Jan. 16, 2008
Gov. Tim Kaine has approved the updated Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan with Executive Order 60. The 2007 updated plan:
- Embraces National Incident Management System and National Response Framework concepts and principles
- Places the response plan and the recovery plan in the same document to ensure seamless operational response to any hazard
- Incorporates and revises the annexes for 17 emergency support functions, which are groups of the most frequently used operations in emergency response
- Includes a pet evacuation and sheltering component that fulfills legislation from the 2007 session of the General Assembly
- Upgrades the Family Assistance Plan component, which outlines how the Commonwealth will provide assistance to disaster victims
The new plan also includes a Mass Evacuation and Sheltering Plan and two new emergency support functions: Military Support (ESF 16) and Volunteer and Donations Management (ESF 17).
The COVEOP is updated at least every four years or as needed. The plan is available online at http://www.vaemergency.com/library/plans/index.cfm.
Reporting moves to WebEOC
Localities will no longer use Online EOC for online reporting to the state. Beginning Feb. 1, WebEOC will be the online reporting tool that localities will use for situation reports, requests for assistance, initial damage assessment reports and the monthly warning test reply. The move to WebEOC will:
- Consolidate all online reporting, allowing localities to monitor the status of incidents and requests for assistance in one location
- Offer a more user-friendly security access system
Localities will still have the ability to contact the VEOC by phone or fax to share information and submit reports.
The Online EOC will continue to contain reference documents for emergency managers, including restricted volumes of the COVEOP and the full version of the directory of local emergency managers. The Online EOC will also house a library of WebEOC resources, including instructions on how to access and use it effectively. Eventually, VDEM will redesign Online EOC to be a secure file system and launch it under a new name.
WebEOC training for localities is provided at the Virginia Emergency Operations Center monthly and is held regionally by request. Upcoming training is scheduled for Jan. 31, Feb. 28 and March 27. To sign-up for training at the VEOC, to arrange a regional training session or to learn more about the move, contact Sue Ann Curran at (804) 371-4505 or at sueann.curran@vdem.virginia.gov. For technical assistance accessing your WebEOC account, contact webeocsupport@vdem.virginia.gov.
Local Capability Assessment for Readiness
The 2007 LCAR annual report has been completed, showing improved capabilities in 12 of 13 emergency management functions. The assessment report compiles the self-evaluations of localities in areas such as resource management, planning and training. The largest improvement was in the area of exercises, evaluations and corrective actions, with a 20 percent increase in capability. Localities also showed 19 percent improvement in training capability and in crisis communications, public education and information capability. As a whole, Virginia localities rated themselves an average of 3.4 out of 5.
New disaster laws under consideration
Several bills that could impact emergency preparedness and response will be considered during the 60-day session of the 2008 General Assembly. Bill summaries, along with status and links to the General Assembly Web site, are available online at http://www.vaemergency.com/newsroom/08legsummary.cfm.
New guidance for public information officers
During an emergency, coordinated and timely communication is critical. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has developed "Basic Guidance for Public Information Officers" to assist anyone who might serve as PIO within the Incident Command System. It offers basic procedures to operate an effective Joint Information System and addresses actions for preparedness, incident response, Joint Information Centers, incident recovery and federal public information support. The guidance is based on the National Incident Management System and the National Response Framework.
The document is available online at http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=3095.
In addition, FEMA offers "Emergency Support Function 15 External Affairs: A New Approach to Emergency Communication and Information Distribution Course Overview" (IS-250). The free, online course provides training on the basic concepts of ESF 15 Standard Operating Procedures to staff in all federal, tribal, state, local, private sector, military and volunteer partners.
Participants can download a guide and register for an optional conference call with an instructor. For more information or to take the class, visit http://training.fema.gov/EMIWEB/IS/crsoffering.asp.
FEMA offers electronic news updates
The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers an online subscription to news updates, including information about disaster declarations, mitigation programs, the National Incident Management System and the National Response Framework, as well as regional news releases. In addition to an e-mail inbox, news updates can also go to wireless devices, or users can subscribe to an RSS feed. Register at http://service.govdelivery.com/service/subscribe.html?code=USDHSFEMA_149.
Training...
Alzheimer's training for first responders and search management
More than 60 percent of Alzheimer's patients wander, become lost and often are seriously injured or die if not found within 24 hours. The Department of Criminal Justice Services and VDEM will offer six training classes to first responders who may have contact with Alzheimer's patients and those suffering from dementia. The seminar will present a system of skills and attitudes for handling of this specific population group and teach attendees how to pass this training on to other agency staff.
- March 20: Caroline County Community Services Building
- March 27-28: Crater Criminal Justice Training Academy in Prince George County
- April 10-11: Earlysville Satellite Training Facility in Albemarle County
- May 8-9:Williamsburg/James City County Community Center
- May 22: Northern Neck Regional Jail in Warsaw, Va.
- June 4-5: Knuckles Hall in Tazewell, Va.
One-day sessions count for seven in-service credits, and two-day sessions count for 13 credits toward continuing law enforcement education. In addition, the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services has approved this program for 10.5 hours of continuing education credits.
Contact the DCJS Alzheimer's Training Coordinator Julie Ana Skone at (757) 692-0108 or at julie.skone@dcjs.virginia.gov.
Produced
by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management
10501 Trade Court, Richmond, Virginia 23236