Flash Flood Safety Tips

There are currently a number of flash flood watches and warning(s) in effect across Colorado. Check with the National Weather Service - Colorado Current Watches, Warnings and Advisories for the latest, but now is a good time to recall a few safety reminders about flash flooding.

A flash flood is typically caused by sudden, excessive rainfall that sends a river, stream or other body of water rapidly out of its banks. Often this occurs in a short amount of time, only several hours or even less.

They can also be caused by ice jams on rivers in conjunction with a winter or spring thaw, or occasionally even a dam break. The constant influx of water finally causes a treacherous overflow to begin, powerful enough to sweep vehicles away, roll boulders into roadways, uproot trees, level buildings, and drag bridges off their piers.

Most frightening is the rapidity with which the water rises.

In the western United States, the soil is generally dry, sandy and unable to absorb large amounts of water. Heavy rains from showers and thunderstorms can quickly fill dry stream and river beds, sending torrents of water downstream.

Fast-moving water is extremely powerful. The result can be deadly to anyone in the water's path. The force of flash flood waters can be extremely dangerous to motorists who unwittingly or unknowingly drive over water-covered roads - only two feet of running water are needed to sweep away a car.

Most people are unaware that:
  • 80% of flood deaths occur in vehicles, and most happen when drivers make a single, fatal mistake trying to navigate through flood waters.
  • Just 6 inches of rapidly moving flood water can knock a person down.
  • A mere 2 feet of water can float a large vehicle even a bus.
  • One-third of flooded roads and bridges are so damaged by water that any vehicle trying to cross stands only a 50% chance of making it to the other side.
  • The Big Thompson Canyon Flood killed 140 people in 1976. It proved a tragic illustration of a sobering statistic 95% of those killed in a flash flood try to outrun the waters along their path rather than climbing rocks or going uphill to higher grounds.
What to do in case of a flash flood....
There many be no time for a warning to be issued. You may have only seconds to escape. It could be a life-and-death decision for you and your family. If you suspect a flash flood is about to happen immediately climb to higher ground.

Avoid walking through any floodwaters. If it is moving swiftly, even water 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet.

If in a car....
If you come to a flooded area, turn around and go another way. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground. Many deaths have resulted from attempts to move stalled vehicles.

Remember, it does not have to be raining for a flash flood to occur. Some of the most dangerous floods originate many miles away.

DEM Mitigation Team and Info

Pictured (right to left): Ken Brink, Scott Baldwin,
Deanna Butterbaugh, Victoria Smith and Iain Hyde
While operations and response tend to be the most profiled part of emergency management organizations, the ultimate goal is to mitigate the need for a robust and well-used operations component.  Recognizing their name may betray the office's unstated goal, the DEM's Mitigation Office's primary responsibility is to provide mitigation specific information, technical assistance and funding to local governments, state agencies and the general public.  The office is responsible for the administration and funding of the State Hazard Mitigation Plan which helps guide assistance to local government; the Disaster Preparedness Improvement Grant initiative to link hazard mitigation to local comprehensive planning efforts and the post-Presidential Disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.  The first part of this year, as you may be aware, the office is entrenched with out partners hammering out the new updates to the State Hazard Mitigation Plan.

While we migrate and link info on the new Mitigation Office's home here on COEmergency, I wanted to pass along the Office's contact information and initial resource links.  On this page, you will be able to find contact and program information, access the latest in DEM Mitigation News and keep up to speed with the status of hazard mitigation plans across the State.

They are the backbone of all our grant administration programs and, in the most tangible and on-the-ground realized effort of our Division, are making our communities safer and more secure.


DEM Mitigation Office Staff
State Mitigation Officer - Marilyn Gally - (720) 852-6694
Mitigation Team Supervisor - Ken Brink - (720) 852-6695
Administrative Assistant - Scott Baldwin - (720) 852-6696
Mitigation Specialist - Deanna Butterbaugh - (720) 852-6697
Mitigation Specialist - Iain Hyde - (720) 852-6698
Mitigation Technical Specialist - Victoria Smith - (720) 852-6699

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DEM Mitigation Resources

Landslide/Rockslide Safety Tips and Resources

Landslides are masses of rock, earth, or debris moving down a slope.  They are activated by rainstorms, earthquakes, fires and by human-caused projects, such as road/building construction.  Landslides can vary widely in size and can move at slow or very high speed depending on slope angle, water content, and type of earth and debris flow.  Flows are generally initiated by heavy, usually sustained, periods of rainfall, but can sometimes happen as a result of shorts bursts of concentrated rainfall.  Burned areas, such as from wildland fires, are also susceptible to debris flows.

Landslide/Rockslide Warning Signs
- Springs, seeps, or saturated ground in areas that not typically been wet before
- New cracks or unusual bulges in ground, street pavements or sidewalks
- Soil moving away from foundations or tree root systems
- Titling or cracking of concrete floors and foundations
- Structures such as decks and patios tilting and/or moving relative to the main house
- Broken water lines and other underground utilities
- Leaning telephone poles, trees, retaining walls or fences
- Offset fence lines
- Sunken or down-dropped road beds
- Rapid increase in creek water levels, possibly accompanied by increased water soil content
- Sudden decrease in creek water levels through rain is still falling or just recently stopped
- Sticking doors and windows, and suddenly appearing open spaces in frames or construction
- Faint rumbling sound that increases in volume as the landslide nears
- Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together

Areas generally prone to landslide hazards
- Existing old landslide paths
- On or at the base of slopes
- In or at the base of minor drainage hollows
- At the base or top of an old fill slope
- At the base or top of a steep cut slope
- Developed hillsides where leach field septic systems are used

Before a Landslide/Rockslide - House
- Do not build near steep slopes, close to mountain edges, near drainage ways or erosion valleys
- Get a ground assessment of your property
- Contact local officials, the Colorado Geological Survey (http://geosurvey.state.co.us/) or the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (http://dnr.state.co.us/)
- Watch the patterns of storm-water drainage near your home and note the convergence locations
- Learn about the emergency response and evacuation plans for your area.  Check with your local emergency manager (http://dola.colorado.gov/dem/localem.htm) for emergency information specific to your area, including local preparedness information, warning systems and sources of information in the event of a disaster.
- Minimize hazards around your home by installing flexible pipe fittings, planting ground cover on slopes, building retaining walls, or channels to direct flow around buildings.

During a Landslide/Rockslide
- Stay alert when driving or around your house during storms.  Debris-flow fatalities occer in the home when people are sleeping during storms and on the roadways when fast moving material impacts the road.  When driving, remember to look around and up when in mountain areas.
- Be aware of weather conditions and remember that short burst of rain, particularly after longer periods of heavy rainfall and damp weather, can be especially dangerous conditions conducive to landslides/rockslides
- Stay out of the path of a landslide or rockslide, no matter how slow the ground appears to be moving
- Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.  A trickle flow may precede the much larger event and many slides can onset rapidly.
- If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for sudden changes in water levels or if the water changes from clear to muddy.  Such changes indicate activity upstream and you should be prepared to move quickly.
- Be especially alert when driving.  Bridges may be washed out, culverts overtopped and boulders may be dislodged.  Embankments upon roadsides and the base of high-angle, steep terrain are particularly susceptible to landslides and rockslides. 
- Contact your local fire, police or public works department immediately if you suspect or have witnessed a landslide.
- Inform affected neighbors.  You neighbors, and particularly visitors to Colorado unfamiliar with mountain terrain, my not be aware of potential hazards.  Advising them of the threat may help save their lives.
- Evacuate any area you suspect of being involved in or imminently threatened by a landslide/rockslide
- If in landslide/rockslide with no option to evacuate, curl in to a tight ball and protect your head.

After a landslide/rockslide
- Stay away from the slide area.  There may be danger of additional slides.
- Contact local officials to provide information on the slide location and any injuries/conditions
- Listen to local radio or television stations or emergency management warning systems for info
- Watch for flooding, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow.  Floods are often tandem with landslides/rockslides since they may share a root cause
- Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the slide area.  Stay on-site to direct rescuers to their locations.
- Help anyone who may require special assistance.  Elderly, families with young children and people with disabilities my benefit from the additional help.
- Look for and report any broken utility lines and damaged roadways and railways to appropriate authorities.  Reporting potential hazards will help direct efforts to mitigate any additional hazards and injury.
- Check building foundations, chimneys, and surrounding land for damage. 
- Replant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to additional flooding, landslides/rockslides. 
- Seek advice from experts to evaluate remaining or existing hazards or to design corrective techniques to reduce risk.  Contact local emergency management officials, the the Colorado Geological Survey (http://geosurvey.state.co.us/) or the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (http://dnr.state.co.us/) for more.

And for much, much more on landslide/rockslide issues, history and safety, be sure to check out the source for most of the above safety tips, the United States Geological Survey's outstanding landslide information website at http://landslides.usgs.gov/learning/ls101.php

Colorado Students Learn Disaster Response Skills, Glimpse Careers

Colorado Students Learn Disaster Response Skills, Glimpse Careers - Check out the great Emergency Management Mag article on the recent DisasterREADY Training that took place by the READYColorado and Denver-UASI program! We started getting excited about this a while back and were really happy to support! Solid job, all!

Dispatcher-Focused Session - All-Hazards Communications Leader Course - 10/25-27 - Centennial, CO

The Colorado North Central Region is hosting a Dispatcher-Focused All-Hazards Communications Leader (COML) course October 25-27, 2010, at the South Metro Fire Rescue Headquarders, 9195 East Mineral Avenue in Centennial.

The class is specifically restricted to professionals who are currently staffing a public safety dispatch center.  The class will be tailored to help everyone down to the line dispatcher to improve their skills when managing fast growing, large incidents prior to the deployment of a field COML or incident management organization.  The Lead instructor is Paul Smith, Executive Director for the Metropolitan Area Communications Center (METCOM).

Tuition for in-state attendees is covered under a  homeland security grant.  Out-of-state attendees will be charged a tuition of $300.

For any questions regarding the class, contact Mark Hall, Fairmount Fire, at (303) 972-4902 or at mhall@fairmountfire.org.  For more information you can download the Type 3 All-Hazards Communications Leader (COML) Course Announcement - Dispatcher-Focused Session and you can register by completing the Denver COML Class Nomination Form and returning it to mhall@fairmountfire.org.

Hail and Congratulations to Colorado MEP Program Graduates! - by Tony Reidell

by Tony Reidell - State Exercise Coordinator
tony.reidell@state.co.us - (720) 852-6615

The Division's Cindy Vonfeldt and Elizabeth Ownsby, along with Art Pope of Pueblo County Sheriff's Office Emergency Services Bureau, David Ouimet of the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region VIII Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program Office, Matthew Mueller from Denver Office of Emergency Management, Tim Klippert from the Medical Center of the Rockies and Pat Mialy from the City of Loveland Office of Emergency Management are the State and our Colorado-based partners latest Master Exercise Practitioner Program (MEPP) graduates.  This represents the single largest advance in our resident exercise capability in the last 5 years.  This team produced one of the finest exercise documents recently developed and will be field tested it later this year in Pueblo.  Congratulations to each of them.

Completing the prerequisites for MEPP admission are impressive in their own right.  They represents a commitment in both time and energy reflective of the serious nature of the program.  Once met, candidates are eligible to compete with all 57 states and territories for a coveted seat in one of three or four annual presentations.

Other hurdles to entry include the full support of the candidate's home agency.  This support begins with a challenging opening essay and required letter of introduction and endorsement from the candidate's superiors.  With that and a bit of luck, the candidate will be sorted, ranked and - hopefully - granted of the 50 or 60 individuals per cycle selected to attend this three week gorge of information and activities.

Normally spread over a 6 month timeline, the course load and work allows ample time for students to reflect on what, exactly, they have gotten themselves into.  The bulk of this time period is spent completing the required proficiency demonstrations of "PRODEM" as it is known in MEPP circles.

The PRODEMs are intended, as the name suggests, to demonstrate the student's mastery of all aspects of each of the three disciplines through the submission of fully developed exercises.  Not one but three individual PRODEMs are conducted, each of which are graded by the leading training and exercise subject matter experts in the country.  Assessments can be brutally honest and students have been sent home, others have not graduated and more than a few have chosen not to return.

The program is centered on three core disciplines:  Discussion-Based Exercise Design adn Evaluation (E-132), Operations-Based Exercise Design and Evaluation (E-133) and Operations-Based Exercise Development (E-136).  The program, launched in 1999 at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, Maryland, has produced approximately 2,000 select graduates.

The next course presentation (Series #17) is scheduled at the NETC starting October 25, 2010.  While that course may already be filled, FEMA Region VIII through CSEPP has a mobile training effort starting November 15 for qualified candidates.  Interested candidates can find the submission standards and requirements online at http://training.fema.gov/emiweb/emiopt.asp.  Applications must be routed through the State Training Coordinator, Robyn Knappe, at robyn.knappe@state.co.us.

Again, we congratulate and salute the efforts of Cindy, Elizabeth, Art and David!  Hail and Well Done!

EMSCAC Video of Flight For Life in Action

Some really great video of the skills of Flight For Life pilots and staff. Thanks to the Emergency Medical Services Association of Colorado (EMSAC) and their EMSAC Twitter updates for the video link referencing of a "Flight for Life helo inbound to transport an injured climber from Chasm Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park". Check out the nook they set down on at around 3:20 into the video - amazing.

Course Announcement - All-Hazards Communications Unit Leader - Sep 13-16 - Weld County, CO

NOTE:  As of 8/25, this class has been cancelled and will be rescheduled.  When a revised date is set, we will post a new course announcement on COEmergency

The next All-Hazards COML course, sponsored by the North Central Region, will be September 13-16 at the Weld County EOC training room from 8:00 – 5:00 each day. This class has expanded from three days to four due to significant changes required by FEMA Emergency Management Institute (EMI) requirements. This class is geared towards those professionals that have a responsibility for managing incident communications. Please complete the Course Nomination Form and submit it by not later than August 31st. Please contact Mark Hall at (303) 972-4902 or via email at mhall@fairmountfire.org.

Type III COML Course Pre-Qualifications:

A public safety communications background with exposure to field operations; this experience should be validated by the authority who supervised the student.

Fundamental public safety communications technology, supervisory, and personnel management skills.  These must be validated by the authority who supervised the student and include, but are not limited to:

  • Knowledge of local communications systems, including frequencies and spectrum
  • Knowledge of and experience with available communications technologies
  • Knowledge of local topography
  • Knowledge of system site locations
  • Knowledge of local, regional, and state communications plans
  • Knowledge of local and regional Tactical Interoperable Communications Plans, if available
  • Knowledge of local, regional and national communications and resource contacts

Completion of the following training courses (prior to attending):

IS-700, IS-800b
IS-700 explains the purpose, principles, key components and benefits of the National Incident Management System (NIMS).  The course also contains “Planning Activity” screens, allowing participants to complete planning tasks during the course.
IS-800b introduces participants to the concepts and principles of the National Response Framework.

ICS-100, ICS-200, and ICS-300
ICS-100 introduces ICS and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training.  This course describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of ICS.  It also explains the relationship between the ICS and NIMS. Course taken on line are considered an equivalent to the classroom version.
ICS-200 provides training on and resources for personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within ICS. Classroom version preferred.
ICS-300 provides training and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System.

Course Announcement - G-291 - Joint Information System/Joint Information Center Planning for Tribal, State and Local PIOs - Aug 5-6 - Steamboat Springs, CO

G-291 - Joint Information System/Joint Information Center Planning for Tribal, State and Local PIOs

When
August 5-6, 2010

What
The two day course is intended for public information officers (PIO’s). this class is about how to set up a coordinated public information system and joint information center (JIC).

Where
Historic Routt County Courthouse 522 Lincoln Avenue, Third Floor BCC Hearing Room Steamboat Springs, CO       

Register
www.dola.state.co.us/oem Training 75-5 EZ Form. This course is first come, first served.  Lodging will be provided for those over 50 miles.   

Target Audience
Potential Emergency Management Public Information Professionals

Recommended Prerequisites
NIMS IS 700, IS 800, ICS 100

For more information contact
Robyn Knappe, DEM Training Officer - 720-852-6617 or at robyn.knappe@state.co.us

City of Colorado Springs - FEMA Awards $1.1 Million Grant to Fire Department

City of Colorado Springs - FEMA Awards $1.1 Million Grant to Fire Department

PIO Contact: Christina Randall - crandall@springsgov.com

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, July 19, 2010 - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Colorado Division of Emergency Management today released $1,117,481 in Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) funds to the Colorado Springs Fire Department for wildfire mitigation projects throughout Colorado Springs.

PDM provides grants to state and local governments to implement long term mitigation measures. Through this Pre-Disaster Mitigation grant, FEMA will pay 75 percent of the project costs. The remaining costs will be met by neighborhood matching and Public Safety Sales Tax in the form of labor, volunteer projects and neighborhood involvement.

"These projects directly benefit residents and the community as a whole by reducing wildfire risk before a fire starts" said Christina Randall, Wildfire Mitigation Section Manager for the Colorado Springs Fire Department. "This additional funding will help reduce the potential for life and property loss."

These funds will be used for fuels management projects in common areas and open spaces adjacent to neighborhoods identified as at-risk for wildfire. These projects will also serve as demonstration areas for homeowners who want to address mitigation on their own property. The Colorado Springs Wildfire Mitigation Section has been successful on several PDM grants over the years totaling more than $2.3 million.

"We're very fortunate that funding has become available to assist our community in addressing wildfire risk" said Brett Lacey, Colorado Springs Fire Marshal. "These projects will do a lot to reduce fire behavior in a wildfire event."

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.

Secure Grid Exercise - Electrical Grid Presentation

After talking with our DEM Planner, Kerry Kimble, who attended the recent "Secure Grid" Table Top Exercise held in Colorado Springs, CO, I wanted to share an interesting presentation made during the exercise that provides some background on our power grid and associated issues. Why?  Be it an earthquake, wildfire, winter storm, cyber attack or other hazard, power is essential to all phases of emergency management yet it is not something altogether clear as to what it really means that the light comes on when we hit the switch and the associated complexities of managing the grid. 

After returning to DEM, Kerry shared this presentation and, after watching it, I asked to post it. I just think it is an interesting and informative approach to helping bridge that gap in understanding our energy grid so "Thanks" to both Kerry and Richard White for sharing!

DEM's David Holm receives U.S. Army/FEMA Award for "Superior Service"

Just an opportunity to brag on one of our own.... David Holm.  David is our Senior Adviser to DEM and is a walking encyclopedia of our Division's history, incidents, and emergency management in general. If you an emergency manager, you might have even read one of his recent publications in the International Association of Emergency Managers Bulletin regarding Emergency Management Standards.  David is an all-around cool and smart guy.

It isn't just us that thinks this, either.  Recently, David was awarded the Program Manager's Award for Superior Service by Carmen J. Spencer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Elimination of Chemical Weapons and James R. Kish, Director, Technical Hazards Division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The award reads: "In appreciation of your outstanding contributions to the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program.  Under your leadership as the Colorado CSEP Program Manager, the Pueblo community has achieved an extraordinary level of preparedness.  You have masterfully parlayed over 30 years of public service as a deputy sheriff, investigator, and emergency services coordinator into a successful emergency management career, always working for the residents you serve.  Many of the Pueblo community initiatives are now models for others in the program because of your advocacy for CSEPP.  Your public service and distinguished academic accomplishments in the study of public administration and the law have strengthened the Colorado Division of Emergency Management, Pueblo County, and the entire CSEP Program."

We agree, Dave.  Congratulations and "Thanks."

Call for Speakers - Colorado Avalanche Info Center's Annual Workshop - Oct 2010

On Friday, October 8, 2010, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) will host the 9th Annual Colorado Snow and Avalanche Workshop at the National Mining Museum in historic Leadville, CO.

Pre-registration is encouraged and will be through the CAIC website beginning in September. The CAIC staff are still finalizing the schedule, but anticipate workshops until 4:30 pm with a social event to follow. Updates will be posted on their website.

At this time, the CAIC staff is asking that anyone interested in presenting a talk contact them at caic@qwestoffice.net with "CSAW" in the subject line. Please include a brief outline on the topic you wish to present, an author biography, and your contact information. Past topics have included the use of explosives in grid patterns to increase stability, theories of avalanche flow and the best way to survive if caught, case studies of recent avalanche accidents, and the annual winter forecast presented by the Grand Junction National Weather Service Office.

A list of past CSAW schedules and speakers can be found at http://avalanche.state.co.us/pub/info_csaw.php

Heat Safety Tips

The recent high temps around Colorado are good reason to post some reminders for heat safety.  For more information, the National Weather Service has a ton more heat-related safety information posted on their National Weather Service Heat Safety Page.
Child Safety Tips
  • Make sure your child's safety seat and safety belt buckles aren't too hot before securing your child in a safety restraint system, especially when your car has been parked in the heat.
  • Never leave your child unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down.
  • Teach children not to play in, on or around cars.
  • Always lock car doors and trunks--even at home--and keep keys out of children's reach.
  • Always make sure all children have left the car when you reach your destination. Don't leave sleeping infants in the car ever!
Adult Heat Wave Safety Tips
  • Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or rescheduled strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, senior and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
  • Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
  • Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods, like meat and other proteins that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
  • Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol or caffeinated fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, are on fluid restrictive diets or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids. Do not drink alcoholic beverages and limited caffeinated beverages.
  • During excess heat period, spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, go to a library, store or other location with air conditioning for part of the day.
  • Don't get too much sun. Sunburn reduced your body's ability to dissipate heat.
  • Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.

3rd Annual Firefighter Appreciation Night at Coors Field - Colorado Fallen Firefighters Association

When? Saturday, September 11th, 6:10 PM
Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks

Sponsored by the Colorado State Fire Chief's Association, in cooperation with the Colorado Rockies, come out and enjoy a night at the ballpark while at the same time paying tribute to Colorado's firefighters and raising funds for the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation provides support and higher education scholarship opportunities to families of Colorado firefighters who died in the line-of-duty. For more information about the Colorado Fallen Firefighters Foundation, go to: http://www.coff.us.

For more information and ticket-orders, visit the Colorado Rockies Firefighter Appreciation Facebook Page or the Colorado State Fire Chief's Association Firefighter Appreciation Site.

Colorado Emergency Management Academy - Application

Below is a copy of the Colorado Emergency Management Academy application.  Read our earlier post for details on the Academy

Download a copy of the Colorado Emergency Management Academy Application

Terrorism Training For First Responders - July 20-22, 2010 - Fort Collins, CO

Training co-hosted by the Colorado State University Police Department, City of Fort Collins and the North East All Hazard Region.  Presented by the National Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center/New Mexico Tech, the lead DHS National Domestic Preparedness Consortium partner for explosives and firearms, live explosives, and incendiary devices training.

Session I: Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings – IRTB – 4 hours
Designed to prepare emergency responders to perform effectively and safely during bombing incidents, principally in support roles within the warm and cold zones of the incident scene. Familiarization with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and explosive materials and detailed training on critical response actions during pre-and post detonation operations. In addition, the course addresses actions that emergency responders can take to prevent and/or deter bombing attacks against targets in their communities.
Course Objectives
Prepare emergency responders to perform critical response actions during pre- and post-detonation incidents involving terrorist use of energetic materials (explosives and incendiaries); provide emergency responders with techniques to prevent and/or deter terrorist attacks involving energetic materials; and instill in participants a respect for the destructive potential of energetic materials that may be used in terrorist attacks


Session II: Prevention of and Response to Suicide Bombing Incidents - PRSBI - 4 hours
Provides training on the suicide bombing threat. Includes familiarization with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and explosive materials typically used in suicide bombings. It also addresses actions that individual emergency responders can take to assist in preventing or deterring suicide bombings as well as techniques, tactics, and procedures that support an effective and safe response to a suicide bombing.
Course Objectives
Provide participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and report pre-attack indicators; and participate in an integrated response to a suicide bombing using safe and effective techniques, tactics, and procedures.


Session III: Initial Law Enforcement Response to Suicide Bombing Attacks – ILERSBA – 8 hours
Provides front line law enforcement officers with the skills and knowledge to effectively interdict and respond to an imminent person-borne suicide bombing attack or an attack involving a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) Effective response requires a multitude of immediate decisions on the part of law enforcement officers. These decisions include safety and legal considerations. The needs assessment for this course indicates a significant training gap in this area. This course is intended to meet those needs and deals specifically with immediate decisions and actions in fact to face encounters of person-borne and vehicle-borne IED attacks.
Course Objectives
List five reasons why terrorists select suicide bombing as their method of attack; describe the evolution of the suicide bombing tactic; describe the three methods for delivery of an explosive device by suicide bombers; describe the physical effects of an explosion and explain how the physical effects of an explosion or an IED impact on public and first responder safety; list safety rules that govern response during suicide bombing incidents; distinguish between the application of probable cause to suicide bombing incidents in routine law enforcement situations; describe potential appearances and behavioral indicators of an imminent attack; describe current guidelines on the use of deadly force that might apply when the threat of a suicide bombing attack exists and list current guidelines that might apply to the issues of officer liability and qualified immunity; select appropriate tactics for incapacitating a suicide bomber; recognize suspicious indicators of potential improvised explosive devices; define and apply safe principles of evacuation and/or shelter in place; and define safety hazards based on the type of VBIED.


Session IV: Understanding and Planning for School Bomb Incidents (UPSBI) – 4 hours
Course Objectives
Understanding the Threat discusses components of a school response plan including a bomb incident response plan. The section on threat and threat assessment includes warning signs of aggressive student behavior.
Responding to the Threat describes the types of threats and defines critical actions for documenting and responding. In addition, types of incident scenarios, critical response actions for each type of scenario, and the factors to consider in determining the most appropriate evacuation action are defined and described. The concepts of time, distance, and shielding discussed in the module are applicable to a wide variety of school incidents; recognizing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) explains the major components of an IED and safety measures to consider with a suspicious device; developing preventive measures; discusses the importance of prevention and mitigation which includes school security assessments and security measures that serve to increase security and safety, and mitigation is what schools do to reduce or eliminate risk and includes implementing critical components of a bomb response plan such as training and exercising the plan.


Target Audience:     Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Services, and Public Safety Communications, Public Works, Emergency Management and Health Care Providers.

Participants should be assigned to a position/agency that provides initial response to bombing incidents.
Agenda:   

Tuesday, July 20th
7:45am - Registration Begins
8:00am – 12:00pm Opening Remarks. Training - IRTB
12:00pm - 1:00pm - Lunch Break
1:00pm - 5:00pm - Training – PRSBI

Wednesday, July 21st
8:00am – 12:00pm Training - ILERSBA
12:00pm - 1:00pm - Lunch Break
1:00pm - 5:00pm - Training – ILERSBA

Thursday, July 22nd
8:00am – 12:00pmTraining, Evaluations, present certificates - UPSBI

Registration:    By email to:  Please provide name(s), title, agency and a contact phone number in your RSVP. For assistance please contact Chief Mike Gavin, 970-566-7328, or Lt. Scott Harris, 970-980-3816.
Cost:    All training and course materials are provided free of charge.

Training Location:    Hughes Meeting Room, 2nd floor, Hughes Stadium, 2011 S. Overland Tr., Fort Collins, CO 80523

You may attend individual courses or all 3.

Colorado Emergency Planning Commission - Meeting Agenda - July 14, 2010

Location:Colorado Division of Emergency Management 9195 E. Mineral Ave., Centennial, CO  80112

MEETING AGENDA - July 14, 2010

1:00 PM    Welcome and Introductions - Hans Kallam, Co-Chair; Greg Stasinos, Co-Chair
1:10 PM    Approval of previous meeting minutes - Hans Kallam
1:15 PM    Update from State Working Group - Ron Prater
1:25 PM    Update on Legislative Issues - Tim Gablehouse
1:35 PM    Rule Making– Tier2 submit, etc. (purpose & needs statement) - Tim Gablehouse
1:55 PM    Annual LEPC Conference - September 8-10 - Jack Cobb
2:25 PM    Break   
2:40 PM    Overview of Attorney General’s Office - Environmental Task Force - Troy Arnold
2:55 PM    Future Initiatives: Sub-Committees/Workgroups –  LEPC membership review, bylaws, webpage, LEPC outreach, contractor - Hans Kallam
3:30 PM    LEPC Survey Review -Rose Lynch
3:50 PM    Approval of LEPC members - Jack Cobb
4:00 PM    Adjourn

Fore more on the CEPC, its mission and the meeting(s), see the June Announcement for the July 2010 CEPC Meeting or contact Jack.Cobb@state.co.us.

Pueblo City-County Hosts LSU Sampling Course (LSU-222) - July 27-29, 2010

Pueblo City-County Public Health Department is hosting a Sampling Course, conducted by Louisiana State University (LSU), on July 27-29, 2010.  The course is designed for emergency responders and teaches methods to collect potential Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) material for testing and sampling.  The course is both classroom and hands-on instruction.

The class will be held at Pueblo West Fire Station #3 at 729 East Gold Drive, Pueblo West, CO 81007 and there is no cost for the course.

Download and complete the LSU Sampling Course Flyer to register and for more information on the course, contact Jim Cody or Loraine Greenwood.

State All-Hazards Advisory Committee (SAHAC) Presentations - 7/9/10

The Colorado State All-Hazards Advisory Committee (SAHAC) meeting will be held at at the Division (9195 East Mineral Avenue, Centennial, CO 80112).  Below are the presentations for that meeting:

Colorado 2-1-1 and Disaster Response Operations

Douglas County Wildland Fire Interface Drill

Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch - Firefighters Responding to Lightning Strike on Menefee Fire - July 8, 2010

Firefighting crews are responding this morning to a wildfire reported last night on Bureau of Land Management lands on the south side of Menefee Mountain about seven miles south of Mancos. Torching was visible last night from private homes in Weber Canyon. As of this morning, the lightning start is estimated at five acres, burning in pinon and juniper trees on steep slopes. Firefighting crews have established a heli-base on private property nearby in the canyon. Helicopters are making water drops, and air tankers will be making retardant drops on the fire this morning.  A hotshot crew and initial attack crew have been mobilized onsite.

A lightning strike fire reported yesterday on Colorado State lands southwest of Summit Reservoir was contained at a quarter acre by helicopter drops and ground crews. Over the past couple of days, the Durango Interagency Fire Dispatch Center has reported thousands of lightning strikes, and reconnaissance crews are monitoring reports of flame or smoke across the San Juan Public Lands.

For any questions or for more information regarding this fire, contact:

Ann Bond
Public Affairs Specialist
San Juan Public Lands Center
15 Burnett Court
Durango, CO 81301
970 385-1219
abond@fs.fed.us

Denver Urban Area Security Initiative Bulletin

If you live in the Denver Metro area and are not signed up to receive the Denver Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Bulletin, you are missing out.  It is your source in the area for the latest information regarding public and professional safety/security training opportunities, recaps of safety/security-related trainings and events affecting the front range, and Denver-UASI staff contact information.

What is the Denver UASI?  It is a multi-partner program hosted by the Denver Emergency Management and Homeland Security Office, one of 60 across the country, to receive grant monies from the Department of Homeland Security Urban Security Initiative program to equip and train first responders and promote community education and resilience against security threats. 

The most recognized "face" of the Denver-UASI effort is the READYColorado Program, a program which supports outreach, education and materials to enhance citizen preparedness.  Our Division is a partner and avid supporter of the READYColorado program and works closely with our Denver-UASI colleagues on a wide range of training and outreach efforts. 

However, the efforts of Denver-UASI reach far beyond just the READYColorado Program.  As a provider of preparedness training classes to hosting the first-ever Shared Strategies for Homeland Security Conference here in Denver this coming December, the program's efforts are making a tangible difference in promoting awareness and linking subject-matter experts with those who have a desire to learn and apply their knowledge to make our communities safer (note:  interested in learning more about the Conference?  Check out the Shared Strategies Conference Facebook page for some cool behind-the-scenes on the what, why and who of this international security conference... going to be very, very interesting!).

So, in addition to the READYColorado Newsletter, the Denver-UASI also sends around a periodic newsletter, called the Denver-UASI Bulletin to keep you up to speed on the latest initiatives and education opportunities.  So go ahead, Sign Up for the Denver-UASI Newsletter and find out what others are doing and what you do in your neighborhood to make it safer!