Citizen Corps fortifies the Fire Department
Citizen Corps launched its newest program Fire Corps, designed to encourage and train citizen volunteers to assist their local fire departments in non-operational capacities. Fire Corps is a partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs' Volunteer Combination Officers Section, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Volunteer Fire Council and the White House's USA Freedom Corps Office. Plans are currently under way to develop Fire Corps throughout Virginia.
Hazmat guidebooks distributed
VDEM hazmat officers completed the distribution of the 2004 Emergency Response Guidebook, designed to assist first responders through the first 30 minutes at a hazmat incident. The guidebook covers initial points of contact and scene security, and includes an easy-reference guide to the placard system and evacuation charts for many chemicals. VDEM distributed nearly 30,000 guidebooks, which need to last until the next edition is published in 2008. All the copies that VDEM received have been given to every police car, fire truck and EOC in the state.
Hampton links with radio station
The city of Hampton now has five minutes every half hour during a disaster to communicate with affected residents in the area, using a non-EAS broadcast. The city signed a contract with a local radio station in response to concerns of people who wanted updated information at regular intervals and who needed information that applied specifically to the Hampton area. The working relationship with the station allows the local public information officer to get timely messages to the community, provides the opportunity for longer broadcasts like call-in shows and opens the possibility for public outreach before and after a disaster. The radio station is required to maintain generator power at the broadcast site and the transmission tower. View the agreement or contact Peter Sommer for more information.
New council offers behavioral health guidance
The new Terrorism and Disaster Behavioral Health Advisory Council will provide emergency response agencies with guidance in planning and coordinating behavioral health preparedness and response during man-made or natural disasters. The state Department of Health and Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services formed the council to incorporate mental health preparedness and response into emergency plans and to establish response evaluation guidelines. VDEM Human Services Officer Larry Braja will serve on the council as one of 15 council members who will contribute expertise from their respective emergency response organizations.
DHS to create regional structure
Now that the National Response Plan and the National Incident Management System have been established, the Department of Homeland Security will create a new regional structure that will govern how DHS interacts with state and local officials. A requirement of the Homeland Security Act, the restructuring calls for a plan to consolidate and co-locate at a single location any regional offices that perform functions transferred to DHS. Read The Heritage Foundation’s suggestions for a successful transition.
Reminder...
State-specific, federally approved terrorism training is available to Virginia’s first responders. Classes are free and include Public Safety Response to Terrorism Awareness, Tactical Considerations, Management Considerations, Hazmat Team Operations and Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings. Training is provided by VDEM throughout the state, all year.
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by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management
10501 Trade Court, Richmond, Virginia 23236
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