Mar. 11, 2009

VDEM creates new common operating picture
VDEM's Virginia Interoperability Picture for Emergency Response, or VIPER, is a tool that not only gives Virginia Emergency Operations Center staff the ability to visually assess statewide emergency management operations in real time, but it also automatically offers users instant access to essential local information through traditional Geographic Information Systems layers. For example, if a locality experiences a rapidly escalating traffic incident, VIPER will provide information about nearby hospitals; in the case of a hazardous materials spill, VIPER will offer data about area schools; during a flood, VIPER will alert users to low-lying areas that could be affected.

VIPER monitors environmental sensors and gathers data from VDEM's crisis management system, as well as external systems, such as Computer Aided Dispatch, the National Weather Service and the Integrated Flood Observation and Warning System. VIPER then performs an analysis of all available information and alerts VEOC staff to potential impacts on critical infrastructure.

This ability to evaluate how incidents visually relate to each other combined with point-and-click access to essential local data greatly speeds VDEM's coordination of response and recovery efforts at the state and local levels. VIPER has already aided the state's response efforts during both Tropical Storm Hanna and the 2008 presidential election.

In the future, VIPER's data will be available to other state and local government partners through data links that can operate with any GIS system. These data links will use widely accepted data standards, such as GeoRSS, .xml, and .kml, in order to promote a multi-platform model of GIS information sharing. VDEM developed this interoperable system so that agencies and localities will be able to share information with the VEOC regardless of the GIS systems they use, maximizing their existing investments and minimizing future costs.

VIPER helped DHS, FEMA, the U.S. Secret Service and VDEM to monitor the 56th Presidential Inauguration, and Tampa officials used VIPER to monitor Super Bowl XLIII. In addition, several state agencies have begun to incorporate elements of VIPER into their operations, including the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Mississippi Fusion Center, North Carolina State Police, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Texas Border Control, and local government agencies in Beverly Hills, Calif., Clarke County, Nev. and Virginia Beach.

• SB 1150 and HB 2612: Require all emergency plans to include a provision that the Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Virginia Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund be contacted immediately to assist victims as defined in § 19.2-11.01 and include current contact information for both organizations.
• SB 1294: Permits the Department of Criminal Justice Services to establish crisis intervention team pilot programs, which shall assist law-enforcement officers in responding to crisis situations involving persons with mental illness, substance abuse problems or both.
• HB 1664: Eliminates the requirement that the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia must develop and revise a model institutional crisis and emergency management plan to help public and private two- and four-year institutions of higher education in establishing, operating and maintaining emergency services and disaster preparedness activities. This bill has already been signed by the governor and becomes effective on July 1, 2009.
• HB 1680: Defines the term "act of God" to include a hurricane, tornado, storm, flood, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, earthquake or fire. Specifies that a fire caused by an individual other than the property owner shall not adversely affect the rights vested in the affected property. Limits the owner's right to repair, rebuild or replace the building to its original nonconforming condition only if such building is damaged greater than 50 percent. Additionally, the proposed amendment provides that a zoning ordinance may allow for a building or structure covered by this section to be brought in compliance with the Uniform Statewide Building Code in effect at the time of the construction of such building or structure.
• HB 1983: Provides civil immunity for private and charitable organizations providing resources and assistance, without compensation, pursuant to a governor-declared emergency or during a formal emergency management training exercise, and at the request of the State Department of Emergency Management or a local emergency management employee. The immunity would not apply in instances of gross negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct.
• HB 2449: Establishes deemed consent to test for and release test results related to infectious disease in cases involving any (i) salaried or volunteer firefighter, paramedic or emergency medical technician, (ii) member of the State Police Officers' Retirement System, (iii) member of county, city or town police departments, (iv) sheriff or deputy sheriff, (v) Department of Emergency Management hazardous materials officer, (vi) city sergeant or deputy city sergeant of the City of Richmond, (vii) Virginia Marine Police officer, (viii) conservation police officer who is a full-time sworn member of the enforcement division of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, (ix) Capitol Police officer, (x) special agent of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, or (xi) conservation officer of the Department of Conservation and Recreation. This bill also changes the term "communicable disease liaison officer" to "exposure control officer" and removes language providing that a receiving facility has no duty to perform a test or tests beyond those necessary for the medical management of a patient delivered by an emergency medical services agency to the receiving facility.
  
  Detailed information about each bill is available at http://leg1.state.va.us/.

VEMC schedule available

The Virginia Emergency Management Conference schedule is now available for download at http://www.vemaweb.org, where users also can find a conference brochure and online registration. The conference is March 31 – April 3 at the Hampton Convention Center, and features local, state and national presenters.

Disaster Damage Assessment and Public Assistance training
Local government personnel and volunteers with specific responsibility for field damage assessments and recording damages in the field should attend Disaster Damage Assessment Training. The workshops will train personnel on the FEMA standard for conducting damage assessments of residential dwellings, businesses and public infrastructure. Although online registration is closed, those wishing to attend the disaster assessment workshop in Richmond on March 17 or in Danville on March 24 should contact Larry Braja at (804) 897-6500, ext. 6538 or larry.braja@vdem.virginia.gov.

VDEM is also offering a Public Assistance Eligibility and Grants Management workshop that provides a comprehensive overview of the PA program and process. Topics include discussion of eligibility in the context of applicants, work, facilities and costs; development of project worksheets; and what resource support/references are available to assist applicants in gaining a better understanding of the program and associated policies. Although online registration is closed, those wishing to attend the PA workshop in Richmond on March 18 or in Danville on March 25 should contact Nealia Dabney at (804) 378-0471 or nealia.dabney@vdem.virginia.gov.

In addition, the Congressional Research Service has created a report, “FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process: A Primer,” available at http://www.opencrs.com/rpts/RL34146_20070827.pdf. The report is a result of Congress’ study of the declaration process and the quality and consistency of FEMA’s assessment criteria.

FEMA updates Target Capabilities
FEMA is working to enhance six items on the Target Capabilities List, which defines and provides the basis for assessing preparedness and establishes national guidance for preparing the nation for major all-hazards events. These updated Target Capabilities will provide specific guidance to different types of jurisdictions and emphasize measurable performance.

FEMA is circulating four updated Target Capabilities drafts for broad stakeholder review and consultation: Mass Transit Protection, Multi-Agency Coordination (Emergency Operations Center Management), On-Site Incident Command and Weapons of Mass Destruction/Hazardous Materials Rescue. The updated Target Capabilities are pre-decisional drafts, and FEMA is seeking input from Feb. 19 through March 20.

To view and comment, log onto http://www.LLIS.gov and click on "Updated Target Capabilities" under NEW LLIS.GOV CONTENT. For more information, contact the FEMA project team at TCL@dhs.gov.

FY08 Assistance to Firefighters Grants awarded
FEMA has awarded more than $800,000 to six Virginia fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles. FEMA awarded a total of $8,683,111 nationwide. A complete list of awards is available at http://www.firegrantsupport.com.

EM Update is the best way to communicate best practices and to get a heads up on issues that might affect you. Articles include case studies, cost/resource-saving local programs, examples of partnerships and regional cooperation and recognition of emergency managers who receive awards and honors in the field.

Please don't hesitate to contact the editor whenever you have a project that might benefit localities or want to highlight an important issue concerning Virginia's emergency response community. Contact Jolie Shank at (804) 897-6510 or by e-mail at pio@vdem.virginia.gov.

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10501 Trade Court, Richmond, Virginia 23236