Disaster Preparedness


USDA to Assess Impact of Flooding on 2008 Crop Acreage

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is assessing the impact on 2008 crop acreage of recent floods in the Midwest.

OSHA Unveils New Disaster Cleanup, Recovery Web page

Employers and employees involved in cleanup and recovery activities following the Midwest floods and tornadoes will benefit from a new Web page at www.dol.gov posted by OSHA.

Online CDC Emergency Assessment Tool Now Available

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed an Environmental Health Shelter Assessment Tool with the purpose of assisting environmental health practitioners in conducting a rapid assessment of shelter conditions during emergencies and disasters.

HHS Seeks Comment on Pandemic Guidances

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is requesting comments from the public and interested stakeholders on three draft guidances: Interim Guidance on the Use and Purchase of Facemasks and Respirators by Individuals and Families for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness; Proposed Guidance on Antiviral Drug Use During an Influenza Pandemic; and Proposed Considerations for Antiviral Drug Stockpiling by Employers In Preparation for an Influenza Pandemic.

Stronger Storms, Deeper Droughts Coming, Federal Report Says

The first comprehensive analysis of predicted climate changes in North America says weather is becoming more severe because of greenhouse gases.

Donated Health Supplies Assist Indiana Flood Victims

Kimberly-Clark Professional announced recently that it is donating thousands of health and hygiene products to help Columbus, Ind., businesses and residents clean up from the extensive damage caused by the recent flooding.

Congressional Support Builds for Building Code Grant

If approved, CBCAG funds would be dedicated to training “First Preventers”--building and fire safety officials who prevent harm by ensuring compliance with safety codes before disasters occur.

MSHA Proposes Rule Requiring Refuge Alternative

The rule would require that underground coal mines provide refuge alternatives to protect miners when a life-threatening event makes escape impossible.



Red Cross Urges Storm, Flood Victims to Get Registered

As rising floodwaters continue to destroy homes and threaten communities across much of the Midwest and West Virginia, the American Red Cross urges affected residents to register themselves online.

Valero Refining-Texas Resolves CWA Violations over Oil Spill

Valero Refining-Texas L.P. has agreed to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Water Act stemming from a spill of 3,400 barrels of oil into the Corpus Christi Ship Channel.

North American Bird Flu Strain Properties Could Enhance Infection Potential

A CDC study suggests that some North American avian influenza virus strains have properties that might enhance their potential to infect humans as well as their potential to spread from human to human.

This CSB photo shows the aftermath of the Imperial Sugar explosion in 2008.

'60 Minutes' Looks at Combustible Dusts Tonight

Correspondent Scott Pelley's segment on the problem of dust explosions will include interviews of former CSB Chair Carolyn Merritt and OSHA chief Edwin Foulke Jr. This CSB photo shows the damaged Imperial Sugar plant.

USFA, NFA Release Online Incident Reporting Course

U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Academy have announced the availability of a new National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) 5.0 Self Study (Q494) online course that will provide an overview of the data collection system, its modules, and data conversion issues.

Online Assessment Tool Evaluates Emergency Shelters

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and partners have developed an environmental health shelter assessment form (available in English and Spanish) that covers general areas of environmental health, such as food safety, sanitation, and service and companion animal care.

Kimberly-Clark Launches Hurricane Preparedness Portal

The site offers ways to protect hurricane relief workers from biological hazards as well as other hazards associated with severe weather cleanup and eco-remediation efforts, such as mold and infectious diseases, among other information.

DOT Tells PHMSA, TSA to Work Together, Finalize Pipeline Security Annex

Further actions are needed because the current situation is far from an “end state” for enhancing the security of the nation's pipeline system, according to DOT’s Office of Inspector General.

NACD Submits Comments, Raises Concerns on Rail Tank Car Proposal

"It would be much easier for a terrorist to track and target a train moving at 30 mph than to track one moving at 50 or 60 mph," NACD noted.

CDC Posts Online Blast Injury Fact Sheets

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with partners from the Terrorism Injuries Information, Dissemination and Exchange Project, as well as other experts in the field, have developed fact sheets for health care providers that provide detailed information on the treatment of blast injuries.

Emergency Responders Participate in Oil Spill Training

"Spill response is a top priority, and this specialized training enhances the multi-mission preparedness of today's Coast Guard personnel, as well as our federal, state, and local partners," said Lt. Commander Mario Mercado, Chief of Sector Miami's Port Operations Division.

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