Emergency Management

Urban Shield has grown into a comprehensive, full-scale regional preparedness exercise assessing the overall Bay Area UASI Region’s response capabilities related to multi-discipline planning, policies, procedures, organization, equipment and training. Urban Shield continues to test regional integrated systems for prevention, protection, response and recovery in our high-threat, high-density urban area. The exercise evaluates our existing level of preparedness and capabilities, identifying not only what we do well, but areas in need of improvement. The previous years’ After Action Reports are referenced and used to assist in prioritizing upcoming expenditures possible for the region so we may become more prepared for any type of critical event or incident in our area.

For the first time, The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program will be training alongside other first res-ponders at urban Shield. CERT trains community members in basic disaster response skills, such as small fire suppression, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

Watch for a Cal OES Inside Look at CERT exercising at Urban Shield coming Thursday, September 14th. Here’s a preview.

Links

Urban Shield

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

Cal Volunteers & CERT

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is raising awareness that Hurricane Irma disaster survivors, and their friends and family, should be alert for false rumors, scams, identity theft, and fraud. Although many Americans are working hard to help their neighbors now, during chaotic times, some will always try to take advantage of the most vulnerable.

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Colorado Daily Status Report September 13, 2017 Information in this report was gathered prior to 8:30 a.m.

Alerts/WarningsNational Terrorism Advisory System: No Current Alerts | Bulletin


State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Activation LevelNormal Operations

Current Disasters/Large IncidentsDeep Creek Fire, Pine Tree Fire

Major Road Impacts/ClosuresNone Reported

Incident NameDeep Creek FireIncident Start DateSeptember 4, 2017 at 11:15 a.m.Location/CountyRoutt CountyCauseUnknownAcres4,112Containment79%Evacuations/Road ClosuresNone ReportedFatalities/InjuriesNone ReportedStructures LostNone ReportedResources· DHSEM Regional Field Manager and DFPC Fire Management Officer
· A Type II Incident Management TeamFundingEmergency Fire Fund approved on September 5, 2017Information SourcesInciweb Routt County Website Fire Information Line: 970-367-7519

Incident NamePine Tree FireIncident Start DateSeptember 9, 2017 at 4 p.m.Location/CountyMoffat CountyCauseLightningAcres4,735Containment37%Evacuations/ClosuresNone ReportedFatalities/InjuriesNone ReportedStructures LostNone ReportedFundingEmergency Fire Fund approved on September 10, 2017Resources· A Type II Incident Management TeamInformation SourcesMoffat County Facebook Page Inciweb Fire Information Line: 970-367-7519

Link to the full Colorado Daily Status Report for September 13, 2017.

As two separate hurricanes battered the states of Texas and Florida just days apart, trained California personnel was strategically positioned to answer a request for assistance if needed. Within hours, members of the Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces (US&R) and Swiftwater/Flood Rescue were deployed to aid in the response of both hurricanes.

Requests for swiftwater teams through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) came via the State to State Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), while deployment of US&R teams came at the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

 

 

HURRICANE HARVEY

Hurricane Harvey made landfall on August 25 on the Gulf Coast. According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Harvey was downgraded to a tropical storm due to a drop in wind speeds and storm intensity. Meanwhile, life-threatening and devastating flooding along the Texas coast extended for days after the storm had passed due to heavy rainfall and storm surge. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster for 30 Texas counties in anticipation of Harvey making landfall.

Harvey set a new rainfall record with more than 51 inches in the Cedar Bayou gauge near Highlands, Texas, according to the National Weather Service. The previous record for rainfall in the continental U.S. was 48 inches, also in Texas, during Tropical Storm Amelia in 1978.

In response to Harvey, California Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. approved the deployment of eight Urban Search and Rescue teams: CA-Task Force 5 (Orange County Fire Authority), CA-TF1 (Los Angeles City Fire Department), CA-TF4 (Oakland City Fire Department), CA-TF8 (San Diego City Fire Department), CA-TF2 (Los Angeles County Fire Department), CA-TF3 (Menlo Park Fire Department), CA-TF6 (City of Riverside Fire Department) and CA-TF7 (Sacramento City Fire Department). Two additional Swiftwater/Flood Rescue teams from Long Beach City Fire Department and Ventura County Fire Department were both deployed on August 31.

In addition to Urban Search and Rescue and Swiftwater Rescue assets, California deployed the 129th Para Rescue Unit and RC26 Ariel Reconnaissance Aircraft from the National Guard; two Disaster Medical Assistance Teams; and an EMAC/Incident Support Team Specialist.

 

HURRICANE IRMA

In Florida, Hurricane Irma was one of the strongest hurricanes to ever form in the Atlantic Ocean. Thousands of residents were evacuated in advance of landfall, with a Hurricane Watch and Storm Surge Watch issued for portions of South Florida and the Florida Keys. Governor Rick Scott also declared a state of emergency in all 67 counties in anticipation of the impacts of Hurricane Irma.

Governor Brown approved the deployment of Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Task Force 1 (CA-TF1) Los Angeles Fire Department and Task Force 4 (CA-TF4) Oakland Fire Department. Additionally, the deployments of Task Force 3 (CA-TF3) Menlo Park Fire Protection District and Task Force 8 (CA-TF8) San Diego City Fire Rescue Department were deployed after having recently returned to California from Hurricane Harvey before repositioning to assist in the response efforts of Hurricane Irma.

All four US&R teams consist of 80 personnel.

 

COMPARING US&R TO SWIFTWATER

The Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces are highly-specialized search and rescue units that can perform in heavy reinforced masonry structures, handle heavy rigging, specialized search functions and operate in swiftwater/flood environments.

California’s Swiftwater/Flood Rescue teams are each comprised of 14 local fire department-based personnel and a command element with specialized capabilities such as inflatable rescue boat handling, flood search methodology, night search operations, mud and debris flow rescue, and specialized tools for locating and rescuing people trapped by flood waters.

 

WHAT IS EMAC?

EMAC, which includes the participation of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a nationally recognized mutual-aid system that provides the foundation for states to request and send resources across their borders when impacted by a disaster.

 

Additional resources:

Cal OES

FEMA

National Weather Service

 

 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is actively coordinating the efforts of dozens of federal agencies as recovery and relief efforts following Hurricane Irma continue, in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), Puerto Rico, and Florida.

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DENVER - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Strawberry Fire in Pondera and Teton Counties, Montana and a portion of the Blackfeet Nation.

FEMA Acting Regional Administrator Nancy J. Dragani approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the state’s request Tuesday afternoon.

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DENVER - Residents in western states impacted by wildfires may be eligible for an exception to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 30-day waiting period usually required for flood insurance coverage. Though flood insurance coverage is often not an immediate concern of those owning property near areas experiencing wildland fires, the removal of vegetation post-fire can result in ground unable to absorb water, resulting in increased flood risks.

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ATLANTA – Homeowners, renters and business owners in Broward, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Palm Beach, Putnam, and St. Johns counties may now apply for federal disaster assistance for uninsured and underinsured damages and losses resulting from Hurricane Irma. Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties were designated for Individual Assistance on Sept. 10, 2017.

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Colorado Daily Status Report September 12, 2017Information in this report was gathered prior to 8:30 a.m.
Alerts/Warnings
National Terrorism Advisory System: No Current Alerts | Bulletin
State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Activation Level: Normal Operations
Current Disasters/Large Incidents: Deep Creek Fire, Pine Tree Fire
Major Road Impacts/Closures: None Reported

Incident NameDeep Creek FireIncident Start DateSeptember 4, 2017 at 11:15 a.m.Location/CountyRoutt CountyCauseUnknownAcres4,112Containment79%Evacuations/Road ClosuresNone ReportedFatalities/InjuriesNone ReportedStructures LostNone ReportedResources· DHSEM Regional Field Manager and DFPC Fire Management Officer
· A Type II Incident Management TeamFundingEmergency Fire Fund approved on September 5, 2017Information SourcesInciweb Routt County Website Fire Information Line: 970-367-7519


Incident NamePine Tree FireIncident Start DateSeptember 9, 2017 at 4 p.m.Location/CountyMoffat CountyCauseLightningAcres4,732Containment0%Evacuations/ClosuresNone ReportedFatalities/InjuriesNone ReportedStructures LostNone ReportedFundingEmergency Fire Fund approved on September 10, 2017Resources· A Type II Incident Management TeamInformation SourcesMoffat County Facebook Page Inciweb Fire Information Line: 970-367-7519

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), through its National and Regional Response Coordination Centers and liaisons to the National Hurricane Center, is actively monitoring the track of Tropical Storm Irma and supporting local authorities as they respond to the damage already caused in Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), and Puerto Rico.

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MIDLAND, Mich. – Hours at the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Isabella and Midland counties will change effective immediately.

Hours will now be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

 

Isabella County
4855 E. Bluegrass Road
Mt. Pleasant, Mich. 48858

Midland County
Carpenter Street School
1407 W. Carpenter St.
Midland, Mich. 48640

 

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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to coordinate the federal government's efforts to support Commonwealth, territorial, local, private sector, and non-profit partners, as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) continue response and recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

The top priority of the federal government, as we work together to support response efforts, is protecting the lives and safety of those in affected areas. 

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AUSTIN, Texas – A State of Texas/FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Center opens Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, in Wharton County in the city of Wharton.

Disaster recovery centers offer in-person support to individuals and businesses in 39 counties included in the Texas federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Harvey and the subsequent floods.

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AUSTIN, Texas – In partnership with the State of Texas, FEMA is hiring workers across the state for administrative, logistical and technical jobs related to hurricane recovery.

Those hired will join the recovery team – local, state and federal workers, voluntary agencies and community organizations – already in place. Through temporary local employees, FEMA gains valuable community insights, provides jobs and puts Texans to work helping Texans.

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Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Donald J. Trump's disaster declaration issued for the state of Alabama and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians Tribe.

Assistance for the State, Tribal and affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

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WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that federal emergency aid has been made available to the state of Alabama to supplement state, tribal, and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions in the area affected by Hurricane Irma beginning on September 8, 2017 and continuing.

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ATLANTA – Survivors with losses due to Hurricane Irma in Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Pinellas, and Sarasota Counties may now register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, according to state and federal officials.

Individuals can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA App.

Applicants will need the following to apply:

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SACRAMENTO – Today marks the 16th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and on United Airlines Flight 93. This anniversary has significant meaning for the United States, as well as for California. Mark S. Ghilarducci, director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and homeland security advisor to Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., has issued the following statement:

“With this year’s somber anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and United Airlines Flight 93, these events are benchmark moments in our nation’s history.  It’s a reminder that the natural world’s hazards are not the only threats we face and the mission to keep our country, our state and our communities secure continues.

Today, while we honor and reflect on those who so senselessly lost their lives, those who were living their ordinary lives, but who reacted with extraordinary heroism, those emergency responders and recovery workers that sacrificed so much and all of those whose lives have been forever changed on this tragic day 16 years ago, it is important to remember that the threat of terrorism continues to be a factor in our daily lives, around the world and right here in California, as we witnessed as recently as December 2015 in San Bernardino with a terrorist attack consisting of a mass shooting and an attempted bombing.

The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, along with our partners at state, local, tribal and federal public safety agencies, and partners in private sector have been tasked with keeping California secure and remaining at the forefront of security, emergency readiness and planning.  It is essential that this important task, also be taken seriously at home, as it requires all Californians in a unified effort to keep our communities safe and secure.

California has trained and outfitted thousands of public safety personnel for counterterrorism, including the establishment of the State Threat Assessment System and the California Cybersecurity Integration Center.  As the years move on from 2001, we strive to improve intelligence sharing and build awareness to detect, deter and prevent acts of terrorism to safeguard all our communities.

I ask all Californians to help us in this mission, by actively being informed, getting engaged and remaining as vigilant as ever.  If you see something suspicious, say something about it by calling 9-1-1 or inform your local police department.  Empower yourself, your family and your friends with the confidence of being prepared and having a family plan.“

 

Colorado Daily Status Report September 11, 2017Information in this report was gathered prior to 8:30 a.m.
Alerts/Warnings
National Terrorism Advisory System: No Current Alerts | Bulletin
State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Activation Level: Normal Operations
Current Disasters/Large Incidents: Deep Creek Fire, Pine Tree Fire
Major Road Impacts/Closures: None Reported 
Incident NameDeep Creek FireIncident Start DateSeptember 4, 2017 at 11:15 a.m.Location/CountyRoutt CountyCauseUnknownAcres4,112Containment62%Evacuations/Road ClosuresA staffed road closure is in place at the intersection of CR 56 and CR 52W.Fatalities/InjuriesNone ReportedStructures LostNone ReportedResources· DHSEM Regional Field Manager and DFPC Fire Management Officer
· A Type II Incident Management TeamFundingEmergency Fire Fund approved on September 5, 2017Information SourcesRoutt County Twitter Routt County Office of Emergency Management Facebook Page Inciweb Routt County Website Fire Information Line: 970-367-7519  Incident NamePine Tree FireIncident Start DateSeptember 9, 2017 at 4 p.m.Location/CountyMoffat CountyCauseLightningAcres4,443Containment0%Evacuations/ClosuresMoffat County Road 57 is closed at the intersection of Highway 40 to the north and south of the Rio Blanco County Line.Fatalities/InjuriesNone ReportedStructures LostNone ReportedResources· A Type II Incident Management TeamInformation SourcesMoffat County Facebook Page Inciweb Fire Information Line: 970-367-7519

Contact:Communications SpecialistJennifer Hillmann720-879-2462jennifer.hillmann@state.co.us
DHSEM.state.co.us | COEmergency.com | Colorado.gov/MARS  National Preparedness Month: Plan to Help Your Neighbor and Community

Centennial, Colo. – September 11, 2017 — According to a 2016 National Academies of Science study, trauma is the leading cause of death for individuals under age 46.  Life-threatening injuries require immediate action to prevent a death. Those nearest to someone with life threatening injuries are best positioned to provide first care.  If someone is injured, the first few minutes are critical in helping the chances of surviving serious or life-threatening injuries. 
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985. The Whittier Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area-wide threat of a major disaster in California.  It confirmed the need for training civilians to meet their immediate needs.Want to contribute more to your local community? The CERT program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills.  These skills include fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.  CERT offers a consistent, nationwide approach to volunteer training and organization that professional responders can rely on during disaster situations, which allows them to focus on more complex tasks. Through CERT, the capabilities to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters is built and enhanced.

Things to Know About CERT:·         CERT volunteers are trained to respond safely, responsibly, and effectively to emergency situations, but they can also support their communities during non-emergency events as well.  ·         There are over 2,700 local CERT programs nationwide, with more than 600,000 individuals trained since CERT became a national program.  ·         FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team Program trains volunteers to prepare for the types of disasters that their community may face.  You can find a CERT program near you on the Ready.gov website
We can’t know when or where the next disaster will hit, but we can take steps now to be better prepared.  Almost half of Americans expect to rely a great deal on their neighbors and community members after a disaster so why not start the conversation now with these Neighbor Helping Neighbor strategies.
Want more tips and ideas?  Head over to our website at www.READYColorado.com and read the full blog post, or follow us all week on our social media accounts for new posts on the National Preparedness month campaign.###
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