Disaster Preparedness


UK Environment Agency Warns Intense Flooding Becoming More Common

The Environment Agency also has launched its Flood Action Campaign, which targets younger people through social media and online advertising to encourage them to check their flood risk, sign up for free warnings, and be prepared to take action when flooding hits.

IAEA Publishes Guide on Leadership and Communication in Nuclear Emergencies

The guide is intended for operators, regulators, and those working in emergency preparedness and response.

2018 Grainger Show Brings 12,000 to Orlando

This year's Grainger Show is the eleventh time in the series that the company has brought in customers by the thousands, Grainger Chairman and CEO D.G. Macpherson said.

NRC's 30th Regulatory Information Conference Set for March 13-15

The agenda for this meeting includes sessions on new reactor construction and commissioning, cyber security, emergency preparedness, maintaining a safety culture, and analysis of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station disaster following a tsunami in March 2011.

Association's Report Covers Hospitals' Problems During Harvey

The report says there were an insufficient number of emergency shelters ready to take in evacuees, and the ones that were open lacked the ability to care for people with some medical conditions, particularly those with quadriplegia and those needing dialysis or who were ventilator-dependent.

ASCE Publishes Book on Wind-Borne Debris

The book covers the current state of knowledge on all aspects of wind-borne debris damage caused by hurricanes and tornadoes.

California Grant Speeds Up Tree Removal

"Not only will the counties be able to decrease the risk of trees falling on critical infrastructure, homes, and possibly people, but it also creates a safer area for firefighters when responding to a wildfire," said Rick Carr, Southern Region staff chief of Resource Management.

Washington Governor Rejects Oil Terminal Application

Gov. Jay Inslee's letter said several issues compelled his decision, including seismic risks at the site that "present an unacceptable and potentially catastrophic risk to the public," the inability to sufficiently mitigate oil spill risks into the Columbia River or the Pacific Ocean, and the potential safety risks of a fire or explosion.



Ice Jam Flooding Preparations Made in New York State

The National Weather Service issued flood watches and advisories for ice jam flooding for many portions of New York State. Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Roger Parrino, Sr. said the division is working closely with local and state partners on ice jam and flooding issues throughout the state.

NY State Opens Tenth Emergency Stockpile

The 35,000-square-foot facility is equipped with 26 light towers, 138 pumps and hoses, more than 100,000 sandbags, a sand bagger, 700 cots, more than 1,000 blankets and an equal number of pillows, 88 generators, more than 500 flashlights, and 36,000 cans of water.

The National Hurricane Center will use predictions of storm surges and storm surge mapping during the 2016 U.S. hurricane season.

Inspector General Finds Emergency Relief Program Unable to Track Improvements

The FHWA program has been given approximately $5.7 billion since FY2012 by Congress. The program aims to ensure infrastructure is resilient enough to withstand extreme weather that could disrupt the transportation network and require major reconstruction.

DHS Creates Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office

The DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office will streamline DHS efforts to prevent terrorists and other national security threat actors from using harmful agents, such as chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear material and devices, to harm Americans and U.S. interests.

North Carolina Observing Winter Weather Preparedness Week

"Many families are still recovering from Hurricane Matthew and other disasters," said state Emergency Management Director Mike Sprayberry. "Emergency managers are working daily with impacted communities to help them recover from these storms. But it is critical that we also prepare for any winter storm that can bring different hazards."

ANSI Seeks Participants for Drone Panels

Subject-matter experts interested in participating in one or more of the four UASSC working groups are invited to review the working group architecture and return the sign-up sheet before Dec. 31, 2017.

New Weather Radars Being Installed in Canada

A new unit in Radisson, Saskatchewan, is expected to be operational by the end of December 2017, and four other new ones are planned by the end of March 2019.

UN Organization Stresses Safe Construction in Hurricane Repairs

"With this house, we have ensured that Tessa and her children have a safe home," said Jan-Willem Wegdam, UNIOM's team leader in Dominica. "The community sees there is actually something happening, and we have completed the training of our carpenters on safe construction skills."

FEMA Offering Disaster Mitigation Advice in Florida

The information to be offered by disaster mitigation specialists is intended for everyone, according to the agency, which says they topics to be covered include flood insurance, elevating utilities, and rebuilding flooded homes.

Appeals Court Upholds Florida Emergency Generator Rule

"The ruling from the First District Court of Appeal today reaffirms our position that the top priority of nursing homes and assisted living facilities should be protecting the lives of their patients," Gov. Rick Scott said in an Oct. 19 statement.

Companies often send out an all-staff email if bad weather is predicted, but would employees really know what to do in a serious emergency, be it related to nature or man-made?

Manage Risk Rather than Disasters, UN Secretary-General Says

"An average of 24 million people are pushed into poverty every year by disasters. Many millions are forced to leave their homes. If vulnerable countries are in a constant struggle to rebuild and recover after catastrophic events, we will never achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

Millions Preparing for Great ShakeOut Next Week

Set to start at 10:19 a.m. on Oct. 19, the drill calls for participants to "Drop, Cover and Hold On" and also discuss their disaster plans.

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