3 Norfolk-Based Ships Could Help Gulf Sep 15, 2008
The amphibious transport ship Ponce will leave Norfolk on Sunday for possible disaster response operations. The amphibious assault ship Bataan will ready to depl 00001EAF oy within 24 hours if needed. (WTKR.com, VA)
Typhoon Injures 14, Cancels Flights in Taiwan Sep 15, 2008
"The amount of time this storm lingered and the level of rain, this time those were pretty severe," said Chris Cheng, a disaster response worker in Ilan County, a mountainous region hit by the typhoon. "The most serious problems are flooding and power losses.". (Planet Ark, United States)
The Week's Highlights Sep 15, 2008
Donations will be accepted to benefit Lutheran Disaster Response. Check out Nevue online at. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
The Salvation Army: Moving in with First Strike Teams Saturday Morning Sep 14, 2008
The Army has deployed a fleet of more than 60 mobile canteen units, along with satellite communications equipment and other materials and is preparing a disaster response operation that could rival the one it mounted for Hurricane Katrina, its largest ever ... As part of its disaster response operation, The Salvation Army also is pre-positioning personnel and inventories to provide those affected by the storm with: Clean-up kits containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning suppliesHygiene... (KWTX.com, TX)
Hurricane Ike: World Vision Readies Supplies, Staff, Volunteers for Response Sep 13, 2008
"As we talk with our church and community partners in Texas, we're urging them to prepare for the worst and be diligent about their own safety as well," said John Pettit, World Vision's national director for disaster response. "Once the hurricane passes, we'll work with them to help supply what's needed by the people in their communities who need the most assistance. We plan to help them get families back on their feet in the short-term as well as clean up and recover from this storm."... (PR Newswire)
LA governor upset with one state agency's response to Gustav Sep 13, 2008
(AP) - One state agency has been at the heart of two of the more significant disaster response problems to show up with Hurricane Gustav, and Governor Bobby Jindal says the snafus were avoidable and unacceptable. The state social services department - one of Jindal's cabinet agencies - has received criticism for lengthy lines and lack of preparation for the thousands of people who showed up seeking disaster food stamp aid earlier this week. (KSLA.com, LA)
HURRICANE IKE: How you can volunteer Sep 13, 2008
Through this and all its efforts, the American Red Cross of Central Texas is taking all necessary action to prepare for any possible disaster response to Hurricane Ike. The best way to help the response effort is with a financial contribution to the local Red Cross chapter. (Cedar Park Hill Country News Weekender, TX)
Faith quickly put into action Sep 13, 2008
New Catholic Charities Jackson director spends first days mobilizing disaster response ... Instead, Patin mobilized his agency's disaster response team, who provided mental health counseling to evacuees at the Mississippi Coliseum and later helped some 300 people get money to travel home ... For the past 12 years, he's worked for Catholic Charities, first as the director for community outreach for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and later as the statewide head of Catholic Charities'... (The Clarion-Ledger)
State practices agricultural disaster response Sep 13, 2008
Note: This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate. (Dowagiac News, MI)
Verizon Wireless Network Ready as Texas Coast Prepares for Hurricane Ike Sep 12, 2008
Emergency Teams, Disaster Plans Activated in Southeast Texas HOUSTON, Sept. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless network crews and disaster response teams are on alert as Hurricane Ike approaches the Texas Coast ... A) network technology, and completing a Disaster Response Trailer (DRT) mobile customer service unit ... -- A new 35-foot $150,000 Disaster Response Trailer to be used as a temporary customer service location in areas impacted by a disaster. (PR Newswire)
ADRA Bolsters Fight Against Hunger in North East India Sep 12, 2008
Its current portfolios are Economic Development, Vocational Training, Water and Sanitation, Disaster Response, Health Care, and Local Infrastructure. ADRA is a non-governmental organization present in 125 countries providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race, or ethnicity. (AlertNet)
Cuba gets hurricane evacuations right Sep 11, 2008
where he was talking to preparedness experts about Cuba's disaster response model. A lesson in preparednessCuba's evacuations differ greatly from those in the United States, where people rush to airports for overbooked flights or pile into cars that clog highways. (MSNBC -- International)
Sleek Probe To Map Earth’s Gravity Sep 11, 2008
Scientists created a way to combine weather data and geographic information systems software in a visual display for use in disaster response. They. (Science Daily)
Nonprofits launch effort on 9/11 to boost volunteerism Sep 11, 2008
A policy agenda will be unveiled at the summit, including proposals for service corps focused on areas such as education, disaster response, and communities' conversion to clean energy. "We're not trying to grow service for service's sake [but] because it can solve problems," says Tim Zimmermann, spokesman for Be the Change Inc., in Cambridge, Mass. (Christian Science Monitor)
US court convicts man for threats against Flaherty Sep 11, 2008
Canada is considering sending its specialized disaster response team to help with hurricane relief efforts in Haiti, CBC News has confirmed. The U.S. government on Wednesday slapped financial sanctions on Iran's largest state-owned shipping line and its affiliates for allegedly helping to transfer military-related arms and cargo. (CBC.ca)
1st Kuwaiti woman MP sworn in Sep 10, 2008
Canada is considering sending its specialized disaster response team to help with hurricane relief efforts in Haiti, CBC News has confirmed ... Canada is considering sending its specialized disaster response team to help with hurricane relief efforts in Haiti, CBC News has confirmed. (Yahoo News -- Kuwait)
Red Cross responds to Hurricane Ike Sep 8, 2008
92 million to help provide support to 10,000 Haitian families over the next six months, and a team of disaster response specialists has now joined Red Cross personnel on the ground in Haiti. Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. (AlertNet)
Border aircraft to aid storm mission Sep 6, 2008
The 33-foot-long aircraft, with a 66-foot wing span, also has a color optical camera and forward-looking infrared which can stream live video across a satellite hookup to those dealing with disaster response, showing leaks from oil rigs or blown-off roofs. The forward-looking infrared capability to pick up warm bodies in cold water is a real asset for search-and-rescue, Kostelnik said. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Altus Salvation Army continues to serve victims of Gustav Sep 6, 2008
Since the storm hit, the Altus disaster response team, assisted by teams from, Ardmore, Norman, Enid, Oklahoma City and Tulsa have provided over 20,000 meals, and a like number of drinks and snacks. This is just the total for the seven counties that we are serving here in Mississippi, said Maj. (Altus Times, OK)
Southeast U.S. braces for Hanna Sep 5, 2008
Bahamas National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest canceled all leave for the Bahamas Royal Defence Force to keep soldiers on standby for disaster response. Slide show. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Wicker hears officials' concerns Sep 5, 2008
Roger Wicker said the state has improved in its disaster response capabilities Wednesday afternoon after inspecting Hurricane Gustav damage in four Southwest Mississippi counties. "Our agencies and local government have done remarkably well and are better prepared," Wicker said while visiting Franklin County workers on a muddy road outside of Meadville. (Brookhaven Daily Leader, MS)
Central Illinois firefighters helping Gustav victims Sep 5, 2008
We have a very organized and effective disaster response team in Illinois and we have a good mutual aid system for our area in place, Hulett said. In all, 250 Illinois firefighters and nearly 70 fire trucks were sent to Louisiana to help the state recover from the hurricane. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Clinton offers shelter from storm Sep 5, 2008
"We knew people coming off the interstate would see the steeple and automatically come here for help," said shelter coordinator Becky Graves, who serves as a member of the Disaster Response Team. "We had originally planned to open at 7 a.m. Monday morning to provide food and information, and to funnel people to Red Cross shelters in the area.". (The Clarion-Ledger)
Program aims to prepare businesses for disaster response Sep 5, 2008
STURTEVANT A half-day program about preparing businesses for disaster response and relief will be offered from 7:30 to noon Oct. 9 at the Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation, 2320 Renaissance Blvd.. Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce will sponsor a program along with Racine County Emergency Management, the American Red Cross, Network Specialists and We Energies. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
New site for disaster center? Sep 5, 2008
Washington - After once eyeing an address at Mobile Regional Airport, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, is now hoping to work with local emergency officials to build a first-ever disaster response center at a site off Zeigler Boulevard, an official overseeing the search said Tuesday ... Under one scenario, the county EMA would lease it as a site for a new emergency operations center, Mitchell said, and then sub-lease four acres to NOAA for the disaster response center... (AL.com)
County hurricane response smooth Sep 4, 2008
Madison County disaster response leaders meet in the Madison County courtoom for a state conference call in response to Hurricane Gustav. Madison County Emergency Coordinator Shelly Butts, second from right, answers a question while Guardian EMS personnel, Madisonville Police Chief Gary Clendennen, rear left, Madison County Emergency Director Judge Art Henson and Madisonville Volunteer Firefighter Gordon Plumlee listen. (Madisonville Meteor, TX)
Community Emergency Response team to be featured at 4th Friday Sep 4, 2008
CERT educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may affect their area, and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can help others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Waiting to exhale: Hanna's latest track would spare Orangeburg area Sep 4, 2008
The UMVIM, which consists of about 450 volunteers statewide, spent the day Wednesday meeting with Orangeburg County emergency officials to coordinate disaster response. Billy Robinson of North, the UMVIM state disaster coordinator, said the team is on standby. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Katrina to Gustav: Faith-based groups play familiar role Sep 4, 2008
The Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church is also continuing its disaster response work that it started after Katrina ... Along with its disaster response work, Catholic Charities of Jackson has stepped in to provide crisis counseling for evacuees and relief workers, said the organization's executive director Greg Patin. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Grim conditions in India Sep 4, 2008
"We are getting to areas we haven't been able to get to before," said Rajeev Ahluwalia, an assistant commander with India's new National Disaster Response Force set up after the 2004 tsunami, in Chandpur Bhangaha ... Although the Indian government is working overtime, deploying rescue squads from its army, navy and disaster response force, villagers and aid agencies say it is just not fast enough. (iAfrica.com)
CityTeam Disaster Response Urgently Helping after Hurricane Gustav in the Gulf Coast Sep 3, 2008
Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- CityTeam Disaster Response Team has been on the ground in the Mississippi Gulf Coast for three years rebuilding communities and homes after Hurricane Katrina and now our dedicated volunteers are starting again after Hurricane Gustav ... "It has been an emotional third anniversary for those struggling to rebuild their lives and homes after Hurricane Katrina. CityTeam has been helping for three years and we personally know the people of these communities. Our... (PR Newswire)
Finding shelter from the storm: ‘Can’t wait to get back home,’ say evacuees Sep 3, 2008
Although the couple had hopes of returning home this morning, shelter personnel later announced disaster response teams in Louisiana were not allowing residents to return until late this afternoon or early Wednesday morning. I guess it doesn t really matter right now anyway, Greg said with a sigh. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Six Ways to Donate to Hurricane Victims Sep 3, 2008
" 3) AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS The preparation, on all levels, for Gustav has hands-down been better than the preparation for Katrina -- right down to making arrangements for the Gulf's four-legged friends. During Katrina, many evacuee shelters would not accept animals. As a result, hundreds of pets were left behind and had to be rescued after the flood. This time around, animal advocacy groups like the Humane Society worked with local animal shelters to provide... (Fox News)
Hanna could drench Pittsburgh this weekend Sep 3, 2008
Liz Carrier, 23, of Squirrel Hill, has been in New Orleans since January doing post-Katrina recovery as construction coordinator for the Office of Disaster Response of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana. Ms. Carrier missed the storm far from the Big Easy. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
How media covered Katrina aftermath affects response by blacks and whites Sep 3, 2008
The other participants saw a six-minute government-incompetence series of clips in which victims, public figures and journalists said government incompetence caused the ineffective disaster response ... In addition, they were asked to provide an explanation for the disaster response they recalled being made most often in the video they saw. (EurekAlert!)
South warily eyes approach of next storm Sep 3, 2008
FEMA regional administrator Phil May said the agency will send federal liaisons and disaster response teams to Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina on Wednesday to prepare for Hanna. FEMA is already pouring supplies and resources, like search and rescue teams, into the region. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Gustav: World Vision Teams Assist Evacuees in Jackson and Dallas, Prepare Response Sep 2, 2008
"Just like we saw in Katrina, it's the faith community that is on the frontlines of helping Gustav's survivors -- especially children and families who don't have a financial cushion during evacuation," explained John Pettit, director of World Vision's domestic disaster response. "World Vision will be working alongside these churches and local groups and making sure they and their volunteers have the relief supplies, expertise and funds they need -- first as they host evacuees, and later as they... (PR Newswire)
* Bush heads south as Gustav nears Sep 2, 2008
Disaster response has undoubtedly improved since then but Katrina deeply eroded credibility in Bushs administration. Scott McClellan, the presidents press secretary at the time, wrote this year that the White House was in a state of denial for the whole first week of Katrina. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Hanna coming? Sep 2, 2008
The center brings together officials from state and federal government and organizations like the Red Cross to plan for disaster response, she said. A spokesman for South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford said the governor was in Minnesota for the Republican convention but prepared to return home if the threat to the state increased. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Bush, Cheney to skip GOP convention due toGustav Sep 1, 2008
The president spoke after his Homeland Security chief warned that Gustav could prove more challenging than Katrina and the nations disaster response coordinator worried about New Orleans fragile levees. Bush got an update on the storm, which could make landfall along the Gulf Coast as early as Monday, during a visit to FEMA headquarters. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Framingham names public health director Sep 1, 2008
As director, Mascoop will oversee vaccination drives, supervise restaurant inspections, deal with environmental problems, and help outline disaster response plans. "The board is appreciative for all the work Lise has done and we're looking forward to welcoming the new director," said Hugo. (Framingham TAB, MA)
Bush: No to convention, plans Gustav trip to Texas Sep 1, 2008
Disaster response has undoubtedly improved since then. But Katrina was a low chapter in American history, and it deeply eroded credibility in Bush's administration. (Albany Times Union)
ActionAid pumps in 30 lacs INR as Bihar floods declared a 'national calamity' Sep 1, 2008
"In a disaster situation women and children are worst affected and their needs are often ignored especially the needs of lactating, pregnant and menstruating women. Their needs should also be reflected in disaster response and relief assistance" says Unnikrishnan PV.. "We are extremely concerned about the plight of women- those who are stranded in marooned villages as well as those who are in the relief camps. It is necessary to take steps to ensure their safety and security" said Vinay Ohdar... (AlertNet)
President Bush And VP Cheney To Skip Convention Sep 1, 2008
His Homeland Security chief warned that Gustav could prove more challenging than Katrina and the nation's disaster response coordinator worried about New Orlean's fragile levees. First lady Laura Bush still was scheduled to address delegates in St. Paul, Minn. (W-USA News, DC)
ASPCA Deploys Disaster Response Team to Assist in Animal Evacuations, Sheltering in Anticipation of Hurricane Gustav Aug 31, 2008
NEW YORK, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The ASPCA(R) (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R)) has deployed a team of disaster response experts to assist the state of Louisiana in pre- and post-storm evacuation and sheltering in anticipation of Hurricane Gustav ... "We are working closely with the Louisiana State Animal Response Team to assist and provide resources." Members of the ASPCA disaster response team arrived at the site of the Louisiana Mega Shelter in Shreveport, La... (PR Newswire)
China earthquake kills 22 Aug 31, 2008
At the same time, China still needs to improve its seismic building codes, supervision and inspections, disaster response and preparedness. "Some parts of China are in active seismic areas," Zhong said. (Los Angeles Times)
Mass. healthcare workers sent to La. ahead of Gustav Aug 30, 2008
Two disaster response teams from Massachusetts were bound for Louisiana last night as Hurricane Gustav churned toward the Gulf Coast, a trip that will return the doctors, nurses, and other medical workers to familiar terrain. The medical squads - one constituting Boston-area health workers, the other representing Central and Western Massachusetts - were dispatched to the same region three years ago, when Hurricanes Katrina and Rita pummeled New Orleans and a broad swath of the Gulf Coast. (Boston Globe)
Local TLC workers head south to aid hurricane efforts Aug 30, 2008
TLC operations director Lon Fricano said that the ambulance crews were dispatched as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's disaster response plan and had made it as far as Knoxville, Tenn. Friday afternoon. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Network Stands 'Ready to Serve' as Gulf Coast Braces for Tropical Storm Gustav Aug 30, 2008
The company's network crews and disaster response teams -- including many veterans of previous storm seasons along the Gulf -- are already on alert in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida The company has made extensive investments and efforts to prepare its network for emergencies and provide the most reliable ongoing wireless service for Gulf Coast residents and businesses ... Highlights of these long-term enhancements include expanding and enhancing regional switching facilities,... (PR Newswire)
World Vision Prepares Relief Goods, Staff for Gustav's Landfall Aug 30, 2008
"We're making the most of this early warning time to prepare," said John Pettit, director of World Vision's domestic disaster response. "Our staff in Mississippi and Texas have been contacting dozens of churches and community groups that we've partnered with since Katrina to let them know we want to stand by them for Gustav and help them serve the most vulnerable in their communities." The organization's domestic disaster response teams are also on full alert today, with expert staff prepared to... (PR Newswire)
GOP may delay start of convention because of Hurricane Gustav... Developing... Aug 30, 2008
who was forced out as chief of the after Katrina, said all sides appear to have learned the importance of paying attention to disaster response. "The American people want to know the people they elected are paying attention, care about them and are making decisions they need to make," Brown said. (The Drudge Report)
New hurricane brings opportunity and risk for Republicans Aug 30, 2008
"If it does work out well, it will probably be a small plus for us," said Representative Peter King of New York, the top Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee, which oversees federal disaster response operations. "Obviously, if it doesn't work out well, then the Republicans are going to have a problem.". (International Herald Tribune)
Elderly comprised nearly half of Katrina dead Aug 30, 2008
It's based on death certificates listing Katrina as the main or contributing cause and data from a federal disaster response team. The researchers counted 971 Katrina-related deaths in Louisiana, mostly in New Orleans, and 15 deaths among residents who fled out of state. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Indian boat mishap claims 20 00004000lives Aug 30, 2008
Additional rescue teams of the army and National Disaster Response Force have been pressed into service to locate the bodies and possible survivors. Editor: Sun Yunlong. (Xinhuanet, China)
GOP considers delaying convention Aug 29, 2008
Michael D. Brown, who was forced out as chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency after Katrina, said all sides appear to have learned the importance of paying attention to disaster response. "The American people want to know the people they elected are paying attention, care about them and are making decisions they need to make," Brown said. (MSNBC -- Race)
PM sanctions Rs 1,000 cr for Bihar Aug 29, 2008
Apart from the state government machinery, three columns of Army, personnel of national disaster response force (NRDF) and a large number of voluntary bodies are currently involved in the rescue operation. About 700 boats have been pressed into service to evacuate the marooned to safer places. (India Times)
Local, state agencies make plans for storm Aug 29, 2008
The disaster response community learned a number of lessons from Katrina, said Beth Boone, disaster public affairs spokesperson for the American Red Cross. The most important one. (Greenville Delta Democrat Times, MS)
Bihar floods: More trouble as Met forecasts heavy showers Aug 29, 2008
Apart from Army jawans, 500 personnel of the National Disaster Response Force are already involved in rescue operations as are men from BSF, CRPF and other paramilitary forces. Related Stories. (India Times, India -- Community News)
Top disaster officials touch down in state Aug 29, 2008
Aiming to show tangible improvements in reacting to disasters since Hurricane Katrina hit three years ago today, the Bush administration's top two disaster response officials were in Louisiana on Thursday to help prepare for Gustav. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison met with Gov. Bobby Jindal in Baton Rouge, then hashed out plans with Mayor Ray Nagin and his preparedness team in New Orleans. (Nola.com -- Sports)
Gustav could be perfect storm for political spin Aug 29, 2008
Peter King, top Republican on the House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee, which oversees federal disaster response operations. "Obviously, if it doesn't work out well, then the Republicans are going to have a problem.". (International Herald Tribune)
U.S. warships due to arrive in disputed Georgian port Aug 28, 2008
Rebecca Gustafson, spokeswoman for the U.S. Agency for International Development's disaster response team in Georgia, said that the delay was due to a "fast-changing situation" and that teams were assessing where humanitarian needs were greatest. President Bush pledged that Navy forces would deliver aid to ally Georgia. (Anchorage Daily News)
Tropical Storm Gustav shifts, may miss New Orleans Aug 28, 2008
With memories of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 still fresh, US federal and Louisiana state authorities prepared for the worst to avoid repeating the slow disaster response of three years ago. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal declared a state of emergency Wednesday and announced plans to begin evacuating coastal areas ahead of the storm. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
Perdue declares state of emergency for Decatur Aug 28, 2008
GEMA is the lead state agency for coordination of emergency and disaster response activities. The Post-Searchlight 2008. (Bainbridge Post Searchlight, GA)
PM to fly over Kosi zone on Thursday Aug 27, 2008
NDMA member K M Singh said 270 trained men of National Disaster Response Force are working fulltime in the six affected districts. "We are assisting paramedics and helping with provision of relief supplies. We will go on increasing the rescue scale as far as we can," Singhsaid. (India Times, India)
Waters rise as recovery funds flow Aug 27, 2008
Separately, the United Way has mobilized disaster response teams created immediately after the 2004 hurricanes, to help local residents with water and flood damage, or those having a hard time putting in an insurance claim or maneuvering through the FEMA process ... A number of faith-based groups such as Baptist Disaster Relief, United Methodist Church, Lutheran Disaster Response and many others have come forward to assist the Brevard Long-Term Recovery Coalition help residents mitigate damage... (Florida Today)
