tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17320195096569595022024-02-20T14:37:25.117-08:00Pass It On Center - Emergency ManagementThis Blog serves as a venue and platform for constructive comments about AT Reuse and Emergency Management. It is our hope that you will share your helpful thoughts, ideas and feedback on what and how things should be changed to benefit our community. We look forward to hearing from you!Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-80796201412285857052013-09-30T13:08:00.001-07:002013-09-30T13:08:41.108-07:00Join America’s PrepareAthon<div style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>It
may be the final week of National Preparedness Month but since
disasters can strike at any time, preparedness should occur throughout
the year. Join America’s PrepareAthon by registering <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT6978_com_zimbra_date">today</span> for the </span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT6979_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMwOTI0LjIzMzM1NDcxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMDkyNC4yMzMzNTQ3MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3Mjc1MTI4JmVtYWlsaWQ9YW15LmdvbGRtYW5AdGVtcGxlLmVkdSZ1c2VyaWQ9YW15LmdvbGRtYW5AdGVtcGxlLmVkdSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&107&&&http://citizencorps.gov/cc/goodbye.do?url=http://www.shakeout.org/home.html" style="color: #0078ae;" target="_blank"><span>Great ShakeOut</span></a></span><span> Day of Action earthquake drill. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>On <span><span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT6980_com_zimbra_date">October 17</span> at 10:17 AM</span></span>
join millions of people worldwide as they drop, cover and hold on for
earthquake preparedness. The Great ShakeOut was organized to help your
community prepare for and recover from an earthquake, to encourage you
to update emergency plans and supplies, and to secure your space in
order to prevent damage and injuries during disaster.<span> </span>Last year over 21 million practiced “Drop, Cover, Hold On.” Don’t be left out, take action to prepare! </span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Follow @PrepareAthon for all things disaster preparedness! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>For additional resources on how to protect your family during an earthquake, visit the <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT6981_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMwOTI0LjIzMzM1NDcxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMDkyNC4yMzMzNTQ3MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3Mjc1MTI4JmVtYWlsaWQ9YW15LmdvbGRtYW5AdGVtcGxlLmVkdSZ1c2VyaWQ9YW15LmdvbGRtYW5AdGVtcGxlLmVkdSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&108&&&http://citizencorps.gov/cc/goodbye.do?url=http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/" style="color: #0078ae;" target="_blank"><span>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</span></a></span> and don’t forget to download the American Red Cross </span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT6982_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMwOTI0LjIzMzM1NDcxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMDkyNC4yMzMzNTQ3MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3Mjc1MTI4JmVtYWlsaWQ9YW15LmdvbGRtYW5AdGVtcGxlLmVkdSZ1c2VyaWQ9YW15LmdvbGRtYW5AdGVtcGxlLmVkdSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&109&&&http://citizencorps.gov/cc/goodbye.do?url=http://www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/earthquake-app" style="color: #0078ae;" target="_blank"><span>earthquake app</span></a></span><span> to receive alerts. You can also make disaster preparation fun for the whole family with </span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT6983_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMwOTI0LjIzMzM1NDcxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMDkyNC4yMzMzNTQ3MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3Mjc1MTI4JmVtYWlsaWQ9YW15LmdvbGRtYW5AdGVtcGxlLmVkdSZ1c2VyaWQ9YW15LmdvbGRtYW5AdGVtcGxlLmVkdSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&110&&&http://citizencorps.gov/cc/goodbye.do?url=http://www.dropcoverholdon.org/beatthequake/game/" style="color: #0078ae;" target="_blank"><span>Beat the Quake</span></a></span><span>, an interactive game to test your preparedness know-how! </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>Don’t forget to download the latest FEMA mobile app with its new feature </span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT6984_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMwOTI0LjIzMzM1NDcxJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMDkyNC4yMzMzNTQ3MSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3Mjc1MTI4JmVtYWlsaWQ9YW15LmdvbGRtYW5AdGVtcGxlLmVkdSZ1c2VyaWQ9YW15LmdvbGRtYW5AdGVtcGxlLmVkdSZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&111&&&http://www.fema.gov/smartphone-app" style="color: #0078ae;" target="_blank"><span>Disaster Reporter</span></a></span><span> for you to share photos of disaster damage in your area and show how your community is recovering.<span> </span></span></span></span>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-88811759851383411712013-09-30T13:06:00.001-07:002013-09-30T13:06:20.790-07:00Mobile Devices in Times of DisastersWhen disasters strike, survivors often turn to the tools at their
fingertips, like a smartphone or tablet, to look for disaster
assistance. Statistics show that in Fiscal Year 2012, more disaster
survivors turned to mobile devices to apply for disaster assistance on
DisasterAssistance.gov than ever before—21,290 to be exact. With this in
mind, the Disaster Assistance Improvement Program (DAIP) teamed up with
its development partner, the Department of Labor's Benefits.gov team,
to further improve <a href="http://disasterassistance.gov/">DisasterAssistance.gov</a> access for people on the go.<br />
<br />
The team primarily focused on enhancing the mobile user experience
through responsive Web design to the point of registration. The site now
detects the user's browser resolution and renders the Web page for
either desktop or mobile viewing, eliminating the need for a separate
mobile website.<br />
<br />
On a mobile device, survivors can find disaster assistance on
DisasterAssistance.gov that meets their personal needs using new sliding
sub menus. With one touch, survivors can access the most important
information on the site's new quick links bar and docked footer. DAIP
also optimized the site's content, layout and navigation to ensure a
consistent experience for survivors visiting DisasterAssistance.gov on
their desktop or mobile device.<br />
<br />
DAIP also made it easier for survivors to find and sort through
frequently asked questions (FAQs) and to peruse the 70-plus forms of
assistance (FOAs) through a new expand/collapse functionality. Survivors
can now use the site's new Share button to refer others to useful Web
pages, with the option of emailing or sharing links on Facebook, Twitter
or other social media channels from anywhere on the site. DAIP also
rebranded the core site functions—Find Assistance, Apply Online and
Check Your Status—on the homepage, providing survivors quick access to
the functions they utilize most on DisasterAssistance.gov.<br />
<br />
DAIP's successful enhancement with regard to responsive Web design
has carved a path for future updates that improve the disaster
survivor's experience throughout the entire website. But for now, DAIP
asks everyone to be proactive and save DisasterAssistance.gov to your
smartphones, tablet devices and desktops to access all the recovery
resources the government has to offer before a disaster strikes.
Remember, September is preparedness month and this is one simple way to
make sure you and your family are ready! Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-36183363312725298102013-06-17T13:24:00.000-07:002013-06-17T13:24:07.030-07:00GAO Releases Report on Nation’s Emergency Alert SystemThe Government Accountability Office (GAO) released
the report “Emergency Alerting: Capabilities Have Improved, but
Additional Guidance and Testing are Needed.”<br />
<br />
The report reviews the
changing capabilities of the Integrated Public Alert
and Warning System (IPAWS) in addition to the results of the nationwide
test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). Primarily, the report
highlights that while IPAWS has the capability to better disseminate
alerts and warnings through the creation of the alert
aggregator, barriers to implementation remain, including insufficient
guidance, inability to test the IPAWS system, and insufficient public
outreach.<br />
<br />
The report also notes that during the 2011 nationwide test of
EAS, approximately 82% of reporting broadcasters
and cable operators received the alert and only 61% of those reporting
were able to redistribute the alert due to technical failures at public
entry point (PEP) stations, shortened test length, and outdated
monitoring assignments. As noted by the report,
the implementation of IPAWS may help overcome some of the limitations
traditionally seen in the “effectiveness of the national-level EAS.” <br />
<br />
Specifically, IPAWS will help to disseminate alerts and warnings to a
larger portion of the population through dissemination
in many modalities including radio, television, mobile alerts and
“messages to specialized alerting devices for individuals with
disabilities.”<br />
<br />
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT5938_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://www.gao.gov/assets/660/654135.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.gao.gov/assets/660/654135.pdf</a></span> Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-72459825891757094652013-06-11T10:45:00.000-07:002013-06-11T10:45:00.043-07:00June is National Safety MonthJune is National Safety Month. Are you prepared? Natural disasters and fires can occur anywhere, at any time. Take the time during National Safety Month to practice your emergency drills with all your family members, and prepare an emergency kit filled with water, nonperishable food, a flashlight and blankets. Take into consideration your functional and access needs when preparing for an emergency. Tips on creating an effective plan and kit are available through the National Safety Council. Sign up today to receive free resources. <a href="http://goo.gl/k4gE9">http://goo.gl/k4gE9</a>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-25390811859630546002013-06-10T10:29:00.001-07:002013-06-10T10:29:10.603-07:00Using Hashtags Efectively During a Crisis<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here are five pointers for using hashtags effectively during a
crisis. Basically, you want to ensure that your tweets are planned for
ease of retweeting in a crisis. Hashtags need to be:</span></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Compact – 10 characters or less. And remember that if you are linking, the tweet needs to be less 112 characters or less.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Simple and easy to understand, i.e.; #foodsafe</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Share with partners, both internal and external, plus key stakeholders BEFORE the crisis hits.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Organic.
For example #bnefloods (Brisbane Floods). Choose hashtags that are
easily understood and are straightforward. This is not the time for
being witty and clever, although that is inevitable in SocialMediaLand.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Test BEFORE crisis hits. Include Twitter language and hashtags as a
separate but integral part of your next desktop or planning exercise.
Brainstorm with your crisis team and advisers, and test, test and test
so that you can iron out as many bugs as possible in advance.</span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thanks to crisis bloggers Melissa Agnes and Kim Stephens for this information!</span></i></span>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-61688308602855870082013-04-17T09:33:00.000-07:002013-04-17T09:34:17.768-07:00TV Emergency Information to be More Accessible Due to 21st CVAA: Weather Channel Gets More Time to Comply <div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT6434_com_zimbra_date">April 8, 2013</span>,
the FCC adopted additional rules to make emergency information on
television more accessible to people who are blind or have visual
impairments. These were issued as a result of the passage of the 21st
CVAA and a longstanding demand of the COAT coalition. The new rules
require an audio output of any emergency information that appears
visually during a non-news program. Typically such emergency information
is shown along the bottom of the TV screen during a regularly
scheduled program and is typically in text and up to now has not been
required to be made audible. The new rules require this text to be
provided audibly on a secondary audio stream and goes into effect in two
years. This should help many people with visual impairments learn
about local emergency weather and other situations and should help save
lives, time and reduce aggravation. The two year effectiveness date
gives the industry plenty of time to figure out the technology to make
this happen. Due to the usual begging and pleading we have come to
expect, however, The Weather Channel got an additional six months to
comply. That is, The Weather Channel has an additional 6 months to
comply beyond the 2 year effectiveness date; and The Weather Channel on
DIRECTV has an additional one year to comply.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the same rulemaking, the FCC set up new
requirements for equipment. That is, also adopted were new rules to
ensure that certain equipment used to receive, play back, or record
television programs is able to make secondary audio streams available
such as audio that provides emergency information, as well as the video
description that makes programs accessible to individuals who are blind
or visually impaired. These rules also go into effect two years after
they are published in the Federal Register.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT6431_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://www.coataccess.org/node/10140?goback=%2Egde_3080152_member_232855029" target="_blank">http://www.coataccess.org/node/10140?goback=%2Egde_3080152_member_232855029</a></span> </span></span></div>
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<li class="field-item even"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT6432_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://www.coataccess.org/taxonomy/term/13" target="_blank">Progress of the Bill</a></span></li>
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</span></span>
<li class="field-item even"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT6433_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://www.coataccess.org/taxonomy/term/5" target="_blank">Emergency Information and Services</a></span></li>
</span></span></ul>
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</span>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-28195212300267868142013-03-26T16:04:00.004-07:002013-03-26T16:04:46.653-07:00FEMA SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR YOUTH PREPAREDNESS COUNCILATLANTA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency is looking for youth leaders who are dedicated to public service, who are making a difference in their communities, and who want to expand their impact as national advocates for youth disaster preparedness.<br /><br />Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 interested in strengthen the nation’s resiliency against disasters may now apply or be nominated to serve on FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council. Participants will represent the youth perspective on emergency preparedness and share information with their communities.<br /><br />Those interested may apply directly or be nominated by an adult by submitting a completed application form, a narrative, and a letter of recommendation. Visit <a href="http://www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness">www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness</a> to access the application materials and instructions.<br /><br /><b>Applications and supporting materials must be received by midnight April 19, 2013.</b><br /><br />Youth Preparedness Council members will attend the 2013 Youth Preparedness Council Summit and meet with emergency management leadership and national organizations dedicated to youth preparedness to discuss individual and community preparedness. Council members will participate in regular conference calls with FEMA and will complete a youth preparedness project of their choosing.<br /><br />“Engaging youth is an integral step in preparing the nation for all hazards,” said FEMA’s Region IV Administrator Phil May. “Youth have a unique ability to influence their peers and families to be more resilient and play an important role in disaster preparedness, during and after a crisis.”<br /><br />Benjamin Cooke of Memphis, Tenn., represented FEMA’s Region IV on the 2012 Youth Preparedness Council. He frequently spoke to diverse groups of youth about the need for emergency preparedness and volunteered at the Memphis Virginia Hospital. He has participated in community initiatives such as “Get Ready Shelby” and “Go Green Memphis.”Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-15691231508221208592013-03-20T17:02:00.001-07:002013-03-20T17:02:09.756-07:00Share your personal story of survival during an emergency and/or or disaster<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Marcie
Roth, Director of FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and
Coordination, would like to share the request below from The Center on
Disability at the Public Health
Institute. The Center for Personal Assistance Services at UC San
Francisco is collecting stories about experiences individuals with
disabilities have endured in times of an emergency or disaster. If you
or someone you know would like to share your story please
follow the link provided below.</span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
Center on Disability at the Public Health Institute along with the
Center for Personal Assistance Services at UC San Francisco is
collecting emergency and disaster experience
stories from individuals with disabilities who use personal assistance
services (PAS). We expect these experiences will lead to valuable
lessons, techniques, strategies, and skills.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is an opportunity to share what you have learned in surviving an emergency.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To participate, you must: </span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">use one or more personal assistants (also known as an attendant or caregiver). This can be someone who you pay for, or someone who volunteers to assist you, including family members or friends. </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">have in the last 5 years (since 2008), lived through a large emergency such as, but not limited to, a storm, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, fire, flood, heat or cold wave, power outage, or chemical spill. By large emergency we mean an incident that effects a large physical area, affects many people and overwhelms local resources which leads to the state and possibly FEMA responding.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">be interested in helping others understand and learn from your emergency experience</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">be willing to share your written or recorded story on the Center for Personal Assistance Services website</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span><span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If this is all true for you, we would like to hear about your experiences. Please go to
<span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT380_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Emergency_Stories" target="_blank">http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Emergency_Stories</a></span></span><span style="color: #1f497d;">
</span>to give your experiences.<span style="color: #1f497d;">
</span><span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If
you complete the questions, which should take approximately fifteen to
thirty minutes, you will be entered into a drawing for which 5
individuals
will each win a $50 gift card. <span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow;">
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
If you have questions, please contact Lewis Kraus, Project Director at
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT381_com_zimbra_email"><a href="mailto:deputy@adapacific.org" target="_blank">deputy@adapacific.org</a></span>.
</span></span>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-15426792254656697642013-03-20T13:22:00.000-07:002013-03-20T13:22:16.176-07:00Home Use Devices: How to Prepare and Handle Power Outages for Medical Devices that Require ElectricityAs a home medical device user, it is important that
your device works during a power outage and that you have a plan in
place to ensure you know what to do. This booklet will help you have an
established plan to obtain and organize your medical device information,
take necessary actions so that you can continue to use your device,
have the necessary supplies for the operation of your device, and know
where to go or what to do during a power outage. If you use more than
one medical device, complete a booklet for each device and ask your
healthcare professional to help you.<br />
<br />
Home Use Devices: How to Prepare and Handle Power Outages for Medical Devices that Require Electricity <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4874_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTMwMzE4LjE2NzY0MTExJm1lc3NhZ2VpZD1NREItUFJELUJVTC0yMDEzMDMxOC4xNjc2NDExMSZkYXRhYmFzZWlkPTEwMDEmc2VyaWFsPTE3NDU2NTg1JmVtYWlsaWQ9bWFyY2llLnJvdGhAZGhzLmdvdiZ1c2VyaWQ9bWFyY2llLnJvdGhAZGhzLmdvdiZmbD0mZXh0cmE9TXVsdGl2YXJpYXRlSWQ9JiYm&&&100&&&http://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/UCM252812.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/UCM252812.pdf</a></span>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-34825701892557074392013-03-04T10:57:00.002-08:002013-03-04T10:57:10.120-08:00It's National Severe Weather Preparedness Week - (March 3-9, 2013)Stay informed by having multiple sources for weather alerts - NOAA Weather Radio including adaptive weather radios for individuals with access and functional needs, NWS Weather Wire Service, Weather.gov, and Wireless Emergency Alerts. Subscribe to receive alerts <a href="http://www.weather.gov/subscribe">www.weather.gov/subscribe</a>.Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-79212586810572995972013-02-11T10:35:00.002-08:002013-02-11T10:35:13.012-08:00WRERC Releases Survey for Emergency Communications for People with Disabilities<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On February 7, the Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center launched a new survey on emergency communications to help improve accessibility of emergency response. The data collected will be used by the regulatory authorities and other professionals working to improve emergency response and disaster relief. To participate in this survey, visit: <br />http://www.wirelessrerc.org/content/newsroom/just-launched-2012-survey-emergency-communications-and-people-disabilities?goback=.anp_155773_1352655643906_1.gmp_155773.gde_155773_member_183349922.</span></span>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-16382075712663436442013-02-07T19:21:00.002-08:002013-02-07T19:21:41.281-08:00The Disaster Distress Helpline, a program of SAMHSA, encourages you to 'prepare for coping'! Program the DDH <span class="skype_pnh_print_container_1360248296">1-800-985-5990</span><span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"></span></span>
into your cell phone / land line address book for easy, 24/7 access in
case you feel distress- like anxiety, fear, frustration -before, during
or after any disaster. Also, offer to program the number into the
phones of loved ones who may need help doing so, such as frail elderly.
Before, during or after disasters, short of needing emergency 9-1-1
response, sometimes when we feel overwhelmed a phone call to a crisis
hotline can help us feel calmer and more in control so that we can be
better able to prepare, respond or move forward on the path to recovery
following a disaster. Learn more about the Disaster Distress Helpline
at <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT278_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov/" target="_blank">http://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov</a></span>!Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-15220620086538167232013-01-23T20:22:00.003-08:002013-01-23T20:22:37.477-08:00New toolkit released from the US Department of Education on Creating and Updating School Emergency Management Plans<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT3008_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://rems.ed.gov/CreatingAndUpdatingSchoolEmergencyManagementPlans.aspx" target="_blank">http://rems.ed.gov/CreatingAndUpdatingSchoolEmergencyManagementPlans.aspx</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
The REMS Technical Assistance Center's primary goal
is to support schools, school districts, and institutions of higher
education in school emergency management, including the development and
implementation of comprehensive all-hazards emergency management plans.
The TA Center disseminates information about school emergency management
to help individual schools, school districts, and institutions of
higher education learn more about developing, implementing, and
evaluating comprehensive, all-hazards school emergency management plans.
In addition, the TA Center helps OSHS coordinate technical assistance
meetings and share school emergency management information, and responds
to direct requests for technical assistance and training.</span>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-67315261485820427462013-01-18T11:26:00.001-08:002013-01-18T11:26:29.516-08:00Chairman's Announcement and PSHSB Report on Impact of June 2012 Derecho on Communications Networks and Services<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Marcie
Roth, Director of FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and
Coordination, would like to share a recently released report from the
Federal
Communications Commission’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau
regarding the impact of the <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT7746_com_zimbra_date">June 2012</span> Derecho.
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="color: #010101; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The inquiry, conducted by the FCC’s PSHSB, included in-depth investigation, public comment and analysis
culminating in a report released <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT7747_com_zimbra_date">today</span> entitled “The Impact of the <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT7748_com_zimbra_date">June 2012</span> Derecho on Communications and Services: Report and Recommendations.”</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span>FCC CHAIRMAN GENACHOWSKI ANNOUNCES ACTION TO
STRENGTHEN RELIABILITY AND RESILIENCY OF 9-1-1 COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS
DURING MAJOR DISASTERS. Based on findings and recommendations of a
comprehensive inquiry into widespread 9-1-1 service
failures in the Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions as a result of 2012
derecho storm; Final report delivered by the FCC's PSHSB. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">News Release.
News Media Contact: Justin Cole at <a href="tel:%28202%29%20210-2437" target="_blank">(202) 210-2437</a>,
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT7750_com_zimbra_email"><a href="mailto:Justin.Cole@fcc.gov" target="_blank">Justin.Cole@fcc.gov</a></span> <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT7751_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-318333A1.docx" target="_blank">
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-318333A1.docx</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT7752_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-318333A1.pdf" target="_blank">http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-318333A1.pdf</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT7753_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-318333A1.txt" target="_blank">http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-318333A1.txt</a></span></span>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-23190293724928762032013-01-08T14:15:00.000-08:002013-01-08T14:15:00.329-08:00Webinars Focused on Emergency Preparedness for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Emergency Preparedness -<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>What Does That Mean For People With I/DD, Their Families, And Their Communities?</b><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">AUCD (Association of University Centers on Disabilities) <a href="http://www.aucd.org/">www.aucd.org</a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">aaidd (American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) <a href="http://www.aaidd.org/">www.aaidd.org</a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">presents a webinar on:</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tuesday, January 22, 2013</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3:00pm-4:00pm EST</span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/394923538" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Register </span>for this webinar</a> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Webinar Description:</b><br /><br />Emergency preparedness is an essential part of living for any individual or family. For those with intellectual disabilities, their families, or those providing support, however, emergency preparedness may require more specific plans of support. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a number of resources to prepare and support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities before, during, and after natural disasters. Of key importance is the implementation of self-determination practices in this area. One example of this implementation is the “Feeling Safe, Being Safe” training curriculum through which individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have become advocates and trainers in emergency preparedness.. <br /><br />This webinar will cover a) the current state of disaster preparedness for individuals with I/DD, (b) identify gaps in preparedness plans, and (c) discuss future research in this area particularly in linking community resources/supports/services with individual, family, and agency disaster planning and how social connectedness and resources might be leveraged to provide such support. Join Ms. Marcie Roth, Director of the Office of Disability Integration and Coordination at the Department of Homeland Security/ FEMA and Ms. Dawn Skaggs, Principle Investigator for the Hawai`i Emergency Preparedness System of Support and the Project Coordinator for the Hawaii Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Division Emergency Preparedness and Consumer Directed Training Projects at the Center on Disability Studies, University of Hawai`i at Manoa as they discuss key issues around emergency preparedness for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Topics will include how FEMA supports individuals before, during, and after disasters and how individuals with I/DD have become certified emergency preparedness trainers through the “Feeling Safe, Being Safe” training curriculum. The speakers will also explore opportunities for future research and careers in this area.<br /><br /><b>Speakers:</b><br />Marcie Roth was appointed by President Obama to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Washington, DC in June 2009. She serves as Senior Advisor to Administrator Fugate and Director of the FEMA Office of Disability Integration and Coordination, leading the national transformation towards integrating the access and functional needs of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of whole community emergency and disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. Ms. Roth also leads the work of the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities which is Chaired by FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. Ms. Roth joined FEMA after serving as President and CEO of Global Disability Solutions Group, leading national and international initiatives with a focus on emergency management and disability issues. Over the past 20 years she held senior leadership positions with the National Coalition for Disability Rights, National Spinal Cord Injury Association, National Council on Independent Living and TASH.<br /><br />Dawn Skaggs is the Principle Investigator for the Hawai`i Emergency Preparedness System of Support and the Project Coordinator for the Hawaii Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Division Emergency Preparedness and Consumer Directed Training Projects at the Center on Disability Studies, University of Hawai`i at Manoa. In these capacities she developed and leads a cross discipline, multi-agency council of state, county and local organizations and stakeholders to establish and execute best practices for including individuals with disabilities as leaders in the planning, preparation, and response activities for various emergencies. She has been instrumental in identifying emerging best practices throughout the country; applying culturally competent adaptations that make resources and information meaningful and relevant and expanding the emergency preparedness resources and opportunities for individuals and agencies in Hawaii.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/394923538" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Register </span>for this webinar</a> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-76470503669113587102013-01-07T12:45:00.004-08:002013-01-07T12:45:59.823-08:00FEMA Provides Accessible Technologies for Hurricane Sandy Survivors<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT1526_com_zimbra_date">December 16</span>,
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced efforts to
better serve Hurricane Sandy survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or
blind by providing the New York disaster recovery centers with a number
of technologies to help people with disabilities better access
information. The assistive technology tools utilized are enhanced
listening devices, iPad 3s with real-time-video remote sign language
interpreting apps, and captioned phones to get accessible disaster
recovery information. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“We’ve been engaging the real experts, people who
use these tools on a regular basis, as our planning partners,” Marcie
Roth, Director of FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and
Coordination. “We are so far ahead of where we were, even a year ago,
but that doesn’t mean that we’re there yet. We’re in a position where
we’re using for the first time some of the most advanced technology in
one of the worst disasters. This is a great teachable moment, but we
have to make sure no one falls through the cracks in this learning
curve.” </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For more information, visit:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT1527_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://www.fema.gov/news-release/fema-continues-innovations-meet-access-and-functional-needs-integration" target="_blank">http://www.fema.gov/news-release/fema-continues-innovations-meet-access-and-functional-needs-integration</a></span>.</span></span>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-38690657304421707942012-12-21T10:44:00.002-08:002012-12-21T10:44:26.768-08:00Emergency Preparedness-What Does That Mean For People With I/DD, Their Families, And Their Communities?<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Tuesday, <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT6379_com_zimbra_date">January 22, 2013</span>, 3:00pm – 4:00 pm (ET)</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT6380_com_zimbra_url"><a href="https://www.aucd.org/template/event.cfm?event_id=3557&id=16" target="_blank">https://www.aucd.org/template/event.cfm?event_id=3557&id=16</a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Emergency
preparedness is an essential part of living for any individual or
family. For those with intellectual disabilities, their families, or
those providing support, however, emergency preparedness may require
more specific plans of support. The Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) has a number of resources to prepare and support individuals with
intellectual and developmental disabilities before, during, and after
natural disasters. Of key importance is the implementation of
self-determination practices in this area. One example of this
implementation is the "Feeling Safe, Being Safe" training curriculum
through which individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities have become advocates and trainers in emergency
preparedness.</span></span>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-27247626254468190352012-12-20T11:00:00.000-08:002013-01-07T14:16:48.655-08:00Major Wireless Carriers Accelerate Availability of Text to 911<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4865_com_zimbra_date">December 6, 2012</span>, the FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski
announced that the four major wireless carriers –
AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile – have agreed to accelerate the
availability of text-to-911, with major deployments expected in 2013 and
a commitment to nationwide
availability by <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4866_com_zimbra_date">May 15, 2014</span>. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Text-to-911
will provide consumers, including millions of consumers with hearing
and speech disabilities, access to emergency services by enabling them
to send a text
message to 911. This will also provide consumers with enhanced access
to emergency communications in situations where a voice call could
endanger the caller, or a person with disabilities is unable to make a
voice call. Text-to-911 will be available as an addition to,
not a substitute for, voice calls to 911 services, and consumers should
always make a voice call to 911 during an emergency if they can.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-weight: bold;">Links to the
announcement:</span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: navy;"><span style="color: navy;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4867_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db1207/DOC-317786A1.doc" target="_blank" title="http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db1207/DOC-317786A1.doc">http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db1207/DOC-317786A1.doc</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: navy;"><span style="color: navy;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4868_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db1207/DOC-317786A1.pdf" target="_blank" title="http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db1207/DOC-317786A1.pdf">http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db1207/DOC-317786A1.pdf</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="color: navy;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4869_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db1207/DOC-317786A1.txt" target="_blank" title="http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db1207/DOC-317786A1.txt">http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2012/db1207/DOC-317786A1.txt</a></span></span></span></span></span>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-82006394297132359452012-12-19T06:00:00.000-08:002013-01-07T14:17:00.266-08:00Online Toolkit Assists to Help Make Social Media Messages during Emergencies More Accessible<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The online toolkit provides tips, resources and apps to help people
with a disability to overcome accessibility challenges of social media.
The kit also includes guidelines to assist the emergency sector,
government, community, media and business to make social media messages
more accessible.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span>
<div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4843_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://emergency20wiki.org/wiki/index.php/Accessibility_Toolkit" target="_blank">http://emergency20wiki.org/wiki/index.php/Accessibility_Toolkit</a></span></span></span>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-11357480861755843372012-10-09T12:21:00.003-07:002012-10-09T12:21:58.263-07:00IPAWS Bill Passes House<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 150%;"><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT10798_com_zimbra_date">September 19, 2012</span> — After Representative Jeff Denham (R-CA)
introduced the <b>FEMA Reauthorization Act of 2012</b> [H.R. 2903] to the U.S.
House of Representatives in September, the bill passed with a unanimous
vote. The bill focuses on improving the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s
(FEMA) assistance to state and local regions, making FEMA’s Integrated Public
Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) a law, and establishing an advisory committee
to provide recommendations for IPAWS. Currently, IPAWS is authorized by
Executive Order 13407. Under this bill, the implementation of IPAWS requires
“the capability to alert and warn and provide the equivalent amount of
information to individuals with disabilities and individuals with access and
functional needs” [H.R. 2903]. In addition, the IPAWS system will, “to the
extent technically feasible, be designed to provide alerts to the largest
portion of the affected population, including nonresident visitors and tourists
and individuals with disabilities and access and functional needs, and improve
the ability of remote areas to receive alerts” [H.R. 2903]. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-45223882754792457012012-09-18T08:06:00.002-07:002012-09-18T08:06:33.705-07:00User Experience Enhancements: Improvements to Mobile Features and Access to Outreach Materials <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As
part of our continuing efforts to improve the user experience and
respond to site visitor feedback, the Disaster Assistance Improvement
Program (DAIP) recently implemented enhancements including a mobile
version of the pre-screening questionnaire and a “Forms and Materials”
page to provide disaster survivors with fact sheets and other printable
information regarding disaster assistance.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Following a disaster, electricity and computers may not be available
in many affected areas. Mobile devices are often the only means of
communication or information access immediately following a disaster.
With this in mind, DAIP developed an optimized version of the
pre-screening questionnaire to make it easier for users with mobile
devices such as the iPhone and Android to find and apply for forms of
assistance (FOAs) they may be eligible to receive. Disaster survivors
can not only take the pre-screening questionnaire to find FOAs for which
they may be eligible, but also apply online for certain FOAs through
the FEMA Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) and email the FOA results page
for future reference. Users will be able to access the pre-screening
questionnaire from a mobile device through the DAC landing page, which
provides the user the option to access the optimized version of
questionnaire or the full site.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A record number of disaster survivors, primarily from Hurricane
Isaac, used <a href="http://www.disasterassistance.gov/">www.DisasterAssistance.gov</a> to apply for assistance, update their
information and check the status of their application online. Read more
about Hurricane Isaac survivors going mobile for assistance on the FEMA
blog.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Another enhancement to the site is the addition of a “Forms and
Materials” page. On this page, disaster survivors may download forms and
access information about DAIP and the disaster assistance registration
process. Informational materials specifically targeted to tribes,
emergency managers, volunteers, students and disaster survivors are
available—in downloadable PDF format. Disaster survivors may also
download a “Disaster Assistance Registration Check List” to help them
register with FEMA for disaster assistance, as well as the “Declaration
and Release” form, which is critical to completing the disaster
assistance registration process. Additionally, DAIP’s “Youth Materials”
provide activities such as a crossword puzzle and word scramble to help
students in elementary, middle and high school learn more about disaster
assistance. Six youth preparedness programs in schools around the
country include these activities in their curriculum to help students
and families better prepare for, and respond to, disasters in their
communities. DAIP will add the most up-to-date informational materials
to the “Forms and Materials” page as necessary.</span></span>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-14005563543140699832012-05-18T12:39:00.000-07:002012-05-18T12:39:04.285-07:00Hurricane Preparedness Week teleconference May 23, 2012 at 2pm EST<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Please join us for a Hurricane Preparedness Week
teleconference focusing on inclusive emergency preparedness with an
emphasis on the access and functional needs of children and adults with
disabilities.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b>DATE:</b> <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT8131_com_zimbra_date">May 23, 2012</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b>TIME:</b> 2pm Eastern (1pm Central, 12pm Mountain, 11am Pacific)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b>Number:</b> <span style="font-size: 10pt;"><a href="tel:1-212-547-0466" target="_blank">1-212-547-0466</a> or <a href="tel:800-593-0692" target="_blank">800-593-0692</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Passcode</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">: Hurricane Preparedness Week</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Captioning Link:</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT8132_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://fedrcc.us/Enter.aspx?EventID=1949933&CustomerID=321" target="_blank">http://fedrcc.us//Enter.aspx?EventID=1949933&CustomerID=321</a></span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
In 2011, FEMA responded to 98 major disaster
declarations. One of the biggest was Hurricane Irene which impacted 14
states and 35 million people. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT8133_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes" target="_blank">Hurricanes</a></span>
don’t just bring wind and rain; they can also bring other severe
problems such as lightning strikes, flooding, extended power outages,
and can interrupt or destroy vital community resources, like public
transportation. These problems affect all Americans including people
with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Hurricane season begins on <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT8134_com_zimbra_date">June 1</span><sup>st</sup>, 2012 and FEMA and the <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT8135_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://www.noaa.gov/" target="_blank">National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)</a></span> are partnering to help Americans become prepared for hurricanes and other types of severe weather. As <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT8136_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://www.fema.gov/about/bios/wfugate.shtm" target="_blank">Administrator Craig Fugate</a></span>
often says, “FEMA is only part of the emergency management team.” Key
members of the team are the public. That is why we are encouraging
everyone to do their part and we’re asking your help as a member of the
community to make this effort successful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Please join <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT8137_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://www.fema.gov/about/bios/mroth.shtm" target="_blank">Marcie Roth</a></span>, Director of the <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT8138_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://www.fema.gov/about/odic/" target="_blank">Office of Disability Integration and Coordination (ODIC)</a></span>
and other senior leaders at FEMA to find out how you can help your
community become better prepared for meeting the needs of the whole
community during hurricanes and other types of severe weather. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">During this preparedness week we are reminding you to </span><b style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>be a force of nature</i></b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> – Pledge to prepare at </span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT8139_com_zimbra_url" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes" target="_blank">http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">, take action, and be an example by sharing what you have done with your friends, family, and coworkers.</span>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-18155624434058540152012-05-18T08:40:00.002-07:002012-05-18T08:40:57.166-07:00The National Preparedness Report (NPR)<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
The National Preparedness Report (NPR) has recently been released. The
Report was developed to meet the requirements of Presidential Policy
Directive 8/PPD-8: National Preparedness which identifies significant
progress the nation has made in areas of prevention, protection,
mitigation, response, and recovery. Overall the Report found that the
nation has increased its collective preparedness, not only from external
threats, but also for natural and technological hazards that face all
communities as a whole. </div>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-69240937463218211172012-05-18T08:38:00.001-07:002012-05-18T08:38:15.034-07:00National Hurricane Preparedness Week 2012 runs - May 27th through June 2nd<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<b>National Hurricane Preparedness Week 2012 runs from <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4359_com_zimbra_date">May 27th</span> through <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4360_com_zimbra_date">June 2nd</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4353_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/" target="_blank">http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/</a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation
are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your
vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the
effects of a hurricane disaster. </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4354_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/hazards.php" target="_blank">Hurricane hazards</a></span>
come in many forms, including storm surge, heavy rainfall, inland
flooding, high winds, tornadoes, and rip currents. The National Weather
Service is responsible for protecting life and property through issuance
of timely <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4355_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/wwa.php" target="_blank">watches and warnings</a></span>, but it is essential that your family <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4356_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php" target="_blank">be ready</a></span> before a storm approaches. Furthermore, <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4357_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/marine_safety.shtml" target="_blank">mariners should be aware of special safety precautions</a></span> when confronted with a hurricane. </div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Download the <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT4358_com_zimbra_url"><a href="http://www.weather.gov/os/hurricane/resources/TropicalCyclones11.pdf" target="_blank">Tropical Cyclone Preparedness Guide</a></span>
(PDF) or follow the links for more information. But remember, this is
only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when
facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense. </div>
<div class="hdr" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1732019509656959502.post-8950875809937368042012-05-10T16:38:00.001-07:002012-05-10T16:38:25.209-07:00The Next Generation 9-1-1 Advancement Act of 2012<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Next Generation 9-1-1 Advancement Act of 2012 [P.L. 112-96] was recently signed into law in order to establish a 9-1-1 Implementation Coordination Office responsible for the coordination of 9-1-1 services as well as the facilitation of grant programs for state, local and tribal entities providing these services. In addition, The House Homeland Security Committee recently passed The Integrated Public Alert and Public Warning System Modernization Act of 2011 [H.R. 3563] to establish common alerting protocols and operating procedures for warning systems. The Act stresses the accessibility of alerts by calling for the alert content to adapt to users’ needs, especially for people with disabilities, and for the dissemination of alerts to be subject to a users’ geographic location and personal preferences.</span>Pass It On Centerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07070684743423072448noreply@blogger.com0