Disaster Preparedness


Combustible Dust and the Flash Fire Hazard

Safety professionals are carefully observing OSHA's progress and beginning to take steps in anticipation of the final rule.

The Many Faces of Fire Hazards in Industrial Settings

Because damage can be widespread and severe, responders need effective and rapid consequence modeling of the hazardous materials emanating from a fire.

ANSI Report Addresses Emergency Preparedness for Disabilities, Special Needs

For the millions of Americans with special needs, emergencies and natural disasters present a unique challenge, according to the American National Standards Institute Homeland Security Standards Panel. Catastrophic events such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the 9/11 attacks revealed the crucial need for standards and other means of guidance to enhance emergency preparedness for persons with special needs.

Incoming Chairman Takes Aim at IST

U.S. Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., reportedly promised to remove any requirement that CFATS-covered facilities use inherently safer technologies once he becomes chairman of the Homeland Security Committee in January.

Topics to be addressed during the event include heat stress solutions, hydration monitoring, cooling, and protection factors.

Top-Notch Responder PPE Conference Coming Next Week

Two units of the federal Technical Support Working Group are hosting PPE Conference 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Nov. 30-Dec. 3. TSWG is the interagency R&D anti-terrorism program.

New FEMA Guidance for Sheltering Disabled in Emergencies

The Functional Needs Support Services Guidance tells state governments how their emergency sheltering services should comply with laws that prevent discrimination against people with disabilities.

FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate

FEMA Challenge Seeks Innovative Preparedness Ideas

Administrator Craig Fugate announced it Oct. 28 at a San Diego conference. The idea chosen by FEMA leaders from entries submitted before Jan. 3 will be highlighted on www.fema.gov.

Oil Spill Responders Tested DHS Communication Prototype

The Department of Homeland Security released its Virtual USA information-sharing system early to help southeastern states keep abreast of activity in the Gulf of Mexico this spring.



IBM Inventors Create Warning System to Analyze, Assess and Predict Natural Disasters

The patented natural disaster warning system uses analytics to improve the effectiveness and timeliness of post-event rescue efforts in cities and other locations where efficient emergency response is essential following a natural disaster.

System Warns of Imminent Landslides

Thought to be the first system of its kind, it works by measuring and analyzing the acoustic behavior of soil to establish when a landslide is imminent so preventive action can be taken.

The grand opening included "winds" knocking down a house. A 21,000-square-foot test chamber can simulate Category 1, 2, and 3 hurricane winds, hailstorms, and more.

Institute Opens Disaster Research Center

The Institute for Business & Home Safety said its new research center in Chester County, S.C., includes a 21,000-square-foot test chamber that can simulate Category 1, 2, and 3 hurricane winds, hailstorms, and more.

ShakeOut participants are asked to Drop, Cover, and Hold On as if a major earthquake were occurring.

6.9 Quake Punctuates Drill

The earthquake in the Gulf of California occurred at 11:53 a.m. local time Thursday, close to the 10:21 a.m. Pacific time Great California ShakeOut.

Cintas Shares Critical Fire Safety Tips

In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, Cintas has issued a list of fire protection and safety tips to help businesses prevent fires and be prepared in the event of a fire.

The V112 brochure indicates its hub will be 84, 94, or 119 meters above the ground, depending on the configuration, with blades measuring 54.6 meters in length.

BLS Sees Big Opportunities in Wind Industry

Wind farms are spread across most of the United States, and wind turbine manufacturing operations are spread even more widely, according to maps in a new report posted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

"Under these new rules," said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, "operators will need to comply with tougher requirements for everything from well design and cementing practices to blowout preventers and employee training."

Interior Secretary Announces New Drilling Rules

They're the Drilling Safety Rule and the Workplace Safety Rule. The latter applies to all offshore oil and gas operations in federal waters and will require each operator to develop and follow a 13-point Safety and Environmental Management System.

The new "Public Health Preparedness" report says emergency preparedness for public health emergencies is in good shape.

Good Progress Nationwide on Emergency Preparedness: CDC

The agency's second report on all 50 states and four localities receiving federal money for this shows improved ability to meet a public health emergency.

Senate Bill Maps Reform of Federal Protective Service

The agency that provides security for thousands of government buildings is understaffed and badly managed, Homeland Security Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman and others on the committee say.

APHA began Get Ready Day in 2006 and observes it annually on the third Tuesday of September, during Ready month activities.

Are You Ant or Grasshopper? APHA Wants to Know

Get Ready Day is Sept. 21, with flu preparedness a prime focus but general emergency readiness also important. The American Public Health Association's new materials include a video to test your approach.

Media Attention Makes Disease Outbreaks Less Severe

Mathematical biologists tout the benefit of publicly reporting disease outbreaks with the news media and use rigorous mathematical techniques to study the impact of that communication.

CDC Surveys Parental Attitudes, Experiences During 2009 H1N1 School Dismissals

During the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, child care center and school dismissals (i.e., temporary closures) were common and occurred in the majority of states across the United States. However, little is known about the economic and social problems parents face during such dismissals.

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