Disaster Preparedness


Flammable Vapors Lead to Fatality, $127K Fine

Cited violations against the company include failing to provide safe work practice procedures for hot work in a confined space, failing to prevent cutting operations in the presence of explosive atmospheres, and the lack of procedures for summoning resuce and emergency services.

FM Global Offers Record Membership Credit

And in recognition of its 175th anniversary this year, the commercial property insurer is making longstanding clients eligible for a membership credit rate of 20 percent.

The fight over home fire sprinklers continues, but NFPA and two allies are moving ahead on developing accreditation programs for their installers.

Big Push Coming for Home Fire Sprinklers

A $746,438 grant to the National Fire Protection Association from FEMA backs the national awareness campaign, "Faces of Fire," to communicate fires' impact. NFPA and two allied groups also are developing accreditation programs for home fire sprinkler contractors.

Truck Parts Distributor Cited for Repeat PPE Failures, Other Violations

Damaged, inoperable emergency lighting and a lack of hazard assessment certification were among other faults uncovered in a February inspection.

Hurricanes cause widespread destruction, and Sandy disrupted landline phone and cell phone communications when it affected the mid-Atlantic states in October 2012.

FEMA Showcases Warning System Improvements

The Integrated Public Alert and Warning System will accommodate cell phones, residential phones, and the Internet and serve as a more flexible tool for communicating with the public before, during, and after disasters.

Tips for Communicating in an Emergency

According to the Federal Communications Commission, it is important for consumers to keep in mind that during an emergency, many more people are trying to use their wireless and wired line telephones at the same time when compared to normal calling activity. When more people try to call at the same time, the increased calling volume may create network congestion.

Ready for Anything

Being prepared for an unexpected disaster requires planning well in advance in order to manage any emergency situation. Whether it is a natural, weather-related, man-made, or technological disaster, the key to survival lies in your pre-disaster efforts. Taking the time to assess the company's functions, develop plans to keep the business operating, detail strategies to lead recovery, and conduct employee training can make the difference between survival or closure for a business.

The NFPA 1600 standard helps companies prepare for fires and other business interruptions.

New NFPA 1600 Available Free Online

One of the most widely implemented NFPA standards, it helps users prepare for disasters and business interruptions. The 2010 version has been reordered and expanded.



The DAYLITE CR123 is the brightest midsized flashlights in the Duracell line, according to the company.

'Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks,' APHA Urges

The American Public Health Association says Sunday's switch to daylight saving time is the right time to ensure your emergency supplies are ready.

Beware shockingly cold water

Coast Guard Issues Fair Weather Boating Warning

With coastal water temperatures just a few degrees above freezing and inland waters even colder, the lure of spring-like weather creates a deceptively dangerous combination, USCG notes.

Utility to Inspect Thousands of Sewer Lines

Two homes destroyed in February when gas lines were struck have caused Xcel Energy and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to warn the public about possibly intersecting gas and sewer lines.

DOE Secretary Spells Out Los Alamos Safety Changes

Secretary Steven Chu listed them in a Feb. 2 letter to John E. Mansfield, vice chairman of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski was certified as an Emergency Medical Technician while in college, served on ambulances, and taught CPR.

Re-auction of Key Spectrum Block Dismays Public Safety Groups

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski contends FCC's National Broadband Plan, which his agency will submit to Congress this month, is "the best and shortest path to a nationwide interoperable broadband network for public safety."

CDC Offers Tips for Emergency Wound Care after an Earthquake

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk for injury during and after an earthquake is high. Prompt first aid can help heal small wounds and reduce chances of infection. Tetanus is a potential health threat for persons who have wounds.

Emergency Operations Center Standard Taking Shape

ASTM WK12954 is out for review (ballot) with a closing date of March 10. It will advise jurisdictions on how to develop EOCs.

People Finder System Being Created for Major Disasters

Drawing on the Haiti earthquake experience, the National Library of Medicine estimates more than 50,000 family members might use the system twice during a disaster.

Waybill Change Would List All TIH Rail Movements

Large freight railroads have submitted random samples of as little as 1 percent of their carloads on waybills sent to the Surface Transportation Board, but the board proposes that all cargoes designated as Toxic Inhalation Hazard be reported.

Tips to Protect from Carbon Monoxide, Fire Hazards

An estimated annual average of 378,700 fires, 2,740 deaths, 13,090 injuries and $5.6 billion in property losses associated with residential fires were reported by fire departments from 2003 through 2005. CPSC recommends consumers replace the batteries in their smoke and CO alarms annually and test the alarms monthly.

A tornado siren

Emergency Alert System National Test Planned

The FCC said the test would determine whether the system functions as required should the president issue a national alert.

Predicting Mudslides Could Save Many Lives

A research team has created a prototype warning system that is impressing the emergency management community.

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