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In post-Katrina shift, DHS to consider risk of natural disasters in grants to cities
When DHS absorbed FEMA in 2003, the agency was marginalized, the quality of its leadership declined, and its emphasis on natural disasters was eclipsed by the new emphasis on terrorism; DHS is now trying to recreate an agency with more balance between terrorism and natural disasters
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RAND, Gulf Coast schools to establish center to study long-term hurricane recovery issues
Most of the recovery and rebuilding activities along the Gulf Coast are addressing short-term needs. RAND and seven regional universities have created an institute to look into long-term recovery and rebuilding issues
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Highlights of $29 billion DoD budget hurricane recovery assistance
DoD bill approved Monday contains billions of dollars for Gulf recovery; here are some of the items to be funded by the bill
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Senate passes modified TRIA extension version
White House-backed Senate version of TRIA would extend government backstop of terrorism insurance by two years, increasing the amount to be paid by private insurance companies, and excluding certain items from coverage
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House establishes corporation to redevelop Gulf Coast
Congress creates a government-run corporation to run rebuilding and development efforts in Katrina-ravaged Gulf Coast
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House committee report finds Red Cross ill-prepared for disaster relief
Minority staff report harshly critical of Red Cross’ ability to cope with mass-casualty disasters
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Illinois town short on funds for first response team
Where there is a will, there is not always a way: Small Illinois town wants first response capabilities but has no money to pay for them
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Experts urge the inclusion of social science insights into disaster planning
In Japan they wear face masks; in the U.S. they do not — this and other insights from cultural studies should be incorporated into disaster planning, experts argue
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Do not rely on government in case of pandemic
Nevada health and emergency officials have a blunt message to state citizens: Fend for yourselves
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Inspector General: DHS knew in April 2005 of inability to respond to catastrophic incidents
DHS IG reveals that in April 2005 government-wide exercise showed inadequacy of DHS plans for coping with hurricane disaster in the Gulf
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Legislators propose to restore FEMA as an independent, cabinet-level agency
FEMA’s performance in Katrina prompts calls to release “trapped agency” from DHS fold
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Last-minute battle over TRIA extension
Terrorism insurance was supposed to be a temporary, post-9/11 measure, but insurers and realtors got so used to it, they want it extended; the White House and Senate want to limit the measure’s scope, the House want to expand it; either way, it expires on 31 December unless extended
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The long view
Diminishing Snowmelt to Make Colorado, Utah, Wyoming Resemble the Arid Southwest
New research predicts that changes in mountain snowmelt will shift peak stream flows to much earlier in the year for the vast Colorado River Basin, altering reservoir management and irrigation across the entire region. As a result, upper basin in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming may more closely resemble the arid Southwest.
Challenges to Tidal Flats Pose Risks to 41M Americans Living in Coastal Counties
About 29 percent of the United States’ population live in coastline counties – more than 41 million are in Atlantic counties. This high population density poses a critical challenge to sustainable developments in coastal areas.
Boosting Efforts to Predict Harmful Solar Weather Events
When big blasts of energy from the sun envelop the Earth, they can very strong: a 2015 event so weakened Earth’s protective magnetic field that it penetrated to the atmosphere, posing a threat to everything from circling space station astronauts to delicate electronics and communication systems.
Mitigating Flood Disasters
Engineers have proposed a flood control measure which recommends designing permeable pavements to specifically suit local rainfall and soil conditions and reduce flood impacts.