ReadyScore

Tsunami Update 2: Federal Response

2011-03-22T01:31:17Z

Posted by: Public Affairs

FEMA and Federal Partners Support States, Territories in Tsunami Response

Alongside our federal partners, we are closely monitoring the effects of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Japan early this morning and stand ready to support state and local response operations if needed. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued Tsunami Warnings and Watches for a number of countries, including parts of U.S. territories in the Pacific as well as coastal areas along California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska.

At the President’s direction, FEMA is leaning forward to assist our state and territory partners. And as we often say, FEMA is not the team, FEMA is part of the team, a team that includes the entire federal family, state, local and tribal officials, the faith-based and non-profit communities, the private sector and most importantly the public. Individuals living in the affected areas need to take precautions and to continue to heed the information and warnings coming from their state and local officials.

Earlier this morning, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Administrator Craig Fugate briefed President Obama on the Department’s ongoing coordination activities with potentially affected states and territories.

President Barack Obama receives a briefing on the earthquake in Japan and the tsunami warnings across the Pacific in the Oval Office, March 11, 2011. Courtesy of the Pete Souza, White House Photographer

Under the direction of the President, we are in close coordination with state and local officials, through regional offices in Oakland, California and Bothell, Washington, and the pacific area office in Honolulu, Hawaii. In addition, we have commodities, such as water, meals, blankets and cots, prepositioned in Hawaii, Guam, and the Bay area of California should a request be made.

There have been no requests for federal assistance from U.S. states or territories at this time, however, we and our federal partners stand ready to provide support if a request is made by a Governor. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) remains the lead federal agency when it comes to responding to international disasters.

Washington DC, March 11, 2011 - Personnel from FEMA and other federal agencies work side-by-side in FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center.

Here is additional information on the coordination efforts from our Federal partners:

U.S. Coast Guard rescue crews are making preparations through the main Hawaiian Islands to provide post-tsunami support following any potential impacts.

The Department of Defense has positioned National Guard personnel in county emergency operation centers in Hawaii, additional aircraft and personnel have been placed on standby if needed.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is deploying a Disaster Medical Assistance Team of more than 35 healthcare professionals and an Incident Response Coordination Team to Travis Air Force Base in California, as well as caches of medical equipment and supplies. From the Air Force base, the teams and equipment can deploy quickly wherever they are needed if requested by states or territories in the region or by the government of Japan.

The HHS Administration on Aging is monitoring the situation through its state, tribal and local Agencies on Aging, in impacted areas, to ensure safety of older adults in potentially impacted areas.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is closely monitoring conditions near the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, located near San Luis Obispo, CA. The NRC is working closely with its resident inspectors who are on site to ensure safe operating.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its Pacific Tsunami Warning Center are monitoring conditions and issuing warnings and advisory updates as available.

The U.S. Department of State has a call center established for Americans seeking information about family members in Japan. The number is 1-888-407-4747.

While tsunami watches and warning remain in effect, we urge the public to listen to the instructions of state and local officials, and if told to evacuate – evacuate. We urge everyone in the regions who could be impacted to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for updates and directions provided by their local officials.

Washington, DC, March 11, 2011 – Personnel from FEMA and other federal agencies work side-by-side in FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center.

]]> Originally posted by FEMA from FEMA Blog, ReBlogged by blogadmin on Mar 21, 2011 at 05:31 PM

Three Steps to Flood Safety

2011-03-22T01:31:00Z

Posted by: Craig Fugate, FEMA Administrator ; Dr. Jack Hayes, Director of NOAA's National Weather Service

Our agencies, along with other Federal, State, local agencies, volunteer and faith-based groups, and the private sector, are emphasizing flood safety this week.

Since last year’s flood season, FEMA has been working with all our state partners on incorporating lessons learned from the past flood seasons into our emergency planning for this year, and emphasizing the important role that the public has in those emergency plans.

And since February, our regional offices have been conducting aggressive outreach, along with our federal, state and local counterparts, emergency managers, and representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Guard and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, about the importance of personal preparedness.

It’s of particular importance this year because many communities have already experienced flooding as snow melts and spring rains come. National Weather Service forecasts are calling for a particularly busy spring flooding season for the upper Midwest eastward through New England, but this message isn’t only for that area of the country.

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the U.S., and causes billions of dollars in damage each year for families and businesses. Whether you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner, there are steps you can take to reduce the damage a potential flood may inflict.

We challenge you to take these three easy steps to get prepared for flooding:

Know your risk – Look for the updated NOAA Spring Outlook tomorrow on http://www.weather.gov/, and understand the current flood risk in your area by monitoring National Weather Service river forecasts and flood warnings. Another useful site for learning your risk for flooding is FloodSmart.gov, where you can enter an address and learn its flood risk profile.

And as always, when severe weather strikes, we urge all individuals in the region to listen to NOAA Weather Radio and their local news to monitor for updates and follow the directions provided by their local officials.
Make an emergency kit – If you wait until your community has a flood warning to prepare for flooding, it’s unlikely you will be able to take the necessary precautions in time. FEMA’s preparedness website, Ready.gov, has tips for how you and your family can prepare before a flood strikes. Specifically, an emergency kit (containing non-perishable food items, flashlight, hand-crank radio, airtight container for important documents, and other items) can prove invaluable if your home is flooded.
Insure your property by purchasing flood insurance – Many people may not think of insurance as a way to be prepared, but it can be crucial in helping individuals and communities recover quickly. Homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover damage or losses from flooding, so contact your insurance agent to find out more. Flood insurance policies normally take 30 days to become effective, so it’s important to consider flood insurance before flooding hits.

Floods occur somewhere in the United States or its territories nearly every day of the year. So be prepared and be FloodSmart by taking action on the three steps above to reduce the impact a flood will have on you, your family or your business.

- Craig and Jack ]]> Originally posted by FEMA from FEMA Blog, ReBlogged by blogadmin on Mar 21, 2011 at 05:31 PM

Annual U.S. Spring Outlook: Flooding Expected to Worsen

2011-03-22T01:30:49Z

Posted by: Public Affairs

The National Weather Service (NWS) released their annual spring outlook today to help citizens take the necessary steps to prepare. This year’s outlook predicts spring flooding will worsen beginning as early as this week, affecting almost half the country from the North Central U.S. through the Midwest and the Northeast, causing an above average risk of flooding across portions of the Northeast, including Southern New England and parts of eastern NY State.

(U.S. Spring Flood Risk Map for 2011. Photo: Courtesy of NOAA)

Some specifics from the Spring Outlook include:

For the third consecutive year, forecasters predict major flooding along the Red River of the North, which forms the state line between eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota.
Other areas of the Midwest primed for major flooding include Devils Lake in North Dakota, the Milk River in Northeastern Montana, the James and Big Sioux Rivers in South Dakota, the Minnesota River, and the Mississippi River from its headwaters near St. Paul, Minnesota, downstream to St. Louis.
There is an above average risk of flooding across portions of the Northeast, including Southern New England and parts of eastern NY State.

In a conference call today with the National Weather Service, Administrator Fugate reiterated that there are a few simple steps every family should take now, before disaster strikes: be aware of your risk, make an emergency kit, get a family communication plan and get flood insurance before flooding occurs.

At FEMA, we have been working closely with all our state partners on incorporating lessons learned from the past flood seasons into our emergency planning for this year, as well as conducting aggressive outreach with our federal, state and local counterparts, and emergency managers. For more information on these efforts, check out:

You can continue to monitor the latest forecasts from your local National Weather Service office, visit our Flood Safety Awareness page for additional preparedness tips, and remember, if you come across a flooded road, Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

]]> Originally posted by FEMA from FEMA Blog, ReBlogged by blogadmin on Mar 21, 2011 at 05:30 PM

Collecting Best Practices - Public-Private Partnerships in Emergency Management

2011-03-22T01:30:40Z

The National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) and the National Incident Management Systems and Advanced Technologies (NIMSAT) Institute at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette are collaborating on a survey initiative called "Public-Private Partnerships in Emergency Management: A Compendium of Best Practices.” The Private Sector Office of FEMA conducted a similar survey, which will be referenced in this new initiative that seeks to provide essential information in a handbook form. The authors of the handbook are looking for input and you can participate by going to their website. They seek to "identify and profile best practices, common issues and creative solutions to challenges presented to communities and states that are engaged in integrating businesses and the broader private sector in every phase of emergency management." Originally from National Community Preparedness News, ReBlogged by blogadmin on Mar 21, 2011 at 05:30 PM

]]>

7.9 - NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN

2011-03-22T01:30:01Z

Date: Fri, 11 Mar 2011 06:15:40 UTC
Lat/Lon: 36.1793/141.172
Depth: 39

]]> Originally from USGS Earthquake ShakeMaps, ReBlogged by blogadmin on Mar 21, 2011 at 05:30 PM

5.9 - OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN

2011-03-22T01:29:54Z

Date: Sat, 19 Mar 2011 01:22:43 UTC
Lat/Lon: 39.659/143.177
Depth: 9.2

]]> Originally from USGS Earthquake ShakeMaps, ReBlogged by blogadmin on Mar 21, 2011 at 05:29 PM

FEMA Administrator Fugate Addresses National Congress of American Indians

2011-03-22T01:29:38Z

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate addressed the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) at their 67th annual convention, where he discussed new ways FEMA is working to coordinate with and support its tribal partners to prepare for and respond to disasters and challenged the audience to come up with creative solutions for getting all communities ready for disasters before they strike. As Fugate made clear in his remarks, tribal governments and organizations are a critical member of the nation's emergency management team, along with federal, state and local officials, faith-based, non-profit and volunteer organizations, and the public. As part of FEMA's efforts to better support tribal organizations, FEMA is currently working to place tribal liaisons in each of its regional offices throughout the country to coordinate directly with local tribes. For more information please see the FEMA announcement. Originally from National Community Preparedness News, ReBlogged by blogadmin on Mar 21, 2011 at 05:29 PM

]]>

Be Ready for Extremes of Winter Weather

2011-03-22T01:29:33Z

While the danger from winter weather varies across the country, nearly all Americans, regardless of where they live, are likely to face some type of severe winter weather at some point in their lives. That could mean snow or subfreezing temperatures, as well as strong winds or even ice or heavy rain storms. Visit http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/winter.html for tips on being ready for winter. Originally from National Community Preparedness News, ReBlogged by blogadmin on Mar 21, 2011 at 05:29 PM

]]>

Start the New Year Right—Engage Your Community for an Impact that Lasts

2011-03-22T01:29:30Z

Celebrate Safe Communities is an initiative of the National Crime Prevention Council and the Bureau of Justice Assistance that was developed in partnership with the National Sheriff’s Association in 2008 to encourage and assist communities across the country to stand together and work together to prevent crime. Since its beginning, over 150 sites each year have planned events to educate and engage the community, and participation has grown to over 250 sites in 39 states in 2010. As 2011 gets started, renew your commitment to make a difference, and share with each other what works. We invite you to share your successes from 2010 or your plans to engage the community in 2011 when money and volunteers may be scarce. What are the strategies you use to create that lasting impact? For more information about the Celebrate Safe Communities Initiative, please visit www.celebratesafecommunities.org. Originally from National Community Preparedness News, ReBlogged by blogadmin on Mar 21, 2011 at 05:29 PM

]]>

Social Media + Emergency Management: Talking with Tech Leaders on the West Coast

2011-03-22T01:29:12Z

Social media, text messaging, and the many other technologies and tools available have definitely impacted emergency management. FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate talked about this in a meeting recently with Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, and editors from Wired Magazine, Twitter, Apple and Facebook. They discussed "social media, technology, emergency management, and ways to assist the public in getting prepared, by using the tools they use on a daily basis." Administrator Fugate posted a blog with details of the meeting and a short video. Originally from National Community Preparedness News, ReBlogged by blogadmin on Mar 21, 2011 at 05:29 PM

]]>

Response to Japan Earthquake Continues

2011-03-22T01:29:09Z

Red Cross assists as U.S. military begins voluntary evacuations from Japan. Originally from Latest News, ReBlogged by blogadmin on Mar 21, 2011 at 05:29 PM

]]>

Japan’s disaster survivors cope with cold, illness, fuel shortages and personal loss

2011-03-22T01:29:08Z

The weather is taking a heavy toll on the health of the survivors in evacuation centers, many of whom are elderly. Originally from Latest News, ReBlogged by blogadmin on Mar 21, 2011 at 05:29 PM

]]>

Canada: H1N1 hits Alberta Children’s Hospital

2009-07-08T19:05:08Z

Via the Vancouver Sun, a Calgary Herald report that may be the worst news of the day: Swine flu hits Alberta Children’s Hospital. Excerpt:An outbreak of swine flu at the Alberta Children’s Hospital has forced health officials to isolate sick...

Indonesia: Eight more suspected H5N1 cases, and a possible death

2009-07-08T19:04:46Z

Via Bird Flu Information Corner, a translated report from Gala Media.com: Sukabumi, West Java ::: Eight more bird flu suspects under observation. Excerpt:Gumilar (7), resident of Kp. Bungur Pandak RT 03/05 Desa Bojong Kembar, Kecamatan Cikembar, is being treated in...

Is Drilling To Blame For Texas Quakes...

2009-07-08T19:03:55Z

People in North Texas worry about tornadoes, not earthquakes. That's not the case in Cleburne, just south of Fort Worth. So far this month, they have had six quakes; some wonder if they're related to drilling of a recently discovered natural gas deposit.