Wildfire Modeling In HAZUS
HAZUS needs to build and incorporate a wildland fire module. It is becoming an increasing issue in the west.
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Single federal inspection or inspection team.
During Hurricane Sandy I observed confusion over the number of home inspections each impacted disaster survivor had to receive. I began to research and place a cost on the number of federal inspections each individual was receiving and believe it would be much cheaper to have one inspector or a single inspection team that provides overall case management. Currently and individual survivor could see an inspectors for ...more »
4 comments for Idea: Single federal inspection or inspection team.During Hurricane Sandy I observed confusion over the number of home inspections each impacted disaster survivor had to receive. I began to research and place a cost on the number of federal inspections each individual was receiving and believe it would be much cheaper to have one inspector or a single inspection team that provides overall case management. Currently and individual survivor could see an inspectors for IA, SBA, Flood Insurance, as well as CR team visits. If FEMA is managing substantial damage estimation a survivor could also see another FEMA funded substantial damage inspector. By linking our survivor assistance systems and having a single well trained inspector we could reduce post event inspection costs, provide single inspections, and overall provide better customer service to our survivors.
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Submit Ideas Before and After Work
Add your comment for Idea: Submit Ideas Before and After WorkIgnore this unless you're writing hundreds, even thousands of comments on Idea boards during work hours; is that what your employers pay you to do? C'mon! Some of these Idea boards are a part time job; limit the number of entries and comments per person, and the lenght of each submission, i.e., no more than 1000 characters, so the good Ideas do bubble up to the top!
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Gaming Idea boards
2 comments for Idea: Gaming Idea boardsGaming Idea boards for higher points is easy if you know what you're doing. There's a simple way to get points for Ideas, comments, etc., and the way Idea board points are awarded needs to be corrected. Not all good Ideas bubble up to the top.
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Too much talk... not enough action!
2 comments for Idea: Too much talk... not enough action!Keep these Idea posts down to 1000 characters or less; that's one of the problems with Idea boards, too many prolific writers. Too much talk... not enough action!
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Areas improperly deliniated
There are areas which were approximated from 20 ft. interval USGS contour maps back in the 70s creating gross inaccuracies and consequent unjust requirement that homeowners purchase insurance where the last 3 hundred year floods ('27, '73, Irene) did not invade. The procedure to get a LOMA or any other relief is onerous to the point of being prohibitive. FEMA ought to be more proactive in identifying areas where no ...more »
4 comments for Idea: Areas improperly deliniatedThere are areas which were approximated from 20 ft. interval USGS contour maps back in the 70s creating gross inaccuracies and consequent unjust requirement that homeowners purchase insurance where the last 3 hundred year floods ('27, '73, Irene) did not invade. The procedure to get a LOMA or any other relief is onerous to the point of being prohibitive. FEMA ought to be more proactive in identifying areas where no supporting calculations exist and serve the public by supplying a remedy, either by doing the calculations or by establishing a mechanism whereby properties affected by unsupported controls are exempt from the requirement on mortgages that the owner have flood insurance.
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Everyone at Risk Pays!
Regardless of our FEMA FIRM Flood Zone we're all at risk of natural disasters too numerious to name. We all need to pay something regardless of whether we're flood prone or on a mountain subject to mudslides or avalanches. Everyone who may someday claim FEMA benefits should pay "X" amount of FEMA insurance for every type of disaster recovery; we're all going to pay anyway. Why not do the right thing and get this program ...more »
5 comments for Idea: Everyone at Risk Pays!Regardless of our FEMA FIRM Flood Zone we're all at risk of natural disasters too numerious to name. We all need to pay something regardless of whether we're flood prone or on a mountain subject to mudslides or avalanches. Everyone who may someday claim FEMA benefits should pay "X" amount of FEMA insurance for every type of disaster recovery; we're all going to pay anyway. Why not do the right thing and get this program some coast to coast financial backing from all of us in the United States of America who may someday make a claim anyway?
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Egypt / Cairo at Modern techniques for Civil Protection (Fire)
Egyptian invent the first innovation in the world to put out forest fires Look at the world of modern technology to put out major fires https://sites.google.com/site/eln7rawyproject -------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.agricultureegypt.com/NewsDetails.aspx?CatID=90fa0b06-9fcb-4093-b5ab-249a5c4ac42f&ID=c4fe6569-97b9-40e8-a218-3593b8ba2fea#.UULTIhw0xBh ------------------------------------------------------------------- ...more »
1 comment for Idea: Egypt / Cairo at Modern techniques for Civil Protection (Fire)Egyptian invent the first innovation in the world to put out forest fires
Look at the world of modern technology to put out major fires
https://sites.google.com/site/eln7rawyproject
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Greetings
Egypt / Cairo
mustafa elnhrawy
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a rational plan
first we should use propane as a primary fuel source we can power generators trucks diesel cars cook food buy converter kit for gasoline generators $ 60 cost you tube has vids long term biogas can be mfr to use as well water purifying using gravel sand and charcoal to remove germs and toxic chemicals used in Vietnam to remove agent orange have visited England environmental agency for pdfs to help higpeak.gov.uk to ...more »
2 comments for Idea: a rational planfirst we should use propane as a primary fuel source we can power generators trucks diesel cars cook food buy converter kit for gasoline generators $ 60 cost you tube has vids long term biogas can be mfr to use as well water purifying using gravel sand and charcoal to remove germs and toxic chemicals used in Vietnam to remove agent orange have visited England environmental agency for pdfs to help higpeak.gov.uk to council services to letter e for emergency to flooding leads to many docs to download damage limitation my favorite happy reading tiger paul rockaways nyc zip 11694 nycexpediter@earthlink.net
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Read the Constitution
17 comments for Idea: Read the ConstitutionIs this organization permanent?
If so is there any empirical data showing it is efficient and economical?-please remember when answering this question correlation does not imply causation.
What is more important security or freedom?
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(Farewell to extinguish traditional)
Expectations into account new technologies towards progress and prosperity to extinguish major fires / forest / high-rise buildings / oil. ----------------------------------------------------------------- http://my.firefighternation.com/profiles/blogs/egypt-invent-the-first-innovation-in-the-world-to-put-out-forest -------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.agricultureegypt.com/NewsDetails.aspx?CatID=90fa0b06-9fcb-4093-b5ab-249a5c4ac42f&ID=c4fe6569-97b9-40e8-a218-3593b8ba2fea#.UUHJxBw0xBg ...more »
1 comment for Idea: (Farewell to extinguish traditional)Expectations into account new technologies towards progress and prosperity to extinguish major fires / forest / high-rise buildings / oil.
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Special Tag Preparedness Items
Partner with retailers to " Green Tag " ( not picky about the color just green is CERT ) or special aisle ( like baby items ) items that would be best to pick up during normal shopping for their disaster kits. Items like batteries, canned food, bottled water etc. that could be ' green tagged ' as a reminder to have extra of these items on hand and not try to run out to find these items just before a storm hits. Disaster ...more »
6 comments for Idea: Special Tag Preparedness ItemsPartner with retailers to " Green Tag " ( not picky about the color just green is CERT ) or special aisle ( like baby items ) items that would be best to pick up during normal shopping for their disaster kits. Items like batteries, canned food, bottled water etc. that could be ' green tagged ' as a reminder to have extra of these items on hand and not try to run out to find these items just before a storm hits. Disaster info could be displayed near these items with website or QR barcodes where they can get more information about prep items and training
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THE HUMAN ORIGIN FROM PLANTS
In the brave new world a lot of scientific progress and changes have been achieved. Still humans cannot create a living cell artificially. At the same time we are able to see that flying as well as crawling life-forms formed from the flowers of the plants and from the fruits. These organisms are not formed by the union of two organisms. They are formed from flowers and fruits and then they joining with one another they ...more »
4 comments for Idea: THE HUMAN ORIGIN FROM PLANTSIn the brave new world a lot of scientific progress and changes have been achieved. Still humans cannot create a living cell artificially. At the same time we are able to see that flying as well as crawling life-forms formed from the flowers of the plants and from the fruits. These organisms are not formed by the union of two organisms. They are formed from flowers and fruits and then they joining with one another they have expanded their species. After that to expand their population they do not search the fruits and flowers which formed them. The cells of the life-forms which came from the flowers and fruits of the plants and cells of the related plants differ a lot. The colours as well as upper parts of certain birds are also similar to certain flowers. http://www.xavierraja.com/telescope.php
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School District Consortiums for Emergency Response Planning
Protocols and recommended guidelines for developing and implementing emergency response plans are essential for individual schools and districts. District and school personnel typically need assistance in the development of their plans. Community partners assisting in the development of these plans such as local emergency management, law enforcement, fire and county health is always a good place to start. However, ...more »
3 comments for Idea: School District Consortiums for Emergency Response PlanningProtocols and recommended guidelines for developing and implementing emergency response plans are essential for individual schools and districts. District and school personnel typically need assistance in the development of their plans. Community partners assisting in the development of these plans such as local emergency management, law enforcement, fire and county health is always a good place to start. However, we have discovered in central Arizona that locally organized school emergency response consortiums are very productive and helpful to school districts relative to the planning process. I participated in the organization of an ERP school consortium nearly three years ago that started with the coordinators for emergency response planning from five school districts in attendance. The consortium has grown to 25 districts and agencies today and is now spreading in concept to the northern and southern parts of the state. In essence, the consortium allows member districts to discuss best practices and share emergency response planning materials and activities within the group. We meet with the understanding that we are there to help one another in any way possible. Members attending the quarterly consortium meetings share ideas, problem areas and success stories regarding emergency response planning for schools. Learning, networking with neighboring districts, and sharing the wealth of information available is an outstanding experience. This in itself makes me support the concept of a national task force addressing emergency preparedness for schools.
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#3 PROJECT NEG -LAST PART OF FLYER
; a death in the neighborhood; etc. Don’t feel that this list is all inclusive… But I think you get the idea. If you receive a group email, you should be thinking to yourself, “Maybe I should read that right now.” If an alert is sent out, it will usually be due to an emergency of some type, BUT this site CAN also be used to organize a neighborhood event as well. . . I think it is important that we KNOW our neighbors. ...more »
2 comments for Idea: #3 PROJECT NEG -LAST PART OF FLYER; a death in the neighborhood; etc.
Don’t feel that this list is all inclusive… But I think you get the idea. If you receive a group email, you should be thinking to yourself, “Maybe I should read that right now.” If an alert is sent out, it will usually be due to an emergency of some type, BUT this site CAN also be used to organize a neighborhood event as well. . . I think it is important that we KNOW our neighbors. On (Month, Day, Year) there will be a Neighborhood Potluck. In the event of an emergency, don’t you think it’s a good idea to KNOW who your neighbors are?
YOU WILL RECEIVE A GROUP EMAIL ALERT OR PHONE CALL WHEN A SIGNIFICANT EVENT IS IMMINENT OR HAS OCCURRED that is PERTINENT to our group. WHO CAN INITIATE AN EMAIL/CALL LIST? ANYONE IN THE GROUP THAT IS AWARE AN EVENT IS IMMINENT OR HAS OCCURRED. In certain instances, for example, LOST CHILD; the CALL LIST WOULD ALSO BE ACTIVATED.
AM I OBLIGATED TO HELP? NO. The alert merely makes you aware of the situation. What you do or do not do is YOUR DECISION.
READ THE RULES: I agree to not share email
THIS IS RIDICULOUS1 IS THERE SOME WAY TO ATTACH A WORD FILE TO THIS? SOME ONE PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THIS WILL TAKE FOREVER IF I CAN ONLY POST A FEW LINES AT A TIME. I AM HOPING TO HAVE OTHERS LOOK AT THE PLAN AND MAKE SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE IT. I WOULD LIKE THE FIRST TRIAL OF PROJECT NEG TO BE SUCCESSFUL. IT WILL MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY, AND ALSO PROVIDE DISASTER PLANS FOR EACH NEIGHBORHOOD. PLEASE POST AN ALTERNATIVE WAY TO SHOW YOU THE WHOLE PLAN! TRIAL TO BE COMPLETED IN APRIL.
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#2 PROJECT NEG - FLYER - 1st part
DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PREVIOUS #2 FILE - JUST DISAPPEARED! WON'T TEST MY LUCK! HERE'S THE FLYER (Sounds simple, but there is a lot more! NEIGHBORHOOD DISASTER PLAN I would like to set up a NEIGHBORHOOD EMAIL GROUP. You will NOT receive any type of solicitation from this group. It is FREE! It will take you less than 5 minutes to sign up. By signing up, you will receive AN ALERT = “ANYTHING THAT YOU ...more »
3 comments for Idea: #2 PROJECT NEG - FLYER - 1st partDON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PREVIOUS #2 FILE - JUST DISAPPEARED! WON'T TEST MY LUCK! HERE'S THE FLYER (Sounds simple, but there is a lot more!
NEIGHBORHOOD DISASTER PLAN
I would like to set up a NEIGHBORHOOD EMAIL GROUP. You will NOT receive any type of solicitation from this group. It is FREE! It will take you less than 5 minutes to sign up. By signing up, you will receive AN ALERT = “ANYTHING THAT YOU WOULD PROBABLY WANT TO BE AWARE OF IMMEDIATELY.”
EXAMPLES OF AN ALERT: ALL HAZARDS: weather, chemical, biological, nuclear; Lost child/ pet/personal property; Suspicious Person canvassing the neighborhood; Theft occurring in the neighborhood; Significant Wildlife Encounter (like a cougar or bear ;) Significant Occurrence: known child molester just moved in; need temporary shelter due to house fire/lost electricity or heat /flooding; you are snowed in and need to get out immediately; a death in the
see project neg #3
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#1- PROJECT NEG -NEIGHBORHOOD DISASTER PLAN AND MUCH MORE
Doing a trial study NOW.. New idea? I have searched and not found anything like this but maybe not looking in the right place. I am almost done writing up all the plans. but will have to share in several emails. NOT enough room on one. - just realize there is more. This is called PROJECT NEG. NEG = Neighborhood Email Group - also has a CALL LIST. It starts with a NEIGHBORHOOD, (40 houses, limit email traffic) expands ...more »
20 comments for Idea: #1- PROJECT NEG -NEIGHBORHOOD DISASTER PLAN AND MUCH MOREDoing a trial study NOW.. New idea? I have searched and not found anything like this but maybe not looking in the right place. I am almost done writing up all the plans. but will have to share in several emails. NOT enough room on one. - just realize there is more. This is called PROJECT NEG. NEG = Neighborhood Email Group - also has a CALL LIST. It starts with a NEIGHBORHOOD, (40 houses, limit email traffic) expands to a NEG NETWORK( whole city) PLUS SCHOOL NEG (all schools) for ALERTS, ties into 911(-RAISE FUNDS FOR HIGH CALL OUT VOLUME IF NEEDED.) ALSO USED FOR NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS, INCLUDES FAMILY/COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS DISASTER PLAN. .FREE DOWNLOAD KIT (IN DEVELOPMENT), Printing 40 FLYERS- only cost. Amber Alert is great, but if you don't meet the criteria, it's 48 hours OR NOT AT ALL, before they will put the ALERT out. As a parent, that's too long to START looking for MY child. This will fill the gap. I will need to do this in a few emails as the plan expands. STEP 1-BUILD A NEIGHBORHOOD on your street, and an adjoining or nearby street if needed(max ~40 houses/units), Distribute the FLYER. SEE #2 PROJECT NEG FOR FLYER. to see FLYER SEE #2 PROJECT NEG
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Windows 8, Android, OSX Application
Add your comment for Idea: Windows 8, Android, OSX ApplicationIt would be great ifs you made plugin to Skype for these program that allow you to call emergency services and fema. That had a map of effected storm and disaster areas and show weather for area and if power was out you could charge for this but it better free?? Also and area to report problems all in a single app that work on allk platforms
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FEMA EMERGENCY HOUSING PODS
A concept to use light plastics to design a sturdy pod for emergencys and disasters. Even possibly solar capability to provide basic neccesitys like light. This idea was created by don beach on 733 greenwood ave Akron Ohio. A place that may be to deadly to see it finished. Bands of armed men circle the house at all hours. Virgie Shaw the homeowner and heart patient is in constant fear of violence and crime and we hope ...more »
3 comments for Idea: FEMA EMERGENCY HOUSING PODSA concept to use light plastics to design a sturdy pod for emergencys and disasters. Even possibly solar capability to provide basic neccesitys like light. This idea was created by don beach on 733 greenwood ave Akron Ohio. A place that may be to deadly to see it finished. Bands of armed men circle the house at all hours. Virgie Shaw the homeowner and heart patient is in constant fear of violence and crime and we hope to relocate the home offices soon. I planned to partner with several entitys based in long island and would love FEMA's seal of approval.
Sincerly
Don Beach
330.983.8904
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Organizational Model: Pyramid vs. Apple Tree
The current organizational model for FEMA is that Headquarters, the highest level of the organization is supported by Regions, which are supported by functional divisions which are supported by smaller groups all the way down to the lowest Reservists, local hires and volunteers who serve the applicants and survivors. In this model the pyramid literally crushes the lowest levels. Instead perhaps we should consider ...more »
14 comments for Idea: Organizational Model: Pyramid vs. Apple TreeThe current organizational model for FEMA is that Headquarters, the highest level of the organization is supported by Regions, which are supported by functional divisions which are supported by smaller groups all the way down to the lowest Reservists, local hires and volunteers who serve the applicants and survivors. In this model the pyramid literally crushes the lowest levels.
Instead perhaps we should consider our organizational structure like a fruit tree. This way, headquarters is the trunk and roots of the organization. This structure supports the sturdy limbs which carry nourishment out to the branches. The branches support the twigs which bear the leaves and fruit, that is the product: assistance to disaster survivors, communities and public entities affected by disaster.
It is important that the positions on the front line, those dealing face to face with the community , be supported by the rest of the agency in order to provide a safe and effective environment for FEMA to interface and deliver services. The idea that dumping new hires and people who can't "move up" in the organization into a DRC without proper training and experience is exactly the opposite of what we should be doing- supplying our applicants with the best trained, most knowledgeable personnel who can focus on their mission. This means that other departments, such as travel, supply, payroll, can make the effort to assist front line employ in getting their needed paperwork and materials so they can spend their time and energy providing survivors with all available benefits.
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Remote support
With existing technology, VPN, Google "Hang Out" etc. FEMA could cut down on expenses and not decrease situational awareness if Reservists were allowed to tele-commute. During early response to Super Storm Sandy, when the Noreaster hit. I was able to work from my hotel room using VPN in a very responsive manner. There are many tasks I perform as a Planning Information Specialist that don't require my presence. By tele-commuting ...more »
18 comments for Idea: Remote supportWith existing technology, VPN, Google "Hang Out" etc. FEMA could cut down on expenses and not decrease situational awareness if Reservists were allowed to tele-commute. During early response to Super Storm Sandy, when the Noreaster hit. I was able to work from my hotel room using VPN in a very responsive manner. There are many tasks I perform as a Planning Information Specialist that don't require my presence. By tele-commuting I could actually be working on more than one Incident at a time.
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One-Click Flood Zone Application for Smartphones
Smartphones have GPS. Every smartphone knows the precise latitude and longitude of its physical location on the earth. Given smartphone GPS and Google Earth mapping technology, a "One-Click Flood Zone" application would pop-up on the smartphone display the image of the FEMA flood map for that location. The One-Click Flood Zone application would allow touch screen capability to zoom in, zoom out or move the map ...more »
2 comments for Idea: One-Click Flood Zone Application for SmartphonesSmartphones have GPS. Every smartphone knows the precise latitude and longitude of its physical location on the earth.
Given smartphone GPS and Google Earth mapping technology, a "One-Click Flood Zone" application would pop-up on the smartphone display the image of the FEMA flood map for that location. The One-Click Flood Zone application would allow touch screen capability to zoom in, zoom out or move the map in any direction.
The consumer benefit would be quick and easy access to the flood zone at the location of the smartphone. For example, when driving by a real estate “for sale” sign, the smartphone user could stop and one-click to view the FEMA flood zone map.
Flood hazard areas are not obvious and this smartphone application would take the guesswork out of knowing flood risk at any given location.
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The Coalition of Hope - Excelsior Project
The Coalition of Hope Foundation, Inc. (COH), is a US-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization that provides global humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief support. Among our goals, we seek to acquire and refit in a "public-private international partnership" a retired USN vessel (the USS Nassau) in order to provide a forward deployed, quick response, sea-based platform that in addition to state-of-the-art ...more »
1 comment for Idea: The Coalition of Hope - Excelsior ProjectThe Coalition of Hope Foundation, Inc. (COH), is a US-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization that provides global humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief support. Among our goals, we seek to acquire and refit in a "public-private international partnership" a retired USN vessel (the USS Nassau) in order to provide a forward deployed, quick response, sea-based platform that in addition to state-of-the-art hospital facilities, includes an array of multinational medical personnel, highly trained first responders, extensive air-lift capability, heavy equipment, emergency supplies, food and water. Sailing throughout the globe, the COH will support ongoing relief efforts in partnership with a broad coalition of nations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and others. We will be able to respond to unforeseen catastrophic events faster and better equipped than any other military or civilian element in existence.
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Address Mental Health in Disaster Planning & Mgmt
Before, during & after disasters, we don't leave our emotions behind. It's essential that leaders in Disaster / Emergency Planning and Management address mental health in readiness, response & recovery efforts: - Invite disaster behavioral health experts to Disaster Planning & Mgmt conferences, committees, task forces, etc. - Empower high-risk groups and their caregivers to have a voice in disaster planning: senior ...more »
7 comments for Idea: Address Mental Health in Disaster Planning & MgmtBefore, during & after disasters, we don't leave our emotions behind. It's essential that leaders in Disaster / Emergency Planning and Management address mental health in readiness, response & recovery efforts:
- Invite disaster behavioral health experts to Disaster Planning & Mgmt conferences, committees, task forces, etc.
- Empower high-risk groups and their caregivers to have a voice in disaster planning: senior citizens, individuals and families living with mental illness, former disaster survivors, etc.
- Advocate for continued funding for, support of, and collaboration with disaster behavioral health services such as the national Disaster Distress Helpline and local and state crisis counseling services.
The Disaster Distress Helpline is a program of SAMHSA administered via public-private partnership with Link2Health Solutions, a subsidiary of the non-profit Mental Health Association of NYC. L2HS also administers the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for SAMHSA, of which the DDH is a sub-network. The DDH is a national crisis hotline (1-800-985-5990 / text 'TalkWithUs' to 66746) that is ready & available 24/7 for counseling and support to anyone in the U.S. experiencing emotional distress before, during or after natural or human-caused disasters, including incidents of mass violence. Calls and texts are answered by trained, caring counselors from a network of crisis call centers who can also connect those in need with their local 2-1-1 or Lifeline center for additional support.
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Promoting Systems Thinking and a Holistic Safety Approach
To be truly effective emergency management approaches must move away from simply being reactive to a more holistic approach that addresses resilience. A system is resilient if it can continue operations after a major mishap or in the presence of continuous stress. Resilient systems generally contain all the following traits: 1) Proactive (anticipating a problem before it has arrived and identifying solutions), 2) Interactive ...more »
Add your comment for Idea: Promoting Systems Thinking and a Holistic Safety ApproachTo be truly effective emergency management approaches must move away from simply being reactive to a more holistic approach that addresses resilience. A system is resilient if it can continue operations after a major mishap or in the presence of continuous stress. Resilient systems generally contain all the following traits: 1) Proactive (anticipating a problem before it has arrived and identifying solutions), 2) Interactive (designing feedback mechanisms to facilitate information flow), 3) Reactive (implementing effective response and recovery), and 4) Adaptive (adjusting and learning from both success and failure). Disasters are complex events requiring systematic approaches to preparedness, prevention, mitigation, and response. Organizations charged with emergency management can take advantage of system safety approaches used in other industries such as chemical, nuclear, and aerospace to build resilience. System safety attempts to prevent accidents in complex systems. A system safety process identifies and analyzes hazards and risks, then reduces such risks through safeguards and preventative actions. System safety deals with systems as a whole, not just components, knowing that many accidents occur because of interactions among systems. Emergency management professionals could promote systems thinking in addressing complex events through the use of system safety lessons learned. More information on this topic can be found in the literature[1].
1. Hardy, T.L., The System Safety Skeptic: Lessons Learned in Safety Management and Engineering, AuthorHouse, 2010.
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