to the group.

Contact
For questions regarding this program, please contact the local CDEM Field Managers listed below or the program manager, Lori Hodges, at lori.hodges@state.co.us

Field Manager Contacts
North Central Region - Lori Hodges - lori.hodges@state.co.us
South Central Region - Randy Kennedy - randy.kennedy@state.co.us
Southwest/San Luis Valley Region(s) - Patricia Gavelda - patricia.gavelda@state.co.us
West Region - Steve Denny - steve.denny@state.co.us
South/Southeast Region(s) - Chad Ray - chad.ray@state.co.us
Northeast Region - Kevin Kuretich - kevin.kuretich@state.co.us
Northwest Region - Chuck Vale - chuck.vale@state.co.us

The Toolkit of Emergency Management Standards - From the IAEM Bulletin

With many "thanks" to the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) in whose IAEM Bulletin (Vol 27 No. 6 June 2010) this article first appeared, I wanted to share the following article from the Division's Senior Adviser, David Holm, on the Colorado experience with Emergency Management Accreditation Program, or EMAP, and his thoughts on how applicable standards can help strengthen emergency management efforts.  For any questions, feel free to contact David directly at david.holm@state.co.us.

"The Toolkit of Emergency Management Standards

One dictionary definition of “standard” is “an average or normal requirement, quality, quantity, level, grade, etc.” Standards are benchmarks against which professional organizations are measured, both for external evaluation, and internal improvement. In mature disciplines, there usually exists a set of accepted industry standards.

While unique local emergency management standards have been developed, such as in Michigan (www.michigan.gov/documents/mspemd_pub206_local_standards_8716_7.pdf), it has only been within the last decade that development and implementation of universal standards has been accomplished. In emergency management, those standards flow from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1600, “Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs” (www.nfpa.org/assets/files/pdf/nfpa1600.pdf ).

EMAP

The Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) is a non-profit organization supported by the International Association of Emergency Managers, the National Emergency Management Association, the National Association of Counties and the International City Managers Association. EMAP, working under a grant from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), extracted from the NFPA 1600 the government standards, and with explanatory criteria, published a set of emergency management standards for public sector organizations.

EMAP has evaluated and accredited or conditionally accredited over half of the U.S. states, as well as four local governments. More evaluations are underway. While there are fees and expenses involved in becoming EMAP EMAPaccredited, the standards have been released for general availability and use at no charge.

Those free standards are a fundamental toolkit that provides emergency managers a resource in carrying out their responsibilities to the public. The standards were designed to be scalable, and applicable to local, state and tribal governments. Investigation is underway on application to educational institutions, federal agencies, intergovernmental organizations and private sector entities. With the same set of standards available universally, adjacent jurisdictions – even across state lines – can be operating under the same guidance.

While the costs involved in obtaining EMAP accreditation may exceed available resources of many local governments, the standards themselves are available free and provide the basis to evaluate, update, maintain and validate EM programs in an accepted peer reviewed and monitored set of national standards. The set of 63 standards is available online at www.emaponline.org/index.php?option=com_pollydoc&format=raw&id=7&view=doc.

Utility of EMAP Standards in Local Emergency Management

Although the NFPA 1600 standards tend to utilize more technical language, EMAP Standards are written in more general terms that can be presented to government officials, who may have limited detailed knowledge of emergency management. The standards can be used as benchmarks for evaluation of programmatic elements, including laws and authorities, training, exercising, planning, crisis communications, public education and information, telecommunications and warning, hazard identification and risk assessment, mitigation, finance and administration, logistics and resource management, incident management, mutual aid, operations and procedures, facilities, and prevention and security. The standards are updated on a regular basis by the EMAP Commission, so this toolkit can serve for regular local maintenance of the program.

When locally implemented, the standards also can serve as goals and objectives for the organization, language within employee and volunteer staff’s job descriptions, and as bases for performance evaluation and strategic planning. They can be used to demonstrate functionality and performance, both in applying for budget and grant funding and in validating the benefits of such funding, while providing the public and media with a definitive snapshot of the condition of local emergency management preparedness.

Colorado Local Accreditation

At the suggestion of local emergency managers and the Colorado Emergency Management Association, the Colorado emergency services community is in the process of developing a voluntary emergency management assessment program, utilizing these standards as a toolkit, with a volunteer cadre of assessors available on request to provide neighbors an independent look at how the local program functions and what areas there might be for improvement. This also can serve as a baseline for those jurisdictions that decide to seek EMAP accreditation.

Available Training

While the EMAP Standards are very easily understood and applied, the FEMA National Emergency Training Center recently implemented an EMAP Accreditation Manager Course that will significantly assist in implementing the standards (www.training.fema.gov/EMIGrams/gramdetails_trng.asp?id=121).

Conclusion

In an era where it seems everything worthwhile requires a heavy investment, especially resources developed by highly qualified organizations and individuals, the availability at no cost, of a tried, tested and widely accepted set of standards, developed by some of the best minds in emergency management, can be a literal lifesaver to budget-strapped emergency managers."

National Weather Service - Storm Spotter Training - Grand Junction (6/19) and Delta, CO (6/22)

FREE storm spotter training will be provided in Grand Junction on the evening of Saturday, June 19, 2010.

Combined Basic & Advanced Storm Spotter Training 
National Weather Service office
Starting at 10 AM

The same free spotter training will also be held in Delta on Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Combined Basic & Advanced Storm Spotter Training
Delta County Courthouse
Room #234
501 Palmer Street
Delta, CO
6:00-9:00 PM

Contact Aldis Strautins for more information and to sign up - Aldis.Strautins@noaa.gov

Additional information on our volunteer storm spotter program can be found on our website at http://www.crh.noaa.gov/gjt/?n=spotter

Ready.gov Preparedness Information now in 6 Languages

Ready.gov now offers disaster preparedness information in six languages include Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, French, and Spanish.  Ready.gov is a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign designed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies including natural and man-made disasters. The goal of the campaign is to get the public involved and ultimately to increase the level of basic preparedness across the nation.

Ready asks individuals to do three key things:

(1) get an emergency supply kit,
(2) make a family emergency plan, and
(3) be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses.

Go their translations page for more information.

June 2010 - Colorado Water Conservation Board Flooding Summary

Interesting pics from across Colorado of flood events, provided by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB).  For any questions about the presentation or CWCB ongoing support, contact Tom Browning at tom.browning@state.co.us

Too, did you know that the CWCB produces a daily flood threat factsheet? Called the Flood Threat Bulletin, the latest info from the CWCB on flood activity is is available online and is posted at 11:00 am each day.

Quick Reminder - Flood Safety

Each year, as the snow melts, local rivers, creeks and waterways swell as the volume and force increase.  While this opens up the opportunity to break out the kayaks and rafts or just to be near the water in the sun, it is also a good time to remember a few key water safety tips.

If you think that you don't need these reminders, a quick survey of stories across Colorado this morning from the third loss of life in a week on our Colorado rivers, from reports of increased water levels on the Arkansas, ongoing minor flooding in Eagle County (pictures on this page are from the Flood Warning notice of 6/6/10 on the Eagle County government site) and even sandbag and levee measures being taken in Estes Park around the Big Thompson, the threat is here and real.  Colorado's flood history is long.

Floods
Know the water conditions in your neighborhood or your destination
Stay alert for changing weather conditions
Get out of areas subject to flooding like low spots, canyons, and areas downstream from dams
Do not attempt to cross water that is above your knees
Do not drive over a flooded road
Abandon a stalled vehicle and immediately move to higher ground

Flash floods
Flash floods can move at incredible speeds.
If a flash flood warning is issued, or you realize a flash flood is coming, act quickly to save lives. You may have only seconds!
Move to high ground - do not attempt to outrun the flood.
Even 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet, and a depth of two feet will float your car!
NEVER try to walk, swim, or drive through such swift water. If you come upon flood waters, STOP! TURN AROUND AND GO ANOTHER WAY.

So, keep up with the latest water conditions and issued Colorado flood watches, warnings and advisories and be safe!!!  Too, be sure to check in with your local emergency manager and find out what the local Colorado warning systems are in your area to best keep up with developments.

Colorado Emergency Planning Commission (CEPC) Meeting - July 14, 2010 - Centennial, CO

The next meeting of the Colorado Emergency Planning Commission (CEPC) will be held at the Division of Emergency Management on July 14th, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, in the Policy Room.
Ok... so what is the CEPC?

Well, in October 1986, the Federal Superfund and Reauthorization Act (SARA/Title III) that includes the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know provisions, was enacted. This legislation responded to several very severe hazardous materials incidents world-wide. It put in place several protection measures regarding hazardous materials incidents.

The legislation required each state appoint a State Emergency Response Commission to implement the act in their state. In Colorado, the Colorado Emergency Planning Commission (CEPC) was created. It is made up of the following statutorily required members representing the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division, the Department of Local Affairs - Colorado Division of Emergency Management and the Division of Local Government, the Department of Public Safety - Fire Safety Division, and the Colorado State Patrol. These representatives are permanent members of the CEPC. The balance of the CEPC is made up of representatives appointed by the Governor and serving a two (2) year term from the following areas: Two (2) from affected industries, two (2) from local governments and two (2) from the public interest or community groups, and one (1) from the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) community.

The CEPC implemented the act by designating Local Emergency Planning Districts (LEPD) and then requesting nominations from those districts for appointing Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPC). Each LEPC has the charter of implementing the SARA/Title III requirements for their LEPD. These requirements include developing and publishing a hazardous material emergency response plan for their area, the creation of Right-To-Know procedure for their LEPD and monitoring of specific yearly hazardous materials reporting requirements.

The CEPC conducts several various activities such as an Annual LEPC Conference, training programs and grant programs. For more information on any of these programs please contact your LEPC chair. If you do not know who you LEPC chair is, please contact Jack Cobb at (720) 852-6603 or via email at jack.cobb@state.co.us

The CEPC meeting dates and locations will be announced on this page and on the Division's newsfeed at COEmergency - http://coemergency.com - and will be held at the Division of Emergency Management Centennial location at 9195 East Mineral Avenue, Suite 200, Centennial CO 80112.  These meetings are open to  the public and all LEPC members, local government representatives, and interested citizens are invited and encouraged to attend.

Pueblo Area Emergency Responders Meet to Plan for Future Prarie Fires

Emergency responders representing the U.S. Army’s Pueblo Chemical Depot, Pueblo County firefighters and law enforcement and Colorado Department of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Colorado State Patrol met today for a “tabletop discussion” as they plan and coordinate emergency response for potential wild land fires in the area.

Today’s discussions will help planners as they prepare a scenario where all agencies will test their response capabilities. Approximately 20 personnel from the various agencies attended today’s event.

“Lots of spring moisture in this region increases our native plants and grasses and we know that when the heat dries these mature plants, we have to be ready to respond to these rapidly moving prairie fires,” said Wes Huntley, Chief of the depot’s Fire Department. “There are no jurisdiction perimeters in these situations. We have to step up to help wherever we’re needed.”

The tornado and fire seasons are both active in Southern Colorado and the fast moving events require quick response actions among all area responders.

Any actual training exercises will be announced in advance.

For any questions about this exercise, contact:
Chuck Sprague
Public Affairs Officer
Pueblo Chemical Depot
719-549-4135
charles.sprague@us.army.mil
Cell 719-569-1089

ICS-300 Class - June 17-18, 2010 - Limon, CO

Having just received this from our DEM Training Officer, Robyn Knappe, I wanted to get it posted if anyone is interested in attending.

ICS-300 provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS) (download a copy of the course flier).  The course expands upon information covered in the ICS-100 and ICS-200 courses.

The class will be held at the Community building in Limon, CO, at 477 D. Avenue. You can register online at https://dola.colorado.gov/dem_training/75ez.

The target audience are individuals who may assume a supervisory role in expanding incidents or Type 3 incidents or larger.  Special emphasis will be given to emergency personnel who staff the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

For any questions about this or other training, contact Robyn Knappe at (720) 852-6617.

"Disaster Ready" Training for Students - Denver, CO

I wanted to pass along an announcement from READYColorado and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security's Citizen Preparedness Manager Cathy Prudhomme regarding a unique disaster preparedness skills training program designed for middle and high school students is scheduled for this summer in Aurora and Denver.

Disaster READY Training provides students with an opportunity to learn and practice emergency readiness skills. The program is being delivered in a format that teaches a broad-range of safety skills with time devoted to practicing the newly acquired training in hands-on exercises and activities.  In addition, the program gives students a chance to explore careers in emergency management, response, and preparedness from professionals working in a variety of areas and disciplines.

The middle school program is being offered on June 29, 2010 at Quest K-8 in Aurora, CO and the four day high school program is July 20 – 23, at the Denver Police Academy. Application materials are available at www.readycolorado.com/disasterREADYtraining. Space is limited and applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.  Registration is free and open to all middle and high school students throughout Colorado.

Disaster Ready Training was created through a collaborative effort with local, state, and federal partners and volunteers working together to make Colorado’s communities aware and ready for all types of natural disasters and acts of terrorism,” said Cathy Prudhomme, Community Preparedness Manager with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security. “The program is an opportunity to empower youth so they can make a positive impact in the lives of their families, neighborhoods, and schools during an emergency situation.”  Disaster READY Training is sponsored by READYColorado, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, and the City and County of Denver, on behalf of the Denver Urban Area Security Initiative.

Funding for the program is through a FEMA/U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant. For more information and to register visit www.readycolorado.com/disasterREADYtraining.

You can download the Disaster Ready Factsheet here and also download the One-Day Disaster Ready Summary and the Four-Day Disaster Ready Summary.

Job Announcement - Director, Emergency Management Division, CU - Boulder, CO

Director, Emergency Management Division

The University of Colorado at Boulder is accepting applications for the Director, Emergency Management Division.   Under the direction of the Chief of Police/Executive Director of the Department of Public Safety, the Director is responsible for the administrative, operational, fiscal and programmatic oversight of the Emergency Management Division’s programs and services.   For a complete job description, listing of required qualification and to submit your application please go to www.jobsatcu.com (posting #810355).

Applications are accepted electronically and must include:
1) A letter of application which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications
2) A current resume
3) The names, addresses, daytime telephone numbers and e-mail addresses for three professional references

Application Deadline: The deadline for receipt of applications is 6/30/10.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with skills and experience. The University of Colorado offers a full benefits package. Information on benefits programs, including eligibility, is available at
www.cu.edu/pbs/. For additional information about the University of Colorado at Boulder, go to: www.colorado.edu/about/ataglance.html.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

The University of Colorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and veterans. Alternative formats of this ad can be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities by contacting Employment Services at (303) 492-6475.  

Job Posting Contact: Derrick Watson, 303-492-4000, derrick.watson@colorado.edu