Steam Pipe Explosion in Midtown NYC Thursday, July 19 - Update
The City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has been coordinating the inter-agency response to the
steam pipe explosion on Lexington Avenue and 41st Street, in which one person died and many were injured.
City agencies continue to operate in the area. Restricted access to the area in the immediate vicinity, known as
the “Frozen Zone," remains at 41st Street between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue
and 100 feet around the immediate incident site. For additional information see articles under COMMUNITY
NEWS & EVENTS.
www.nyc.gov/oem
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NYDIS Distributes $195K in June: Biggest Month for 9/11 Unmet Needs
In June, the 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable awarded over $235,000 in cash assistance to 50 recovery workers and
evacuees as well as $1,800 in travel in food vouchers to over 300 recovery workers at Mount Sinai
Hospital's treatment program. This is the biggest month in awards in the 6-year history of the
Roundtable. Moderated by NYDIS, the Roundtable provides a venue through which 9/11 Case Managers and
donors meet to vet the cases of those impacted by 9/11 through a discussion of their unmet needs and long-term
recovery plans. Assistance is provided on an as needed basis to support the sustainable long-term
recovery of injured recovery workers or direct victims and their families. Additionally, through a
partnership with the Mount Sinai Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program, NYDIS’ Recovery Program has
provided food vouchers and Metrocards for transportation to and from medical appointments for needy
patients. To inquire about Roundtable Assistance contact your caseworker.
Find a case manager on NYDIS’ website:
www.nydis.org/recovery/11.php
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NYDIS Receives $90K Grant for NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable
NYDIS has received a $90,000 grant from the Orthodox Church in America, to be awarded as cash assistance to
injured 9/11 recovery workers via the NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable. Any congregation, faith community,
corporation or individual with an interest in sponsoring a fundraiser or donating cash to the
ever increasing critical needs of injured recovery workers, should contact NYDIS.
Contact Benoît Jadoul, Director, Development:
bjadoul@nydis.org
::
NYDIS Closes NYC Katrina Recovery Program & NYC Unmet Needs Roundtable
On August 1, after two years of operations, the NYDIS Katrina Recovery Program and the NYC Katrina Unmet Needs
Roundtable will close. Begun in September 2005, with the assistance of over 200 volunteers and staff, NYDIS
distributed over $600,000 in new clothing to 1,000 Gulf Coast families that evacuated to NYC.
Volunteers also conducted unmet needs assessments and exit interviews to over 2,000 families who visited the
City's Disaster Assistance Service Center operated under the leadership of the NYC Office of Emergency
Management (OEM). In August 2006 NYDIS and other partner agencies opened the NYC Katrina Unmet Needs
Roundtable, modeled after the 9/11 Roundtable. A collaboration of donors include the American Red Cross,
Black Equity Alliance, the Chadbourne & Parke Foundation, ERD, UMCOR, the Verrazano Rotary Club and many
others who supported this effort. Case management and Roundtable leadership was provided by the American Red
Cross, Catholic Charities of Brooklyn & Queens, the Human Services Council, The Salvation Army, and the
Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
However, the ending of these programs is not a reflection of the lack of need within the Katrina-effected
community - approximately 150 families with unmet needs remain in case management. Like many other programs around
the Nation, NYDIS has been forced to close our Katrina programs due to the lack of adequate funding. It
is our profound hope that the need of Katrina/Rita evacuees will not disappear from the collective consciousness of
the recovery community or the American public - can you give more?
Contact Benoît Jadoul, Director, Development:
bjadoul@nydis.org
::
NYDIS VISTA Member’s Journey in Volunteerism Profiled by DNN
 Serving others before and after
disasters is important to Alison VanBuskirk - important enough for the recent college graduate to
devote the next year to do just that. Now serving twelve months in the NYDIS VISTA (Volunteers in
Service to America) program with communications as her program focus, Alison said volunteering
throughout college inspired her to look for a service experience. She spent two spring breaks on
service trips to New Orleans to assist with Katrina recovery. She had an urge to work in some type
of AmeriCorps/VISTA after she graduated in June. “This position [involved] something I cared
about a lot and was something that my work in college lended itself to," and she hopes to increase
her disaster service skills through her work with NYDIS. Alison is one of 6 VISTAs currently serving
at NYDIS.
Read the entire article:
www.disastervolunteers.org
::
NYDIS Launches Disaster Chaplain & Spiritual Care Worker Program
This fall NYDIS will launch a Disaster Chaplain and Spiritual Care Worker training, credentialing and
deployment program for its member agencies. With $140,000 staff grant funding, NYDIS has begun a search for a
full-time Chaplain to oversee the interfaith program which will be conducted in partnership with the Desmond
Tutu Education Center. With a second grant of $50,000, NYDIS will also hire twelve chaplaincy experts to
develop a model interfaith chaplaincy and spiritual care worker training and parallel train-the-trainer
curriculum to develop the program’s operational structure for local and national use. NYDIS has committed
to training a diverse culturally- and language-competent corps of 2,400 non-sectarian volunteer Chaplain
Leaders, Chaplains and Spiritual Care Workers over the next 24 months. Look for updates in future issues of
NYDISnet.
Questions? Contact Peter Gudaitis, Executive Director & CEO:
pgudaitis@nydis.org
For details on the Coordinator, Disaster Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care position:
click here
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NYDIS to Roll Out “Disaster Tip Sheets for NYC Religious Leaders” – August 8
On August 8 NYDIS will roll out a much anticipated series of fifteen “Disaster Tip Sheets for NYC
Religious Leaders.” Each one-page tip sheet provides basic orientation to mitigation education and
provides important information and resources about disaster-related issues of key importance to clergy and
religious leaders. Some of the titles included are: The Disaster Lifecycle, Emotional & Spiritual Care, How
to Use Your Facility for Disaster Ministry, Disaster Volunteerism, Clergy Self-Care, Continuity of Ministry,
and Backlash Mitigation. The Tip Sheets are a free resource for religious leaders and the congregations and
the neighborhoods or faith communities they serve. They will be available to download from the NYDIS
website – feel free to share them with others who will benefit from this useful information.
If you have any questions or suggestions, contact Autumn Brown, Coordinator, Community Outreach and Training:
abrown@nydis.org
:: NYC 9/11 Recovery Resources Online
A comprehensive list of news, updates and resources for 9/11 victims and injured
recovery workers, updated weekly:
www.nydis.org/recovery/11.php
:: NYC
9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable Updates
On July 10, Dominique Atchison was named interim Moderator, NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs
Roundtable. For information and scheduling, please contact Dominique at:
212.669.6139
datchison@nydis.org
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NYC 9/11 In-Service Training for Case Workers
In-Service Training is required for case workers who have never presented a case at the
Roundtable, and is recommended as
a refresher for experienced case workers who have previously presented cases. All training
sessions take place at NYDIS ( map).
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NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable Schedule
The NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable brings together donors with agencies providing case management
to 9/11 victims. Case Workers who would like to present a case must sign-up by Friday prior to
the meeting of the Roundtable. Due to the influx of
cases
which need presenting, the 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable will be adding an additional Wednesday date
each month. There will now be three meetings a month, instead of two.
-
Wednesday, July 25 - 9:30 am-12:00 noon
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Thursday, August 2 - 9:30 am-12:00 noon
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Wednesday, August 8 - 9:30 am-12:00 noon
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Thursday, August 16 - 9:30 am-12:00 noon
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Wednesday, August 22 - 9:30 am-12:00 noon
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Thursday, August 30 - 9:30 am-12:00 noon
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Thursday, September 6 - 9:30 am-12:00 noon
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NYC 9/11 Case Management Coordination Meetings
NYDIS hosts monthly Case Management Coordination meetings for service providers that are assisting
9/11 recovery workers
and the general 9/11-affected community. These meetings are open to representatives from any
service providers that wish to coordinate and share information about their services and the
community's needs.
- Wednesday, July 25 – 3:00-5:00 pm
- Wednesday, August 15 - 9:30-11:00 am
- Wednesday, September 19 - 9:30-11:00 am
::
NYC Katrina Evacuee Recovery
Resources Online
A comprehensive list of news, updates and resources for Katrina evacuees in NYC, updated
weekly:
www.nydis.org/katrina
::
Upstate NY 2006 Flood Resources
Download the Hudson Valley Region Disaster Assistance Guide for Upstate NY Floods:
click here
For complete information on Flooding Assistance in NY and NJ, please go to the Flood Resources section of the
NYDIS website:
www.nydis.org
::
NYS & NJ 2007 Nor’easter Recovery Resources:
www.nydis.org/recovery/13.php
Steam Blast Jolts
Midtown, Killing One
A steam pipe explosion beneath a street near Grand Central Terminal propelled a giant scalding jet of brownish
steam toward the sky, sending commuters who had been heading home stampeding to safety. Officials said that one
person died and more than 30 were hurt, two critically. Though the blast initially raised fears of terrorism,
officials were quick to dismiss that possibility. The explosion packed enough force to flip over a tow truck that
ended up in the crater, which was about 35x40 feet. The cloud of steam and the hail of debris that followed lasted
more than two hours and raised concerns about asbestos, which was used when the pipe was laid in the 1920’s.
Read the July 19 NY Times cover article by James Barron:
www.nytimes.com/2007/07/19/nyregion/19explode.html?_r=1&hp=&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&
adxnnlx=1184851017-W3AJXcMOuF3kFBYsxDDPPw
NYC’s Emergency Response to Steam Pipe Explosion
The City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) coordinated the inter-agency response to the steam pipe
explosion that occurred on 41st Street and Lexington Avenue July 19 at 6:00 pm: no air samples tested positive
for asbestos; the clean-up plan for debris and equipment that tested positive for asbestos began overnight;
and individuals who live and work in this now “frozen zone” (between 40th and 43rd Streets and
between Vanderbilt and Third Avenues) are not being permitted to enter the area during clean-up.
Read OEM’s July 19 Press Release:
www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/pr/07_07_19_steam_pipe3.shtml
Asbestos Results of Air & Ground Samples from Steam Pipe Explosion
Immediately after the explosion, NYC’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) began to test air and
ground samples for possible asbestos contamination. Bulk sample testing has been completed. Air sample testing is
ongoing throughout the cleanup operation. Of the 41 air samples collected by DEP to date, none tested positive
for asbestos. Of the bulk samples collected by DEP to date, 30 tested positive for asbestos, with 28 of those 30
positive tests showing trace amounts. The remaining 49 bulk samples showed no asbestos.
Download Air Sample data:
www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/steam_pipe/air_data072207.pdf
Download Bulk Sample data:
www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/steam_pipe/air_data072207.pdf
City’s Guidelines on Health & Mental Health-Related Issues
To learn about the health risks that may arise from the steam pipe explosion, including mental and/or physical
consequences, the City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has prepared guidelines and
recommendations.
www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/ei/20070718_asbestos.shtml#top
::
9/11 Workers' Compensation Registration Deadline Extended One Year-Aug. 14, 2008
 NYDIS urges 9/11 chaplains, recovery workers and volunteers to
register now to protect their right to
workers'
compensation benefits. NYDIS and New York Committee for
Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) in collaboration with other agencies is mounting a media campaign to
inform workers
throughout the country about the necessity of registering by the deadline.
Read the DNN article by Heather Moyer, in which she interviewed Maggie Jarry, NYDIS Director, Disaster Recovery
and Advocacy:
www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=3276
Download the brochure (pdf):
English | Español
Call for registration guidelines: 866.WTC.2556
::
WTC Registry Report Shows Impact of 9/11 Health Crisis
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Congressman Fossella released a report showing that people from all 50
states and the District of Columbia have enrolled in the WTC Health Registry, which will track changes in
their physical and mental health over the next 20 years.
Read the entire report:
http://maloney.house.gov/documents/911recovery/RegistryEnrollment20070306.pdf
::
Reps. Maloney & Fossella on Admin’s Draft 9/11 Health Care Plan
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Congressman Vito Fossella, co-chairs of the Congressional 9/11 Health Caucus,
issued a statement on the Bush Administration’s draft plan to treat and monitor ailing 9/11 responders.
The Statement says: "This draft plan is an outline of what we will need to provide quality care for those
injured on 9/11 or in the rescue and recovery operations that followed. The plan needs more work and must be
expanded to include residents, area workers and school kids –but it is progress and needs support. This is
the first time the government has tabulated the total number -currently more than 6,500- of 9/11 responders who are
sick as a result of the attacks. This is a staggering figure and one that is expected to grow.”
Download “The WTC Medical Monitoring and Treatment Program Draft: click here
Read Rep. Maloney’s July 18 Press Release:
http://maloney.house.gov/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=1401&Itemid=61
::
Rep. Nadler on Administration's Draft 9/11 Health Plan
Congressman Jerrold Nadler July 18 issued a statement regarding a draft Administration plan to implement a "
Strategic Plan for a Nationwide World Trade Center Health Care Program". In it he says, "The existence of
a draft 9/11 health care proposal is an acknowledgement from the Bush Administration that there are, in fact,
real and significant health consequences from the collapse of the WTC, and its content confirms that the affected
population is growing as are the costs associated with the provision of care.” He continues, "However,
the current iteration of the draft plan leaves many questions unanswered about the Administration's intentions
regarding details of operational and funding approaches, and has at least one glaring shortfall: it fails to
provide for the health care needs of residents, non-first responder workers and students.”
Read Rep. Nadler’s entire Statement:
www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ny08_nadler/Admin911Healthresp071807.html
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Big Cost Increase Is Predicted to Treat Ground Zero Workers
New federal planning documents prepared by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) suggest that the money needed to treat ailing ground zero workers could soar to $20 million a month
by the end of this year, up from about $6 million a month now, because the number of recovery workers
getting sick is increasing, and their illnesses are becoming more severe. The new estimates, which have
not been published, are based on monthly records of treatment provided by the Mount Sinai Medical
Center and four other NY metro area clinics that have been treating ground zero workers. This week, the
House of Representatives is expected to vote on putting $50 million for the treatment program at the
consortium clinics into the 2008 budget; and the Senate is considering a slightly larger amount and wants
to cover other groups, including residents, that were exposed to trade center dust.
Read Anthony DePalma’s July 18 NY Times article: click here
::
9/11 Cleanup Workers Seek Health Payments
Workers who say that toxic dust from the WTC site has given them serious health problems filed a lawsuit July 17
against an insurance fund set up by Congress to insure the city and its contractors after 9/11. The lawsuit is
seeking compensation from the fund, WTC Captive Insurance Company, on behalf of thousands of workers who became
ill after working to clean up the site. Mayor Bloomberg said that the workers’ lawyers were incorrect about
the purpose of the fund, that it could pay only workers who win judgments against the city.
Read the NY Times July 18 article:
www.nytimes.com/2007/07/18/nyregion/18mbrfs-DUST.html
::
National Intelligence Releases Report on Terrorist Threat to US
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence issued on July 17 its Unclassified Key Judgments of the
National Intelligence Estimate, "The Terrorist Threat to the U.S. Homeland." According to their
judgment, the US will face a “persistent and evolving” terrorist threat in the next three years,
as “al-Qaeda will intensify its efforts to put operatives here. As a result,” they judge, “
that the US currently is in a heightened threat environment.”
Download the entire Terrorist Threat Judgment:
www.dni.gov/press_releases/20070717_release.pdf
::
DHS 2007 Grants Total $1.7B
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced final Fiscal Year (FY) 2007 Homeland Security Grant
Program (HSGP) awards totaling $1.7 billion. The six urban areas at highest risk of a terrorist
attack – NYC/Northern NJ, the National Capital Region, LA/Long Beach, the California Bay Area,
Houston, and Chicago - received almost $411 million. Since 9/11, DHS has invested $23 billion in state and
local government preparedness. “HSGP is an important DHS funding mechanism for building and
sustaining preparedness capabilities across the nation,” said Secretary Michael Chertoff. NYC is
allocated to receive $134,090,000.
Read the July 18 DHS Press Release:
www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1184781799950.shtm
Download the FY 2007 Homeland Security Grant Program Allocation Overview:
www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/grants_st-local_fy07.pdf
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NY’s Security Grant Disappoints Officials
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced July 18 that NY will receive $134 million this year to
prevent terrorism attacks or respond to them, despite calls for more money from NY officials. The grant is
part of the department’s Urban Areas Security Initiative, which will divide about $747 million among 45
urban areas. After the amount of the grant was disclosed in a Newsday article this month, Senators Schumer
and Clinton, Rep. Slaughter, Gov. Spitzer and the governor’s deputy secretary for public safety,
Michael Balboni, met with DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff to request more money. Specifically, Mr. Schumer
asked for at least $207.5 million, the amount awarded in 2005. Sen. Schumer said he would try to seek more
funds for NY in the appropriations process.
Read the July 18 NY Times article:
www.nytimes.com/2007/07/18/nyregion/18dhs.html
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HHS Announces $896.7M for Public Health Preparedness/Emergency Response
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt July 17 announced that the department has
provided another $896.7 million to the states, territories, and four metropolitan areas to improve and sustain
their ability to respond to public health emergencies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is
coordinating the funding to be used for preparedness and response to all-hazards public health emergencies
including terrorism, pandemic influenza, and other naturally-occurring public health emergencies.
Read the July 17 HHS Press Release:
www.hhs.gov/news/press/2007pres/07/pr20070717c.html
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DHS Announces Sponsorship of 4th Annual National Preparedness Month
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will sponsor the fourth annual National Preparedness Month
this September and encourage Americans to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and
communities. This year’s effort has a growing coalition of more than 625 national, regional, state,
and local organizations pledging support. For the first time, the month will focus on different areas of
emergency preparedness:
- September 1-8: Back-to-School
- September 9-15: Business preparedness
- September 16-22: Multicultural preparedness
- September 23-30: Home and family preparedness, including pets, older Americans and individuals with
disabilities and special needs
Watch for details in the coming issues of NYDIS NET of NYDIS’ all-day 2007 Disaster
Preparedness Summit for
Religious Leaders that will be held in honor of National Preparedness Month on Tuesday, September 25 at
NYU’s Kimmel Center in Manhattan. Please hold the date.
Read the Press Release:
www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1181763393616.shtm
::
The Road Home Program - Deadline to Apply July 31
Louisiana homeowners who owned and occupied their homes at the time of Katrina or Rita, and suffered
damage as a result of one of the storms, may be eligible to receive assistance through The Road Home
program, which represents the largest single housing recovery program in US history, affording eligible
homeowners up to $150,000 in compensation for their losses to get back into their homes. Those who have
not yet applied have until July 31 to file an application for assistance.
Read the Road Home Press Release about the Deadline:
www.roadcommunications.com/assets/docs/Deadline%20News%20Release%20052907.doc
Apply to The Road Home Program:
www.road2la.org
1.888.762.3252 (TTY: 1.800.566.4224)
::
Veterinary Foundation Offers Disaster Assistance
Sharon Granskog from the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (V-MAT), says that despite the massive
devastation caused by Katrina, some good did come out of the storm. "It really opened some eyes and got
people thinking, ‘What would I do with my pet if I had to leave my house suddenly,'" she said.
"It doesn't even have to be a hurricane - you can be forced from your home if there's a fire or
chemical spill nearby.” V-MAT is a national response team of approximately 60 veterinarians,
technicians, pharmacists and support personnel that responds to natural or man-made disasters to support
the local veterinary community in whatever way necessary. The organization can set up a full field
hospital as well as provide medical care for pets, search-and-rescue dogs, livestock, wildlife and even zoo
animals.
www.avmf.org/html/index.asp
From Our Members &
Partners
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Sikh Coalition & Partners Address Backlash/Bias with Chancellor Joel Klein
The Sikh Coalition and partner agency advocates met with NYC’s Department of Education Chancellor Joel
Klein July 16 to discuss ways to make schools safe for Sikh (and other religiously observant) children. Klein
expressed his concern about recent bias incidents in schools and pledged to work with the Sikh Coalition on an
ongoing basis. This meeting was prompted by the Sikh Coalition’s recently released report, “Hatred
in the Hallways” (see June 20 NYDISnet), that documents incidents of harassment against Sikh
schoolchildren throughout the city. The Sikh Coalition has asked the Department of Education to implement a
number of changes, including issuing a letter from the Chancellor to school principals asking them to pay
close attention to incidents of bias-based harassment against Sikhs, ensuring that all school personnel know
about the unique issues that Sikh students face on account of their appearance, and issuing a regulation that
clearly sets out the Department’s anti-harassment policy. They also asked that students and parents be
informed of how to report incidents of bias-based harassment to the Department of Education. Bias and violence
against Sikhs has risen dramatically since 9/11 – Sikhs are often perceived as Muslim.
Download the Sikh Coalition’s Report, “Hatred in the Hallways”: click here
For more information, call Amardeep Singh, Executive Director:
917.628.0091
www.sikhcoalition.org/
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NYC VOAD Mental Health Committee to Hear Chaplaincy Presentation
The Disaster Mental Health & Chaplaincy Committee, a Planning Committee of NYC VOAD (NYC Voluntary
Organizations Active in Disaster) is offering a presentation entitled “Disaster Chaplaincy: A
Collaborative Resource” on Thursday, September 20, 9:00-11:00 am. It will be led by Rev. Julie Taylor,
CTR, Executive Director of Disaster Chaplaincy Services (DCS) at the State Office of Mental Health Regional
Office, 330 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan.
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Bishop Bouman's New Book on Finding Hope and Grace Post-9/11
In Grace All Around Us: Embracing God’s Promise in Tragedy and Loss, Stephen Paul Bouman, a
bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, writes about how he has kept hope alive himself despite the
devastation caused by either natural disaster or human evil. In Chapter One titled “Grace”, he
writes, “This book is kind of a ‘diary of an urban bishop’.... It is a journal of awe and
respect for the many people whose faith and compassion have left their mark on me.”
To order a copy, call Fortress Press:
800.328.4648
www.fortresspress.com
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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
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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.
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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 your House of Worship: click here
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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:
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OEM Contest: Be the Ready New Yorker of the Month & Win a Go Bag
 Calling all Ready New Yorkers! Are you prepared for an emergency? If so, OEM wants to hear your story.
OEM invites New Yorkers to share stories of how they have prepared for emergencies through the Ready
New Yorker of the Month contest. Each month, residents may submit their preparedness testimonials to OEM
and the winner will be named the “Ready New Yorker of the Month” and receive two Go Bags,
backpacks with basic supplies residents should have on hand for use in an emergency. Explain how you got
through any type of emergency or how you plan to combat any disaster that comes your way. Inspire other New
Yorkers to get prepared by sharing your story of preparedness on the OEM website.
Learn more about the Contest:
www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/ready/ready_contest.shtml
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Lightning Safety
Summer is the peak season for one of the nation's deadliest weather phenomena— lightning. Safeguarding
US residents from dangerous lightning is the goal of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Services website.
ww.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/
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Con Ed Provides Storm Preparedness Measures
In the event of a major storm or severe weather, Con Ed provides information and tips on its website for food
and water, the use of dry ice, making a storm checklist and information on weather.
Con Ed’s Storm Preparedness information:
www.coned.com/sm/stormprepare.asp
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Con Ed Urges Energy Conservation as Heat Wave Approaches – 100 Tips
With temperatures expected to break the 90-degree mark in NYC, Con Edison is urging its customers to be
conservation minded and to use energy wisely.
For any service difficulties:
1.800.75-CONED
www.coned.com/messages/pr20070625.asp
For a list of 100 energy- and money-saving tips:
www.coned.com/publicissues/100tips.asp
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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 presentations are on Thursday, August 2 and Thursday, September 6, 6:30 to 7:15 pm at 520 West 49th
Street.
Sign up online for August 2:
www.nyredcross.org/eventreg.php?prmEventID=2907
Sign up online for September 6:
www.nyredcross.org/eventreg.php?prmEventID=2908
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ARC Tip: When the Lights Go Out
Short-term power outages, such as those caused by storms, are inconveniences but with good planning, you will get through it just fine. The Top Safety Tips for a Blackout are:
- Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles.
- Turn off electrical equipment in use when the power went out.
- Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.
- Do not run a generator inside a home or garage.
- If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system.
- Listen to local radio and television for updated information.
www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_92_,00.html
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CDC 2007-08 Travel Health Book on Hazards
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an updated version of "Health Information
for International Travel," the “Yellow Book” is an authoritative guide to healthy
international travel, with information on health risks from the ordinary to the extraordinary, such as avian
flu and natural disasters. Additional new features include: recommendations on traveling to countries that
have experienced limited, non-pandemic human avian influenza cases, updated immunization guidelines, and health
risks and recommendations for humanitarian workers. The companion website lets travelers look up specific
information by travel destination and view or print custom reports based on individual travel plans.
Offered by health publisher Elsevier, the book is available at bookstores, online book sellers or by
contacting Elsevier:
800.545.2522
www.us.elsevierhealth.com
Download the Yellow Book free:
www.cdc.gov/travel/contentYellowBook.aspx
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Hurricane Preparedness
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Preparing Pets in Case of a Hurricane
Now is the time for pet owners to get prepared by creating a plan and gathering supplies when a
hurricane strikes. "The key to survival during a disaster for you and your animals is to be as
prepared as possible before the storm hits," says Randy Covey, director of disaster services for
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). There are over 358 million companion animals living
in American homes. According to national surveys post-Hurricane Katrina, 61 percent of pet owners
will not leave their companion animals behind during a disaster, which highlights the need for pet
owners to prepare.
Learn what you need to know at the HSUS Hurricane Preparedness Page:
www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/_hurricane_preparedness_week.html
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Pandemic Flu Preparedness
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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
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Course: Pandemic Flu Preparedness for Faith-Based Organizations
The Extension Disaster Education Network’s (EDEN) "Pandemic Influenza Preparedness for
Faith-Based Organizations" course, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), enables congregations, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship to protect
the health of their staff and their communities; and fulfill their mission during an influenza
pandemic. Participants will learn about infection control measures to use 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
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CDC Releases Latest Pandemic Planning Update
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt July 18 released the “
HHS Pandemic Planning Update IV”, which provides a review of the current status of the
Department's pandemic influenza planning efforts in five key areas: monitoring and surveillance,
vaccines, antiviral medications, state and local preparedness, and communications. This fourth update
covers such topics as community mitigation guidance; progress on antiviral stockpiling; advances in
vaccine research, development and stockpiling; the Pandemic Flu Leadership Forum and blog; and the "Know What To Do About Pandemic Flu" public service announcements.
Read the full Update:
www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/panflureport4.html
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Implementation of the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza
On July 17 the White House Homeland Security Council issued “National Strategy for Pandemic
Influenza: Implementation Plan One Year Summary,” a one-year report on the Administration's
progress in implementing it pandemic preparedness and response goals of stopping, slowing or limiting
its spread to the US; limiting the domestic spread and mitigating disease; and sustaining
infrastructure and mitigating impact to the economy and the functioning of society. It concludes
that, “While we have made progress over the past year to prepare the Nation for the threat of an
influenza pandemic, much important work lies ahead. Critical gaps in pandemic preparedness efforts
remain…the potential consequences of a severe pandemic demand that we redouble our efforts to
address critical gaps.”
Download the Report:
www.whitehouse.gov/homeland/nspi_oneyear.pdf
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HHS Establishes Public Health Advisory Board
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt announced the establishment of a public health
advisory panel concerned with chemical, biological, nuclear or radiological agents. The National
Biodefense Science Board, authorized by the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, will give the
Secretary guidance on preventing, preparing for, and responding to release of such agents, whether
they are naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate. Board members are yet to be selected. There
will be 13 members, appointed by the Secretary, from among leading experts in science, public health
and medicine.
To submit a resume for consideration to be a board member:
nbsbnominations@hhs.gov
For further information contact Dr. Susan Cibulsky:
202.260.7000
nbsbquestions@hhs.gov.
The board’s charter and additional information:
www.hhs.gov/aspr/omsph/nbsb.
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Pets Belong in Pandemic Flu Preparedness Equation
The Department of Health and Human Service’s (HHS) Pandemic Flu Leadership Blog includes an
entry posted by Greg Dworkin, Founding Editor, Flu Wiki & Flu Wiki Forum; Chief of Pediatric
Pulmonology and Medical Director of the Pediatric Inpatient Unit, Danbury Hospital. That
there’s going to be a need for food and addressing of ‘other problems’ should a
category 5 pandemic break out, planning needs to be extensive and done in advance. A “pet
planner” addition “may be the necessary tool for more than a few to take this issue
seriously and it’s a good way to bring veterinarians to the table, and add another professional
society to the mix. Right now, whether it’s, CDC, HHS, the states or the professional societies,
we need information out there for the public from every credible source we can get. Many voices, one
message: panflu prep is necessary, important and possible. After all, your pets and your children
expect and deserve nothing less.”
http://blog.pandemicflu.gov/?p=101
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Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act – July 26
Download the ADA Guide for Local Governments: Making Community Emergency Preparedness and Response
Programs Accessible to People with Disabilities:
www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/emergencyprep.htm
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Preparedness Guide for the Underserved
Operation HOPE, a national organization focused on bringing financial literacy and empowerment to
underserved US communities offers the ”Personal Disaster Preparedness Guide,” under its HOPE
Coalition America program, which serves as a resource network of companies, including banking, financial
services, and insurance as well as government, social service and emergency relief organizations that
mobilize to respond to disasters.
Download the Personal Disaster Preparedness Guide:
www.operationhope.org/pdpg/
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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
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FEMA’s New Guide Asks: “Are You Ready?”
The FEMA publication “Are You Ready?” is a 200-page guide that can be used as a
reference or as a step-by-step manual on how to learn about local emergency plans, identify local
hazards, 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/
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Updated Emergency Resources for At-Risk Populations
The new version of the workbook, "Locating and Reaching At-Risk Populations in an Emergency," first
released last fall, is just out. At-risk populations include those who are physically or mentally disabled
(blind, deaf, hard-of-hearing, cognitive disorders, or with mobility limitations), people with limited English
language skills, geographically or culturally isolated people, homeless people, elderly individuals, and
children. This workbook from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), and Coordinating Office for Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response
(COTPER) provides resources and information for effective planning for emergency preparedness and response.
Resource Guide 2007: click here
Workbook Manual 2007: click here
Inserts Manual 2007: click here
For further information, contact Mary Burt, NYS Department of Health:
518.474.5370
mpb06@health.state.ny.us
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New Quarterly: Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness
The American Medical Association has introduced its new publication, a peer-reviewed journal emphasizing public health preparedness and disaster response for all health care professionals.
Download the July 2007 Issue:
www.dmphp.org/current.dtl
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“Light our Way: A Guide for Spiritual Care in Times of Disaster”
This resource by National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (NVOAD) informs disaster response
volunteers, first responders and disaster planners in the areas of emotional and spiritual care giving.
Download “Light Our Way”:
www.nvoad.org/articles/Light_Our_Way_LINKS.pdf
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WTC Tribute Center: Children Respond to 9/11
The Tribute WTC Visitors Center hosts a new exhibition, “Coming Together: Our Children Respond to 9/11
with Hope for the Future”, from July 18 through January 18, 2008. Produced in collaboration with the NYU
Child Study Center, the exhibit features paintings, collages and multimedia created between 2001 and 2006 by
children in NY, NJ and PA. No fee.
www.tributenyc.org
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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
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Extreme Events II: Community Conversation on Preparedness
August 6
8:30 am-4:30 pm
Albany, NY
“Community Conversation on Preparedness: What About Us?,” presented by the University at Albany School of Public
Health, will discuss the importance of having a strong local community based preparedness system. The goal is to assist leaders
to determine the degree of preparedness within their communities. The Keynote Speaker will be Dr. Georges Benjamin, Executive
Director, American Public Health Association. There is no charge for this program.
For details about the conference:
www.ualbanycphp.org/GRS/eventCurrent.cfm?id=93
To register:
www.informz.net/ualbany-sph/event.asp?eid=2474
Call Greg Giambrone:
518.402.0336
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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/
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6th Commemoration of 9/11 Moved to New Location
Due to the ongoing redevelopment at the WTC site, this year's 9/11 observance will take place at Zuccotti
Park, which is adjacent to the WTC site at Liberty Street between Broadway and Church Street/Trinity Place.
This year, responders to the attack will deliver the reading of the names of the victims during the ceremony.
Read the Letter from Governor Spitzer and Mayor Bloomberg to Families: click here
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9/11 Ceremony Location Change Upsets Families
Some families of September 11 victims are upset that officials have moved this year's anniversary
events from the WTC site to Zuccotti Park. A letter sent from eleven family groups stated, "For
us, and many Americans around the nation, the WTC site is sacred ground" and questioned whether
the park would even hold the thousands of mourners.
Read the July 21 Gothamist article:
http://gothamist.com/2007/07/21/911_anniversary.php
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NYU’s Emergency & Disaster Management Symposium
Wednesday, September 19
10:00 am - 4:30 pm
The third annual Emergency & Disaster Management Symposium titled “The World Is Our
Classroom,” features four major topics: “The Role of Hospitals During a Public Health
Emergency” by Keynote Speaker, Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, Executive Director, American Public Health
Association; “The Health Response to the London Bombings of July 2005” and “How Do You
Spell Polonium? The Public Health Response to a Novel Assassination Weapon?” by Penny Bevan, Director
of Emergency Response, London Department of Health; “Prepared for Anything? Theory vs. Reality”
by Louise Boden, Chief Nurse, University College London Hospital; and “Emergency Management in
Kenya” by George Contreras, Director of Emergency Management, NYU Hospitals Center and David Violante,
EMS Coordinator, Society for Hospital and Resources Exchange. This free event is held at NYU Medical
Center, 401 East 30th Street.
Pre-registration is necessary. Contact Jamiyla Stroud-Garrett:
212.263.0377
jamiyla.stroud-garrett@nyumc.org
Download the Poster: click here
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NYDIS’ 4th
Annual Disaster Preparedness Summit for NYC Religious Leaders
Tuesday, September 25
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
NYU Kimmel Center, Manhattan
All-day event will be held in honor of National Preparedness Month. Please hold the date.
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NEMA 2007 Annual Conference
Friday, September 28– Tuesday, October 2
Oklahoma City, OK
The Annual Conference will take place at the Cox Convention Center. Conference agenda and registration
details to follow.
Sponsor and Exhibitor information is available now:
www.nemaweb.org/?1857
For more information on conference sponsorship or exhibits, call Karen Cobuluis:
859.244.8143
Job & Volunteer Opportunities
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NYDIS, Coordinator, Disaster Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care
NYDIS is seeking NYDIS is seeking a full-time Coordinator of Disaster Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care
(CSC) to oversee all aspects of curriculum-related, programmatic, and operational development of
NYDIS’ new volunteer chaplain and spiritual care worker program. The Coordinator will manage the
training, credentialing, and local deployment of all CSC volunteers from NYDIS member agencies and will
coordinate this program in collaboration with parallel NGOs or government mental health agencies. The
Coordinator should be ordained or a recognized spiritual leader in accordance with one’s faith
community’s practices, a Board Certified Chaplain, have experience as a hospital, military, or
uniformed services chaplain, and have a Masters of Divinity and/or other terminal religious degree.
Experience managing or training chaplains is required.
For details about the position and how to apply:
click here
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NYDIS, Moderator, NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable
NYDIS and the NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable Advisory Committee are seeking a Moderator to provide daily
program administration of the NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable. Responsibilities include scheduling case worker
presentations for weekly Roundtable sessions, moderating application sessions between donors and case workers,
providing guidance to 9/11 case workers, and other duties. Graduate degree in social work or equivalent
professional experience preferred. Deadline to apply is August 1.
For details about the position and how to apply: click here
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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 – Preparedness Outreach & Marketing
To download the Position Profile
click here
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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.
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Catholic Charities of NY, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator
The Disaster Preparedness Coordinator will be part of the Staff Management Group team and will participate
in researching, writing and evaluating Catholic Charities Community Services (CCCS) and Catholic Charities
New York (CCNY) disaster plans. Responsibilities also include ensuring continuity with the response plans
of NYC and Lower Hudson Valley Counties, supporting the Human Services Council (HSC) planning process, and
act as the liaison between HSC, CCCS and CCNY regarding preparedness activities and disaster services
planning activities.
For details about this position: click here
To apply, submit resume to:
Joy Jasper, Human Resources
Catholic Charities Community Services
1011 1st Avenue
NY, NY 10022
Attn: Disaster Preparedness Coordinator
joy.jasper@archny.org
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NYC DOHMH, MRC Program Associate, Emergency Management Div.
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is looking for an individual with experience and
skills that can be leveraged to recruit, train and retain volunteer health professionals for its growing
Bureau of Emergency Management. The candidate for a Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Program Associate in
Manhattan should have strong interpersonal and communication skills, familiarity with marketing, training,
volunteer management, event coordination, and/or related activities, and an interest in working in Public
Health Preparedness.
Submit your resume online:
www.mhra.org
For details about the position:
click here
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NYC OEM, Job Opportunities
For all of the positions currently available at the NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM), including
emergency management personnel, responders, planners, and administrative and support staff, please go directly
to the OEM “Job Opportunities” website page:
www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/abou/job.shtml
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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
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Online 9/11 Client Inquiry Form