Emergency planning review
All states and 75 of the country's largest urban areas must provide a self-assessment and statement of certification for their catastrophic planning, specifically mass evacuation planning. In Virginia, the cities of Norfolk, Richmond and Virginia Beach, as well as the National Capitol Region will participate in the review. The assessments are mandated by House Resolution 2360, to ensure that sufficient resources are devoted to planning for the "complete evacuation of residents, including special needs groups in hospitals and nursing homes, or resident without access to transportation, in advance of and after such an event, as well as plans for sustenance of evacuees." The brief narrative self-assessment, statement of certification and electronic copies of relevant materials are due to the Department of Homeland Security by Jan. 17, 2006, and they are a prerequisite for 2006 Homeland Security grants. Guidance is available on VDEM's Web site.

The Katrina Effect on American Preparedness
Businesses and local governments were rated the least prepared for emergencies—compared to local fire departments, charitable institutions and local police—according to a recent nationwide poll. New York University's "The Katrina Effect on American Preparedness" compares the results of two polls, one conducted in July 2005 and another conducted in October, after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf States and became one of the fourth most watched televised events of the last 25 years. However, only 33 percent of the general population said they are much or somewhat more prepared after the hurricanes, a drop of 11 percent since September 11. Other findings include an increase in the percentage of less-educated Americans who said they are much more prepared after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The full text of the report, including recommendations for state and local governments, is available on NYU's Web site.

Lessons learned summit: Hurricane Katrina
VDEM will hold a lessons-learned summit in January 2006 to discuss problems that surfaced in the Gulf States before, during and after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Invited attendees, who expressed interest and signed up at the VDEM Coordinator's Briefings in October and November, will brainstorm ways to prevent the same problems from occurring in Virginia, specifically evacuation and sheltering issues. The state also aims to have Emergency Management Assistance Compact relief teams and their composition and capabilities identified in advance of a disaster so that the state can coordinate relief efforts more efficiently. Results of the summit will form the basis of VDEM planning changes that will be implemented prior to the 2006 hurricane season. Call Local Support Services Division Director Gordon Barwell at (804) 897-6500 or e-mail him for further details.

Montgomery County Reverse 911
Montgomery County emergency officials now have the ability to notify citizens about man-made and natural emergencies. The Reverse 911 system allows officials to isolate and pinpoint homes and business in the immediate hazard area and the projected path of contamination in the case of a toxic spill. The system can place 800 telephone calls an hour by accessing the local telephone directory. The county used Hazard Mitigation Program Grant funds. Contact Master Deputy Jimmy Bowyer at the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office at (540) 382-6914 for more information.

New Recovery and Mitigation director
Deborah Mills has been selected to serve as the new director of the Recovery and Mitigation division at VDEM. Deb previously served as the Hazard Mitigation program manager, a position she held since she joined the agency in April 2004. Prior to VDEM, she worked at the Department of Conservation and Recreation and Department of Forestry. Effective Dec. 10, Deb will manage disaster and recovery programs, including Individual Assistance, Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation. She replaces Mary Camp, who retired in October.

Suggestions for improving the Public Assistance program
VDEM is soliciting suggestions for improving the state's role in the Public Assistance program. Although Public Assistance is a FEMA program authorized by The Stafford Act and controlled by the federal government, VDEM is looking for ways to improve its service to eligible program applicants. Since 2003 many state agencies and local governments have encountered serious obstacles in securing full reimbursement for costs incurred in Hurricane Isabel. The objectives of this effort are to improve communication between VDEM and program applicants, to determine "best practices" among applicants and replicate them, and to develop tools to increase the likelihood of 100 percent reimbursement of costs to applicants. Submit a suggestion form by fax, mail or online by Dec. 31, 2005.

Produced by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management
10501 Trade Court, Richmond, Virginia 23236