OEM & MTA to Electronically Map NYC Subway System

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) announced May 21 a plan to map electronically every inch of the NYC subway system. The project, slated to cost about $200,000, will give first responders better information about the layout of the system in case of a terrorist attack or other emergency by making electronic versions of the subway map easily downloadable. The map, containing every exit, emergency phone and alarm box underground, will be available at a central command headquarters that will communicate with emergency workers on the scene.

Read the May 22 Newsday article by David Freedlander:
www.newsday.com/news/local/newyork/ny-nymap225224573may22,0,148417.story

HAN Web System Alerts NYC’s Health Providers

The NYC Health Alert Network (HAN), a web-based alerting system from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), provides doctors and other medical providers with up-to-date information on urgent and emergent public health issues.

To register:
1.888.NYCMED9
www.nyc.gov/health/nycmed

Download the HAN PowerPoint presentation: click here

WCC Disaster Volunteering Workshop – May 30

World Cares Center (WCC) offers “Disaster Preparation & Trauma Mitigation” training workshops. Disaster Volunteering I (DV I) is a training workshop for those who are interested in becoming disaster volunteers or responders. Participants will learn more about disaster and emergency work and will be able to evaluate whether they are ready, able and prepared to become volunteers. They will leave equipped with the keys to being an effective volunteer and lessons on how to stay emotionally strong and healthy while doing disaster work. It takes place on Wednesday, May 30,
6:30-8:30 pm at September Space Midtown located at 520 8th Avenue, 11th Floor.

For more information contact Allyson:
aparmentier@worldcares.org

To RSVP:
646.289.3098
rsvp@worldcares.org

http://worldcares.org/sspace/midtown/index.shtml

HWC-LI Announces New CEO Gwen O’Shea

Thomas Maligno, the Chairman of the  Board of Directors of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, the umbrella for the Island’s non profit and public health and human service organizations, announced that the Council Board selected Gwen O’Shea to replace the retiring, long time CEO, Jack O’Connell. O’Shea has been with the Council since 1999 and the Chief Operating Officer since 2004, overseeing the Child Health Plus Facilitated Enrollment Program and the 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable. O’Shea will be welcomed by the members of Council at the 2007 Annual Meeting on Friday, June 8 at the Huntington Hilton along with the newly elected Chairman of the Board of Directors, Lance Elder, the CEO of EAC.

www.hwcli.com

New Ground Day Camp Seeks Host Churches

New Ground Day Camp, a partnership with Koinonia and Lutheran Counseling Center, is looking for host congregations that will register community children for a week of fun this summer. Koinonia provides a trained team of college-age camp counselors to facilitate safe programming which includes worship, Bible study, games, crafts and more. Lutheran Counseling Center provides an advisor in residence to assist campers in learning life skills such as communication, non-violence, and identifying your support system. This faith-based program is open to all children helping them move beyond the events of 9/11 and to stand on New Ground.

Call Pr. Ann Tiemeyer, Director:
212.669.6130

www.KoinoniaNY.org

NYC Citizen Corps' Latest Resources

For the Citizen Corps Council Calendar:
nyc.gov/portal/site/nycgov/menuitem.ef33f204f9fb6cc880bbe51001c789a0

Download the Official Ready NY Posters:
www.nydis.org/downloads/N56_OEM_Posters.pdf

About NYDISNET and NYDISNET Alerts

Welcome to NYDISNET, our bi-weekly e-newsletter. We hope this resource will keep you updated about the work of NYDIS and developments in disaster readiness, response and recovery initiatives here in New York City. During emergencies we will send a NYDISNET ALERT to all subscribers. The alert will include all official information available through the NYC Office of Emergency Management and news from our members and partners. Please feel free to copy and distribute any information from NYDISNET that you find helpful. If you would like to distribute NYDISNET to your agency staff or faith community leaders please let us know - we're happy to provide that service free of charge.

Have you Registered with HOWCALM™?

NYDIS has developed and made available, free to NYC faith communities and houses of worhship, a secure, web-based database system for managing faith-based assets in times of crisis. By tracking the logistics and resources of houses of worship, religious schools and faith-based service providers, the system enhancing the preparedness, response capacity and emergency planning efforts in NYC. Enrolling your congregation will include enrollment in emergency communication systems, disaster training opportunities and enhance NYDIS’ ability to work in partnership with OEM and Human Service agencies to include your house of worship in all-hazards planning.

For more information download the brochure on pdf: click here

To register: click here

Downloadable Ready NY Preparedness Guides

OEM's Ready NY preparedness campaign is designed to help New Yorkers better prepare for all types of emergencies. The following Ready NY preparedness guides and brochures are available online, most in multiple languages:

• Small and Mid-Size Companies Guide
• Hurricanes and NYC Guide
• Pets Guide
• Household Preparedness Guide
• Pocket Guide
• Guide for Seniors & People with Disabilities

OEM Tip #1: Prepare Your Pets for an Emergency

When it comes to emergency planning, it's important to consider everyone’s needs. Ensure your disaster plan accounts for your pet. Ready NY for Pets outlines steps pet owners can take to ensure their pets are prepared for all types of emergencies.

Download the Brochures in English and Spanish:
www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/ready/pets_guide.shtml

OEM Tip #2: CPR Training Saves Lives

Packing a Go Bag and an Emergency Supply Kit can go a long way in preparing for an emergency, but the right training can prepare you to help others as well. Around 250,000 Americans suffer from sudden cardiac arrest each year; that is nearly one person every two minutes. Prompt, effective administration of CPR can save a life.
Learn how to make a difference at a one-day CPR class offered by the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC-GNY).

Sign up for an ARC CPR Class:
www.nyredcross.org/viewclass.php/prmCID/5

SEMO’s Flood Facts and Tips

The NY State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) website has information on what to do before flooding occurs, how to stay safe during such an event, and where to find help when you need it.

Download SEMO’s Floods Fact Sheet:
www.semo.state.ny.us/uploads/2007_Floods_Fact_Sheet.pdf

Read SEMO’s Safety Tips:
www.semo.state.ny.us/info/publicsafety/floodprepare.cfm

ARC-GNY Preparedness Presentation-Headquarters

Prepare New York is a free 45-minute emergency preparedness presentation teaching NYC residents how to create a plan, build a supply kit, and keep loved ones safe and informed during times of disaster. Participants receive an interactive CD that can be used to create a customized evacuation plan and brochures from the ARC and NYC OEM. The next presentation is on Thursday, June 7, 6:30 to 7:15 pm at 520 West 49th Street.

Sign up online for June 7:
www.nyredcross.org/eventreg.php?prmEventID=2724

• ARC-GNY Preparedness Presentation-Chinese
  The next presentations of “Prepare NY in Chinese” are Monday, June 4, 9:30 to 10:15 am and Monday, June 18, 7:15 to 8:15 pm at the CCBA at 62 Mott St. in Manhattan.
  
  Sign up online for June 4:
  www.nyredcross.org/eventreg.php?prmEventID=2740
  
  Sign up online for June 18:
  www.nyredcross.org/eventreg.php?prmEventID=2742

Ready.gov Offers Emergency Supply List

Through its Ready Campaign, the DHS advises the importance of preparing for and responding to potential emergencies, including natural disasters and terrorist attacks.

Download a checklist of recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit:
www.ready.gov/america/_downloads/checklist.pdf

Hurricane Preparedness

• Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 20-26
  A lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing the vulnerabilities and what actions to take, the effects of a hurricane disaster can be reduced. The Hurricane Preparedness website informs the public about hurricane hazards and provides knowledge which can be used to take action.
  
  To learn the information you need in the event of a hurricane:
  www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml
  
  Download the Poster:
  www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/pdf/NHPW07_print_quality.pd

• FEMA’s New Guide Asks: “Are You Ready?”
  The FEMA publication “Are You Ready?” offers free assistance in planning and preparing for hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30. The 200-page guide to disaster preparedness can be used as a reference or as a step-by-step manual on how to learn more about local emergency plans, how to identify local hazards, and how to develop an emergency communication plan and build a disaster supplies kit. Other topics include evacuating safely, making use of emergency public shelters and protecting people with disabilities.
  
  Download the new “Are You Ready Guide?”:
  www.fema.gov/areyouready/

• CSU Predicts Active 07 Hurricane Season
  The US Atlantic basin will likely experience a very active hurricane season, the Colorado State University (CSU) forecast team says, anticipating 17 named storms between June 1 and November 30. Nine of the 17 storms are predicted to become hurricanes, and of those nine, five are expected to develop into intense or major hurricanes (Saffir/Simpson category 3-4-5) with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater. CSU’s next seasonal update forecast will be on May 31.
  
  The entire report is available online:
  http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu

• Storm Size & Intensity Key to Evaluate Potential Hurricane Damage
  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hurricane researchers investigating the destructive potential of land-falling hurricanes say that the overall size of the storm, as well as the area reached by its winds, should be considered when assessing its possible damage. The April issue of the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society published a study by Mark Powell, a research meteorologist at the NOAA laboratory in Miami, describing what he calls a new Hurricane Destructive Potential classification. Powell’s goal is to provide a better measure of the threat posed by a hurricane.
  
  Read the May 11 NOAA Press Release:
  www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2007/s2859.htm

Pandemic Flu Preparedness

• Flu Preparedness Guide for Faith Communities
  Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) has developed several audience specific brochures that will help guide you and your organization through the pandemic planning process. One that is of particular interest to the NYDISnet readership is entitled, “It’s Not Flu As Usual: What Faith Based and Community Organizations Need to Know about Pandemic Flu.”
  
  Download the Booklet:
  http://healthyamericans.org/reports/flu/brochures/FluBrochureFaith.pdf

• Course: Pandemic Flu Preparedness for Faith-Based Organizations
  The Extension Disaster Education Network’s (EDEN) mission is to share education resources to reduce the impact of natural and man-made disasters. The "Pandemic Influenza Preparedness for Faith-Based Organizations" course was designed by EDEN, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to enable congregations, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship to protect the health of their staff and the communities in which they serve; and fulfill their mission during an influenza pandemic. Participants will learn about infection control measures to use in their organization to protect themselves and their community before and during a pandemic; and how to write a basic preparedness and response plan to maintain the critical functions of the organization.
  
  To find out more about the course, contact Abigail Borron:
  aborron@purdue.edu
  
  To learn about EDEN membership:
  www.eden.lsu.edu/abouteden/Join.aspx

• New Training Course to Respond to Avian Flu
  A three-day training course which provides a standardized curriculum to state and local public-health responders about how to identify and control human infections and illness associated with avian influenza A (H5N1) was released online May 15. The course, entitled "CDC/CSTE Rapid Response Training: The Role of Public Health in a Multi-Agency Response to Avian Influenza in the United States" is the result of a partnership between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE). Through lectures, reference materials and case studies, the course provides mechanisms to facilitate discussion and planning among people who may be called on to respond to avian influenza in the US.
  
  Read the May 15 CDC Press Release:
  www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/2007/r070515.htm
  
  The course is available at:
  www.cste.org/influenza/avian.asp.

• DoD Releases Implementation Plan for Pandemic Flu
  The US Department of Defense (DoD) announced May 9 the release of its implementation plan for preparing, planning and responding to a potential pandemic influenza outbreak. This plan implements the White House “National Pandemic Influenza Strategy Implementation Plan.” and provides strategic guidance to all DoD components for preparation and response to an outbreak of pandemic influenza.
  
  Download the Plan:
  http://fhp.osd.mil/aiWatchboard/pdf/DoD_PI_Implementation_Plan_August_2006_Public_Release.pd
  
  Read the DoD Press Release:
  www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=10849

• New Guidance for the Use of Facemasks and Respirators
  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just released interim advice to the public about the use of facemasks and respirators in public (non-occupational) settings during an influenza pandemic. The guidance stresses that during a flu pandemic a combination of actions will be needed, including hand washing, minimizing the likelihood of exposure by distancing people who are infected or likely to be infected with influenza away from others and treating them with antiviral medications, having people who are caring for ill family members voluntarily stay home, and encouraging people to avoid crowded places and large gatherings. When used in conjunction with such preventive steps, masks and respirators may help prevent some spread of influenza.
  
  For more information on the use of masks and respirators:
  www.pandemicflu.gov/vaccine/mask.html
  
  Download the Guidance:
  www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/community/commitigation.html
  
  CDC Information:
  1.800.CDC.INFO
  
  CDC Press Release:
  www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/05/pr20070503a.html

• FDA Clears First Respirators for Public Health Emergencies
  The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) May 8 cleared for marketing the first respirators that can help reduce the user's exposure to airborne germs during a public health medical emergency, such as an influenza pandemic. These two filtering facepiece respirators (3M Respirators 8612F and 8670F) will be available to the general public without a prescription. The devices are also certified as N95 filtering facepiece respirators by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) which certifies respirators for use in occupational settings in accordance with an appropriate respiratory protection program.
  
  Read the FDA Press Release:
  www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01630.html

• WHO Releases Latest Q&A on Pandemic Flu Vaccine on May 9:
  www.who.int/immunization/newsroom/PI_QAs/en/index.html

• Download New Informational “Keep Bird Flu Out of the US” Poster:
  www.pandemicflu.gov/issues/keepbirdfluout.pdf

National Emergency Management Network

Public Entity Risk Institute (PERI) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) are working together to build a national network of communities, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that are willing to share resources with stricken areas, and with each other in the event of a disaster. This network, known as the National Emergency Management Network (NEMN), provides a mechanism for communities to identify, request, mobilize, track and receive reimbursements for these resources.

www.nemn.net.

Add Your Info to www.NYDIS.org Resource Library

Do you have a useful resource for caseworkers, recovery providers and clients that you would like to submit? The NYDIS Resource Library on our website contains a large compilation of disaster resources including downloadable documents, links to useful websites, and references to printed publications. We welcome your agency's resources, which can be posted on NYDIS.org by clicking on the "Resources" Tab. You will then find directions on how to "Submit a Resource".

www.nydis.org

New Catastrophic Health Event Report

Citizen preparedness for health emergencies must look beyond the individual and the home. So says a panel of experts whose report, “Community Engagement: Leadership Tool for Catastrophic Health Events,” instructs mayors, governors, and health and safety officials in why and how to involve community partners in disaster- and epidemic-related policymaking, urging them to tap community resources in advance of epidemics and disasters.

NYDIS Executive Director Peter Gudaitis served as a member of the Working Group, helping to define and enhance the role of faith-based community preparedness efforts.

www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/focus/ community_engage/2007_working_group/press_release.html

Download the Report: click here
Download the Summary Findings: click here

FEMA Offers Independent Study Program

The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) offers self-paced courses designed for people who have emergency management responsibilities and the general public. All are offered free-of-charge to those who qualify for enrollment. FEMA’s Independent Study Program offers courses in Incident Management, Operational Planning, Disaster Logistics, Emergency Communications, Service to Disaster Victims, Continuity Programs, Public Disaster Communications, Integrated Preparedness and Hazard Mitigation.

See listing of courses and registration information:
http://training.fema.gov/IS/

Book Review: Learning From Catastrophe

A peer-reviewed edited volume, Learning from Catastrophe is a collection of 18 chapters from 39 researchers who conducted social science research during or immediately after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita made landfall in September 2005. At that time, research teams were deployed under the Natural Hazard Center's Quick Response program, the National Science Foundation's Small Grants for Exploratory Research (SGER) effort, and other academic institutions. Field workers witnessed the catastrophe first hand and discuss the research and policy implications in this volume.

Purchase book from University of Colorado Natural Hazard Center Press:
www.colorado.edu/hazards/publications/katrina.html

New Report on VISTA Members

“Community and Faith-based Organizations’ Influence on Volunteer Participation: Social Movement Implications for Planning,” by Malik Watkins, is a newly released paper that focuses on AmeriCorps*VISTA members. What influences their involvement and commitment?  And can they build local movement centers that can do more than just provide services?

Download the Report:
http://comm-org.wisc.edu/papers2006/watkins.htm

Comfort Dog Teams Help After Disasters

HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) is a national all-volunteer, non-profit, crisis response organization with specially trained and certified handler/canine teams that emergency responders call upon to provide comfort and support to people affected by disasters, usually in the recovery phase. AACR partners with relief organizations such as the American Red Cross, FEMA, The Salvation Army, NOVA, and Faith Based groups.

Contact:
877.HOPE.K9s

Read the DNN article:
www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=3141

www.hopeaacr.org/

PlainViews: E-Newsletter for Spiritual Care Providers

Subscribe to this bi-monthly e-newsletter offering views on Professional Practice, Advocacy, Education & Research, and Spiritual Development. Sponsored by the HealthCare Chaplaincy in NYC and edited by NYDIS Board President The Rev. Dr. Martha Jacobs.

Send your email address to:
info@plainviews.org

www.plainviews.org

Animal Disaster Preparedness Training

Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue
Friday, June 8-Monday, June 11
Nassau County 4-H Camp, Riverhead, NY

Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue
Friday, June 15-Monday, June 18
Humane Society, Fairport, NY

The Empire State Animal Response Team (ESART) 2007 Conference in the NYC area will be held at two locations in June. ESART supports the preparedness for, response to, and recovery from emergencies for animals. There are workshops, presentations and a tabletop exercise. There is no charge and attendees receive breakfast and lunch. The all-day events are 8:00 am-4:30 pm.

Registration:
http://tinyurl.com/y7q7te
www.EmpireSART.com

LI/NYC Emergency Management Conference

Wednesday, May 30 - Thursday, May 31
Melville, Long Island

The 14th Annual LI/NYC Emergency Management Conference, "Together: Ready for Anything" will be held at the Long Island Hilton.

www.linycemconference.com

ASPCA & NYS Disaster Response Conference

Friday, June 8 - Monday, June 11
Suffolk County, NY

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Disaster Response Services, a member of the Empire State Animal Response Team (ESART), offers a three-day conference on Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue. Location and registration brochure will be posted April 4.

www.aspca.org

National Citizen Corps Conference

Sunday, June 10 - Wednesday, June 13
The Hilton Alexandria Mark Center
Alexandria, Virginia

The National Office of Citizen Corps conference on community preparedness, "Partnerships and Collaboration Through Citizen Corps", will be held in conjunction with the International Association of Emergency Managers and the National Emergency Management Association.

www.citizencorps.gov

IAEM 2007 Mid-Year Meeting

Wednesday, June 13 - Thursday, June 14
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center
Alexandria, Virginia

The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Mid-Year Meeting is for IAEM members, emergency management professionals, Congressional staffers and federal officials with a role in homeland security and emergency management. Sessions will include briefings from top DHS officials.

To Register online:
members.iaem.com/members_online/registration/
register.asp?mt=MY07&af=IAEM

For more information:
www.iaem.com/events/MIDYEAR/INTRO.htm

Free Mental Health Risk Communication Workshop

June 15, 18 ,19, or 22
New York City

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) invites you to participate in one of four Mental Health Risk Communication workshops led by Dr. Vincent Covello, the lead risk communications consultant for the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO). Learn key mental health and risk communications principles that will help you plan for and respond to the communication challenges of emergencies. Workshops are targeted for mental health professionals, community and faith-based leaders, social workers, clinicians, and administrators.

Contact:
Mary Aquino: 202.884.7370
Sebrena Sawtell: 202.884.7330
CRCC@widmeyer.com

Download the Flyer: click here
RSVP Form: click here

NYS VOAD Disaster Human Services Conference

Tuesday, June 26 -Wednesday, June 27
Binghamton, NY

New York State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NYS VOAD) will present the NYS Disaster Human Services conference. You don't have to be from NY to participate.

Download registration form, list of workshops and the agenda:
www.uwbroome.org

Contact:
607.729.2592
voad@uwbroome.org

US Disaster Preparedness Conference

Tuesday, August 21-Wednesday, August 22
New Orleans, LA

Presentations, interactive panel discussions, tradeshow exhibits and networking events with the nation ’s top experts combined with classroom-style training will arm participants with disaster planning and response best practices. Recent changes in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the National Response Plan, and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) will be detailed.

For conference and registration details:
www.usdpconference.com/

NYDIS, VISTA Positions

NYDIS is seeking candidates for the following VISTA positions:

VISTA Leader – Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Program
To download the Position Profile click here

VISTA Member – National Disaster Interfaiths Network
To download the Position Profile click here

VISTA Members – Preparedness Outreach & Marketing
To download the Position Profile click here

VISTA Member – Disaster Recovery & Advocacy
To download the Position Profile click here

NYDIS, Office Volunteers

NYDIS is seeking office volunteers to support the finance and disaster preparedness/training departments, and to answer phones and perform administrative duties for 20 hours per week. Positions begin immediately.

To apply, please email your Cover Letter and Resume to:
pgudaitis@nydis.org or fax to 212.669.6101.

NYC OEM, Emergency Management Professionals – 19 Positions

The Planning Division seeks skilled individuals with experience in planning, project management and technical writing and with engineering, science or human services backgrounds. These individuals will work with City, State and federal partners to develop citywide response plans in one of five planning units —Health and Medical, Human Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Logistics or Plan Management. Critical initiatives include the Coastal Storm Plan, the Pandemic Influenza Plan, the Area Evacuation Plan and the CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive) Response Plan.

The Operations Division seeks candidates with emergency management, fire, police EMS, public safety, public health or engineering experience. These individuals will work side-by-side with City, State, and federal partners to coordinate emergency response and recovery in OEM Watch Command (communications center) or in Field Response.

View all job descriptions:
www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/about/job.shtml

To apply, submit resume and cover letter:
Annette Santiago, Director of Human Resources
165 Cadman Plaza
East Brooklyn, NY  11201
jobs@oem.nyc.gov

World Vision, Storehouse Manager - Bronx, NY

World Vision is seeking a motivated, high-energy, self-starter to manage their NY Storehouse operations. Responsibilities include overseeing on-site programs, evaluating gifts-in-kind, overseeing the volunteer program, and directing the development of a network of ministry partners. Two-year technical or junior college degree or equivalent experience of 5-8 years is required.

Apply online at www.worldvision.org
Reference # 1238

Support NYDIS - Donate Online

If you'd like to make a donation to assist NYDIS in its mission of providing faith-based disaster services, click here, or send a check to NYDIS at 22 Cortlandt Street, 20th Fl., New York, NY 10007. NYDIS is a 501(c)(3) corporation and contributions are 100% tax deductible. It is a great way to honor or memorialize someone and we will send an acknowledgement of your gift.

To donate online, go to the NYDIS homepage and click "Make a Donation":

www.nydis.org