Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

creativeogre

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  The Whole Community: Planning for the Unthinkable »

  So Much for teaching preparedness in NYC Schools...

  So the Board of Education in the City of NY has just decided that there are 50 words no longer allowed on tests because these words and topics can make students feel unpleasant,... http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/03/26/war-on-words-nyc-dept-of-education-wants-50-forbidden-words-removed-from-standardized-tests/ Among the words banned are : Catastrophes/disasters (tsunamis and hurricanes) Death and disease Nuclear weapons ...more »

  So the Board of Education in the City of NY has just decided that there are 50 words no longer allowed on tests because these words and topics can make students feel unpleasant,...

  http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/03/26/war-on-words-nyc-dept-of-education-wants-50-forbidden-words-removed-from-standardized-tests/

  Among the words banned are :

  Catastrophes/disasters (tsunamis and hurricanes)

  Death and disease

  Nuclear weapons

  Terrorism

  Traumatic material (including material that may be particularly upsetting such as animal shelters)

  Weapons (guns, knives, etc.)

  Someone at the NYC Board of Education needs to wake up!

  Guess that after school CERT Program, and any other preparedness class is being put on a shelf there...

  Political correctness is killing us!

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  1 comment for Idea: So Much for teaching preparedness in NYC Schools...

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  FEMA Think Tank »

  72 hour kits - Ad nauseam

  While watching the forum rehash this topic over and over, seeing how many people can try to add "high tech" into a very simple thing, I am amazed that nobody has taken the time to do the obvious when it comes to 72 hours kits... Turn off your power, water and heat, and camp out in your yard for 72 hours. Or better yet, Camp out in a friends yard for 72 hours...That is a true test of a kit, and more important that anything ...more »

  While watching the forum rehash this topic over and over, seeing how many people can try to add "high tech" into a very simple thing, I am amazed that nobody has taken the time to do the obvious when it comes to 72 hours kits... Turn off your power, water and heat, and camp out in your yard for 72 hours. Or better yet, Camp out in a friends yard for 72 hours...That is a true test of a kit, and more important that anything you have in your kit or pocket, it is the mental attitude and adaptability that will bring understanding.

  I do not like to endorse products, but if you really want to learn how to put together what you need to survive, I would HIGHLY recommend a couple of books by Cody Lundin:

  "98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive"

  and

  "When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need To Survive When Disaster Strikes"

  Survival is your ability to adapt.. 10% of what you have in your pocket, and 90% what you have in your head.

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  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  FEMA Think Tank »

  Forum Participant - Level of training ranking

  After reading the postings here over several months, while it is good to see people from all sectors getting involved and posting ideas, It might be to the forums advantage to create a system where a forum member can show what their experience and level of training is. This would allow the readers to better understand the views of those who are seasoned in Emergency Management and those who are directly involved in the ...more »

  After reading the postings here over several months, while it is good to see people from all sectors getting involved and posting ideas, It might be to the forums advantage to create a system where a forum member can show what their experience and level of training is. This would allow the readers to better understand the views of those who are seasoned in Emergency Management and those who are directly involved in the many different disciplines of response. This would help participants to gauge the ideas and views according to where the participant was "coming from" and judge the contents of the post accordingly.

  When a participant registers to post, they could check off fields (such as the ones you would find on the 119-25 section 17) and also, maybe what training they have both in their discipline and/or the FEMA Independent study classes they have passed. (this might inspire people that are new to FEMA a reason to study and learn more about programs and the existing structure of FEMA a little more in depth).

  It would also help participants with more experience to help guide others who are new to Disaster management, since the replies could be more fitting to the others level of knowledge.

  Let's all help each other along here, share knowledge and experience, and find the best ideas from within, and outside of the "Box".

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  9 comments for Idea: Forum Participant - Level of training ranking

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  The Whole Community: Planning for the Unthinkable »

  Things to get people thinking...

  While the Metascenario is good, it might spur more discussion and ideas if a smaller scenario were to be posted for people to discuss a solution to.

  Maybe dig through some AAR's and focus on a specific aspect of an event, and let the readers propose a solution to the situatiion

  3 comments for Idea: Things to get people thinking...

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  Dynamic Partnerships »

  Law of unintended consequences

  Unintended consequences can be roughly grouped into three types: • A positive, unexpected benefit (usually referred to as luck, serendipity or a windfall). • A negative, unexpected detriment occurring in addition to the desired effect of the policy (e.g., while irrigation schemes provide people with water for agriculture, they can increase waterborne diseases that have devastating health effects, such as schistosomiasis). ...more »

  Unintended consequences can be roughly grouped into three types:

  • A positive, unexpected benefit (usually referred to as luck, serendipity or a windfall).

  • A negative, unexpected detriment occurring in addition to the desired effect of the policy (e.g., while irrigation schemes provide people with water for agriculture, they can increase waterborne diseases that have devastating health effects, such as schistosomiasis).

  • A perverse effect contrary to what was originally intended (when an intended solution makes a problem worse), such as when a policy has a perverse incentive that causes actions opposite to what was intended.

  It is important that while looking at mitigation plans, these three simple items need to be weighed and taken into account.

  In light of PPD-8, where many NGO's are going to be getting involved in the response, the potential now exists for many more people to be trying to get from point "A" to point "B" following an event to take care of their assignment.

  So far, there has been no structure to inform these good hearted folks when it is advisable or safe to travel, and the impact on emergency responders, who in most disasters, need to dodge and deal with enough rubber-necker's already who have no business being out in the first place.

  Priorities need to be established for these NGO's and a way to interface with command and EOC's as to when it is safe to travel. It would not play well for any of these folks to be charged with obstructing and emergency operation, or worse, become a victim themselves by venturing out into an area that is not safe.

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  4 comments for Idea: Law of unintended consequences

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  Innovative Models and Tools »

  Sister Cities/Towns "We do not bring victims to the scene" pt.2

  I wish to propose a program that all jurisdiction can be part of, and would also help areas share their knowledge and help training for such an event. Develop sister cities with jurisdictions that are 50 to 60 miles away in each direction. Match the size of the community served with each other and limit the partnership to one comparable agency in each direction, for example county A has 7 towns in the county. County ...more »

  I wish to propose a program that all jurisdiction can be part of, and would also help areas share their knowledge and help training for such an event.

  Develop sister cities with jurisdictions that are 50 to 60 miles away in each direction. Match the size of the community served with each other and limit the partnership to one comparable agency in each direction, for example county A has 7 towns in the county. County b,c,d,and e (pick 4 compass points) have between 5 and 8 (or so) in each. Assign a one to one relationship with one of those towns in each county. Then permit cross training 3 or 4 times a year by switching personnel with the other for a few days. This would allow the responders to get to know the "Lay of the land" in the other areas, and identify any issues and requirements to respond if needed. Over the course of time, the two agencies will get to know the others area of operation well enough to function in an emergency, as well as build a good relationship with the other as well.

  Let's hear your thoughts.....

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  7 comments for Idea: Sister Cities/Towns "We do not bring victims to the scene" pt.2

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  Innovative Models and Tools »

  Sister Cities/Towns "We do not bring victims to the scene" pt1

  For years, one of the mantras of emergency response has been "We do not bring victims to the scene". Granted, this was directed to be a reminder that scene safety is the foremost concern for any responder. When A disaster befalls a community, the local first responders are often torn between taking care of their own families that are effected, and fulfilling their responsibilities in the community that they serve, often ...more »

  For years, one of the mantras of emergency response has been "We do not bring victims to the scene". Granted, this was directed to be a reminder that scene safety is the foremost concern for any responder.

  When A disaster befalls a community, the local first responders are often torn between taking care of their own families that are effected, and fulfilling their responsibilities in the community that they serve, often knowing that it will be an extended event and that it may be days before they get back home.

  While all municipalities have mutual aid agreements in place with neighboring jurisdictions, quite often these neighbors are facing the same disaster, or are closely associated with those directly involved, be it friends or family in the effected area.

  Granted, most states have the resources to send help from other non effected areas, but there are several issues with this that are often overlooked till it is addressed after the fact in an after action report.

  Besides the issue of out of area responders being able to communicate (hopefully now that the 700mhz block has opened , interoperability might finally happen after 11 years) there is the issue of not knowing the area, major roads, available maps, and knowing their way around. Add to this the knowledge of items such as "where is that hospital? " , "what do you mean that hydrant wrench does not fit the hydrant?, and many other issues that lead to many hours of wasted time and tying up resources.

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  3 comments for Idea: Sister Cities/Towns "We do not bring victims to the scene" pt1

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  FEMA Think Tank »

  Social media failure - how things go out of control

  Here is an article that clearly shows how Social media can be manipulated and directed to disseminate false information.

  http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/03/13/police-deny-reports-nationwide-spike-in-tide-detergent-theft/?test=latestnews

  8 comments for Idea: Social media failure - how things go out of control

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  Communications »

  Modern Paul Revere

  Consider enlisting the use of Bicycle clubs where it's membership could be used as messengers. All it would take is giving them an official ID and sent them out to get messages moving,

  3 comments for Idea: Modern Paul Revere

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  Search and Rescue »

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  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  Resource Distribution »

  Water first, food later...

  The human brain is 75% water - moderate dehydration can cause headaches and dizziness Blood is 92% water. Muscles are 75 % water Bones are 22% water Water is vital for body temperature regulation, therefore fluid replacement is vital. During summer when the temperature increases, your body requires even more fluid to maintain it's normal body temperature. 1-5% Thirst, vagueness. Discomfort, increased pulse, nausea 6-10% ...more »

  The human brain is 75% water - moderate dehydration can cause headaches and dizziness

  Blood is 92% water.

  Muscles are 75 % water

  Bones are 22% water

  Water is vital for body temperature regulation, therefore fluid replacement is vital. During summer when the temperature increases, your body requires even more fluid to maintain it's normal body temperature.

  1-5% Thirst, vagueness. Discomfort, increased pulse, nausea

  6-10% Dizziness, headache, labored breathing, walking difficulties

  11-20% Delirium, twitching, inability to swallow. Severe lack of water, or extreme dehydration, when more than 1/2 to 2 liters of fluid are lost can be life threatening.

  Water is heavy at 8.345 lbs per gallon. Figuring one gallon per person /per day/x4 would mean 50 million pounds of water..for 1.5 million people, not something that can be air dropped (at least in a usable form).

  While many will go out and hoard bottled water, they do not realize that in most homes, you already have a 40 gallon reserve in the hot water heater, A wise, easy and inexpensive solution would be to require all tank hot water heaters to valve a simple valve to replace the drain spigot, shut off the incoming supply. and that would control a vent line to the top of the tank as well as controlling the flow through the spigot.An Interlock to shut off the burner/heater would be required as well. In addition, require the water heater be installed 6" above the floor to get a cup or pot under it.

  This would allow (figuring a family of 4 in a home) more than double the requirements for 4 days.

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  13 comments for Idea: Water first, food later...

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  Medical Responses »

  Category 5 hurricane Scenario part 4

  Notes from above: Stockpile resource - Pre arrange with local venders for supplies and equipment to ensure supply to these temporary facilities with MOI's and basic predetermined items. Sister cities concept for EMS - Form a national program for EMS agencies as well as All Responder agencies that would create a network of sister cities. the agencies would be paired with 2 other comparable sized agencies and jurisdictional ...more »

  Notes from above:

  Stockpile resource - Pre arrange with local venders for supplies and equipment to ensure supply to these temporary facilities with MOI's and basic predetermined items.

  Sister cities concept for EMS - Form a national program for EMS agencies as well as All Responder agencies that would create a network of sister cities. the agencies would be paired with 2 other comparable sized agencies and jurisdictional size from 60 miles apart ( in opposite directions, and longer distances depending on the area) . this would allow for members of each to cross train (6 times a year) by trading staff between them for a weekend. this would allow each agency not only the opportunity to learn the area, roads, special needs of that jurisdiction, equipment and such, but it would also allow the sharing of best practices and ideas. By doing so, after any large scale incident, which often stretches local mutual aid to the breaking point in the first hours, those in an area could get relief, and would also allow first responders a chance to take care of their own impacts from a disaster. More to come on this in another thread.

  BTW... Please expand the limit on number of characters allowed to be posted in the body here to something over 1600 per post!

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  4 comments for Idea: Category 5 hurricane Scenario part 4

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  Medical Responses »

  Category 5 hurricane Scenario part 3

  • Ensure that needed medical supplies and equipment are sent to the above facilities (see stockpile resource below) • Generate capacity lists from above as sites come on line • Alert mutual aid partners and intrastate Mutual aid partners and confirm resources available to be brought in for medical transport to above facilities in addition, bring in any personal supplies such as food and bedding for those responding ...more »

  • Ensure that needed medical supplies and equipment are sent to the above facilities (see stockpile resource below)

  • Generate capacity lists from above as sites come on line

  • Alert mutual aid partners and intrastate Mutual aid partners and confirm resources available to be brought in for medical transport to above facilities in addition, bring in any personal supplies such as food and bedding for those responding into the area. (see sister cities note below)

  • Secure and position key trained people in each facility including support staff ( see medical response go team below)

  • Alert and Notify area DMORT teams

  • Enact a set of national protocols for all EMS (both at BLS and ALS levels) standards to override any local protocols for the duration of the incident. And Medical Protocols that ensure Medical recourses can freely work in a triage mode ( do the most for the many) mode without fear of reprisal for breaking local protocols, and federal protection from civil actions stemming from care during the disaster.

  • Set up mobile field triage units strategically placed in a community for ambulatory ill to be triaged and transported to the above facilities using busses staffed with trained First aid and Prior military medic volunteers and CERT Members.

  • Alert Red Cross to deploy to the above facilities

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  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  Medical Responses »

  Category 5 hurricane Scenario part 2

  Actions: • Alert the following facilities that they may be called upon to house and shelter casualties... (pre selected and identified on county resource - annex list taken from their EOP's ) - Minimum security jails and detention centers - Outpatient surgical centers - Urgent care centers - Large Inland hotels (with backup power systems to maintain operations ) • Activate the above facilities Using a modified COOP ...more »

  Actions:

  • Alert the following facilities that they may be called upon to house and shelter casualties... (pre selected and identified on county resource - annex list taken from their EOP's )

  - Minimum security jails and detention centers

  - Outpatient surgical centers

  - Urgent care centers

  - Large Inland hotels (with backup power systems to maintain operations )

  • Activate the above facilities Using a modified COOP plan for records and tracking of patients

  • Alert Red Cross to deploy to the above facilities for mass feeding and to assist with intake tracking

  • At this point, the dead will be addressed by DMORT teams, local authorities and the hospitals using tracking and refrigerated storage. Funeral directors and their staff may be asked to assist. Other than to control the spread of disease, for 72 hours, their static situation will not change, and processing should be secondary.

  • Advise that all first responders and medical personel be provided with rations from secure sources brought in from outside the effected area till source of the outbreak is found and rectified

  • Mandate all state licensed medical professionals Not already scheduled in hospitals to report to pre-assigned locations from above list (determined by geographic proximity) as well as for coverage for existing long term care facilities. Bring in any personal supplies such as food and bedding for those responding into the area.

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  2 comments for Idea: Category 5 hurricane Scenario part 2

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  Medical Responses »

  Category 5 hurricane Scenario part 1

  Though the following is a very quick overview of ideas, I am sure that they are only a few actions. This is a very complex scenario, that could fill volumes of plans and preperations. Fact and assumptions: Major Resource and Demographic issues: • Non-English speaking • Large elderly and disabled community • All hospitals are full or in the hurricane path • Forty percent or more of the first responders are, or soon will ...more »

  Though the following is a very quick overview of ideas, I am sure that they are only a few actions. This is a very complex scenario, that could fill volumes of plans and preperations.

  Fact and assumptions:

  Major Resource and Demographic issues:

  • Non-English speaking

  • Large elderly and disabled community

  • All hospitals are full or in the hurricane path

  • Forty percent or more of the first responders are, or soon will be

  • Illness, which is now believed to be food-born and not contagious

  • 265,000 are requiring immediate medical attention

  • Reduced infrastructure support personnel due to illness (down 40% equal to rate of first responders- assumption)

  • 7 million people across Florida are in an evacuation zone post incident

  • 5% of the 70 million are requiring care

  • At this point, the dead will be addressed by DMORT teams, local authorities and the hospitals using tracking and refrigerated storage. Funeral directors and their staff may be asked to assist. Other than to control the spread of disease, for 72 hours, their static situation will not change,and processing should be secondary.

  • Advise that all first responders and medical personel be provided with rations from secure sources brought in from outside the effected area till source of the outbreak is found and rectified

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  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  FEMA Think Tank »

  700 MHz D Block Spectrum Allocated to Public Safety

  700 MHz D Block Spectrum Allocated to Public Safety - Legislation includes NG9-1-1 funding as well. Seems it was included in HR3630 and passed last week. Now will it take another decade to get it implemented nationwide?

  Could it be that "interoperability" become a reality?

  4 comments for Idea: 700 MHz D Block Spectrum Allocated to Public Safety

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  Protection Framework »

  Please!! Stop it with the smartphones!

  OK, I'm going to stick my neck out here, and be politically incorrect for a moment. A smartphone is a tool. It does not replace search and rescue teams, nor does it provide shelter, start IV's, transport the injured, cook meals, or remove debris. While it is nice to tap a touchscreen for information, the bottom line is that for 99.9% of disaster management, the knowledge to mitigate a problem is from long term learning, ...more »

  OK, I'm going to stick my neck out here, and be politically incorrect for a moment.

  A smartphone is a tool. It does not replace search and rescue teams, nor does it provide shelter, start IV's, transport the injured, cook meals, or remove debris.

  While it is nice to tap a touchscreen for information, the bottom line is that for 99.9% of disaster management, the knowledge to mitigate a problem is from long term learning, and experience, not information on a screen.

  More important is that these services that support any form of cell or internet communications will likely be overloaded or not functional during a crisis.

  So let's stop it with all the apps and ideas, and focus on the training, preparedness and response to real world events, and leave the cyber world to deal with the flying monkeys, unicorns and rainbows.

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  9 comments for Idea: Please!! Stop it with the smartphones!

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  FEMA Think Tank »

  Then and Now...

  As recent as 50 years ago, when a disaster hit an area, Local small businesses were first to step up and help their fellow residents, who were steady customers. Their relationship was built on trust, and what was best for the local economy and to sustain business for the long run. These were "Mom and Pop" shops that in times of need, often emptied their store shelves of product to help customers recover from disasters, ...more »

  As recent as 50 years ago, when a disaster hit an area, Local small businesses were first to step up and help their fellow residents, who were steady customers. Their relationship was built on trust, and what was best for the local economy and to sustain business for the long run. These were "Mom and Pop" shops that in times of need, often emptied their store shelves of product to help customers recover from disasters, many times with nothing more than a handshake, and a slip of paper promising to repay for the product.

  Now here we are, 50 years later, and the small shops are long gone, forced out by large companies and by regulations and taxes. Though large companies put up a good PR front, the bottom line is that they are in it for one thing... making money and have no personal investment in their customers or the communities they are in.

  But this is not the only change. The attitudes of people have changed as well. Complacency has developed in being prepared, These days, the public relies on the "Nanny state" to wave a very expensive wand and make life return to normal.

  We need to return to the basics, in both the mindset of the public, as well as the things that kept a community healthy. Local business and investment in the brick and mortar businesses that used to line main street, where owners took pride, and responsibility for the community they served.

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  4 comments for Idea: Then and Now...

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  National Preparedness Report: Sharing General Views on Preparedness »

  IS-130..a challange in critical thinking skills?

  About two months ago, I decided to take the IS130 course. After spending the time watching the on line training...(and taking notes as it went along... I decided to print the test and then, as usual, go online and fill out the online test. Surprise number 1: Download test is 50 questions, real test is 60 Surprise number 2: it is a timesd test, 20 minutes to read and answer all 60 questions...and not the short questions ...more »

  About two months ago, I decided to take the IS130 course. After spending the time watching the on line training...(and taking notes as it went along... I decided to print the test and then, as usual, go online and fill out the online test.

  Surprise number 1:

  Download test is 50 questions, real test is 60

  Surprise number 2:

  it is a timesd test, 20 minutes to read and answer all 60 questions...and not the short questions of any of the other tests. Is this a test on reaction time for critical thinking skills?

  Surprise number 3:

  After completing the online test, It keeps telling me I did not answer all the questions, requiring you to go back and totally retake the test, instead of pointing you to the missing question

  Surprise number 4:

  Printing out the final online test, and making 100% sure all the answers are filled in, it still says one (or more) is missing.

  Now my question... has anyone sucessfully found themselves at the name/submit screen?

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  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  National Preparedness Report: Partnering in Disaster Response »

  Duty to Act

  In general, those who work in Fire, EMS, and law enforcement know how this law applies in their area. The definition changes state to state, and is applied differently. In light of PPD8, where resources will have a seat at the table for Disaster Planning, I have to ask how this law will be applied to NGO's and other groups that once seated at the table, will make commitments to the EOP's and become part of the responders ...more »

  In general, those who work in Fire, EMS, and law enforcement know how this law applies in their area. The definition changes state to state, and is applied differently.

  In light of PPD8, where resources will have a seat at the table for Disaster Planning, I have to ask how this law will be applied to NGO's and other groups that once seated at the table, will make commitments to the EOP's and become part of the responders to disasters. What will hold these organizations and individuals to performing the tasks and services to that they have agreed to provide in times of crisis?

  A Chain is only as strong as the weakest link. If these groups are to be part of the chain so to speak, I would hope that there would be clearly defined requirements to perform their duties. Many of these groups will be volunteers. As we all know, Volunteers can be a great resource if organized and tasked with clearly defined roles. The question will be can these groups and their members be held accountable if they fail to perform the tasks they promise to provide?

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  1 comment for Idea: Duty to Act

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  FEMA Think Tank »

  National Exercise Day - 1 day out of 365

  Just wanted to throw a thought out to all and see if it sticks.... Everyone who is currently involved in planning and implementing training drills and exercise planning knows full well the amount of effort that is required to take an idea from concept to a full scale exercise. Quite often, Large full scale exercises can test the limits when it comes to scheduling across multiple agencies and trying to find the "Best ...more »

  Just wanted to throw a thought out to all and see if it sticks....

  Everyone who is currently involved in planning and implementing training drills and exercise planning knows full well the amount of effort that is required to take an idea from concept to a full scale exercise. Quite often, Large full scale exercises can test the limits when it comes to scheduling across multiple agencies and trying to find the "Best time" for all involved, as well as getting "warm bodies" to all show up for the planned event.

  If we as a nation can shut down for over a dozen holidays, It might be wise to take even one day a year dedicated to national preparedness, where these full scale drills can be conducted. Make it so on that one day (much like a real event) the nations focus is on playing out full scale exercises and have most resources available (retain minimum coverage for essential services)

  Each region/city/town/village, dependent on location and population,could develop a plan based on vulnerability assessments and make use of the multiple support agencies as well,

  For those who remember, there have been only 2 times in recent history that our nation was at it's highest level of awareness and preparation... December 8th 1941, and September 12th, 2001.The days after we were all caught by surprise.

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  10 comments for Idea: National Exercise Day - 1 day out of 365

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  National Preparedness Report: Sharing General Views on Preparedness »

  Creation of subject groups in the thinktank

  It might be wise to break out topics off the main think tank forum into groups such as Emergency planning, First responders,Preparedness,Communications, Training, etc. This would allow people with common interests and ideas to focus in one area, instead of mulling through a mile of posts that may not pertain to their area of knowledge. If a list of groups was compiled from here, maybe the moderators would consider this ...more »

  It might be wise to break out topics off the main think tank forum into groups such as Emergency planning,

  First responders,Preparedness,Communications,

  Training, etc. This would allow people with common interests and ideas to focus in one area, instead of mulling through a mile of posts that may not pertain to their area of knowledge.

  If a list of groups was compiled from here, maybe the moderators would consider this idea.

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  3 comments for Idea: Creation of subject groups in the thinktank

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  National Preparedness Report: Sharing General Views on Preparedness »

  Vetting of people involved in discussion of Emergency Management

  While I find this discussion forum a great idea to share ideas and to address concerns regarding emergency management, I have to also bring up the point of Security. While it is great to involve parties in discussion, at the same time, the forum is viewable to all. The discussions here do shed light on some weaknesses that could be exploited. This issue is the double edged sword of all information that is in the public ...more »

  While I find this discussion forum a great idea to share ideas and to address concerns regarding emergency management, I have to also bring up the point of Security.

  While it is great to involve parties in discussion, at the same time, the forum is viewable to all. The discussions here do shed light on some weaknesses that could be exploited. This issue is the double edged sword of all information that is in the public realm of the internet.

  I think that it might be a wise choice by all here to keep in mind that your posts may be viewed by the world... both by good people, and those who have malicious intent.

  As an added security measure and for accountability and tracking, it might also be a wise thought to have people register to view these comments and thoughts.

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  3 comments for Idea: Vetting of people involved in discussion of Emergency Management

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  FEMA Think Tank »

  Talking the same language in NIMS

  Ok.. I am going to bring up the subject that is politically incorrect, and I am sure will open a can of worms...but it is an issue that has been sidestepped, avoided, sent people shrieking out of rooms... Would it not be wise to make ENGLISH the official language of NIMS/ICS communications in disasters? In light of PPD8...I'm sure it is only a matter of time with the "Whole community " sitting at the table bring this ...more »

  Ok.. I am going to bring up the subject that is politically incorrect, and I am sure will open a can of worms...but it is an issue that has been sidestepped, avoided, sent people shrieking out of rooms...

  Would it not be wise to make ENGLISH the official language of NIMS/ICS communications in disasters?

  In light of PPD8...I'm sure it is only a matter of time with the "Whole community " sitting at the table bring this issue up.....and odds are, it will get ugly and be a roadblock towards progress

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  1 comment for Idea: Talking the same language in NIMS

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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  Presidential Policy Directive 8 »

  HSPD-8 vs. PPD8

  HSPD-8 vs. PPD8 Sitting here, rereading both of these documents...I am still trying to figure out what the REAL differences are between them. Considering the fact that the HSPD-8 is referenced in many areas of FEMA documentation, and that there really is no MAJOR changes from the HSPD-8, one can only wonder if this directive was issued as a political move, which really has no merit in emergency planning, or if it is ...more »

  HSPD-8 vs. PPD8

  Sitting here, rereading both of these documents...I am still trying to figure out what the REAL differences are between them.

  Considering the fact that the HSPD-8 is referenced in many areas of FEMA documentation, and that there really is no MAJOR changes from the HSPD-8, one can only wonder if this directive was issued as a political move, which really has no merit in emergency planning, or if it is really worth the time, and expense, and most of all the distraction from REAL issues being addressed.

  So far, other than a few words that are changed here and there (which say the same thing, just in a slightly different way). Looks to me to be the same "box" as before, just looking at it from a different side....the box is still the same "box".

  Since HSPD 8 is now REPLACED by PPD8, What has this done in regards to the training and direction that many of us have spent years teaching? For example, Will everyone have to retake something as simple as IS 700 due to the chage in the directive? How much time and money will it draw away from other areas while 80% to 90% of the current training and documentation is changed to reflect these small changes?

  My question is, Is it really worth the time and effort to go through all of this ?

  What were the driving factors to make this change? Were they driven by reality ? or was this just an expensive ant time consuming political stunt?

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  3 comments for Idea: HSPD-8 vs. PPD8

  Submitted by creativeogre 1 year ago

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