UDC Disaster Mgt – Recent articles

PAHO Supports Bahamas Response with Emergency Medical Teams (PAHO) The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is focusing on clinical care to save the lives of persons who survived the hurricane and keeping people safe, with three Emergency Medical Teams arriving in the Bahamas, according to Dr. Esther de Gourville, PAHO/WHO’s Representative in the Bahamas.

Experts Face BWC Tensions, Developments (Arms Control Today) Scientific experts and diplomats debated the tensions between the benefits and risks of sophisticated biotechnology at a July 29–Aug. 8 meeting in Geneva, with developed nations warning about the potential for bioterrorism and developing nations saying they are denied the full benefits of biotechnology.

The Lessons Florida Has Learned From Past Hurricanes (New York Times) Florida has survived so many major hurricanes that the lessons the state has learned the hard way could fill a textbook for disaster preparation and response.

Chem-Bio Defense Office Reorganizes to Take on New Threats (National Defense) The Pentagon’s joint program executive office for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense — which is tasked with protecting the military from some of the world’s most dangerous pathogens and nerve agents — is emerging from a major reorganization that officials believe will better position it to meet new threats.

Designing city parks to support disaster resilience (Sustainability Times) Research conducted through the University of Guelph, University of Alberta, and Texas A&M find that city parks serve as community hubs in a time of crisis, and they should be integrated into a systemic approach when planning for earthquakes and other emergencies.

Hurricane Recovery in the Bahamas: Turning Good Intentions into Good Decisions (RAND) In the weeks that follow, the Bahamas will face crucial choices that will shape its recovery. From other disasters, we’ve learned that well-intentioned early reactions can harm vulnerable groups such as the poor or elderly in the short term—and perpetuate or worsen pre-existing inequities in the long run.

Study reveals links between extreme weather events and poor mental health (University of York) People whose homes are damaged by storms or flooding are significantly more likely to experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, according to new research out of the UK.

As Disasters Multiply, Billions in Recovery Funds Go Unspent (NYT) Provides perspectives on the Federal, state, and local challenges that delay recovery following disasters.

Training & Professional Development

Webinar: Youth Can Help with Preparedness  Join FEMA this National Preparedness Month (NPM) for a webinar on youth preparedness. Youth preparedness is a key theme for NPM this year. This webinar will feature FEMA experts and a member of the Youth Preparedness Council (YPC). They will discuss the needs of children and families before, during, and after disasters. They will also talk about how YPCs can improve community resilience. Finally, they will share new programs and tools for kids launched this year.

The webinar will be Tuesday, September 24, 12:00-1:00 PM EDT. Learn more and register here.

Key Resources

DHS OIG Report Issued: FEMA’s Longstanding IT Deficiencies Hindered 2017 Response and Recovery Operations (OIG-19-58) This report underscores what many teams have been hearing about response and recovery challenges with information sharing and workarounds for programs that rely on key FEMA IT systems. This is likely an important read for many ongoing (and future) engagements, and can be found in the EM CoP resources.