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Disaster performance wins awards
Yes, virtue is its own reward, but it is good to know that there are other rewards as well
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Having business continuity plans is not enough
More and more enterprises develop business continuity plans, but very few of them test these plans in the field
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DHS pushes cities to develop regional disaster recovery plans
DHS insists that cities applying for urban security grants coordinate their disaster and recovery programs with neighboring cities so that they can present a regional disaster recovery plans in their application
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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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The long view
Strengthening School Violence Prevention
Violence by K-12 students is disturbingly common. Ensuring that schools have effective ways to identify and prevent such incidents is becoming increasingly important. Expanding intervention options and supporting K-12 school efforts in Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) would help.
Huge Areas May Face Possibly Fatal Heat Waves if Warming Continues
A new assessment warns that if Earth’s average temperature reaches 2 degrees C over the preindustrial average, widespread areas may become too hot during extreme heat events for many people to survive without artificial cooling.
Trump’s Cuts to Federal Wildfire Crews Could Have “Scary” Consequences
President Donald Trump’s moves to slash the federal workforce have gutted the ranks of wildland firefighters and support personnel, fire professionals warn, leaving communities to face deadly consequences when big blazes arrive this summer. States, tribes and fire chiefs are preparing for a fire season with minimal federal support.