Foresman confirmed
The U.S. Senate confirmed George W. Foresman on Saturday to serve as under secretary for preparedness at the Department of Homeland Security. Foresman is currently assistant to the governor for Commonwealth Preparedness and a nationally recognized expert on state emergency preparedness issues. He spent 17 years with VDEM, which included serving as Virginia's deputy state coordinator of emergency management. He will be responsible for infrastructure protection, cyber and communications security, funding for state and local efforts, medical readiness, and National Capital Region preparedness. His preparedness directorate will also support the Federal Emergency Management Agency with training resources.

Governor-Elect Tim Kaine appoints public safety leadership
Governor-Elect Tim Kaine announced that John Marshall will continue to serve as secretary of Public Safety for his administration. Secretary Marshall has served in this capacity since 2002, overseeing 11 state agencies that train and educate citizens about safety issues and enforce Commonwealth laws. Robert Crouch will serve as assistant to the governor for Commonwealth Preparedness to promote security and preparedness in Virginia. Crouch currently serves as counselor to Gov. Mark R. Warner. Robert Newman will serve as adjutant general. He now serves as the deputy assistant to the governor for Commonwealth Preparedness.

2006 hurricane forecast
Colorado State University's Dr. William Gray has issued the 2006 extended range forecast of Atlantic hurricane season activity, calling for another above-average season. However, the forecast calls for fewer landfalling major hurricanes than occurred in 2004 and 2005. Dr. Gray predicts that the next hurricane season will produce 17 named storms, nine hurricanes and five intense hurricanes. The 2005 hurricane season broke the record for named storms, producing 26 named storms, 14 hurricanes and seven intense hurricanes. Commonly known as "Dr. Gray's forecast," this year Dr. Gray will take second authorship credit for the first time in 22 years; Dr. Philip Klotzbach will take primary authorship of the forecast from now on. The tropical meteorology research group from CSU's Department of Atmospheric Science issues seasonal hurricane forecasts in early December, April, June, August, September and October.

Local interoperability grant opportunity
The State Interoperability Executive Committee and Advisory Group will review proposals for grants totaling $2 million. Localities can apply for up to $75,000 towards an interoperability project (approved funding must be obligated between March 2006 and October 2006). Projects can include funding requests for planning, evaluation and/or equipment to improve communications interoperability in Virginia. Last year the SIEC coordinated $1.7 million in awards to 20 localities. Proposal guidelines and applications are available on the Commonwealth's Interoperability in Virginia Web site. The deadline for proposals is Jan. 27, 2006.

Proposed CDC regulation changes open for comment
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has opened for public comment proposed changes to current regulations for control of a potential outbreak of a communicable disease from a passenger on a commercial airline or ship. Changes include expanded reporting of ill passengers on board air and sea carriers, both foreign and domestic; requirements that air and sea carriers arriving from foreign countries and certain domestic flights maintain passenger and crew lists that can be submitted electronically to the CDC upon request; and explicit due process provisions for those subject to quarantine. The text of the proposed regulations and comment submittal is available online.

Virginia Public Safety Outreach Conference and Training
A new section has been added to VDEM's Web site featuring the 2005 Virginia Public Safety Outreach Conference and Training, "Keeping Everyone Safe: Outreach for a Diverse Community," which was held Nov. 14-17 at the Richmond Sheraton West Hotel. The site offers copies of some of the guest speakers' presentations, along with the agenda and a list of speakers. Nearly 140 public safety educators, emergency management professionals, first responder and Citizen Corps members and volunteers attended. Virginia Citizen Corps recognized volunteers in six categories. Public Safety Outreach Partners of the Year awards went to the Rev. Jon Barton and Clyde Hoey for their contributions to public safety outreach in the Commonwealth. Extraordinary Volunteer awards went to Jacqueline Snelling and Merrily Pierce for their commitment to creating a safer, more secure and better prepared Northern Virginia; and Pamela Necessary received the Shining Star award for her work as the Community Emergency Response Team coordinator for Tazewell County. Awards also went to Strong Partners, Community Builders and Exceptional Programs. VDEM and Virginia Citizen Corps sponsor the annual conference.

Training...
National Incident Management System and Basic Incident Command System
This unique two-day videoconference course combines the initial classes for both NIMS and Basic ICS.  Basic ICS (V200) meets the objectives of both ICS 100 and ICS 200. Class is Jan. 19-20 in 16 locations throughout the state, and the registration deadline is Dec. 22.

Flood Fight Operations
This 20-hour course uses a combination of lectures, discussions, activities and exercises to take participants through each stage of a flood situation, from well before the flood to the clean up afterwards. This training is recommended for officials from any community at risk of flooding. Class is Jan. 10-11 in Virginia Beach; registration deadline is Jan. 9.

Produced by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management
10501 Trade Court, Richmond, Virginia 23236