2007 NIMS compliance standards
Standards for 2007 National Incident Management System compliance, required for federal preparedness funds, are now available. For FY07, the Department of Homeland Security has changed the certification process. Unlike the process used for FY05 and FY06, which required states to self-certify that they were taking good faith efforts to come into compliance, the FY07 process will use performance-based metrics that will be monitored by DHS. The metrics are divided into activities that must be implemented by the end of FY07 and those that should be started in FY07 because they will be required for FY08 compliance. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has also designated regional points of contact who can provide technical assistance for NIMS compliance. The metrics and FEMA points of contact are available online. New requirements ask local governments to:

• Designate a single point of contact within the local/tribal jurisdiction to serve as the principal coordinator for NIMS implementation.
• Ensure that the Public Information System can gather, verify, coordinate and disseminate information during an incident.
• Validate that the inventory of response assets conforms to homeland security resource typing standards and provide to the state/territory as required.
• Utilize the state/territory response asset inventory for Intra-State Mutual Aid requests, exercises and actual events.
• Complete ICS 300: Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents and ICS 400: Advanced ICS.
• Develop systems, tools and processes to present consistent and accurate information to incident managers at all levels (e.g., common operating picture).

In addition, the NIMS Integration Center is upgrading the online NIMS Capability Assessment and Support Tool, or NIMCAST. The upgrade, expected early next year, will reflect FY07 requirements and offer specific instructions on NIMS compliance.

SBA assistance approved for Franklin
The U.S. Small Business Administration granted Gov. Tim Kaine's request to make emergency low-interest loans available to homeowners, renters and businesses in Franklin, Va. who had major damage from recent severe thunderstorms and flooding.

The governor requested SBA assistance instead of asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a federal disaster declaration because the extent of the damage did not appear sufficient to qualify for FEMA assistance. FEMA denied Virginia’s request for federal assistance after Tropical Depression Ernesto, which resulted in more than twice the amount of damage than occurred in Franklin. In addition, the estimated public infrastructure damage of approximately $3 million does not qualify for FEMA Public Assistance for localities.

The adjacent localities, Isle of Wight and Southampton counties, are automatically eligible to apply for these loans as well.

VOPEX 2006
VDEM will lead the Virginia Operations Plan Exercise with a simulated radiological emergency at the North Anna Power Station on Dec. 5. This drill will help state and local governments test their response procedures in the unlikely event of a radiation release.

Response agencies and local government representatives will role-play their emergency operations functions from the state and local government emergency operations centers. Participating localities include the counties of Caroline, Hanover, Louisa, Orange and Spotsylvania.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will monitor the progress of the drill and conduct an in-depth analysis of the results, detailing areas needing improvement. FEMA will review the success of the exercise at a public meeting.

Annual exercises rotate between the Surry and North Anna nuclear power stations and usually last about six hours. Multi-day drills are conducted every six years.

Pandemic flu guidance
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued guidance on the use of surgical masks and respirators in healthcare settings during an influenza pandemic. The guidance is available on www.PandemicFlu.gov and offers information about flu transmission, control and recommendations for healthcare facilities. The site also offers planning tools, risk communications tips, situation reports from the World Health Organization and information about pandemics for citizens and emergency planners.

Training...
ICS Train-the-trainer
Arlington County is hosting the last in a series of ICS Train-the-trainer classes, open to authorized representatives of local governments, state agencies, criminal justice academies, volunteer groups involved in emergency response and recovery, and certain private industries. The free class will certify instructors to teach the Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Incident Command System courses. Students will become familiar with the content of each course and be certified to deliver them in time blocks that meet the needs of their organization. Applicants must have the approval of their agency head and be available as an ICS instructor for their organization during the 12 months following course completion. Prerequisites and enrollment applications are available online.

For subsequent training delivered by graduates, VDEM will provide all instructional materials, student materials, VDEM Certificates of Completion for each student and continual updates on any changes to instructor and student materials. Instructors are expected to report to VDEM the date, location and number of students who successfully complete each session.

Pet-friendly disaster training
The Virginia Beach Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will host Emergency Animal Sheltering training, created by the Humane Society of the United States, Dec. 2-3. The two-day course offers hands-on learning about the methods for sheltering animals affected by disaster, including table-top exercises and an optional mock shelter simulation. Topics include selecting a location for an Emergency Animal Shelter, implementing the Incident Command System, basic setup of shelter areas, needs of various animals and logistics. The deadline for registration is Nov. 24; a $40 fee is required.

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