::
NYDIS Receives "Partners in Preparedness" Award from NYC OEM
 On September 26 NYDIS, along
with the NY Mets, received OEM’s Ready New York Partners in Preparedness award for “outstanding commitment to emergency preparedness and disaster education.” This award recognizes
the role that these organizations play in educating the public about preparing for emergencies.
Commissioner Joseph Bruno presided over the award ceremony which was held at Gracie Mansion. The Rev.
Dr. Martha Jacobs, President of the Board of Directors, accepted the award on behalf of NYDIS.
Representatives from FEMA, the Department of Health, American Red Cross, and CERT attended the
reception. NYDIS sincerely appreciates this honor from our valued partner, OEM, and we look forward to
continuing this important work.
::
NYDIS Releases Disaster Mental Health & Spiritual Care Manual
On September 25, coinciding with its 4th Annual Disaster Preparedness Summit for NYC Religious Leaders, NYDIS
released its “ Manual for New York City Religious Leaders: Mental Health and Spiritual Care for
Disaster Response and Recovery.” This 152-page Manual, a compilation of 19 chapters by 16 different
disaster mental health and spiritual care experts, was edited by the Reverend Stephen Harding, Director of
Pastoral Care at NYU Medical Center and FDNY Chaplain. The Manual offers an overview of the lifecycle of
disasters, discusses the role of faith leaders throughout these phases, and provides information to guide NYC
religious leaders to skill sets, training resources and effective clinical and pastoral best practices. The
chapters are organized into three sections: Preparation & Mitigation, Response & Recovery, and
Reference & Resources. The Manual serves as a comprehensive resource tool to enable New York City religious
leaders to best serve their congregations and the public as they respond to and recover from disasters.
Download the Manual:
www.nydis.org/nydismanual
Download the Manual Publicity Flyer: click here
::
NYDIS Holds 4th Annual Disaster Preparedness Summit for NYC Religious Leaders
 On September 25 NYDIS held its
4th Annual Disaster Preparedness Summit for NYC Religious Leaders, co-sponsored by the American Red
Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY), at the NYU Kimmel Center. Over 150 religious, community and
government leaders came together for a day of speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and break-out
sessions led by disaster preparedness experts. Peter Gudaitis, Executive Director of NYDIS, offered
words of welcome, followed by Terry Bischoff, CEO of ARC/GNY, and Calvin Drayton, First Deputy
Commissioner of NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM), who introduced the Summit’s key themes:
addressing the needs of underserved communities and meeting the challenges of inter-religious
cooperation and partnerships. The effectiveness of this year’s Summit reflects the continued
effort of faith-based and governmental organizations to work together to best serve the public before,
during, and after disasters.
::
NYDIS Participates in HSC Disaster Planning Multi-Agency Tabletop Exercise
The Human Services Council (HSC) conducted a tabletop exercise at the American Red Cross in Greater New York
(ARC-GNY) September 19 for over two dozen disaster human service agencies involved in disaster planning and
preparedness. The role-playing scenario by senior program staff and executives explored each participating
agency’s activation protocols, their response capacity and their internal decision making, as well as
interagency coordination capability in response to a fictional disaster - high winds and heavy rain affecting all
NYC boroughs. NYDIS was represented by “player,” Executive Director Peter Gudaitis,
and “observer,” Director of Disaster Recovery & Advocacy, Scottie Hill.
:: NYC
9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable Updates
-
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).
-
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.
-
Thursday, October 4 - 9:30am-12:00 noon
-
Wednesday, October 10 - 9:30am-12:00 noon
Contact Lida Mora, Moderator, NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable
212.669.6139
lmora@nydis.org
-
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, October 17 - 9:30-11:00 am
:: NYC 9/11 Recovery Resources
A comprehensive list of news, updates and resources for 9/11 victims and
injured
recovery workers, updated weekly:
www.nydis.org/911
::
NYC Katrina Evacuee Recovery
Resources
www.nydis.org/katrina
::
Upstate NY 2006 Flood Recovery Resources
www.nydis.org/floods
::
NYS & NJ 2007 Nor’easter Recovery Resources
www.nydis.org/storms
:: 8/8/2007 Severe Flooding/Tornado Recovery Resources
The latest information, updates and recovery services for those impacted by the August 8, 2007 NYC
tornado and flooding:
www.nydis.org/tornado
::
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.
Download the brochure (pdf):
English | Español
Call for registration guidelines: 866.WTC.2556
::
Mayor's Radio Address: 9/11 Health Impacts and What the City Is Doing
The following is text of Mayor Bloomberg's weekly radio address on 1010 WINS News Radio for Sunday, September 23,
where he discussed the latest steps the City is taking to help those whose health has been impacted by 9/11. "
While federal action is essential, NYC isn't waiting for any outside help. Instead, the City has committed some
$100 million to 9/11-health programs between now and 2011. That includes nearly $50 million for expanding Bellevue
Hospital's free WTC Environmental Health Center. It's the only program that treats not only firefighters, police
officers, and rescue workers who responded to the WTC attack, but also all those who lived and worked in Lower
Manhattan on 9/11 and during its aftermath.”
Read the entire Radio Address: click here
To listen to the Radio Address:
www.nyc.gov
-
Mayor Announces Expansion of WTC Environmental Health Center
Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) President Alan Aviles announced that
the WTC Environmental Health Center at Bellevue Hospital, the City-funded program offering free health
services to people experiencing health problems as a result of 9/11, is expanding to two additional
locations. The new sites, at Gouverneur Healthcare Services in Lower Manhattan and Elmhurst Hospital
Center in Queens, will allow the WTC Environmental Health Center to treat up to 20,000 patients over
the next five years.
Read the Mayor’s Press Release: click here
::
House Bill Would Expand Care & Compensation for 9/11 Workers
The Bloomberg administration and Governor Spitzer are supporting a new Congressional bill that would provide health
treatment and financial compensation for all workers, residents and others exposed to the dust and smoke from the
collapsed WTC. The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act was introduced by several members of NY’s
Congressional delegation September 17 and would also reopen the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund to help
those injured by exposure to the dust recover financial losses related to their illnesses. The legislation was
sponsored by Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler, and Vito Fossella.
Read the NY Times September 18 article by Anthony DePalma:
www.nytimes.com/2007/09/19/nyregion/19dust.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
::
FDNY Report on Health Impact of 9/11 First Responders
Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta announced on September 20 the release of a
comprehensive six-year assessment of the physical and psychological effects on active and retired FDNY members who
responded to the WTC site on and after 9/11. The report’s findings show that the health impact can be linked
to the arrival time of FDNY members. Earlier arrival times (especially within the first 48 hours) at the WTC site
are associated with the highest incidence rate for respiratory symptoms. More than 79% of those present on the
morning of 9/11 had at least one lower respiratory symptom, such as daily cough, shortness of breath, wheezing and
chest pain.
Read the WTC Health Impacts on FDNY Rescue Workers Report:
www.nyc.gov/html/om/pdf/2007/wtc_health_impacts_on_fdny_rescue_workers_sept_2007.pdf
Read the FDNY September 20 Press Release:
www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/pr/2007/092007_335.shtml
::
City Makes Plans to Improve Crisis Communication
Mayor Bloomberg is aiming to adopt a host of new ways to communicate with New Yorkers during a crisis. Deputy Mayor
Edward Skyler said at a City Council meeting on September 19, where he addressed how the city communicates with
residents during an emergency, that the City hopes to launch a pilot program for a text-messaging notification
system by the end of 2007, and a pilot program for a reverse 9-1-1 emergency notification system by early 2008. By
mid-October, the pilot program for an e-mail notification system is set to begin in Lower Manhattan.
Read the NY Sun September 20 article by Grace Rauh:
www.nysun.com/article/63041
::
MTA Takes Action to Improve Performance After 8/8 Storms
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) issued a report assessing its performance during the August 8
storm, in which severe downpours and, in some places, high winds, shut down much of the subway system. The report
identifies a series of actions to ensure better operations, engineering and communications performance in future
events. It concludes that the severity, timing and lack of warning hindered storm preparations and exposed
vulnerabilities in the system, which flooded due to enormous amounts of water pouring into subways and overwhelmed
pumps from external drainage sources. The MTA could not provide alternative travel options, and customers had
difficulty gaining access to timely and accurate information. As a result, Doppler radar will be installed in each
agency’s operations center, an MTA-wide Emergency Response Center has been created, and new storm protocols
will be put in place to guide alternative service. The MTA has committed $30 million to fund initiatives that can
be put into place quickly.
Read the September 20 MTA Press Release:
www.mta.info/mta/news/releases/?en=070920-HQ65
Read the MTA’s “August 8, 2007 Storm Report”:
www.mta.info/mta/pdf/storm_report_2007.pdf
::
Security Training for MTA
The NY Times reported on October 1 in Metro Briefing: “Bus and subway employees have begun taking special
training in identifying and responding to suspicious activities and in emergency communication, the MTA announced
yesterday. About 28,000 workers will take the course, which the authority developed with outside consultants,
authority officials said.”
::
NYPD Gets $3.2M for Radiation Detectors to Protect City
NYC has won a $3.25 million federal grant to help fund the NY Police Department’s (NYPD) plan to ring
the city with radiation detectors. The detectors will be placed as far as 50 miles outside the five boroughs to
identify dirty bombs and other threats on major routes into NY. "This is the first city in America that's
going to have this program," NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly said of the project, which will cost $40 million
to complete. The new radiation detectors will work in conjunction with the NYPD's planned "ring of steel"
- a system of police cameras, license plate readers and street barriers that will be used to safeguard the
Financial District in Lower Manhattan.
Read the September 28 NY Daily News article by Alison Gendar and Michael White:
www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/09/28/2007-09-28_feds_give_city_3m_for_radiation_detector.html
::
NYC Announces Design Competition for Post-Disaster Housing
Mayor Michael Bloomberg and OEM Commissioner Joseph Bruno launched the “What If New York City…”
housing design competition, which seeks innovative approaches to sheltering victims in the aftermath of a disaster.
With potentially thousands of residents displaced from their homes, and fully rebuilding communities could take
several years, provisional housing could be used in the interim. With a scenario focusing on a fictional
neighborhood hit by a Category 3 hurricane, leaving 38,000 families without housing, entrants are asked to design a
provisional housing plan that could be used by emergency planners in real life. This design competition
complements the City’s Coastal Storm Plan (CSP), which dictates how NYC would respond to a coastal storm
emergency. The City intends to incorporate aspects of the competition’s winning submissions into the
sheltering component of the plan.
For information on the competition, including eligibility, schedule, and judging criteria:
www.nyc.gov/html/whatifnyc/html/home/home.shtml
::
FEMA Recognizes Multicultural Communities' Needs
During 2007 more than 10 presidential declared disasters have identified the need to provide multilingual
services to victims during recovery process. These disasters have provided translated materials into
many languages such as Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Urdu, Hindi, Hmong, Yiddish, Japanese, Cambodian,
Laotian and Chinese. Recently, FEMA helped to provide interpretation services in Cantonese and
Mandarin at the Brooklyn, New York Disaster Recovery Center following the impact of the 8/8 storms.
Learn how FEMA helps citizens with limited English proficiency receive important disaster information:
www.fema.gov/media/resources/languages.shtm.
Read FEMA’s September 27 Press Release:
www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=41088
::
WTC Vets Launch HEART 911 to Help Disaster Victims
Two NYPD officers, a Port Authority lieutenant and a financial executive have joined together to create Healing
Emergency Aid Response Team (HEART) 911. The organization aims to use the experience of rescue and recovery workers
who labored at Ground Zero to help future disaster victims across the nation, especially those who came to NY's
aid. The group already has about a dozen volunteers and is pushing to raise more money and recruit another 50
volunteers.
Read the September 23 NY Daily News article by Melissa Grace:
www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/09/23/2007-09-23_wtc_vets_launch_heart_911_group_to_help_.html
::
DHS Announces $24 Million in Homeland Security Nonprofit Grants
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the FY2007 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Nonprofit
Security Grant Program (NSGP) awards which total more than $24 million and support security screening activities in
non-profit organizations deemed at high-risk of a potential terrorist attack. Criteria include: prior identified
and substantiated threats or attacks by a terrorist organization, organization’s role in responding to or
recovering from terrorist attacks, and organization’s credible threat or vulnerability. NSGP grants seek to
integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts, and promote
coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community
representatives, state and local government agencies, and Citizen Corps Councils.
Read the September 28 Press Release:
www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1191005550909.shtm
From Our Members &
Partners
-
ARC/GNY: Dr. Redlener Offers Insights on Preparedness for Megadisasters
In the January 31, 2007 issue of NYDISnet, the Book Review recommendation was Irwin
Redlener’s “American at Risk: Why We Are Not Prepared for Megadisasters and What We
Can Do.” On September 24 he was the special guest speaker at the American Red Cross in Greater NY
(ARC/GNY) Preparedness Month presentation at ARC/GNY headquarters in Manhattan. Dr. Redlener, Director of the
National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, cited a need
for: better technology for bioterrorism detection, improved emergency radio inter-operation between agencies,
a precise determination of which agencies are responsible for America's preparedness response, better
collaboration between government, the private sector and non-governmental organizations, and improved
regional planning and resources.
Read more about Dr. Redlener’s presentation:
www.nyredcross.org/viewnews.php/prmMediaTypeID/38/prmMID/385
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Church World Service: Disaster Ministry Curriculum - Now Available Online
The comprehensive Community Arise disaster ministry curriculum materials developed by
Church World
Service and its partner denominations are now publicly available on a new website. Visitors
can view and download the instructor's guide, participant manual, and Power Point slides for
Basic Disaster Ministry, Disaster Case Management Overview, Disaster Long-Term Recovery,
Volunteer Management and Coordination, Emotional & Spiritual Care in Disaster, Children
and Youth in Disaster, and Technology-Caused Disaster Response.
www.communityarise.net
www.communityarise.com
-
Sikhs Get Action a Second Time from Congress for TSA's Turban Screening Policy
At the request of the Sikh Coalition, key Congressional Committee Chairs with oversight power over the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) released a joint letter expressing concern with its new turban
screening policy. The letter, addressed to TSA Administrator Kip Hawley and Homeland Security Secretary Michael
Chertoff, calls for screening procedures that preserve both religious freedom and security. This is the second
letter to the TSA from Congressional leadership in a week. This letter, initiated by Congressman Mike
Honda, was signed by Congressman John Conyers, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee; Congressman Tom Lantos
Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Chair of the House Subcommittee
on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection; and Congressman Bobby Scott, Civil Rights Taskforce
Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Additionally, four Senators on September 25 sent a
joint letter to the TSA. Post-disaster backlash is an advocacy priority for NYDIS.
Read the September 14 Joint Congressional Leadership Letter to the TSA and DHS:
www.sikhcoalition.org/advisories/documents/9-17-07TSA-headwear-screening-policy-Honda-Letter.pdf
Read the September 25 Joint Senate Letter to the TSA:
www.sikhcoalition.org/advisories/documents/TSALetteronSikhScreening.pdf
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Grand Jury Indicts Schoolboy for Forcibly Cutting Sikh Schoolboy's Hair
A Grand Jury filed an indictment against a 17 year-old schoolboy for forcibly cutting a 15 year-old Sikh
schoolboy’s hair, accusing him of 9 charges, including coercion and menacing as a hate crime and false
imprisonment. A UNITED SIKHS spokesperson said, “This case will now proceed to trial. Cutting a
Sikh’s unshorn hair, his article of faith, is the most grievous assault that can be inflicted on
him.” UNITED SIKHS had arranged for Dr. Inder Singh, an NYU professor to testify before the Grand Jury,
giving evidence on the religious significance of unshorn hair to Sikhs. Post-9/11 disaster backlash is an
advocacy priority for NYDIS.
Read the Press Release:
www.unitedsikhs.org/PressReleases/PRSRLS-06-06-2007-00.htm
Read the NY Times September 23 Op-Ed article by Neha Singh and Khin Mai Aung:
www.nytimes.com/2007/09/23/opinion/nyregionopinions/23QUsingh.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
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OEM Congratulates ARC/GNY on 1st Anniversary at New Chapter Headquarters
NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and American Red Cross in Greater NY (ARC/GNY),
celebrated the first anniversary of ARC/GNY’s move to its new headquarters building at 520 West 49th
Street. OEM Commissioner Joseph Bruno, the keynote speaker at an all staff meeting on September 19,
congratulated the Chapter on its state-of-the-art facility, which allows it to respond quickly and efficiently
to emergencies and disasters, and lauded the collaboration between ARC/GNY and OEM. Chapter CEO Theresa Bischoff
praised the two agencies for “…forging our partnership while retaining our unique identities to
help New Yorkers at the time when they need us most.”
Read the September 19 ARC/GNY Press Release:
www.nyredcross.org/viewnews.php/prmMediaTypeID/38/prmMID/383/prmID/115
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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.
-
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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NYDIS' "Disaster Tip Sheets for NYC Religious Leaders"
NYDIS' set of fifteen "Disaster Tip Sheets for NYC Religious Leaders" is a free resource which provides
important information and resources about disaster readiness, response, and recovery issues of key importance
to the clergy and religious leaders of New York City's houses of worship and faith communities. They can be
downloaded below. (If the material is quoted or duplicated in other resources, please acknowledge the source.)
To view a Tip Sheet, click on the link next to the title:
- Disaster Basics for Faith Communities: click here
- The Role of Faith Communities in Disasters: click here
- The Disaster Lifecycle: Where Do Religious Leaders Fit In?: click here
- Faith Communities & Evacuation Planning: click here
- Faith Communities & Disaster Sheltering: click here
- How to Use Your House of Worship in a Disaster: click here
- Faith Communities & Disaster Volunteerism: click here
- Faith Communities & Donations Management: click here
- Continuity of Operations Planning: Ministry & Services Post-Disaster: click here
- Disaster Spiritual Care: click here
- Self-Care for Religious Leaders: click here
- Faith Communities & Disaster Mental Health: click here
- Trauma Resilience and Harm Reduction in the Community: click here
- Disaster Backlash: Bias Crimes & Mitigation: click here
- National Faith-Based Disaster Service Organizations: click here
Go to the Tip Sheets page on the NYDIS website to download each Tip Sheet: click here
Or go to www.nydis.org.
-
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:
-
DHS Releases National Preparedness Guidelines
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published the National Preparedness Guidelines, which establishes
a
vision for national preparedness and provides a systematic approach for prioritizing preparedness efforts across the
US; and the Target Capabilities List, which describes the collective national capabilities required to prevent,
protect against, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies.
Download the National Preparedness Guidelines:
www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/National_Preparedness_Guidelines.pdf
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DHS' New Preparedness Resources For Seniors, Disabled & Pets
The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Ready Campaign released three new demonstration videos on
the specific steps older Americans, individuals with disabilities and special needs, and pet owners should
take to prepare for emergencies. DHS worked with AARP, the National Organization on Disability, and The
Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to develop these new emergency preparedness resources. The new
videos are released in time for National Preparedness Month 2007, a nationwide effort held each September to
encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies.
To view the Videos:
www.ready.gov/america/about/instructional_index.html
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NYC OEM Preparedness Poll: New Yorkers Ready for Emergencies
More New Yorkers say they are prepared and informed about emergencies than said they were prepared or
informed in 2005, according to a new NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) poll. The poll found 57% of
New Yorkers say they are prepared for emergencies such as natural disasters, fires, or power outages. A 2005
poll found that only 49% felt prepared for these types of emergencies. In addition to being more prepared,
68% of New Yorkers say they are informed about what to do in an emergency such as a natural disaster,
power outage, or act of terrorism. In 2005, only 55% said they were informed. “Public education has
always been one of the City’s priorities,” said OEM Commissioner Bruno.
Read about the 2007 Poll:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/news/07_19_09_preparedness_poll.shtml
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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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OEM Tip: Stay Safe and Sound Underground
Most accidents on the subways result from slips and falls on stairways. Slow down and use the handrails to keep
your balance. Should a more serious incident occur while you are underground, keep these three tips in mind:
listen for instructions, stay inside the train, since subway tracks are dangerous and poorly lit, the safest
place is usually inside the subway car, and if evacuation is necessary, an MTA employee will provide
instructions over the intercom or by walking through the train. Only pull the emergency cord if someone is
caught between closed car doors and is in danger of being dragged. If your train is between stations and you
pull the cord, the train will stop, preventing emergency responders from reaching the train.
Learn more about subway preparedness:
http://nyc.gov/html/oem/html/ready/prepared_subways.shtml
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Fire Prevention Week: October 7-13
Practice Your Escape Plan!" is the theme of Fire Prevention Week 2007. It's not enough to have a fire
escape plan. To escape safely, you've got to make sure that everyone has practiced the plan. According to a
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) poll, the majority of Americans have a fire escape plan, but most
haven't practiced it. From October 7-13, fire safety advocates will be spreading the word that when it comes to
escape plans, practice is key.
Test your escape planning know how: click here
Evacuation planning for people with disabilities: click here
Learn more about Fire Safety and Fire Prevention Week:
www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=1438&itemID=34420
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Flooding Preparedness
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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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UJA-Federation Makes $1M Grant for Emergency Services
UJA-Federation of New York has granted $1 million over a five-year period to Chevra Hatzalah Emergency Services
(Hatzalah). As a result, Hatzalah has been able to fully upgrade its radio-communications system, revamp the
computer-aided dispatch system, set up an enhanced 911 type service, convert to T-1 lines, provide training
dispatchers, and create a specialized disaster preparedness training program. This allocation allows Hatzalah to
continue to tutor volunteers, improve essential communications technology, and upgrade equipment. Metropolitan
Council on Jewish Poverty is a third organization in the partnership that works hand in hand with Hatzalah to
provide human services for victims released from Hatzalah's care.
www.ujafedny.org/
http://metcouncil.brinkster.net/index2.html
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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 presentation is Thursday, October 4, 6:30 to 7:15 pm at 520 West 49th Street.
Sign up online for October 4:
www.nyredcross.org/eventreg.php?prmEventID=2909
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Preparedness Resources for Health Officials
The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), representing local health
departments,
seeks to improve people’s health by promoting national policy, developing resources and programs,
seeking
health equity, and supporting effective local public health practice and systems. They are offering resources on their website that include: an Indian Tribes Survey Template, a
Special
Populations Template, a Special Needs Shelter Plan, and a Toolkit for Congregations.
www.naccho.org/topics/emergency/NationalPreparednessMonth2007.cfm
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Hurricane Preparedness
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OEM Hurricane Tip: What's Your Plan?
Hurricane season is here. Unlike most hazards, we can predict when a hurricane is coming.
Unfortunately, that still means most people wait until the last minute to get prepared. Don't
procrastinate; use the calm before the storm to make a plan with your family to weather the storm season
safely.
Download the Ready NY: Hurricanes and NYC Guide: click here
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The Weather Service's Storm Ready Center
Each year, Americans cope with an average of 10,000 thunderstorms, 5,000 floods, 1,000 tornadoes, as
well as an average of 6 deadly hurricanes. Potentially deadly weather impacts every American. The
National Weather Service’s (NWS) StormReady® program, started in 1999 in Tulsa, OK, helps
arm
America's communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property,
before and during the event. Most importantly, StormReady helps community leaders and emergency
managers strengthen local safety programs through better planning, education, and awareness.
www.stormready.noaa.gov/
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Website Offers Customized Hurricane Preparedness Plan
OneStorm is a free tool to help prepare for this hurricane season by building a hurricane kit, planning
for pets, and identifying your flood risk. Designed to incorporate information and recommendations from
the American Red Cross (ARC) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as from local
and
state emergency management agencies, OneStorm promises customized storm planning for residents in
hurricane-prone areas. Max Mayfield, former director of the National Hurricane Center, is an adviser
to
the site which requires a user to spend about 10 minutes entering personal information, then provide
a shopping list of items required during a storm.
Read the DNN article:
www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=3311
www.onestorm.org/
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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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CDC's Faith/Community Partnership Pandemic Report
Faith-based and community-based organizations (FBCOs) are essential partners in helping people to
prepare for an influenza pandemic and in protecting the public’s health and safety should a Flu
Pandemic occur. Dr. Scott Santibañez, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
(CDC) Associate Director for Partnerships with Faith-Based/Community Organizations, has just released
an article to help clarify the threat of pandemic influenza and to actively engage readers in
preparing
for a severe influenza pandemic. The report emphasizes how FBCOs can ensure that people in need are
provided for and that care is provided in a way that minimizes stigma and other negative social
responses.
Read Dr. Santibañez’s entire article: click here
Additional information is available from the CDC Hotline:
1.800.CDC.INFO (1.800.232.4636). This line is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7
days a week.
TTY: 1.888.232.6348.
Questions?
cdcinfo@cdc.gov
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Pet Preparedness
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OEM Tip: Don't Forget Your Pet
After Katrina, OEM introduced Ready New York for Pets - a guide for pet owners on how to care for
pets during an emergency. OEM encourages all pet owners to include pets in their disaster plans. Think
about where you will go with your pet and how you will get there if you have to leave home during an
emergency. Know what you will do if an emergency prevents you from returning home to your pet. Put
together a pet Go Bag.
Download Ready NY Pet Guide:
www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/ready/pets_guide.shtml
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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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FEMA Urges Pet Preparedness
Animals left behind in disasters can become a risk for emergency responders, and be at risk themselves
of health complications, getting lost, injured or killed. Preparing for pet evacuation and sheltering
may seem complex at first, but it is as easy and effective as preparing for any emergency your family
may encounter. Learn what to prepare and what to take with you in an emergency. Then you need to know
where to go. Not all shelters allow pets. Some do take pets, but they are kept in a separate
section. You will need a transport such as a cage or crate and a leash.
Read FEMA’s September 27 Press Release:
www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=41089
FEMA has more information on developing a Pet Preparedness Plan:
ww.fema.gov/plan/prepare/animals.shtm
Download the DHS Ready America Pets brochure:
www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html
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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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NYC Corporate Access ID System Assures Continuity of Business
The Corporate Emergency Access System (CEAS) is a pre-emergency credentialing program which authenticates
critical business employees for access to restricted areas following a disaster or serious emergency using a
secure identification card recognized by the police. This City ID system allows critical employees access to
your primary service facility during a city emergency to maintain vital service or administrative functions.
NYDIS, a participant believing that this is an important feature of our own continuity of operations planning,
recommends you review the brochure to determine if this is a program in which you’d like to participate.
Download the CEAS 2006 Brochure: click here
Read how NYC OEM activated CEAS following the July 27 Steam Pipe Explosion:
https://ceas.com/news/20070727-1-Manhattan-steam-explosion.pdf
https://ceas.com/
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Online Interactive Courses for Emergency Preparedness
The NY Consortium for Emergency Preparedness Continuing Education helps health professionals in NYS and NYC
to respond effectively to emergency events of all kinds; they will have an increased ability to identify
potential emergencies, respond rapidly within institutional and community incident management systems,
communicate across clinical and public health organizational lines, and provide effective care for those
affected.
www.nycepce.org/CourseList.htm
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Explaining Disasters, Emergencies & Catastrophes Post-9/11 & -Katrina
Dr. E. L. Quarantelli is research professor and founding director of the Disaster Research Center (DRC) at the
University of Delaware and the author or editor of books, articles and chapters on disaster topics. Katrina has
reinforced the view of some researchers that the scale of any collective crisis has to be taken into account in any
analysis; and just as “disasters” are qualitatively different from everyday community emergencies, so
are “catastrophes” a qualitative jump over “disasters” - in less than a decade of field
research it was conclusively documented that community disasters were qualitatively and quantitatively different
from routine emergencies. In these two articles, Dr. Quarantelli articulates the distinctions of these terms, their
impact on the community, why response is necessarily different, and how this knowledge is relevant in determining
preparedness plans in the future.
Read the article, “Catastrophes are Different from Disasters: Some Implications for Crisis Planning and
Managing Drawn from Katrina” (2006):
http://understandingkatrina.ssrc.org/Quarantelli/
Download the article, “Emergencies, Disaster and Catastrophes Are Different Phenomena” (2000):
www.udel.edu/DRC/preliminary/pp304.pdf
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DOHMH Launches New 9/11 Health Website
Marking the sixth anniversary of 9/11, the NYC Health Department (DOHMH) has launched a new website to provide
up-to-date scientific information about the disaster’s lingering health effects and to highlight the services
available to those affected. It also includes easily accessible research findings and treatment options for the
different groups of affected people: rescue and recovery workers, residents, children, city employees and others.
Visit the 9/11 Health Website:
www.nyc.gov/9-11HealthInfo
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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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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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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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"Disasters: Recipes and Remedies" Conference
Thursday, November 1 - Friday, November 2
Manhattan
Leading experts will explore the commonalities of all disasters. They will examine the unequal protection
and treatment of populations made vulnerable by their location and or socioeconomic status; the impact of
disasters on the economy and overall human development; how hazards develop into disasters; and how design
factors either mitigate or amplify their effects. Nicholas Scoppetta, Fire Commissioner of NYC will give the
keynote address, followed by questions and answers with Bob Kerrey, President of The New School. It will be
held at The New School at
For information and conference details:
212.229.5776 x3121
socres@newschool.edu
For the Agenda: click here
http://socres.org/disasters/
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IAEM 55th 2007 Annual Conference
November 11-15
Reno, Nevada
"Partners in Emergency Management: Working Together", this year’s topic from the
International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), provides a forum for current trends and topics,
information about the latest tools and technology in emergency management and homeland security. For
emergency managers, homeland security officials, first response coordinators, and contingency planners.
Conference details:
www.iaem.com/events/annual/intro.htm
Job & Volunteer Opportunities
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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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FEMA, Disaster-Related Job Opportunities
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is expanding and there are new jobs listed in the New York area,
as well as every FEMA Regional Office around the country.
To see the list of jobs, and to get instructions on how to apply:
http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/
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HWCLI, Disaster Advocate and Recovery Coordinator
The Health & Welfare Council of Long Island (HWCLI) seeks an individual to oversee and coordinate two
disaster-related programs: the 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable and the Long Island Voluntary Organizations Active in
Disaster (LIVOAD).
For details about this position: click here
To apply, submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
Loule Gebremedhin
lgebrem@hwcli.com
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NVOAD, National Portal Program Manager - Washington, DC
The National Portal Program Manager for the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) will be
responsible for strategic relationship management and quality program implementation for the National Donations
Management program under his/her oversight; and will also serve as a liaison between State VOADs and the
National Office.
For details about this position: click here
Send cover letter and resume by October 17 to:
nvoadsearch@nvoad.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