Editor's note: The recent holidays have delayed this issue of EM Update by one day. Our apologies for any inconvenience.

Jan. 4, 2007

NCR receives highest grades in interoperability review
The National Capital Region is one of six urban/metropolitan areas across the Nation to receive highest grades in the first measurement of the progress of communications interoperability. The Department of Homeland Security's report, " Tactical Interoperable Communications Scorecards Summary Report and Findings," reviewed emergency communications plans in 75 urban areas. The plans were graded in three categories: operating procedures in place, use of communications systems and how effectively local governments have coordinated in preparation for a disaster. The NCR consists of the city of Alexandria and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William in Virginia and the Maryland counties of Montgomery and Prince George’s in addition to the District of Columbia.

Training coming soon to personnel along I-81 corridor
VDEM has secured a $100,000 training grant from the Southern States Energy Board to train personnel along the I-81 corridor, where shipments of transuranic waste will pass through on their way to New Mexico beginning next year. Transuranic waste consists of protective clothing, tools, glassware, equipment, soils and sludge produced during nuclear fuel assembly; during nuclear weapons research, production and cleanup; and as a result of reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. Waste Isolation Pilot Plant personnel will serve as instructors, and VDEM will identify local training locations for two types of classes: one for emergency responders and one for medical staff. A grant planned for 2008 will address obtaining proper equipment. For more information, contact Gary Shirley at (804) 897-6500 ext. 6571.

Lessons learned Web site offers better access
Lessons Learned Information Sharing, an online database of theory and practice documents, has launched an improved user interface. The new LLIS.gov reflects more than two years of feedback gathered through surveys, focus groups, interviews and member suggestions. New features of LLIS.gov include a redesigned home page, a dynamic library, topic-specific resource centers, user-friendly design and the "LLIS Dispatch" feature, which allows users to create a personalized newsletter. LLIS.gov is a secure site that requires free registration and a username and password.

New deputy operations director named
Michael Nelson has been chosen to serve as VDEM's deputy operations director in the Operations Division. Nelson is a retired naval officer with experience in military operations centers. He is currently working as a contractor in Virginia Beach and is a member of the Virginia Beach Community Emergency Response Team. He will start work at VDEM on Jan. 10.

NEMA creates new symbol for emergency preparedness
The National Emergency Management Association has created a new icon to remind Americans not to become complacent about preparedness. The symbol, developed in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Homeland Security Preparedness Directorate and representatives of state and local emergency managers, will replace the civil defense symbol used during World War II. The new icon will be on Web sites, on the sides of government vehicles, on crates of emergency relief supplies and on preparedness materials.

VDEM POC for NIMS information available
For all questions concerning the National Incident Management System in Virginia, the interim point of contact is Ken Clark at (804) 897-6500 ext. 6572. Information about NIMS is also available online from the NIMS Integration Center and on VDEM's Web site. Clark will continue his duties as the training point of contact for all Department of Homeland Security training programs and VDEM's Terrorism Training Program. In addition, Carolyn Sanford will continue to handle all requests from localities for NIMCAST user names and passwords until a permanent trainer/instructor is named. Contact her at (804) 897-6500 ext. 6558 or e-mail carolyn.sanford@vdem.virginia.gov.

Best Practices...
Virginia MRC unit spotlighted on national Web site
The Peninsular Medical Reserve Corps unit has received national recognition online for its recent efforts, which include:

• Working in a free clinic to provide medical screening for community members potentially at risk for kidney disease in Hampton Roads.
• Staffing the phone bank and assembling materials in preparation for mass flu vaccinations for more than 900 community members.
• Supporting "Community Dental Days," a 2-day event that provided free dental care to more than 300 people.

The unit also recently sponsored Disaster Volunteer Day to allow volunteers from a wide range of disaster volunteer organizations to share information, learn and network together from a regional perspective. The national site, www.medicalreservecorps.gov, includes more volunteer efforts and information about the unit.

Training...
EMAC Advance Team training offered in March
This course is targeted primarily for operations-level personnel at the state and local levels who will request Emergency Management Assistance Compact services and support, and for people who will be deployed into the field as members of an advance team. In addition, the class provides an overview of the process, roles and responsibilities in EMAC to those who are involved in the EMAC process but are not deployed. VDEM will provide the required pre-course study materials and will cover the cost of accommodations for the two-day course. Although registration is limited to 25 for the March 21-22 class at the Virginia Emergency Operations Center, more classes are scheduled for the spring, summer and fall. Please call Kenny Hayes at (804) 263-4769 for more information and registration forms.

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