Jasper/Newton/Sabine Counties Emergency Management/Homeland Security will host the following course on August 23 and 24. In order to register for the class, it will be necessary for you to go to the Texas Department of Public Safety "Preparing Texas" website at https://www.preparingtexas.org/ and sign up on your account. If you do not have an account it will be necessary to set up one.
The Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents course provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the ICS. The course expands upon information covered in the ICS-100 and ICS-200 courses.
Prerequisites:
All of the following are required:
• IS-700: Introduction to NIMS
• ICS-100: Introduction to ICS
• ICS-200: Basic ICS
Cost:
No tuition is charged.
Class Name: ICS-300: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents
Course Number: G-300
Date Span: 8/23/2010 - 8/24/2010
Class Times: 08/23 08:00 - 17:00
08/24 08:00 - 17:00
Location: Jasper Fire Department
205 Water
JASPER, TX 75951
County: JASPER
Instructor: Smith, Billy - Lead Instructor
Joe Wilkinson - Adjunct Instructor
Olen Bean - Adjunct Instructor
Provider: TDEM - Emergency Management Training
Point of Contact: Smith, Billy
Jasper County
409-994-2543
billy.smith@co.jasper.tx.us
Hours: 18.00
Provider: TDEM - Emergency Management Training
Sponsor: TDEM
Disciplines: Emergency Management
Emergency Medical Service
Fire Service
Government Administration
Hazmat
Health Care
Law Enforcement
Public Health
Public Safety Communications
Public Works
We suggest you register as soon as possible because training spaces are limited. This course is limited to only 25 students and will partisipants will be selected on "first come basis" and jurisdictional needs and is open statewide.
This course is also TCLEOS approved.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Newton CERT'S GRADUATE
Newton CERT completes eight week committment to training and dedication. This brings the Jasper, Newton and Sabine Counties Emergency Management's CERT team to 60 volunteers. Congratulation and thanks for your dedication
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Tropical Storm Alex
These graphics show probabilities of sustained (1-minute average) surface wind speeds equal to or exceeding 34 kt...39 mph (tropical storm force). These wind speed probability graphics are based on the official National Hurricane Center (NHC) track, intensity, and wind radii forecasts, and on NHC forecast error statistics for those forecast variables during recent years. Each graphic provides cumulative probabilities that wind speeds of at least 39 mph will occur during cumulative time periods at each specific point on the map. The cumulative periods begin at the start of the forecast period and extend through the entire 5-day forecast period at cumulative 12-hour intervals (i.e., 0-12 h, 0-24 h, 0-36 h, ... , 0-120 h). An individual graphic is produced for each cumulative interval, and the capability to zoom and animate through the periods is provided. To assess the overall risk of experiencing winds of at least 39 mph at any location, the 120-h graphics are recommended.
These probabilities will be updated by the NHC with each advisory package for all active tropical cyclones in the Atlantic and eastern North Pacific basins. While separate graphics are focused on each individual tropical cyclone, probabilities resulting from more than one active tropical cyclone may be seen on each graphic.
Additionally, these probability products are available on the National Weather Service's National Digital Forecast Database (NDFD) graphical tropical webpage.
The previously provided strike probability product (discontinued after 2005) conveyed the chances of a "close" approach of the center of the cyclone. However, these new probability products are about the weather. That is, these cumulative wind speed probabilities provide the chances that wind speeds of at least 39 mph will occur at individual locations. The cumulative probabilities can answer the question, "What are the chances that sustained winds of tropical storm or hurricane force will occur at any specific location?" This can also help one answer the question, "Do I need to take certain actions to prepare?" A companion product, the wind speed probability text product, will also be issued and updated with each advisory package. That product is recommended to more easily assess when winds of each threshold are most likely to start at any specific location, helping to answer the question, "How long do I have to prepare?" Overall, these probabilities provide users with information that can enhance their ability to make preparedness decisions specific to their own situations.
It is important for users to realize that wind speed probabilities that might seem relatively small at their location might still be quite significant, since they indicate that there is a chance that a damaging or even extreme event could occur that warrants preparations to protect lives and property.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Tropical Depression #1
This graphic shows an approximate representation of coastal areas under a hurricane warning (red), hurricane watch (pink), tropical storm warning (blue) and tropical storm watch (yellow). The orange circle indicates the current position of the center of the tropical cyclone. The black line, when selected, and dots show the National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast track of the center at the times indicated. The dot indicating the forecast center location will be black if the cyclone is forecast to be tropical and will be white with a black outline if the cyclone is forecast to be extratropical. If only an L is displayed, then the system is forecast to be a remnant low. The letter inside the dot indicates the NHC's forecast intensity for that time.
NHC tropical cyclone forecast tracks can be in error. This forecast uncertainty is conveyed by the track forecast "cone", the solid white and stippled white areas in the graphic. The solid white area depicts the track forecast uncertainty for days 1-3 of the forecast, while the stippled area depicts the uncertainty on days 4-5. Historical data indicate that the entire 5-day path of the center of the tropical cyclone will remain within the cone about 60-70% of the time. To form the cone, a set of imaginary circles are placed along the forecast track at the 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h positions, where the size of each circle is set so that it encloses 67% of the previous five years official forecast errors. The cone is then formed by smoothly connecting the area swept out by the set of circles.
There is also uncertainty in the NHC intensity forecasts. The Maximum 1-minute Wind Speed Probability Table provides intensity forecast and uncertainty information.
It is also important to realize that a tropical cyclone is not a point. Their effects can span many hundreds of miles from the center. The area experiencing hurricane force (one-minute average wind speeds of at least 74 mph) and tropical storm force (one-minute average wind speeds of 39-73 mph) winds can extend well beyond the white areas shown enclosing the most likely track area of the center. The distribution of hurricane and tropical storm force winds in this tropical cyclone can be seen in the Wind History graphic linked above.
Considering the combined forecast uncertainties in track, intensity, and size, the chances that any particular location will experience winds of 34 kt (tropical storm force), 50 kt, or 64 kt (hurricane force) from this tropical cyclone are presented in tabular form for selected locations and forecast positions. This information is also presented in graphical form for the 34 kt, 50 kt, and 64 kt thresholds.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
DPS Director Appoints Interim Chief of Emergency Management
San Antonio District Fire Chief W. Nim Kidd has been named as the interim chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management starting July 1, 2010. Chief Kidd replaces Jack Colley, who suffered a fatal heart attack last month.
Kidd’s appointment was made by Steven C. McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, with the concurrence of Governor Rick Perry and Allan Polunsky, chairman of the Texas Public Safety Commission.
“Jack Colley was a national icon in emergency management, a man whose invaluable service saved countless lives in Texas and established a legacy of competence that will be felt for years to come,” Director McCraw said. “As we enter the 2010 Hurricane Season, we are fortunate to welcome Chief Kidd, an experienced leader in handling disasters in our state, whose skills and dedication will keep Texas a national leader in emergency preparedness and management.”
Chief Kidd is currently San Antonio’s Homeland Security Director, managing the Homeland Security Grant Program, and is chair of the Urban Area Security Initiative Working Group. Kidd has also served as the city’s Emergency Manager since 2004, managing the city’s preparedness, response and recovery efforts for all local disasters, including more than a dozen substantial disasters impacting the community.
Kidd has worked with the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) since 1993, holding the rank of firefighter, fire apparatus operator, lieutenant, captain, and District Fire Chief. He has led the SAFD Technical Rescue Team and the Hazardous Material Response Team.
Additionally, Kidd has served as a member of Texas Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team since 1997, responding to state and national disasters including the World Trade Center attack in September 2001. Chief Kidd holds the Certified Emergency Manager designation from the International Association of Emergency Managers and has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Emergency Management Association of Texas. Chief Kidd currently serves on the Governor’s Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Advisory Council-Disaster Committee, and the Governor’s Texas Preparedness Advisory Council for the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Kidd’s appointment was made by Steven C. McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, with the concurrence of Governor Rick Perry and Allan Polunsky, chairman of the Texas Public Safety Commission.
“Jack Colley was a national icon in emergency management, a man whose invaluable service saved countless lives in Texas and established a legacy of competence that will be felt for years to come,” Director McCraw said. “As we enter the 2010 Hurricane Season, we are fortunate to welcome Chief Kidd, an experienced leader in handling disasters in our state, whose skills and dedication will keep Texas a national leader in emergency preparedness and management.”
Chief Kidd is currently San Antonio’s Homeland Security Director, managing the Homeland Security Grant Program, and is chair of the Urban Area Security Initiative Working Group. Kidd has also served as the city’s Emergency Manager since 2004, managing the city’s preparedness, response and recovery efforts for all local disasters, including more than a dozen substantial disasters impacting the community.
Kidd has worked with the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) since 1993, holding the rank of firefighter, fire apparatus operator, lieutenant, captain, and District Fire Chief. He has led the SAFD Technical Rescue Team and the Hazardous Material Response Team.
Additionally, Kidd has served as a member of Texas Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team since 1997, responding to state and national disasters including the World Trade Center attack in September 2001. Chief Kidd holds the Certified Emergency Manager designation from the International Association of Emergency Managers and has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Emergency Management Association of Texas. Chief Kidd currently serves on the Governor’s Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Advisory Council-Disaster Committee, and the Governor’s Texas Preparedness Advisory Council for the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
REMINDER OF DETREM MEETING
The next meeting of the Deep East Texas Regional Emergency Managers will be on June 15, 2010 at the DETCOG office in Jasper (210 Premier Drive) at 1:00 PM.
Our guest speaker will be Kerry Spaulding, Protective Security Advisor with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Houston District. He will address isues with Infrastructure Protection for our area.
We will also discuss hurricane preparedness and a regional project for RFID Evacuation Tracking.
For more information contact Billy Ted Smith at 409-994-2543.
Monday, June 7, 2010
DPS troopers checking 18-wheeler safety June 8-10
During RoadCheck 2010, law enforcement agencies across the United States, Mexico and Canada will be checking commercial motor vehicles such as 18-wheelers. The 72-hour intensive inspection program runs from June 8 through 10 throughout North America.
DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement troopers and noncommissioned inspectors, along with Highway Patrol troopers who have received specialized training in commercial vehicle inspection, will stop thousands of commercial vehicles to inspect safety equipment and check driver log books, driver licenses and endorsements. Inspectors will also look for possible drug or alcohol use.
“We want to emphasize to all commercial vehicle operators traveling through Texas that safety is our foremost concern. We’ll be looking for trucks and drivers who aren’t complying with safety requirements, and we’ll place them out of service if necessary,” said David Baker, the assistant director who oversees the Texas Highway Patrol.
During Roadcheck 2009, DPS inspectors examined 7,316 vehicles in Texas. As a result, troopers removed 1,636 vehicles and 202 drivers from service because of the serious nature of their safety violations. Inspectors placed 125 drivers out of service for hours-of-service violations. Other violations ranged from false log violations, having the improper endorsement to suspended, expired and cancelled licenses. Seven drivers were placed out of service for drug or alcohol violations. Troopers issued 12 tickets for seat belt violations.
The Roadcheck program, which stretches from Mexico to Canada, is designed to reduce commercial vehicle highway fatalities through increased vehicle safety. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), which sponsors Roadcheck, reports a significant decrease in the commercial vehicle crash rate in North America since the program’s start in 1988.
Vehicles passing inspection receive a CVSA decal exempting the vehicle from inspection for a 90-day period, unless they have an obvious safety defect. DPS troopers issued 3,037 decals during Roadcheck 2009.
DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement troopers and noncommissioned inspectors, along with Highway Patrol troopers who have received specialized training in commercial vehicle inspection, will stop thousands of commercial vehicles to inspect safety equipment and check driver log books, driver licenses and endorsements. Inspectors will also look for possible drug or alcohol use.
“We want to emphasize to all commercial vehicle operators traveling through Texas that safety is our foremost concern. We’ll be looking for trucks and drivers who aren’t complying with safety requirements, and we’ll place them out of service if necessary,” said David Baker, the assistant director who oversees the Texas Highway Patrol.
During Roadcheck 2009, DPS inspectors examined 7,316 vehicles in Texas. As a result, troopers removed 1,636 vehicles and 202 drivers from service because of the serious nature of their safety violations. Inspectors placed 125 drivers out of service for hours-of-service violations. Other violations ranged from false log violations, having the improper endorsement to suspended, expired and cancelled licenses. Seven drivers were placed out of service for drug or alcohol violations. Troopers issued 12 tickets for seat belt violations.
The Roadcheck program, which stretches from Mexico to Canada, is designed to reduce commercial vehicle highway fatalities through increased vehicle safety. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), which sponsors Roadcheck, reports a significant decrease in the commercial vehicle crash rate in North America since the program’s start in 1988.
Vehicles passing inspection receive a CVSA decal exempting the vehicle from inspection for a 90-day period, unless they have an obvious safety defect. DPS troopers issued 3,037 decals during Roadcheck 2009.
USA, TX, TEXAS CITY, MAY 6 2010. BP: 500,000 POUNDS OF EMISSIONS RELEASED
Benzene Emissions
According to a 2008 report by the Environmental Integrity Project, BP’s Texas City refinery was among four refineries in the nation that had the largest increases in benzene emissions even as overall benzene emissions among U.S. refiners decreased by more than 18 percent between 2000 and 2008. The environmental group claims refiners actually underreport how much of the carcinogen is released because of inadequate EPA standards. However, according to a report to the Texas City-La Marque Community Advisory Council by the Galveston County Health District’s director of Environmental Health last summer, benzene emissions in Texas City decreased by 74 percent between 1993 and 2008. That report does not single out BP nor attribute how much each of the city’s chemical plants or refineries reduced benzene emissions.
Source: Environmental Integrity Project, Texas City-La Marque Community Advisory Council
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Subject: Revised Hurricane Response Plan Emergency
Emergency Management Officials:
The following is the recent revision to the State of Texas Hurricane Response Plan, dated April 30, 2010, and request your assistance in distributing the information. The revised documents are located on the TDEM website:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/downloadableforms.htm#hurrevac.
Summary of Changes
- The document was renamed Hurricane Response Plan to more accurately reflect the operational construct of the plan.
- The basic plan was revised to include revisions to the hurricane response organization, protocols, and operations.
- It incorporates and/or partially incorporates recent legislative changes to Government Code, Chapter 418. The TDEM Plans Unit continues to revise other state planning documents to fully incorporate these requirements. Changes to this plan include:
o Legal authorities granted to the Governor and Emergency Management Directors during a Mandatory Evacuation.
o DEM name change to TDEM.
o Provisions to replenish food supplies of food banks or pantries.
o Provides for the initial response after a disaster, reentry, and transition to the program of recovery.
o Better incorporates the integration of volunteer groups into emergency plans and encourages the public to participate in volunteer emergency teams that respond to disasters.
o Defines individuals with special needs.
o Enhanced medical special needs categories, requirements for medical special needs and minimum health-related standards for shelters operated with state funds. These requirements will be further developed during the revisions of State Annex H, Health and Medical, and Annex C, Shelter and Mass Care.
o Establishes a phased reentry plan that accommodates local plans and local official preferences with respect to reentry.
o Addresses license portability, post disaster evaluations and seizure of State or federal resource restrictions.
- The Disaster District Traffic Management Plans were revised and include the new district area identifiers.
- The Plan includes new attachments addressing the Special Needs Tracking System, Reentry Task Forces, Reentry Plan, Commodity Distribution Plan, and Fuel Operations Plan.
The following is the recent revision to the State of Texas Hurricane Response Plan, dated April 30, 2010, and request your assistance in distributing the information. The revised documents are located on the TDEM website:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/downloadableforms.htm#hurrevac.
Summary of Changes
- The document was renamed Hurricane Response Plan to more accurately reflect the operational construct of the plan.
- The basic plan was revised to include revisions to the hurricane response organization, protocols, and operations.
- It incorporates and/or partially incorporates recent legislative changes to Government Code, Chapter 418. The TDEM Plans Unit continues to revise other state planning documents to fully incorporate these requirements. Changes to this plan include:
o Legal authorities granted to the Governor and Emergency Management Directors during a Mandatory Evacuation.
o DEM name change to TDEM.
o Provisions to replenish food supplies of food banks or pantries.
o Provides for the initial response after a disaster, reentry, and transition to the program of recovery.
o Better incorporates the integration of volunteer groups into emergency plans and encourages the public to participate in volunteer emergency teams that respond to disasters.
o Defines individuals with special needs.
o Enhanced medical special needs categories, requirements for medical special needs and minimum health-related standards for shelters operated with state funds. These requirements will be further developed during the revisions of State Annex H, Health and Medical, and Annex C, Shelter and Mass Care.
o Establishes a phased reentry plan that accommodates local plans and local official preferences with respect to reentry.
o Addresses license portability, post disaster evaluations and seizure of State or federal resource restrictions.
- The Disaster District Traffic Management Plans were revised and include the new district area identifiers.
- The Plan includes new attachments addressing the Special Needs Tracking System, Reentry Task Forces, Reentry Plan, Commodity Distribution Plan, and Fuel Operations Plan.
Hurricane Season 2010 Begins Today
The patterns, water temperatures, and lack of el Nino this year will likely increase the chances of an active year.
Time is now to begin to prepare!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Next DETREM Meeting
Everyone:
The next meeting of the Deep East Texas Regional Emergency Managers will be on June 15, 2010 at the DETCOG office in Jasper (210 Premier Drive) at 1:00 PM.
Our guest speaker will be Kerry" Spaulding, Protective Security Advisor with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Houston District. He will address isues with Infrastructure Protection for our area.
For more information contact Billy Ted Smith at 409-994-2543.
The next meeting of the Deep East Texas Regional Emergency Managers will be on June 15, 2010 at the DETCOG office in Jasper (210 Premier Drive) at 1:00 PM.
Our guest speaker will be Kerry" Spaulding, Protective Security Advisor with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Houston District. He will address isues with Infrastructure Protection for our area.
For more information contact Billy Ted Smith at 409-994-2543.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
UPDATE: The body of Trooper Chenault was found this morning in very shallow water in Lake Travis near Alligator Creek.
UPDATE: The body of Trooper Chenault was found this morning in very shallow water in Lake Travis near Alligator Creek.
He was found in the cove close to his home by a DPS diver.Search crews from multiple agencies agencies are looking for the body of a longtime Texas Department of Public Safety trooper assigned to the Capital Detail disappeared Monday evening at Lake Travis.Wesley Chenault, 50, went to go check his trot fishing lines around 5 p.m., according to DPS, and then didn’t answer phone calls later that evening. His wife found his boat on the opposite side of the trt line in a cove area of Lake Travis not far from their Spicewood Springs home on the western side of Lake Travis.Chenault is now presumed dead.Rescuers believe Monday evening’s thunderstorms may be a factor in Chenault’s disappearance.DPS helicopter and dive teams, Lower Colorado River Authority dive teams and Texas Parks and Recreation are searching the area.Early this morning DPS air support came into Montgomery County Airport to pick up a device for locating victims of drownings from First Response Outfitters in Willis.In addition Montgomery County Precinct 1 dive team members will leave in the morning to assist in the search.DPS trooper Robbie Barrera says Chenault had a passion for fishing. Chenault has been with DPS since 1986. He was assigned to the Texas State Capitol.
Early this morning DPS air support came into Montgomery County Airport to pick up a device for locating victims of drownings from First Response Outfitters in Willis.
In addition Montgomery County Precinct 1 dive team members will leave in the morning to assist in the search.
He was found in the cove close to his home by a DPS diver.Search crews from multiple agencies agencies are looking for the body of a longtime Texas Department of Public Safety trooper assigned to the Capital Detail disappeared Monday evening at Lake Travis.Wesley Chenault, 50, went to go check his trot fishing lines around 5 p.m., according to DPS, and then didn’t answer phone calls later that evening. His wife found his boat on the opposite side of the trt line in a cove area of Lake Travis not far from their Spicewood Springs home on the western side of Lake Travis.Chenault is now presumed dead.Rescuers believe Monday evening’s thunderstorms may be a factor in Chenault’s disappearance.DPS helicopter and dive teams, Lower Colorado River Authority dive teams and Texas Parks and Recreation are searching the area.Early this morning DPS air support came into Montgomery County Airport to pick up a device for locating victims of drownings from First Response Outfitters in Willis.In addition Montgomery County Precinct 1 dive team members will leave in the morning to assist in the search.DPS trooper Robbie Barrera says Chenault had a passion for fishing. Chenault has been with DPS since 1986. He was assigned to the Texas State Capitol.
Early this morning DPS air support came into Montgomery County Airport to pick up a device for locating victims of drownings from First Response Outfitters in Willis.
In addition Montgomery County Precinct 1 dive team members will leave in the morning to assist in the search.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Travelers Warning For Falcon Lake, Texas
This is forwarded to you by the State of Texas State Operations Center (SOC).
Law enforcement agencies urging caution on Falcon Lake
Citing several armed robberies and attempted armed robberies on Falcon Lake in Zapata County, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office are strongly urging boaters on Falcon Lake to stay on the United States side of the lake and not venture into Mexican waters.
Three reported incidents since April 30 have raised concern among law enforcement officers in the Lake Falcon area. Two of the three incidents involved United States citizens who had gone into the Mexican side of the lake, passing the International Waters markers. Most of the incidents occurred in the Old Guerrero area, but it’s possible that other areas are a concern as well.
Fishermen are advised to stay as far away as possible from any of the Argos-type fishing boats typically used as fishing vessels by Mexican fishermen. These boats have a large prow, a small outboard motor without a cowling and no identification numbers on the hull.
Several bass fishing tournaments are scheduled for Falcon Lake during the next few weeks, and officials are concerned that they could be in danger if they cross into Mexican waters while they fish. One of the incidents occurred in U.S. waters.
This weekend, Zapata County Sheriff Sigi Gonzalez, will discuss these concerns with bass tournament participants. He has been working with Texas Parks and Wildlife regarding security matters on Falcon Lake. The DPS Border Security Operations Center and the Fusion Center are working with Zapata County and Parks and Wildlife to review protective measures in the area.
The robbers are believed to be members of a drug trafficking organization or members of an enforcer group linked to a drug trafficking organization who are heavily armed and using AK-47s or AR-15 rifles to threaten their victims. They appear to be using local Mexican fishermen to operate the boats to get close to American fishermen.
On April 30, five people in two different boats were fishing on Falcon Lake and went to the Old Guerrero area, where they were taking photos of the old church. While they were there, a boat with four heavily tattooed men approached the two boats quickly. The men identified themselves as “Federales,” but they were not wearing uniforms. The men boarded the boats, demanded cash and asked “where are the drugs?” The fishermen told the men that they had no drugs and were just fishing and taking photos. They ended up giving the men $200 cash and left the area. The pirates followed the two boats, but the U.S. boats were able to outrun them and the men stopped following once the two boats entered U.S. waters.
On May 6, three fishermen were about a quarter of a mile from Marker 14 on the north side of Salado Island on top of the ruins. As they were fishing, a boat with two men quickly approached and pointed AR-15s at the fishermen. One of the men boarded the boat and searched it, looking for drugs, cash and guns. During the incident, he chambered a round in the rifle and told the fishermen that he would shoot them if they did not give him money. The fishermen took money out of their wallets and gave it to them.
On May 16, law enforcement officers were told that some boaters were approached by a boat with five armed men on it. Investigators have not been able to locate the boaters to determine whether any cash was taken. This incident occurred on the United States side of the lake near Marker 7.
Anyone who is involved in an incident on Falcon Lake should dial 911 and report it to the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office.
To maximize safety, boaters should stay in U.S. waters on Falcon Lake and file a float plan. This means leaving a detailed note with family members telling the time and place of departure (boat ramp), destination and direction of travel, boater cell phone number if available, names of passengers and what they're wearing, and a description of the boater's vehicle and boat, including boat and vehicle license numbers.
The U.S. State Department website lists several travel alerts related to violence in Mexico. Travelers
should always check that website for the most up-to-date information related to security issues in Mexico. (See http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html).
Law enforcement agencies urging caution on Falcon Lake
Citing several armed robberies and attempted armed robberies on Falcon Lake in Zapata County, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office are strongly urging boaters on Falcon Lake to stay on the United States side of the lake and not venture into Mexican waters.
Three reported incidents since April 30 have raised concern among law enforcement officers in the Lake Falcon area. Two of the three incidents involved United States citizens who had gone into the Mexican side of the lake, passing the International Waters markers. Most of the incidents occurred in the Old Guerrero area, but it’s possible that other areas are a concern as well.
Fishermen are advised to stay as far away as possible from any of the Argos-type fishing boats typically used as fishing vessels by Mexican fishermen. These boats have a large prow, a small outboard motor without a cowling and no identification numbers on the hull.
Several bass fishing tournaments are scheduled for Falcon Lake during the next few weeks, and officials are concerned that they could be in danger if they cross into Mexican waters while they fish. One of the incidents occurred in U.S. waters.
This weekend, Zapata County Sheriff Sigi Gonzalez, will discuss these concerns with bass tournament participants. He has been working with Texas Parks and Wildlife regarding security matters on Falcon Lake. The DPS Border Security Operations Center and the Fusion Center are working with Zapata County and Parks and Wildlife to review protective measures in the area.
The robbers are believed to be members of a drug trafficking organization or members of an enforcer group linked to a drug trafficking organization who are heavily armed and using AK-47s or AR-15 rifles to threaten their victims. They appear to be using local Mexican fishermen to operate the boats to get close to American fishermen.
On April 30, five people in two different boats were fishing on Falcon Lake and went to the Old Guerrero area, where they were taking photos of the old church. While they were there, a boat with four heavily tattooed men approached the two boats quickly. The men identified themselves as “Federales,” but they were not wearing uniforms. The men boarded the boats, demanded cash and asked “where are the drugs?” The fishermen told the men that they had no drugs and were just fishing and taking photos. They ended up giving the men $200 cash and left the area. The pirates followed the two boats, but the U.S. boats were able to outrun them and the men stopped following once the two boats entered U.S. waters.
On May 6, three fishermen were about a quarter of a mile from Marker 14 on the north side of Salado Island on top of the ruins. As they were fishing, a boat with two men quickly approached and pointed AR-15s at the fishermen. One of the men boarded the boat and searched it, looking for drugs, cash and guns. During the incident, he chambered a round in the rifle and told the fishermen that he would shoot them if they did not give him money. The fishermen took money out of their wallets and gave it to them.
On May 16, law enforcement officers were told that some boaters were approached by a boat with five armed men on it. Investigators have not been able to locate the boaters to determine whether any cash was taken. This incident occurred on the United States side of the lake near Marker 7.
Anyone who is involved in an incident on Falcon Lake should dial 911 and report it to the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office.
To maximize safety, boaters should stay in U.S. waters on Falcon Lake and file a float plan. This means leaving a detailed note with family members telling the time and place of departure (boat ramp), destination and direction of travel, boater cell phone number if available, names of passengers and what they're wearing, and a description of the boater's vehicle and boat, including boat and vehicle license numbers.
The U.S. State Department website lists several travel alerts related to violence in Mexico. Travelers
should always check that website for the most up-to-date information related to security issues in Mexico. (See http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html).
Travelers Warning For Falcon Lake, Texas
This is forwarded to you by the State of Texas State Operations Center (SOC).
Law enforcement agencies urging caution on Falcon Lake
Citing several armed robberies and attempted armed robberies on Falcon Lake in Zapata County, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office are strongly urging boaters on Falcon Lake to stay on the United States side of the lake and not venture into Mexican waters.
Three reported incidents since April 30 have raised concern among law enforcement officers in the Lake Falcon area. Two of the three incidents involved United States citizens who had gone into the Mexican side of the lake, passing the International Waters markers. Most of the incidents occurred in the Old Guerrero area, but it’s possible that other areas are a concern as well.
Fishermen are advised to stay as far away as possible from any of the Argos-type fishing boats typically used as fishing vessels by Mexican fishermen. These boats have a large prow, a small outboard motor without a cowling and no identification numbers on the hull.
Several bass fishing tournaments are scheduled for Falcon Lake during the next few weeks, and officials are concerned that they could be in danger if they cross into Mexican waters while they fish. One of the incidents occurred in U.S. waters.
This weekend, Zapata County Sheriff Sigi Gonzalez, will discuss these concerns with bass tournament participants. He has been working with Texas Parks and Wildlife regarding security matters on Falcon Lake. The DPS Border Security Operations Center and the Fusion Center are working with Zapata County and Parks and Wildlife to review protective measures in the area.
The robbers are believed to be members of a drug trafficking organization or members of an enforcer group linked to a drug trafficking organization who are heavily armed and using AK-47s or AR-15 rifles to threaten their victims. They appear to be using local Mexican fishermen to operate the boats to get close to American fishermen.
On April 30, five people in two different boats were fishing on Falcon Lake and went to the Old Guerrero area, where they were taking photos of the old church. While they were there, a boat with four heavily tattooed men approached the two boats quickly. The men identified themselves as “Federales,” but they were not wearing uniforms. The men boarded the boats, demanded cash and asked “where are the drugs?” The fishermen told the men that they had no drugs and were just fishing and taking photos. They ended up giving the men $200 cash and left the area. The pirates followed the two boats, but the U.S. boats were able to outrun them and the men stopped following once the two boats entered U.S. waters.
On May 6, three fishermen were about a quarter of a mile from Marker 14 on the north side of Salado Island on top of the ruins. As they were fishing, a boat with two men quickly approached and pointed AR-15s at the fishermen. One of the men boarded the boat and searched it, looking for drugs, cash and guns. During the incident, he chambered a round in the rifle and told the fishermen that he would shoot them if they did not give him money. The fishermen took money out of their wallets and gave it to them.
On May 16, law enforcement officers were told that some boaters were approached by a boat with five armed men on it. Investigators have not been able to locate the boaters to determine whether any cash was taken. This incident occurred on the United States side of the lake near Marker 7.
Anyone who is involved in an incident on Falcon Lake should dial 911 and report it to the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office.
To maximize safety, boaters should stay in U.S. waters on Falcon Lake and file a float plan. This means leaving a detailed note with family members telling the time and place of departure (boat ramp), destination and direction of travel, boater cell phone number if available, names of passengers and what they're wearing, and a description of the boater's vehicle and boat, including boat and vehicle license numbers.
The U.S. State Department website lists several travel alerts related to violence in Mexico. Travelers
should always check that website for the most up-to-date information related to security issues in Mexico. (See http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html).
Law enforcement agencies urging caution on Falcon Lake
Citing several armed robberies and attempted armed robberies on Falcon Lake in Zapata County, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office are strongly urging boaters on Falcon Lake to stay on the United States side of the lake and not venture into Mexican waters.
Three reported incidents since April 30 have raised concern among law enforcement officers in the Lake Falcon area. Two of the three incidents involved United States citizens who had gone into the Mexican side of the lake, passing the International Waters markers. Most of the incidents occurred in the Old Guerrero area, but it’s possible that other areas are a concern as well.
Fishermen are advised to stay as far away as possible from any of the Argos-type fishing boats typically used as fishing vessels by Mexican fishermen. These boats have a large prow, a small outboard motor without a cowling and no identification numbers on the hull.
Several bass fishing tournaments are scheduled for Falcon Lake during the next few weeks, and officials are concerned that they could be in danger if they cross into Mexican waters while they fish. One of the incidents occurred in U.S. waters.
This weekend, Zapata County Sheriff Sigi Gonzalez, will discuss these concerns with bass tournament participants. He has been working with Texas Parks and Wildlife regarding security matters on Falcon Lake. The DPS Border Security Operations Center and the Fusion Center are working with Zapata County and Parks and Wildlife to review protective measures in the area.
The robbers are believed to be members of a drug trafficking organization or members of an enforcer group linked to a drug trafficking organization who are heavily armed and using AK-47s or AR-15 rifles to threaten their victims. They appear to be using local Mexican fishermen to operate the boats to get close to American fishermen.
On April 30, five people in two different boats were fishing on Falcon Lake and went to the Old Guerrero area, where they were taking photos of the old church. While they were there, a boat with four heavily tattooed men approached the two boats quickly. The men identified themselves as “Federales,” but they were not wearing uniforms. The men boarded the boats, demanded cash and asked “where are the drugs?” The fishermen told the men that they had no drugs and were just fishing and taking photos. They ended up giving the men $200 cash and left the area. The pirates followed the two boats, but the U.S. boats were able to outrun them and the men stopped following once the two boats entered U.S. waters.
On May 6, three fishermen were about a quarter of a mile from Marker 14 on the north side of Salado Island on top of the ruins. As they were fishing, a boat with two men quickly approached and pointed AR-15s at the fishermen. One of the men boarded the boat and searched it, looking for drugs, cash and guns. During the incident, he chambered a round in the rifle and told the fishermen that he would shoot them if they did not give him money. The fishermen took money out of their wallets and gave it to them.
On May 16, law enforcement officers were told that some boaters were approached by a boat with five armed men on it. Investigators have not been able to locate the boaters to determine whether any cash was taken. This incident occurred on the United States side of the lake near Marker 7.
Anyone who is involved in an incident on Falcon Lake should dial 911 and report it to the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office.
To maximize safety, boaters should stay in U.S. waters on Falcon Lake and file a float plan. This means leaving a detailed note with family members telling the time and place of departure (boat ramp), destination and direction of travel, boater cell phone number if available, names of passengers and what they're wearing, and a description of the boater's vehicle and boat, including boat and vehicle license numbers.
The U.S. State Department website lists several travel alerts related to violence in Mexico. Travelers
should always check that website for the most up-to-date information related to security issues in Mexico. (See http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html).
Monday, May 17, 2010
LEPC Commodity Flow Study
Dear LEPC Chairpersons
Please pass this information on to your LEPC membership as soon as possible.
It is almost time for the FY 2011 LEPC Hazardous Material Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Planning Grant Applications. This upcoming Fiscal Year Texas will continue to use part of this grant to contract for a limited group of commodity flow studies. This is an opportunity for LEPCs to get a current commodity flow study for their jurisdiction.
The study will include surveys of Truck, Rail, Waterways, and Pipeline. Faxed facility information is available through Tier II reporting.
You should receive the following:
· Identification of chemical hazards from field surveys by placard ID number
· A Project Report detailing hazardous materials by HazMat division, class, special handling characteristics, Toxic Inhalation Hazard (TIH), and vehicle types
· Quantities of hazardous materials identified initially by material presence/absence, and then by vehicle counts and individual vessel quantity estimates associated with placarded requirements for more specific quantities.
From this information LEPCs should be able to update their jurisdictional Basic Plan and Annexes D & Q, as necessary, and to determine needed local training, budgets, and additional planning needs/requirements. (i.e. Are response teams trained to handle the identified hazards? Do they have sufficient specialized equipment/supplies? What types and quantities of TIH or water sensitive chemicals travel through our area? Do our responders have sufficient PPEs and breathing apparatus?)
If your LEPC is interested in taking part in a Commodity Flow Study for FY 2011 then please complete the following:
1. Formal/Informal vote of the LEPC to support the study and to allow the state to enter into a contract on their behalf to accomplish the study.
2. LEPC must be willing to back the study with a 20% match (either in funds or soft match – volunteer hours)
a. Local match has been running between $6,000 - $9,000 depending on the size of the county, number of traffic points, etc. this could be matched by soft funds…donated time by LEPC members, fire, police, industry, volunteers, public works, local transportation agencies, public, to help with vehicle counts.
3. Complete the attached “LEPC CFS Application”. Justification is why a commodity flow study is needed. This is in case we have more applications than funds to help us determine which commodity flow studies get approved.
4. If your application is approved then the LEPC will need a formal vote, with minutes signed by the LEPC Chair. This will be required before the contract can be prepared.
Please complete the LEPC CFS Application by June 18th and return via email (followed up with a signed hard copy) to wade.parks@txdps.state.tx.us, faxed copy 512-424-7363, or mail a hard copy to:
TXDPS Division of Emergency Management
Preparedness Section
Wade Parks, Tech Hazards Supervising Planner
PO Box 4087
Austin, TX 78773
Don Hall, BS, MPA
HazMat Preparedness Officer
Preparedness Section
Texas Division of Emergency Management
5805 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78752
512-424-5985
Fax 512-424-7363
don.hall@txdps.state.tx.us
Please pass this information on to your LEPC membership as soon as possible.
It is almost time for the FY 2011 LEPC Hazardous Material Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Planning Grant Applications. This upcoming Fiscal Year Texas will continue to use part of this grant to contract for a limited group of commodity flow studies. This is an opportunity for LEPCs to get a current commodity flow study for their jurisdiction.
The study will include surveys of Truck, Rail, Waterways, and Pipeline. Faxed facility information is available through Tier II reporting.
You should receive the following:
· Identification of chemical hazards from field surveys by placard ID number
· A Project Report detailing hazardous materials by HazMat division, class, special handling characteristics, Toxic Inhalation Hazard (TIH), and vehicle types
· Quantities of hazardous materials identified initially by material presence/absence, and then by vehicle counts and individual vessel quantity estimates associated with placarded requirements for more specific quantities.
From this information LEPCs should be able to update their jurisdictional Basic Plan and Annexes D & Q, as necessary, and to determine needed local training, budgets, and additional planning needs/requirements. (i.e. Are response teams trained to handle the identified hazards? Do they have sufficient specialized equipment/supplies? What types and quantities of TIH or water sensitive chemicals travel through our area? Do our responders have sufficient PPEs and breathing apparatus?)
If your LEPC is interested in taking part in a Commodity Flow Study for FY 2011 then please complete the following:
1. Formal/Informal vote of the LEPC to support the study and to allow the state to enter into a contract on their behalf to accomplish the study.
2. LEPC must be willing to back the study with a 20% match (either in funds or soft match – volunteer hours)
a. Local match has been running between $6,000 - $9,000 depending on the size of the county, number of traffic points, etc. this could be matched by soft funds…donated time by LEPC members, fire, police, industry, volunteers, public works, local transportation agencies, public, to help with vehicle counts.
3. Complete the attached “LEPC CFS Application”. Justification is why a commodity flow study is needed. This is in case we have more applications than funds to help us determine which commodity flow studies get approved.
4. If your application is approved then the LEPC will need a formal vote, with minutes signed by the LEPC Chair. This will be required before the contract can be prepared.
Please complete the LEPC CFS Application by June 18th and return via email (followed up with a signed hard copy) to wade.parks@txdps.state.tx.us, faxed copy 512-424-7363, or mail a hard copy to:
TXDPS Division of Emergency Management
Preparedness Section
Wade Parks, Tech Hazards Supervising Planner
PO Box 4087
Austin, TX 78773
Don Hall, BS, MPA
HazMat Preparedness Officer
Preparedness Section
Texas Division of Emergency Management
5805 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, Texas 78752
512-424-5985
Fax 512-424-7363
don.hall@txdps.state.tx.us
Jack Colley, 1948 - 2010
Jack Colley, 1948 - 2010
Jack Colley, head of the DPS Texas Division of Emergency Management, died on May 16. Colley, 62, suffered a heart attack in early May.
“Jack Colley was a valuable member of the Texas Department of Public Safety and a national icon in the profession of Emergency Management,” said Steve McCraw, director of the DPS. “Jack was a great Texan, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
At the state’s first-ever Texas Hurricane Conference in 2003, Colley summed up the philosophy that guided him during the many catastrophic events he oversaw on behalf of the State of Texas: “In disaster, the most important thing for you to know is that you are not alone.”
During his 12-plus years with the DPS, Colley was involved in the response and recovery to many of Texas’ largest incidents, disasters and emergencies, including the Space Shuttle Columbia crash (2003) and Hurricane Rita (2005) and Hurricane Ike (2008).
Colley coordinated the effort to shelter thousands of Katrina evacuees in 2005 and then led the monumental evacuation of more than 3 million Texas residents as Hurricane Rita threatened the southeast Texas coast only weeks later.
In 2008, the Texas Division of Emergency Management responded to six hurricanes and tropical storms within a 90-day period. These storms included Hurricane Dolly, which devastated the Lower Rio Grande Valley July 23 and Hurricane Ike, which washed over Galveston and the southeast Texas coast on Sept. 13.
Under Colley’s guidance, Texas led the nation in a number of initiatives to make disaster response “quicker, faster, smarter,” which included work on systems to improve tracking of special needs evacuees and improved processes for safe re-entry of evacuees after the storm.
Over the past year, DEM has focused on Re-Entry Task Forces to bring back security, restore infrastructure, provide mass care and start recovery within the first 72 hours after a storm. In an effort to speed deployment of resources to states struck by mega-disasters, Colley pushed for an Interstate Emergency Response Support Plan (IERSP) with Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma – the first of its kind in the nation.
“In times of crisis, Texas depended on Jack Colley for leadership and he rose to the occasion each and every time. That leadership will be sorely missed,” said Allan B. Polunsky, chairman of the Texas Public Safety Commission.
In the wake of Katrina in 2005, as it was learned that many people declined to evacuate if they could not bring their family pets, Colley began efforts to open evacuation and sheltering operations in Texas to include companion animals.
“A lot of jokes are made about it but it is simply not a joke. Nobody dies because they can’t bring their pet. This is Texas,” Colley once said.
Colley also served as the Assistant Director of the Texas Office of Homeland Security and was the State Administrative Agent for all Federal Homeland Security Programs within Texas. Colley was a member of the Governor's Homeland Security Council, the First Responder Advisory Council and the Critical Infrastructure and Key Resource Protection Council. He was chair of the Texas Drought Preparedness Council.
Colley served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1997, retiring as a Colonel before joining DPS. He served in several positions of significant responsibility, including Chief Operations Officer for the Second Brigade and Headquarters, lst Cavalry Division and Division Chief for Strategic Planning for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Department of Defense. Colley was a graduate of the U. S. Army War College and the Command and General Staff College. Colley earned a bachelor’s degree from East Texas State University in Commerce and a master’s in business from Abilene Christian University.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Jack Colley Death
Jack was a friend of Southeast Texas and the State of Texas. We will miss him and his leadership to the Emergency Management Program for the State.
Funeral arrangements are pending. I will notify you when those arrangement are final.
Please remember to pray for Jack's family.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Gov. Perry Releases Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan 2010-2015
Gov. Perry Releases Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan 2010-2015
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has released the Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan 2010-2015, a strategic plan that will guide the state’s preparation, preparedness, response and recovery efforts for all types of threats over the next five years. The plan serves as a high-level roadmap to allow for adaption to evolving situations in an ever-changing threat environment.
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has released the Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan 2010-2015, a strategic plan that will guide the state’s preparation, preparedness, response and recovery efforts for all types of threats over the next five years. The plan serves as a high-level roadmap to allow for adaption to evolving situations in an ever-changing threat environment.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sen. Landrieu will chair a hearing of the Senate Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Disaster Recovery of the Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs.
Topic: Stafford Act Reform
Date: Wed. May 12 at 2:30.
Webcast: It will be webcast at http://hsgac.senate.gov/public/. A link to the webcast will pop up on the committee homepage at the time of the hearing.
The members of the subcommittee are
Mary Landrieu, (D-LA)Chair Lindsey Graham, (R-SC)Ranking Member
Claire McCaskill (D-Mo) Scott Brown(R-Mass)
Roland Burris (D-IL)
Senator Landrieu is expected to introduce a Stafford Act reform bill in the next month or so.
Stafford Act Reform: Sharper Tools for a Smarter Recovery
Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Disaster Recovery
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
02:30 PM
Dirksen Senate Office Building, room 342
The purpose of this hearing is to evaluate the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and proposals for its reform.
The Stafford Act authorizes various forms of federal assistance to state and local governments, certain nonprofit organizations, and individuals and households in the event of a Presidentially-declared emergency or disaster. Since its enactment in 1988, it has been significantly revised by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006. While these amending statutes respectively strengthened FEMA’s capacity to support hazard mitigation and emergency response, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have revealed inadequacies in the Act’s ability to support comprehensive disaster recovery.
This Subcommittee has compiled numerous legislative recommendations from hearing witnesses during the last three years. The FEMA National Advisory Council has recommended policy and regulatory changes linked to the Act, and FEMA Administrator Fugate has launched a comprehensive review of internal policies that accompany the Act. Some of the pilot programs authorized by PKEMRA have expired, and the DHS Inspector General has issued relevant reports on a number of Stafford Act programs. The Subcommittee is actively considering legislative proposals to amend the Act from these and other organizations, including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Commission on Children and Disasters, the Association of State Floodplain Managers, and numerous university research teams.
This hearing will provide an opportunity to review the vast array of recommendations for reform and help determine whether the Act, and its accompanying regulations, policies, and procedures, can be improved to better support response, recovery, and mitigation.
Date: Wed. May 12 at 2:30.
Webcast: It will be webcast at http://hsgac.senate.gov/public/. A link to the webcast will pop up on the committee homepage at the time of the hearing.
The members of the subcommittee are
Mary Landrieu, (D-LA)Chair Lindsey Graham, (R-SC)Ranking Member
Claire McCaskill (D-Mo) Scott Brown(R-Mass)
Roland Burris (D-IL)
Senator Landrieu is expected to introduce a Stafford Act reform bill in the next month or so.
Stafford Act Reform: Sharper Tools for a Smarter Recovery
Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Disaster Recovery
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
02:30 PM
Dirksen Senate Office Building, room 342
The purpose of this hearing is to evaluate the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and proposals for its reform.
The Stafford Act authorizes various forms of federal assistance to state and local governments, certain nonprofit organizations, and individuals and households in the event of a Presidentially-declared emergency or disaster. Since its enactment in 1988, it has been significantly revised by the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006. While these amending statutes respectively strengthened FEMA’s capacity to support hazard mitigation and emergency response, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have revealed inadequacies in the Act’s ability to support comprehensive disaster recovery.
This Subcommittee has compiled numerous legislative recommendations from hearing witnesses during the last three years. The FEMA National Advisory Council has recommended policy and regulatory changes linked to the Act, and FEMA Administrator Fugate has launched a comprehensive review of internal policies that accompany the Act. Some of the pilot programs authorized by PKEMRA have expired, and the DHS Inspector General has issued relevant reports on a number of Stafford Act programs. The Subcommittee is actively considering legislative proposals to amend the Act from these and other organizations, including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Commission on Children and Disasters, the Association of State Floodplain Managers, and numerous university research teams.
This hearing will provide an opportunity to review the vast array of recommendations for reform and help determine whether the Act, and its accompanying regulations, policies, and procedures, can be improved to better support response, recovery, and mitigation.
Friday, May 7, 2010
EPA Director, Office of Emergency Management
Could this have been an issue that the Director, Office of Emergency Management EPA position is empty. The Chair of the NRT and RRT's? Position was posted a few days after Deep Horizon incident started.
Job Title: Director, Office of Emergency Management
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Job Announcement Number: EPA-10-SES-OSWER-6484
SALARY RANGE: 119,554.00 - 179,700.00 USD /year
OPEN PERIOD: Friday, April 30, 2010 to Monday, May 31, 2010
SERIES & GRADE: ES-0340
POSITION INFORMATION: Full-Time Permanent
DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy - Washington DC Metro Area, DC
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: Applications will be accepted from all groups of qualified individuals.
Duties
Additional Duty Location Info: 1 vacancy - Washington DC Metro Area, DC
Directs the national programs on chemical emergency preparedness, prevention, and community right-to-know.
Chairs the National Response Team (NRT). The NRT and Regional Response Teams (RRTs) are composed of the 16 Federal agencies involved in environmental preparedness and response. . The Director coordinates agencywide response to nationally and internationally significant release events that require the attention or direct involvement of the Administrator or Assistant Administrators.
Directs the preparation of guidance and regulations as necessary and establishes mechanisms to implement the preparedness and prevention provisions of Superfund legislation and to obtain and manage information on accidental releases. Manages analyses necessary to define options for implementing the program and to
examine the effectiveness of implementation approaches. Recognizes the need for analyses of long-time strategic implications of preparedness and prevention program legislation, the need for modification, and
the interrelationship between other programs. Directs the development and publication of revisions to preparedness, prevention, and community right-to-know components of the National Contingency
Plan (NCP), in cooperation with the NRT, RRTs, and appropriate EPA offices. The NCP is the regulation which provides the national plan, policies and procedures or preparedness and response to oil and hazardous substance releases. Establishes contacts at the highest official levels in order to develop information, evaluate findings, and prepare reports incorporating conclusions and specific recommendations
.
Represents the Administrator, Assistant Administrator and the Agency at all levels of government, including Federal, State, municipal and county agencies as well as private industry, organized labor and citizen groups.
Chairs the Joint Response Teams between Canada and Mexico and is responsible for the development and implications of cross-border agreements.
Represents EPA on international preparedness and prevention projects with Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Assures the coordination of preparedness, prevention, and community
right-to-know and national incident activities within the Agency and with external agencies and groups.
Directs the preparation of Congressional testimony, briefing materials, and response to the Congress and the public on the status of preparedness and prevention programs. Presents Congressional testimony and briefings as appropriate.
Exercising continuing responsibility in support of the Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Action Plan.
Demonstrating leadership and commitment to sound, effective management consistent with the Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act.
Complete details at: www.usajobs.opm.gov
Job Title: Director, Office of Emergency Management
Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Job Announcement Number: EPA-10-SES-OSWER-6484
SALARY RANGE: 119,554.00 - 179,700.00 USD /year
OPEN PERIOD: Friday, April 30, 2010 to Monday, May 31, 2010
SERIES & GRADE: ES-0340
POSITION INFORMATION: Full-Time Permanent
DUTY LOCATIONS: 1 vacancy - Washington DC Metro Area, DC
WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED: Applications will be accepted from all groups of qualified individuals.
Duties
Additional Duty Location Info: 1 vacancy - Washington DC Metro Area, DC
Directs the national programs on chemical emergency preparedness, prevention, and community right-to-know.
Chairs the National Response Team (NRT). The NRT and Regional Response Teams (RRTs) are composed of the 16 Federal agencies involved in environmental preparedness and response. . The Director coordinates agencywide response to nationally and internationally significant release events that require the attention or direct involvement of the Administrator or Assistant Administrators.
Directs the preparation of guidance and regulations as necessary and establishes mechanisms to implement the preparedness and prevention provisions of Superfund legislation and to obtain and manage information on accidental releases. Manages analyses necessary to define options for implementing the program and to
examine the effectiveness of implementation approaches. Recognizes the need for analyses of long-time strategic implications of preparedness and prevention program legislation, the need for modification, and
the interrelationship between other programs. Directs the development and publication of revisions to preparedness, prevention, and community right-to-know components of the National Contingency
Plan (NCP), in cooperation with the NRT, RRTs, and appropriate EPA offices. The NCP is the regulation which provides the national plan, policies and procedures or preparedness and response to oil and hazardous substance releases. Establishes contacts at the highest official levels in order to develop information, evaluate findings, and prepare reports incorporating conclusions and specific recommendations
.
Represents the Administrator, Assistant Administrator and the Agency at all levels of government, including Federal, State, municipal and county agencies as well as private industry, organized labor and citizen groups.
Chairs the Joint Response Teams between Canada and Mexico and is responsible for the development and implications of cross-border agreements.
Represents EPA on international preparedness and prevention projects with Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Assures the coordination of preparedness, prevention, and community
right-to-know and national incident activities within the Agency and with external agencies and groups.
Directs the preparation of Congressional testimony, briefing materials, and response to the Congress and the public on the status of preparedness and prevention programs. Presents Congressional testimony and briefings as appropriate.
Exercising continuing responsibility in support of the Equal Employment Opportunity Affirmative Action Plan.
Demonstrating leadership and commitment to sound, effective management consistent with the Federal Managers Financial Integrity Act.
Complete details at: www.usajobs.opm.gov
FEMA Talking Points on Regionalization of Grant Programs and Timing of EMPG Grant Announcements
Date: May 7, 2010
FEMA has shared the following talking points. Please share this information.
Regionalization of Grant Programs
Since the passage of the Post¡¾Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2007, the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been working towards a new strategy to regionalize a
portion of FEMA¡Çs preparedness grant programs in order to develop a more robust preparedness
structure within the Regions. FEMA Headquarters (HQ) has been working closely with the Regions on
the regionalization of the following grant programs:
1. The Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG) Program
2.
3. Driver¡Çs License Security Grant Program (DLSGP)
4. Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP)
5. Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS)
6. Citizen Corps Program (CCP)
EMPG will be first of the above six grant programs to be coordinated and awarded at the regional level.
The following provides details regarding the release of FY 2010 EMPG Awards.
FEMA is committed to awarding funds for the regionalized grant· programs (as well as all of the
preparedness grant programs) in a timely manner, given the importance of these funds to states
and localities.
FEMA HQ has worked with the Regions to establish a schedule to· announce all FY 2010 EMPG
awards by June 1, 2010.
Some of the FY 2010 EMPG awards are now ready for award, and FEMA HQ· stands ready to
assist in moving this money out to the States.
As such, in order to provide this much¡¾needed funding to the states· and localities as quickly as
possible, rather than utilizing a single, standard announcement date, FEMA HQ is working to
announce all FY 2010 EMPG awards on a rolling (weekly) basis, starting on May 14, 2010. This
method should expedite the release of funding to the grantees.
FEMA HQ intends to make several rounds of announcements/congressional· notification for FY
2010 EMPG awards.
The first is scheduled for May 14, 2010; the second is scheduled for· May 21, 2010.
Notification of subsequent rounds FY 2010 EMPG awards will be· provided in the very near term.
Release notification and talking points of the other regionalized· preparedness grant programs
will be provided in a timely manner once these rollout schedules have been determined
2010 Hurricane Season
2010 Hurricane Season
The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) has confirmed that the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season officially starts on 1 June and may peak between late August and mid-October. According to hurricane specialists at Colorado State University, this year’s hurricane season will be above-average with eight hurricanes of which four will be major storms.
The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) has confirmed that the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season officially starts on 1 June and may peak between late August and mid-October. According to hurricane specialists at Colorado State University, this year’s hurricane season will be above-average with eight hurricanes of which four will be major storms.
Whereas some degree of incapacitation may be realistic in hurricane-prone states, there must be reasonable expectation that preparedness measures are ongoing to prevent the reduction of essential services caused by any storm occurring throughout the year. Necessary preparatory activities inevitably present community leaders of and their first responders with major operational, logistical, and personnel challenges. Therefore, the EMR-ISAC encourages exclusive focus on those matters that will preserve survivability, continuity, and resilience for this year's hurricanes and all other hazards.
Emergency Services Sector (ESS) organizations nationwide strive for uninterrupted mission-essential task performance before, during, and after catastrophes. To support this constant struggle by ESS departments and agencies susceptible to hurricanes, the EMR-ISAC offers the following "best practices" gleaned from multiple sources for the consideration of sector leaders:
· Revise emergency plans to include methods to transport stranded ESS personnel to and from their stations when necessary.
· Ensure plans include all roads expected to flood during heavy rains, ways to avoid them, and procedures to access emergencies along these roads.
· Update plans to address "last refuge," and "shutdown," as well as sudden storm change contingencies.
· Know how to access mass communication technologies to push or pull storm information.
· Examine the benefits of participation in the National Weather Service Storm Ready Program.
· Prepare to reset generators that have failed because of low air pressure and high winds commonly associated with hurricanes.
· Make sure electricity for gas pumps that provide fuel for emergency vehicles and LPG for emergency generators.
· Move apparatus, vehicles, and equipment to safe, but accessible locations.
· G each station has sufficient food and supplies for at least 72 hours of non-stop emergency operations.
· Remain alert for gas leaks, electrical system damage, downed or loose power lines, sewage and water line damage, etc.
· Remember terrorists or criminals may attempt to take advantage of the distraction caused by natural disasters.
Stat Care purchased by Acadian - largest private EMS in the nation
05/07/10
KJAS Radio - Jasper
by Steve W Stewart
Acadian Ambulance Service, the largest privately owned ambulance service in the country, announced on Friday that they have purchased locally based Stat Care EMS. Acadian, which began operating in Texas in 2006, says they plan to assume Stat Care’s operations in Jefferson, Hardin, Jasper, Sabine and Newton Counties on May 25th, with no interruption of service.
Acadian says they hope to hire all qualified medics and dispatchers from StatCare. Those who are hired will receive the same or, in many cases, higher salaries based on their years of service with Stat Care, according to Acadian Ambulance officials.
Acadian officials say they plan on upgrading and expanding Stat Care’s communications center to create a state-of-the-art emergency medical dispatch center. All of Acadian’s responses in Southeast Texas will be dispatched from the Beaumont center.
Additionally, Acadian says they plan on using only certified medical dispatchers trained to offer callers pre-arrival instructions, so they can begin helping patients before an ambulance arrives.
Jack Colley Suffers Heart Attack.
Jack is a friend of Emergency Managers. He is tough and a real fighter. We can help him in his fight by our prayers for him and his family
Drill tests communication reliability in disaster
By T.J. Aulds
The Daily News
Published May 7, 2010
TEXAS CITY — In the biggest mobilization since Hurricane Ike, emergency management teams and state agencies converged Thursday on Galveston County for a drill. The focus of the drill was to make sure communications between a variety of groups will work when the next disaster strikes.
The communications exercise coordinated by the Texas Division of Emergency Management coincided with hurricane planning drills in Harris and Galveston counties, state officials said.
Texas Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Tela Mange said the test run was to see how well communications could be set up after a disaster that knocked out most of the power or communications devices, such as what happened in some cases after Hurricane Ike.
“The reason to do this is if something bad enough comes along and we have to get all hands to come running, we make sure all the (communications devices) are working,” Mange said.
From satellite telephones to data transfers via HAM radios, emergency management crews from Travis County, the city of Austin and Williamson County, as well as local teams, tested their communication equipment.
The drill also afforded the military an opportunity to show off its latest toy.
Members of the Rapid Response Task Force of the 272 Engineering Installation Squadron of the Texas Air National Guard put its new “satellite-based interoperability communications package” through the paces.
In short, it’s a communications hub.
“It’s designed to get all of the various entities in these exercises to be able to talk together,” Master Sgt. Harvey Hartsman said. “It allows everybody to be able to talk to each other. That was a problem following the World Trade Center disasters (of Sept. 11, 2001). We had all these emergency crews, but none of them could talk to each other. This package helps solve that problem.”
The small, white trailer that houses the hub is one of 17 that eventually will be deployed throughout Texas, Hartsman said.
It is self reliant and provides access to phones, satellite communications, emergency radios and the Internet.
One of the system checks included linking the radios of emergency management personnel stationed in Texas City with staff at Camp Mabry in Austin via a satellite phone link. The crews also were transferring data to a center in Montana using HAM radio links.
The idea, Hartsman said, was to have the ability to get communications up and running in a disaster zone within hours and access to outside help. He said the center is not reserved for military use but was established to help local entities such as police departments establish communications in case regular communications systems fail after a disaster.
Once on site, the center can be set up in less than an hour, Hartsman said.
Bruce Clawson, the emergency management coordinator for the city of Texas City, said that should another Ike-like disaster come the county’s way, Texas City likely would become the coordinating point for communications and disaster relief. He said the drill Thursday was vital in better preparing outside agencies to come in and provide assistance when the next disaster strikes.
The Daily News
Published May 7, 2010
TEXAS CITY — In the biggest mobilization since Hurricane Ike, emergency management teams and state agencies converged Thursday on Galveston County for a drill. The focus of the drill was to make sure communications between a variety of groups will work when the next disaster strikes.
The communications exercise coordinated by the Texas Division of Emergency Management coincided with hurricane planning drills in Harris and Galveston counties, state officials said.
Texas Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Tela Mange said the test run was to see how well communications could be set up after a disaster that knocked out most of the power or communications devices, such as what happened in some cases after Hurricane Ike.
“The reason to do this is if something bad enough comes along and we have to get all hands to come running, we make sure all the (communications devices) are working,” Mange said.
From satellite telephones to data transfers via HAM radios, emergency management crews from Travis County, the city of Austin and Williamson County, as well as local teams, tested their communication equipment.
The drill also afforded the military an opportunity to show off its latest toy.
Members of the Rapid Response Task Force of the 272 Engineering Installation Squadron of the Texas Air National Guard put its new “satellite-based interoperability communications package” through the paces.
In short, it’s a communications hub.
“It’s designed to get all of the various entities in these exercises to be able to talk together,” Master Sgt. Harvey Hartsman said. “It allows everybody to be able to talk to each other. That was a problem following the World Trade Center disasters (of Sept. 11, 2001). We had all these emergency crews, but none of them could talk to each other. This package helps solve that problem.”
The small, white trailer that houses the hub is one of 17 that eventually will be deployed throughout Texas, Hartsman said.
It is self reliant and provides access to phones, satellite communications, emergency radios and the Internet.
One of the system checks included linking the radios of emergency management personnel stationed in Texas City with staff at Camp Mabry in Austin via a satellite phone link. The crews also were transferring data to a center in Montana using HAM radio links.
The idea, Hartsman said, was to have the ability to get communications up and running in a disaster zone within hours and access to outside help. He said the center is not reserved for military use but was established to help local entities such as police departments establish communications in case regular communications systems fail after a disaster.
Once on site, the center can be set up in less than an hour, Hartsman said.
Bruce Clawson, the emergency management coordinator for the city of Texas City, said that should another Ike-like disaster come the county’s way, Texas City likely would become the coordinating point for communications and disaster relief. He said the drill Thursday was vital in better preparing outside agencies to come in and provide assistance when the next disaster strikes.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Southeast Texas In Moderate Drought Conditions
The National Weather Service in Lake Charles said on Thursday that southeast Texas, and the entire state of Louisiana are now experiencing light to moderate drought conditions, with the southern portions of Jasper and Newton Counties in the moderate drought range.
Meanwhile, the typically dry areas of central and west Texas are - surprisingly - enjoying a wet spring with no drought conditions.
As of Thursday, the 2010 rainfall total in nearby Beaumont was nearly 6 inches below normal.
Fire danger is a by-product of drought conditions, and local firefighters have been very busy in recent weeks battling wildfires - most of which began as controlled burns that grew out of control.
Thanks to KJAS for their approval to publish this from their site.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
2010 Hurricane Season: Tools for Understanding Risk
May 05, 2010
Hurricane Season is right around the corner and DHS is sponsoring a webinar called 2010 Hurricane Season: Tools for Understanding Risk
Background on the webinar follows:
Each year, the Nation braces for hurricane season as communities along the Gulf of Mexico and the East Coast prepare for potentially catastrophic losses, and partners across the country plan for supply shocks that could impact every aspect of the national economy. Whether partners are in the path of the storm or preparing for anticipated supply chain disruptions, the Homeland Infrastructure Threat and Risk Analysis Center (HITRAC) can support their decision-making and the expeditious recovery and reconstitution of critical infrastructure systems and functions.
This CIKR Learning Series Webinar will highlight HITRAC's hurricane-related advanced modeling, simulation, and analysis capabilities. The Webinar will also present dynamic hurricane operational risk analysis conducted using the integrated Incident Risk Analysis Cell (iRAC). Available to the Department's critical infrastructure partners, iRAC is an invaluable tool for improving pre-incident planning, prioritizing incident response, and expediting reconstitution activities.
The online event will be held on May 12, 1:00-2:00PM EDT
You can register at the link above.
Hurricane Season is right around the corner and DHS is sponsoring a webinar called 2010 Hurricane Season: Tools for Understanding Risk
Background on the webinar follows:
Each year, the Nation braces for hurricane season as communities along the Gulf of Mexico and the East Coast prepare for potentially catastrophic losses, and partners across the country plan for supply shocks that could impact every aspect of the national economy. Whether partners are in the path of the storm or preparing for anticipated supply chain disruptions, the Homeland Infrastructure Threat and Risk Analysis Center (HITRAC) can support their decision-making and the expeditious recovery and reconstitution of critical infrastructure systems and functions.
This CIKR Learning Series Webinar will highlight HITRAC's hurricane-related advanced modeling, simulation, and analysis capabilities. The Webinar will also present dynamic hurricane operational risk analysis conducted using the integrated Incident Risk Analysis Cell (iRAC). Available to the Department's critical infrastructure partners, iRAC is an invaluable tool for improving pre-incident planning, prioritizing incident response, and expediting reconstitution activities.
The online event will be held on May 12, 1:00-2:00PM EDT
You can register at the link above.
Gulf Oil Spill Unified Command Briefing 4-5-2010
Today at 7:04pmThe Unified Area Command held a press briefing on May 5 on the continued efforts to attack and contain pollution on and below the surface surrounding the Deepwater Horizon incident. The briefing took place at 2:15 pm CDT in Robert, La. Speakers were Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Mary Landry, and BP Chief Operating Officer Doug Suttles.
Conference Highlights:
A fourth Incident Command Post was established in St. Petersburg, Fla. The other locations are in Mobile, Ala.; Houston, Texas; and Houma, La. The Unified Area Command is in Robert, La.
BP made $25 million block grants to the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi in order to accelerate the implementation of approved area contingency plans.
The containment system (cofferdam) is scheduled to be in place over one of the remaining leaks by Monday. Ships carrying the cofferdam infrastructure are sailing to the leak site today.
The cap recently secured over one of the oil leaks was accomplished by cutting off the end of the drill pipe where the leak occurred and placing a valve over it. This was conducted using a team of remotely operated vehicles.
Officials are discussing the use of subsea dispersants. Two test applications were conducted, with the second one finished last night. The results are being reviewed to determine whether this tool is feasible for future use.
Over the next 72 hours, the oil slick is not predicted to move significantly and changes will likely occur just along the fringes. Winds are predicted to move slowly south during this timeframe.
Conference Highlights:
A fourth Incident Command Post was established in St. Petersburg, Fla. The other locations are in Mobile, Ala.; Houston, Texas; and Houma, La. The Unified Area Command is in Robert, La.
BP made $25 million block grants to the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi in order to accelerate the implementation of approved area contingency plans.
The containment system (cofferdam) is scheduled to be in place over one of the remaining leaks by Monday. Ships carrying the cofferdam infrastructure are sailing to the leak site today.
The cap recently secured over one of the oil leaks was accomplished by cutting off the end of the drill pipe where the leak occurred and placing a valve over it. This was conducted using a team of remotely operated vehicles.
Officials are discussing the use of subsea dispersants. Two test applications were conducted, with the second one finished last night. The results are being reviewed to determine whether this tool is feasible for future use.
Over the next 72 hours, the oil slick is not predicted to move significantly and changes will likely occur just along the fringes. Winds are predicted to move slowly south during this timeframe.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Deep East Texas Regional Emergency Manager Meeting
Deep East Texas Regional Emergency Manager Meeting
April 20, 2010
Regular Stated Meeting – 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Location: Nacogdoches Police Department – EOC
Welcome – Billy Ted Smith
Presentation by Amy Sheldon – Animal Issues Committee
This was a snapshot of how their operation was handles during the evacuation during Ike.
(1) Texas Animal Health Commission assisted
(2) Suggested that Ellen Trout Zoo could help with large cats and exotic : Contact Gordon
(3) Local farmers with large pastures assisted
RFID Tracking – Billy Ted Smith: Group discussion
(1) Discussion of RFID Tracking System
(2) Discussed hand held scanners and swipe cards
(a) It was agreed that all jurisdictions needed hand held scanners and swipe cares along with arm and equipment bands.
(3) Discussed possibility of a Regional Project on purchasing these items.
(4) CEO's Tommy Wheeler, Keith Wright and Ricky Conners their jurisdictions will shelter. It was agreed that Billy Ted Smith will set up a meeting with DETCOG and with Lisa with Radiant for further discussion: Date to be announced
Discussion concerning informational websites of common interest by Billy Ted Smith
(a) DETREM blog site
(b) Jasper-Newton-Sabine Counties EM – Facebook
(c) East Texas Mutual Aid Association blog site
(d) Jasper-Newton-Sabine Counties Twitter Site
* Billy Ted Smith will send an email to all EM Coordinators with addresses to their sites.
* Discussion of experience with WebEOC and difficulties with fusion between different servers.
(a) A work in progress
*Discussion concerning invitation of non-member guests to DETREM Meetings:
(a) RLO’s
(b) Deputy Coordinators
(c) DETCOG – Walter Diggles, John McDowell, Don Morris, Robin Wright
It was agreed that these people should be invited
2:30 p.m. – Meeting Adjourned
April 20, 2010
Regular Stated Meeting – 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Location: Nacogdoches Police Department – EOC
Welcome – Billy Ted Smith
Presentation by Amy Sheldon – Animal Issues Committee
This was a snapshot of how their operation was handles during the evacuation during Ike.
(1) Texas Animal Health Commission assisted
(2) Suggested that Ellen Trout Zoo could help with large cats and exotic : Contact Gordon
(3) Local farmers with large pastures assisted
RFID Tracking – Billy Ted Smith: Group discussion
(1) Discussion of RFID Tracking System
(2) Discussed hand held scanners and swipe cards
(a) It was agreed that all jurisdictions needed hand held scanners and swipe cares along with arm and equipment bands.
(3) Discussed possibility of a Regional Project on purchasing these items.
(4) CEO's Tommy Wheeler, Keith Wright and Ricky Conners their jurisdictions will shelter. It was agreed that Billy Ted Smith will set up a meeting with DETCOG and with Lisa with Radiant for further discussion: Date to be announced
Discussion concerning informational websites of common interest by Billy Ted Smith
(a) DETREM blog site
(b) Jasper-Newton-Sabine Counties EM – Facebook
(c) East Texas Mutual Aid Association blog site
(d) Jasper-Newton-Sabine Counties Twitter Site
* Billy Ted Smith will send an email to all EM Coordinators with addresses to their sites.
* Discussion of experience with WebEOC and difficulties with fusion between different servers.
(a) A work in progress
*Discussion concerning invitation of non-member guests to DETREM Meetings:
(a) RLO’s
(b) Deputy Coordinators
(c) DETCOG – Walter Diggles, John McDowell, Don Morris, Robin Wright
It was agreed that these people should be invited
2:30 p.m. – Meeting Adjourned
Disaster Recovery Proposal
"April 30, 2010
Subject: Disaster Recovery RFP
TO: All Bidders
To all those that have picked up an RFP that your proposal should use unit pricing instead of the cost plus.
FEMA no longer allows “cost/plus” pricing. The language in the FEMA Debris Management Guide 325 states: “In accordance with 44 CFR Part 13.36(f)(4), cost plus percentage of cost contracts shall not be used. Use of such contracts may result in FEMA limiting the Public Assistance grant to an amount determined to be reasonable based on the eligible work performed.”
If you have any questions, please call Billy Ted Smith as the numbers listed below
Thanks
Truman Dougharty
Newton County Judge
Billy Ted Smith
Jasper/Newton/Sabine Counties
Emergency Management/Homeland Security
Program Manager/Coordinator"
Subject: Disaster Recovery RFP
TO: All Bidders
To all those that have picked up an RFP that your proposal should use unit pricing instead of the cost plus.
FEMA no longer allows “cost/plus” pricing. The language in the FEMA Debris Management Guide 325 states: “In accordance with 44 CFR Part 13.36(f)(4), cost plus percentage of cost contracts shall not be used. Use of such contracts may result in FEMA limiting the Public Assistance grant to an amount determined to be reasonable based on the eligible work performed.”
If you have any questions, please call Billy Ted Smith as the numbers listed below
Thanks
Truman Dougharty
Newton County Judge
Billy Ted Smith
Jasper/Newton/Sabine Counties
Emergency Management/Homeland Security
Program Manager/Coordinator"
Disaster Recovery Proposal
"April 30, 2010
Subject: Disaster Recovery RFP
TO: All Bidders
To all those that have picked up an RFP that your proposal should use unit pricing instead of the cost plus.
FEMA no longer allows “cost/plus” pricing. The language in the FEMA Debris Management Guide 325 states: “In accordance with 44 CFR Part 13.36(f)(4), cost plus percentage of cost contracts shall not be used. Use of such contracts may result in FEMA limiting the Public Assistance grant to an amount determined to be reasonable based on the eligible work performed.”
If you have any questions, please call Billy Ted Smith as the numbers listed below
Thanks
Truman Dougharty
Newton County Judge
Billy Ted Smith
Jasper/Newton/Sabine Counties
Emergency Management/Homeland Security
Program Manager/Coordinator"
Subject: Disaster Recovery RFP
TO: All Bidders
To all those that have picked up an RFP that your proposal should use unit pricing instead of the cost plus.
FEMA no longer allows “cost/plus” pricing. The language in the FEMA Debris Management Guide 325 states: “In accordance with 44 CFR Part 13.36(f)(4), cost plus percentage of cost contracts shall not be used. Use of such contracts may result in FEMA limiting the Public Assistance grant to an amount determined to be reasonable based on the eligible work performed.”
If you have any questions, please call Billy Ted Smith as the numbers listed below
Thanks
Truman Dougharty
Newton County Judge
Billy Ted Smith
Jasper/Newton/Sabine Counties
Emergency Management/Homeland Security
Program Manager/Coordinator"
Potential Severe Weather SITREP
SUBJECT: Potential Severe Weather SITREP #1 043010SITUATION REPORT # 1DATE AND TIME COVERED: Friday, April 30, 2010, 2:00 p.m. 1. CURRENT SITUATION:A weak cold front is currently pushing through the Dallas-Fort Worth area which started to develop some precipitation in the early morning hours. Isolated storms are expect...ed to develop later this afternoon in front of the dryline northeast of a line from Paris to Columbus to Orange. Precipitation is possible all the way to the gulf coast as moist air continues to stream in out front of the cold front. As this system moves east, chances for thunderstorms will increase, with the best chances for the northeast Texas north of I20 along and east of I35 this afternoon through Saturday morning. The threat for very large hail should exist across Arkansas southwestward into northeast Texas where moderate to strong instability is forecasted.See More
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Keep Current With Coastal Oil Spill
"The National Weather Service in Lake Charles will keep a link to the
latest NOAA analysis and forecast for the oil spill off the southeast
Louisiana coast on our webpage. You can find the link at the top of our page at
www.srh.noaa.gov/lch under the 'Top News of the Day'.
There is a link to the latest oil spill trajectory that you can follow.
At this point, it is not a threat to southeast Texas coastal areas,
but we will continue to monitor the progress of the spill and update
everyone if the situation changes for our region."
latest NOAA analysis and forecast for the oil spill off the southeast
Louisiana coast on our webpage. You can find the link at the top of our page at
www.srh.noaa.gov/lch under the 'Top News of the Day'.
There is a link to the latest oil spill trajectory that you can follow.
At this point, it is not a threat to southeast Texas coastal areas,
but we will continue to monitor the progress of the spill and update
everyone if the situation changes for our region."
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
DEM Chief To Visit Southeast Texas
Jack Colley, Chief of Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management will make a visit to southeast Texas on Thursday April 29. He will make his Pre-Hurricane Season appearence at the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission building in Beaumont at 1:30 PM. Invited guest are elected officials, Emergency Management Coordinators and response personnel. He will surely stress that we must do things "Quicker - Faster - Smarter".
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Results of Survey of Local Government Emergency Managers on EMPG
IAEM-USA Government Affairs Committee Announces Results of its 3rd Annual Survey on the Impact of the Economic Downturn on Local Emergency Management Offices and the Role of Emergency Management Performance Grant Program Funds
On Feb. 17, 2010, the Government Affairs Committee of IAEM-USA asked our regional presidents and the state associations of local emergency managers to distribute a link to a survey hosted by Survey Monkey to members in their respective areas. When data collection ceased on Mar. 3, 2010, 314 emergency managers representing 30 states had completed the survey. We are thankful to all those individuals who participated in the survey.
The survey results represent real feedback from frontline, local government emergency managers. The results will be valuable in the advocacy efforts of IAEM-USA in Washington—and we anticipate they also will be helpful to the advocacy efforts of local emergency managers in their states. The results provided insight into the value and use of EMPG funding; led to asking some important questions about knowledge and transparency surrounding EMPG funds and the funding process; and, revealed that the economic downturn is continuing to have a range of negative impacts on local emergency management programs.
The Survey Reports are posted on the IAEM website at the following URL:
http://www.iaem.com/Committees/GovernmentAffairs/GovtAffairs.htm#Surveys22Apr2010
On Feb. 17, 2010, the Government Affairs Committee of IAEM-USA asked our regional presidents and the state associations of local emergency managers to distribute a link to a survey hosted by Survey Monkey to members in their respective areas. When data collection ceased on Mar. 3, 2010, 314 emergency managers representing 30 states had completed the survey. We are thankful to all those individuals who participated in the survey.
The survey results represent real feedback from frontline, local government emergency managers. The results will be valuable in the advocacy efforts of IAEM-USA in Washington—and we anticipate they also will be helpful to the advocacy efforts of local emergency managers in their states. The results provided insight into the value and use of EMPG funding; led to asking some important questions about knowledge and transparency surrounding EMPG funds and the funding process; and, revealed that the economic downturn is continuing to have a range of negative impacts on local emergency management programs.
The Survey Reports are posted on the IAEM website at the following URL:
http://www.iaem.com/Committees/GovernmentAffairs/GovtAffairs.htm#Surveys22Apr2010
Fiscal Year 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grants
Fiscal Year 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grants
The Department of Homeland Security has posted the FY 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program Guidance on the AFG Web site. The application period is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 26, 2010, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). Applications for these grants must be received by Friday, May 28, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
Nationally, the AFG awards, which will be distributed in phases, will ultimately provide approximately $390 million to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country. AFG awards aim to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards. The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to obtain training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles.
An applicant tutorial is available at www.firegrantsupport.com. The tutorial provides valuable grant information and will walk you through the preparation and submittal of competitive applications. In addition, the applicant tutorial will provide an overview of the funding priorities and evaluation criteria.
The AFG Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration.
Applicants who have questions regarding the Assistance to Firefighters Grants opportunity should contact the help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or at firegrants@.... During the application period, the help desk will operate Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (EDT), but is prepared to revise hours of operation based on volume and demand
The Department of Homeland Security has posted the FY 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program Guidance on the AFG Web site. The application period is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 26, 2010, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). Applications for these grants must be received by Friday, May 28, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
Nationally, the AFG awards, which will be distributed in phases, will ultimately provide approximately $390 million to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country. AFG awards aim to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards. The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to obtain training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles.
An applicant tutorial is available at www.firegrantsupport.com. The tutorial provides valuable grant information and will walk you through the preparation and submittal of competitive applications. In addition, the applicant tutorial will provide an overview of the funding priorities and evaluation criteria.
The AFG Program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Grant Programs Directorate in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration.
Applicants who have questions regarding the Assistance to Firefighters Grants opportunity should contact the help desk at 1-866-274-0960 or at firegrants@.... During the application period, the help desk will operate Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (EDT), but is prepared to revise hours of operation based on volume and demand
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Robert Smith EMC To Undergo Heart Surgery
Robert Joe Smith (Emergency Management Coordinator of Washington County) and brother of DETREM President Billy Ted Smith will undergo surgery at Methodist Hospital in Houston tomorrow for constrictive pericarditis (hardening of the sack around his heart).
Robert was also retired from Beaumont Police Department and was Sergeant and Assistant EMC.
Please keep him in your prayers.http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.caringbridge.org%2Fvisit%2Frbtsmith%2Fjournal&h=d9e0f
You can keep track on his progress at
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
"G-310 Hurricane Readiness for Inland Communities Nacogdoches Library
"G-310 Hurricane Readiness for Inland Communities Nacogdoches Library
G-310 - Hurricane Readiness for Inland Communities
This course is designed to educate emergency management personnel from inland jurisdictions on the nature of the hurricane threat and the role they can expect to play in the response to that threat. There is heavy emphasis on hurricane hazards, particularly the elements that pose the greatest threat to inland communities. The course also acquaints the student with available planning and decision-making tools and details planning and preparation efforts to be considered prior to and after a hurricane.
Target Audience:
State and local emergency management personnel from areas that are at risk from hurricane hazards as the storm moves inland
How this course is offered:
Individuals can register below for class deliveries offered in Austin. A jurisdiction may request that it be conducted locally by coordinating verbally in advance with the appropriate RLO and then submit a written request to GDEM via the form here.
Prerequisites:
None, but completion of Emergency Planning (G-235) would be helpful.
Cost:
No tuition is charged.
310 Hurricane Readiness for Inland Communities
DPS Training Academy
5805 North Lamar Blvd, Building C
AUSTIN, TX 78757
County: TRAVIS 5/11/2010 30
G-310 Hurricane Readiness for Inland Communities Nacogdoches Library
1112 North Street
NACOGDOCHES, TX 75961
County: NACOGDOCHES 5/26/2010"
G-310 - Hurricane Readiness for Inland Communities
This course is designed to educate emergency management personnel from inland jurisdictions on the nature of the hurricane threat and the role they can expect to play in the response to that threat. There is heavy emphasis on hurricane hazards, particularly the elements that pose the greatest threat to inland communities. The course also acquaints the student with available planning and decision-making tools and details planning and preparation efforts to be considered prior to and after a hurricane.
Target Audience:
State and local emergency management personnel from areas that are at risk from hurricane hazards as the storm moves inland
How this course is offered:
Individuals can register below for class deliveries offered in Austin. A jurisdiction may request that it be conducted locally by coordinating verbally in advance with the appropriate RLO and then submit a written request to GDEM via the form here.
Prerequisites:
None, but completion of Emergency Planning (G-235) would be helpful.
Cost:
No tuition is charged.
310 Hurricane Readiness for Inland Communities
DPS Training Academy
5805 North Lamar Blvd, Building C
AUSTIN, TX 78757
County: TRAVIS 5/11/2010 30
G-310 Hurricane Readiness for Inland Communities Nacogdoches Library
1112 North Street
NACOGDOCHES, TX 75961
County: NACOGDOCHES 5/26/2010"
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