Summer 2011 CERT Newsletter Published
June 29, 2011
In this issue of the 12 page CERT National Newsletter, Volume 3, Issue 4, you will read about the creative and diverse ways CERT members serve their communities when they aren’t activated for emergency situations.
King County Healthcare Coalition Recognized by the Seattle Times
June 29, 2011
The King County Healthcare Coalition is a network of healthcare organizations and providers working together to strengthen emergency preparedness and response. A voluntary organization administered by Public Health – Seattle & King County, the Coalition is open to all organizations and individuals that provide or support health care services in King County.
VMIRC’s Delightful 2011 Field Day-- “Best Yet!”
June 27, 2011
36 amateur radio operators and elected officials attended Vashon-Maury Island Radio Club’s 2011 Field Day Saturday and Sunday.
VIFR to get Introduction to ARES
June 27, 2011John Galus will give an Introduction to Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES) to VIFR firefighters and EMTs at VIFR Fire Station 55 at 7 PM(?) on July 5th.
Paul Nichols’ Time Lapse Quake Maps
June 24, 2011
If you’ve not come across them, Paul Nichols has created several time lapse earthquake maps. Working at the University of Canterbury's Digital Media Group, he takes USGS or GeoNet data and plots it using the Google Maps API to create a fascinating animation.
All the pre-prepared Public Service Announcements one could ask for!
June 22, 2011
The CDC has a slew of professional, tested and vetted PSAs that could come in handy on Vashon after a disaster.
Washington State Law-- RCW, Title 38, Chapter 38.52 Emergency Management
June 15, 2011
Many answers to questions you may (or may not!) have had are to be found in the following section of law:
Seattle Times Posts useful Landslide Info
June 15, 2011The Seattle Times posted a special section on June 10th with useful tips for those with (or concerned about) a landslide. My neighbor who had a very expensive landslide late last year just pointed this useful information out to me. Read the full report at: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2015278322_realslidersbar12.html
Where to get more information on landslides
Read MoreUnited States is the most severe weather-prone country on Earth
June 14, 2011“The United States is the most severe weather-prone country on Earth according to the National Weather Service. Hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding and other natural disasters can strike without warning and force you to evacuate your home or cause disruptions in mail service.”
Read MoreSecuring the D Block for Public Safety–without major fees to telecommunication companies
June 12, 2011There is critical legislation regarding public safety organizations’ ability to communicate – without paying telecommunication companies huge fees (subsidies?!). A reprint on one side of this issue follows. (Note that VashonBePrepared has not taken a stance on this or any other legislative to date. We may in the future – our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status only prevents us from spending a “substantial” portion of our budget for influencing legislation.)
Read MoreNational Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) up for renewal via Senate Bill 646 & H.R. 1379-- Voice your Position!
June 10, 2011
There are many federal entities that sponsor research, but a very few like the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) which provides a critical link between important research findings and practical application. For us in Washington—the second highest earthquake risk state in the country—putting good research to use is of the utmost importance. I asked EMD’s Earthquake Program Manager John Schelling say more about this great program, below.
—Jim Mullen, director, Washington State Emergency Management
FEMA Releases “Earthquake-Resistant Design Concepts-- An Introduction to the NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions for New Buildings and Other Structures”, FEMA P-749
June 10, 2011
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is pleased to announce that Earthquake-Resistant Design Concepts: An Introduction to the NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions for New Buildings and Other Structures, FEMA P-749, is now available, at no cost, from the Publications Warehouse and online from the FEMA Library.
Don Price Headed Mississippi ESF-6 Efforts
June 9, 2011
I heard that “our” very own Don Price recently served as the head of ESF-6 for FEMA’s recovery efforts in Mississippi! He and other locals who have been serving afield will present their debrief on Tuesday, June 21st, from 1 – 3 PM. The location is the King County Office of Emergency Management Room 114 – Main Coordination Center.
SEAW Engineers to Present Observations from Japanese Earthquake Reconnaissance
June 7, 2011
Seattle, Washington, June 1, 2011 – On Friday, March 11, 2011 at 2:46 PM (local time), the northeast coast of Japan was struck by a magnitude 9.0 (M9.0) subduction earthquake as the boundary between the Pacific and the North American plates ruptured along an offshore section. The rupture extended about 200 miles along the Japan coast, resulting in approximately 100 feet of vertical slip and causing a series of devastating tsunamis. A similar event along the Cascadia Subduction Zone could extend from Vancouver Island to Northern California, affecting western Washington and Oregon communities.
CERT in Action!
June 7, 2011
Learn about the activities of CERTs across the country in the CERT in Action! stories just posted at the national CERT website:
5th Annual National HAZUS Conference set for Seattle, August 10-12
June 7, 2011
Mark your calendars! The Annual Hazus Conference will be held in Seattle, Washington, August 10 – 12, 2011, at the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building.
Natural Disasters Displace 42 Million in 2010
June 7, 2011About 42 million people were forced to flee their homes because of natural disasters around the world in 2010, more than double the number during the previous year, experts said Monday.
Read More
VIFR’s Produces a New Video
June 6, 2011
Vashon's Jojo has produced a great new video aimed at helping recuit volunteers to help the community with the vital work of fighting fires & helping provide medical help. Congratulations!
Read MorePlanet Earth Doesn't Know How To Make It Any Clearer It Wants Everyone To Leave
June 4, 2011
Flights of fancy (and a bit of vulgarity) continue over in the editorial offices of the Onion as they present their take on recent disasters: a personified Earth is tired of humans’ presence.
Ready Business PSAs Urge Small Businesses To Prepare for Emergencies
June 3, 2011Up to forty percent of businesses affected by a natural or man-made major disaster never reopen
King County Mass Care Regional Forum Agenda Announced
June 2, 2011
The goal of this free forum is to bring together government, non-profit, faith-based and other partners who would have a role in Mass Care (shelter, feeding, distribution of emergency supplies, etc.) for disasters in King County. The Forum is hosted by the King County Mass Care Workgroup.