Virginia Department of Emergency Management, EM UPDATE, Issued Biweekly for the Virginia Emergency Management Community
July 19, 2006

Federal funds available to state and local governments
President Bush has granted Gov. Kaine's request for federal assistance to state government and nine local governments in the wake of severe weather that began on June 23. The declaration makes Public Assistance available to cover eligible government and private non-profit costs for damage to critical infrastructure, debris removal and related emergency services. The designated localities are the counties of Alleghany, Arlington, Bath, Dickenson, Fairfax, Highland, King George and Rockbridge and the city of Alexandria. FEMA might designate more counties as damages continue to be assessed.

Also, the declaration approved Hazard Mitigation Assistance statewide, which gives the state and localities the opportunity to apply for grants to fund damage reduction initiatives for future disasters.

Gov. Kaine's request for federal assistance to citizens and businesses impacted by the severe weather is still under consideration. A federal declaration depends on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's review of damage assessments and its conclusion that they meet criteria. FEMA is still considering Individual Assistance for the counties of Alleghany, Arlington Augusta, Botetourt, Fairfax and Montgomery and the cities of Alexandria and Salem.

Flood recovery safety tips and situation reports are available on VDEM's Web site. Information about individual and public assistance are available online from FEMA.

Study shows need for more realistic hospital drills
A new study finds that community-based disaster preparation and response will require more effective communication and planning among hospitals, public health agencies and community first responders. "Integrating Hospitals into Community Emergency Preparedness Planning," from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, also suggests that although most acute care hospitals are involved in community drills, threat analysis and plans, emergency planners should develop exercises that more truly simulate the stresses created by emergency conditions that persist over time. This study is the first large-scale national assessment of how closely hospitals and their communities are collaborating and planning together for natural or other disasters.

AARP emergency planning and response report available
A new report, "We Can Do Better: Lessons Learned for Protecting Older Persons in Disasters," which contains working strategies, lessons learned and best practices, is available from the American Association of Retired Persons. The report shares findings from a national conference that brought together more than 100 government officials; emergency preparedness and response experts; relief organizations; and aging and disability advocates. It also includes results from a short survey of persons ages 50 and older conducted in November 2005. The report addresses three major topics as they relate to older persons:

  • Planning and communications
  • Identifying who will need help and what kind of help, including registries, tracking and medications
  • Evacuating older persons, including transportation and special needs shelters

A full report and a summary report is available on the AARP's Web site. VDEM has developed a brochure to help seniors prepare for disasters; it is available for download.

2006 Infrastructure Protection Program
The Department of Homeland Security is now accepting applications for the 2006 Infrastructure Protection Program, which includes seven programs that range from transportation modes to the nation's ports:

  • Transit Security Grant Program
  • Buffer Zone Protection Program Grants
  • Chemical Sector Buffer Zone Protection Grant Program
  • Intercity Passenger Rail Security Grant Program
  • Trucking Security Program
  • Port Security Grant Program
  • Intercity Bus Security Grant Program

Program guidance, application kits, fact sheets and frequently asked questions for each program are available on the DHS Web site.

Conferences...
Virginia Hazardous Materials Conference and Expo
The Virginia Association of Hazardous Materials Response Specialists and VDEM will sponsor the 23rd Annual Virginia Hazardous Materials Conference and Expo, Sept. 24-29, 2006. The event at Virginia Beach features over 60 educational workshops and an exhibition area with the latest products and technology for the hazardous materials industry. For more information and registration go to www.virginiahazmat.org or Conventions Plus.

Pandemic preparedness for businesses
The Old Dominion Chapter of the Association of Contingency Planners invites emergency planners from businesses to learn more about pandemics. Representatives from the Chesterfield Health Department will speak and answer questions, followed by a roundtable discussion about pandemic-specific planning considerations for senior managers. The meeting is Tuesday, July 25 at Dena's Restaurant at 11314 Midlothian Turnpike in Chesterfield from noon to 2:15 p.m. The cost is $10, which includes lunch. E-mail jskinker@landam.com by Friday, July 21 to make reservations.
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EM Update is the best way to communicate best practices and to get a heads up on issues that might affect you. Articles include case studies, cost/resource-saving local programs, examples of partnerships and regional cooperation and recognition of emergency managers who receive awards and honors in the field. Please don't hesitate to contact the editor whenever you have a project that might benefit localities or want to highlight an important issue concerning Virginia's emergency response community. Contact Jolie Brendlinger at (804) 897-6510 or by e-mail at pio@vdem.virginia.gov.

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