March is National Red Cross Month!

The month of March is a time to remember and honor the important work of the Red Cross. Because of the essential role the American Red Cross plays in disaster recovery, the following highlights are posted to increase your awareness of just how active and integrated the ARC is in a variety of disaster situations that occurred in 2008 and are still in the recovery phase. If you see someone who works for, or donates time to, the Red Cross...say thank you to them.

• The Recovery Continues: The American Red Cross Response to the 2007 Southern California WildfiresThis document summarizes the Red Cross response to the October 2007 California wildfires and provides various statistics from mass care operations. It also lists partner organizations and contains a financial overview of the costs of relief efforts.
• Shelter Operations: Encouraging Volunteers to Complete American Red Cross TrainingEmergency managers should encourage potential shelter volunteers to complete American Red Cross Shelter Management courses before joining shelter operations. This can help improve shelter management and coordination within shelters as well as with emergency operations centers.
• A Year of Healing: The American Red Cross Responses to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and WilmaThis document summarizes the American Red Cross's response to Hurricane Katrina both immediately after the storm and since the storm. It includes various statistics regarding how many people they assisted, how many meals they distributed to families, etc. It also includes first-hand accounts from Red Cross volunteers who helped in the response effort, as well as examples of other organizations and programs that supplemented the Red Cross' efforts.
• American Red Cross Hurricane Safety TipsThese safety tips from the Red Cross are designed to help the public prepare for the possibility of disaster before a hurricane strikes.

Full Time, Supervisory Position at Owens Community College Toledo Ohio Campus

Manager, Center for Emergency Preparedness
Location: Owens Community College Toledo Ohio Campus

Status: Full Time, Supervisory Position

Scope of Position: Provide training program development / design. Manage the daily operations of the Center for Emergency Preparedness. Assure the safe operation of training courses and hands on scenarios. Provide support to Instructors and Students and oversee the preparation of course supplies and equipment. Provide managerial support to employees and staff of the Center for Emergency Preparedness. Responsible for the provision of quality of services at the Center.

Qualifications: Associate Degree. This position requires experience developing or designing training programs, familiarity with Emergency Services training needs and requirements, experience in administration or development of Adult Education programs. Prefer knowledge of Homeland Security (FEMA) training directives. A background in Education or Emergency Services training and supervision is desirable.

Knowledge: Knowledge and experience with training program development/design. Significant knowledge of Emergency Services issues, mandates and requirements pertaining to training, education and safety. Knowledge and experience in the development or administration of adult education programs.

Skills: Skilled in the use of various computer software packages specifically to include Word and Excel. The successful candidate must possess outstanding customer service skills, and interpersonal communication skills.

Abilities: Must possess the ability to research and develop educational/training programs. Ability to make rapid decisions regarding safety issues and student/staff concerns. Ability to address questions in a professional manner. Must be able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects at the same time. Ability to recognize and focus on customer needs.

Characteristics: Professional attitude, self motivated and dependable, enthusiastic, dedication to quality, personable, creative and visionary, ethical and trustworthy.

Hiring Range: (min-First Quartile) $40,185 - $47,402
Initial Application Review Date: 03-02-2009
Open until Filled
For more information or to submit an application please log on to www.owens.edu and click on “Employment at Owens” under the Quick Links.

Recalls: Organic Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour

The following recall has been announced:
- Arrowhead Mills Inc. is recalling Arrowhead Mills Organic Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour, 2 pounds, with a lot code of 06OCT09 because the product could contain an undeclared dairy allergen, which could cause a severe reaction in people allergic to milk protein. The company said there have been no reported illnesses. The recall involves the unit UPC No. 74333-47242. The recalled product was distributed to natural food stores nationwide. Details: by phone at 800-749-0730.

What's New from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention

CDC has created a new webpage that provides all-hazards resources intended for individuals at healthcare facilities tasked with ensuring that their facility is as prepared as possible for an emergency. The healthcare facilities targeted by this page include hospitals, long-term acute and chronic care facilities, outpatient clinics and urgent care facilities, physicians' offices, and pediatric offices and hospitals. Learn more.

Great Site for Rehabilitation of Responders (USFA)

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Emergency Responder Rehabilitation
Posted by U.S. Fire Administration at 11:52 AM

Here is a great resource for the latest guidance and information on rehabilitating your emergency responders. Click on the link above or the blog title for more information.

Storm Spotter Training Opportunity

Anyone interested in STORM SPOTTER TRAINING?

Click on this link to get more information.

The training is free, but you do have to register ahead of time.

Purchasing Generators for Nursing Homes?

What Happened to a Resource List, Ladies and Gentlemen?

Oklahoma House of Representatives. “Holland Seeks Generators for Nursing Homes.” Oklahoma City, January 28, 2009 Press Release.

You have got to be kidding me! Since the creation of this blog, I have not jumped into the fray of spewing my opinion. The original intent (and still is) of this blog is to offer the "daily brief" of what is going on in the world of emergency management.

To purchase portable generators for nursing homes...is it going to be with TARP or stimulus funds? It's time for the EM community to engage the emergency preparedness planning with nursing homes. I understand...we don't plan to fail, just fail to plan. Get a phone book and secure an agreement with a local provider when the power goes out. Do they really know the size of generator they are going to have to purchase (and maintain) to power the entire facility. I'm assuming all areas of the facility would be on the priority list! Has anyone conducted a risk assessment or vulnerability assessment? What about relocation during these times? Come on.

Read the facts...

Ice Storm in Kentucky and Elsewhere, January – Fatalities Still Climbing:

Associated Press. “Ky. Officials: January Ice Storm Killed 33”
February 10, 2009.

For more information...

Nuclear Heuristics: Selected Writings of Albert and Roberta Wohlstetter

Here is a good read if you
are into that sort of thing.
It can be downloaded electronically
for free by clicking on the above link.

UW reactor to ditch highly enriched uranium

11:22 AM CST, February 9, 2009
MADISON, Wis. - A nuclear reactor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will be converted to run on less dangerous fuel under a national safety initiative.

UW-Madison says the reactor's fuel will be converted from highly enriched uranium to low enriched uranium this year or early next year. The school says leftover fuel will be stored at a lab in Idaho.

The changeover is part of the Department of Energy's Global Threat Reduction Initiative, which aims to secure high-risk nuclear and radiological materials worldwide.

Nuclear reactors at two other universities switched over last year, and UW-Madison's will be the third and final one to do so under the program.
UW-Madison says its reactor is used to train students and for research.