Volunteer and Donations Management Course - 10/6/2011 - Centennial - G288

This class is a combination of understanding the role of volunteers (especially spontaneous volunteers) in a disaster and those of good volunteer management practices.  The class spends time addressing the special motivations and attributes of volunteer personnel.

The role of donations management is explored at length with current donations strategies and tools discussed.  The donations management function is often staffed by volunteers, so the class will discuss some ideas on how to work with volunteer teams and spontaneous volunteers in the donations function.

Where:    Colorado Division of Emergency Management
                State Emergency Operations Center
                9195 E. Mineral Ave. #200
                Centennial, CO 80112

Register: Registration will be through COTRAIN
                Course #1026686
                This course is first come, first served.  No charge.
             
Recommended Prerequisites:  NIMS IS 100, NIMS IS 700, NIMS IS 800
For more information contact:  Robyn Knappe, 720-852-6617

Earthquake Recovery Assistance Center

Las Animas County is partnering with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs in establishing an Earthquake Recovery Assistance Center to provide informational resources and support to residents affected by recent local earthquakes. 

The recovery assistance center will be open on the following dates/times, and located at the Kennedy/Segundo Senior Center at 24295 County Road 18.3 in Segundo:

   2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.      August 31, 2011  

   8:00 a.m. -  6:00 p.m.     September 1, 2011

Services that may be provided will include:  Q&A regarding homeowner's insurance and earthquake coverage, earthquake preparedness and response information, mental health resources and the coordination of structural stability inspection.  Specialists from area emergency services organizations and the American Red Cross will be on hand to meet with affected and concerned citizens and to offer information regarding local, state and non-governmental assistance programs.


Questions regarding the Earthquake Recovery Assistance Center and its offerings can be directed to the Las Animas County Commissioners Office at 719-845-2568.

Listed below are relevant earthquake resources:

FEMA Earthquake Homepage

What To Do During an Earthquake

Earthquake Safety for Homeowners

FEMA Seeking Comments- National Preparedness Goal PPD 8

FEMA is seeking public input on the National Preparedness Goal for Presidential Policy Directive 8. National preparedness is a shared responsibility and the Presidential Policy Directive 8 is designed to facilitate an integrated, whole community, capabilities-based approach to preparedness. Involvement is desired from representative of the public, non-governmental organizations, faith and community based organizations, the private sector, and governmental organizations at all levels. 


Presidential Policy Directive 8 is a strategic vision for national preparedness using a comprehensive approach to preparedness and the document includes sections such as:

• Strategic National Risk Assessment
• Focus Areas and Core Capabilities
• Appendix A: Core Capability Descriptions and Performance Objectives

Click Here to see the First Draft of the National Preparedness Goal (Dated 8/22/2011)

All comments should be submitted (using THIS comment matrix) to: PPD8-Engagement@fema.gov by noon EDT September 2, 2011 (please note federal departments and agencies have until August 30, 2011 at 4pm EDT)

The draft was developed with a range of stakeholders from a varied communities. The project intends to present the first edition of the National Preparedness Goal to the President for his review no later than September 25, 2011.

For more information on this project please visit FEMA's website at: http://www.fema.gov/prepared/ppd8.shtm

Earthquake Preparedness

Be Prepared for an Earthquake and share the Earthquake Information Fact Sheet

For additional information on the recent quakes visit our partners:

• The US Geological Survey http://earthquake.usgs.gov/ 
• The Colorado Geological Survey    http://geosurvey.state.co.us/hazards/Earthquakes/Pages/Earthquakes.aspx

Drop, Cover and Hold
When you feel and earthquake, DROP and COVER under a desk or sturdy table.  Stay away from windows and objects like bookcases that could fail.  HOLD on to the desk or table.  If it moves, move with it.  Do not run - stay where you are.  "Drop, Cover and Hold."


Be Prepared for an Earthquake

•  Anchor appliances and tall, heavy furniture that might fall.  Put latches on cabinets doors to keep contents from spilling out.
•  Find out how you can improve your home to protect it against earthquake damage.
• Establish an "out-of-area" contact and keep the phone numbers handy.  This is the person family members will call if you are separated.
• Have a place at home where emergency supplies are kept and tell others where it is.

During an Earthquake

If you are Indoors

•  Stay inside.  Move under a desk or sturdy table and hold on to it.  If it moves, move with it.  Stay way from windows, bookcases, refrigerators, heavy mirrors, hanging plants, and other objects that could fall.  Do not go outside until the shaking stops.
•  If you are in a crowded store or public place, do not rush for an exit.  Move away from display shelves holding objects that could fall on you, and "Drop, Cover and Hold."
•  If you are in a theater or stadium, stay in your seat, protect your head with your arms or get under the seat.  Do not leave until the shaking stops.

If you are Outdoors

•  If you are outdoors, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings or downed electrical wires and poles.

If you are in a Downtown Area

• If you are on a sidewalk near a tall building, get into a building's doorway or lobby to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass and other debris

If you are Driving

• If you are driving, slowly pull over to the side of the road and stop.  Avoid overpasses, power lines and other hazards.  Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.

If you are in a wheelchair

•  If you are in a wheelchair, stay in it.  Move to safe cover if possible, lock your wheels and protect your head with your arms.

After the Earthquake

•  If you were evacuated, wait until you are told it is safe before returning home
•  Be careful entering buildings.  Stay away from downed power lines.
•  Check yourself and those around your for injuries.
•  Be prepared for aftershocks.
•  Use the phone only to report a life-threatening emergency.
•  Do not drive unnecessarily.
•  If you smell gas or a hissing sound - open a window and leave the building.  Shut off the main gas valve outside.
•  Check on neighbors, particularly elderly or disabled persons.
•  Try to contact your out-of-area phone contact.
•  Listen to your radio.

9/11 Opinion Survey: Emergency Management & Public Health Professionals Poll

The National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) in partnership with the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), Rx Response and the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) have created a survey to measure the attitudes of emergency management and public health professionals regarding terrorist threats and natural disasters a decade after 9/11.

Two versions of the survey have been developed; one targeting consumers and another geared to the emergency management and public health professional.  Both surveys will include some common questions which will enable researchers to determine whether the public and emergency management professionals have similar or divergent views on the same topics.

The survey results will be enhanced significantly if there is broad participation across a wide range of organizations. To help achieve this, NEMA is asking all members of the organizations, including our private sector members, to take this important survey.  The survey is brief and confidential so please be frank in your answers.  The survey will close within one week. 

To take the Emergency Management portion of the survey please click here.