EM Update - June 1, 2011

June 1, 2011

April tornado recovery…

Governor authorizes state contribution to Virginia Disaster Relief Fund
New website allows individuals to donate by credit card

Gov. Bob McDonnell has authorized $600,000 in anticipated state agency savings to go toward helping Virginians who were affected by severe weather and tornadoes that struck the Commonwealth in April. 

The state contribution and all donated money from individuals, companies, nonprofit organizations and faith-based groups will go toward the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund. Charitable organizations and faith-based groups can request resources from this fund for specific cases that will assist individuals to recover from the April severe weather.  Long-Term Recovery Groups (local government and voluntary group partnerships) established in the hardest hit communities can also apply for funds.

Local officials will validate each request and then submit them to a management committee of technical experts for review.  Members of the committee include representatives from the Virginia departments of Emergency Management, Housing and Community Development and Social Services, as well as Virginia Voluntary Organizations active in disasters.

There are two ways to donate. A new website has been created to collect credit card payments at http://disasterrelief.vi.virginia.gov/ The site also provides information about the program and how money will be distributed.  Those who wish to write a check can make checks payable to the Treasurer of Virginia with “Tornado Relief” noted in the memo line.  Please send checks to Comptroller’s Office, P.O. Box 1971, Richmond, VA 23218-1971.

All donations are tax deductible.

Virginia has appealed the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s denial of federal assistance to Virginia for the April storms. However, even if federal assistance is ultimately approved, the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund will remain available to help fulfill unmet needs.

Homeland Security Grant Program guidance

DHS has released FY11 guidance for 12 programs that comprise the Homeland Security Grant Program.  DHS will distribute $2.1 billion through these programs to help states, urban areas, tribal and territorial governments, nonprofit agencies, and the private sector bolster national preparedness capabilities and protect critical infrastructure.

In FY11, DHS grants were reduced by $780 million nationwide, nearly a quarter of the FY10 grant funding level.  Virginia will receive approximately 50 percent of the funding it received in FY10.  Cuts include central Virginia losing its Urban Area Security Initiative status, and the Hampton Roads UASI losing $3 million in funding.  Emergency Management Performance Grant and National Capital Region UASI funding will maintain FY10 levels.

Due to the delay in Congressional budget approval, the application period is 30 days, to allow FEMA time to review applications, make award recommendations and process award documents.  Advisory groups have been working with the regions throughout the year to determine their top priorities, so investment justifications are being written at the beginning of the shortened application period instead of at the end, after projects have been gathered. 

VDEM serves as the State Administrative Agency for these grants.  VDEM will work with the office of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security to submit projects.

A full breakdown of program allocations is available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1305812474325.shtm

New website helps users find information faster

VDEM has redesigned its website and given it a new name: www.vaemergency.gov(formerly vaemergency.com).  The new design organizes pages according to user needs, instead of agency structure.  The main navigation menu has been simplified from 14 choices to seven, and the modular layout helps to focus attention visually.

Among the biggest improvements is the new Training Calendar, which combines training from all disciplines into one searchable source. 

Vaemergency.com will no longer be in service; users should update their bookmarks.

Portsmouth holds hurricane preparedness event at Lowe’s

The Portsmouth Office of Emergency Management worked with the local Portsmouth Lowe’s store to conduct a public hurricane preparedness event.  An information table offered printed and electronic information about preparedness, evacuation routes and emergency family planning.  Portsmouth Medical Reserve Corps, Amateur Radio Emergency Service and CERT staffed the table and reached 160 people.  For more information, contact Ken Murphy at kmurphy052@charter.net

Hurricane season forecast issued

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has released its forecast for the 2011 hurricane season.  The NOAA outlook calls for above-average activity and 12-18 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes and 3-6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 and 5), but it does not forecast the probability of landfall.

The full forecast is available at http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/outlooks/hurricane.shtml  

Emergency Operations Center Grant Program

Local governments and state agencies can compete for $1 million to construct or $250,000 to renovate emergency operations centers through the 2011 EOC Grant Program.  There will be one award per state, and funds cannot be used to construct or renovate fusion centers.

The investment justification must be sent electronically to VDEM not later than 5 p.m. on June 8.  The grant application and guidelines are available at http://www.vaemergency.gov/em-community/grants/2011Emer-Ops-Ctr-Grant-Program. 

New Private Sector Liaison helps build public-private partnerships

VDEM has created a new position within the Logistics section to help build partnerships between the private sector and Virginia’s emergency management community.  Ben Muncy will serve in the position and work to build the Private Sector Liaison Program by enhancing communication channels for better collaboration and information sharing before, during and after emergencies.  For more information about the program, contact Benjamin Muncy at (804) 674-2400 or by email at benjamin.muncy@vdem.virginia.gov

Training…

Operational Level Response to HazMat/WMD Incidents
Texas Engineering Extension Service Emergency Services Training Institute has a new curriculum that meets updated NFPA 472 standards.  A federal grant allows instructors to deliver training on site, providing supplies, equipment and exams.  Participants have the option of using their own equipment during training.  Successful participants can receive a national level certification (NBFSPQ) at the HazMat Operations level with a PPE specialty rating, CEUs from IACET and ACE has recommended two-hour college credit for those who pass the ProBoard exam.  More information is available at http://www.teex.com/teex-third.cfm?area=ESTI&templateid=305

VDEM Training Calendar

Due to budgetary constraints, VDEM must cancel a class if a minimum of 15 students have not enrolled two weeks before the class begins. Sign up early.

The Commonwealth of Virginia’s Learning Management System Knowledge Center provides information and enrollment for each class. Students who do not already have an account through any state agency Learning Management System domain must register for a VDEM LMS account (a one-time process) in order to enroll. Students who have an account through any state agency should log in at that agency’s LMS address and enroll in the desired course(s). Help videos for registration and enrollment processes are provided on the VDEM LMS login page at https://covkc.virginia.gov/vdem/external/ Assistance is available from VDEM’s LMS Help Desk at lmshelp@vdem.virginia.gov or (804) 897-9995.

The table below lists VDEM courses for the next quarter:

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

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

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