DEM's Elizabeth Ownsby Receives U.S. Army and FEMA Award for Superior Service

In appreciation of Elizabeth's outstanding contributions to the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program, Carmen J. Spencer, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Elimination of Chemical Weapons) and James R. Kish, Director, Technological Hazards Division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, recently presented Elizabeth with the "Program Manager's Award for Superior Service."  

The award was in recognition of Elizabeth's Information Technology and Telecommunications support to federal, state and local partners as a Team Leader for exercises and as an exercise Master Planner and evaluator.  The exercises are in integral part of the CSEPP process and form the backbone of first response and emergency preparedness competency and capability testing for communities, including Colorado's Pueblo community.

Reduce Flood Insurance Premiums in Your Community: Local Hazard Mitigation Plans and the Community Rating System

The CDEM Mitigation Team has developed a crossover guide to help community floodplain managers and other hazard mitigation professionals receive Community Rating System (CRS) planning credit through FEMA’s multi‐hazard mitigation planning process.

A community’s FEMA approved multi-hazard mitigation plan may receive CRS points if it was prepared in accordance with the process explained in the NFIP CRS Coordinator’s Manual or FEMA’s Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance. The crossover guide provides assistance on how steps for mitigation planning intersect with the steps required for CRS floodplain management planning. CRS planning credit may come from submitting an existing FEMA approved multi-hazard mitigation plan or by following the mitigation planning process and paying special attention to the related CRS steps.

For every 500 CRS points a community earns, NFIP flood insurance premiums are adjusted downward to reflect the higher amount of planning in place to reduce the impact of flood hazards on the community. Some communities may reach their next 500-point threshold by earning points available for CRS planning credit.

CDEM expresses gratitude to the FEMA Region VIII Mitigation Section’s community planners and the Insurance Services Office (ISO) for their contributions and support in developing this tool.

Please feel free to contact Ken Brink, Mitigation Team Supervisor, with questions or comments at kenneth.brink@state.co.us or 720-852-6695.

Job Announcement - Colorado Volunteer Center Network VISTA Member

This service position is funded through the Corporation for National and Community Service. The Sponsoring Organization for this State-wide initiative is the Governor’s Commission on Community Service in partnership with the Colorado Volunteer Center Network (CVCN).

Assignment Description: Colorado Volunteer Center Network VISTA Member

Position Title: AmeriCorps*VISTA Member – Colorado Volunteer Center Network

Position Type: AmeriCorps*VISTA Volunteer Position; 12-month term of service full-time without regard to a regular schedule

Term of Service: Late August 2011 – Late August 2012

Location: Westminster City Hall,

4800 West 92nd Avenue, Westminster, Colorado 80031

Stipend: $891/month - Per AmeriCorps*VISTA guidelines

Benefits: Medical health coverage; Federal holidays; ten sick/vacation days; travel paid to training; relocation allowance of up to $550; $5,550 education award upon completion, or $1,500 cash stipend upon completion; child care allowance. For benefit & VISTA program details, please visit http://vistacampus.org/mod/book/view.php?id=2093/chapter1.html

Reports To: Colorado Volunteer Center Network VISTA Program Supervisor

Position Overview:

The Colorado Volunteer Center Network (CVCN) VISTA member will work to strengthen CVCN’s Disaster Preparedness and Response efforts. Assignments will include outreach on behalf of CVCN, volunteer engagement, training coordination, and expanding previously designed programming, including the Disaster Volunteer Coordination System and Continuity of Operations Training Program. The VISTA member will also work in conjunction with CVCN leadership on special projects to strengthen the network.

Position duties consist of the following:

• Orient new CVCN members and partners on CVCN’s Volunteer Coordination System and Continuity of Operations Training Program.
• Raise awareness of CVCN in Colorado by reaching out to potential CVCN members, local emergency managers, and disaster response agencies.
• Recruit volunteers and coordinate CVCN task teams.
• Ensure CVCN programs have plans and resources in place to be sustainable after VISTA service has ended.
• Attend Emergency Planning Meetings as requested.
• Assist with the continued development of the Colorado Volunteer Center Network.
• Work as a team member, participating in group meetings, retreats, special events, staff development and training opportunities.
• Act as an ambassador for CVCN throughout Colorado and the national community of Volunteer Centers.
• Coordinate training opportunities for CVCN members, partners, and volunteers.
• Work on special projects to strengthen CVCN and its programming.

Requirements for the volunteer position include:

Bachelor’s degree is preferred; however, some college combined with work experience may substitute for a degree.

• Self-directed, highly motivated, reliable, with a results and solution oriented perspective, organized, flexible with strong time-management skills.
• Computer proficient, including experience with Windows and related MS computer software.
• Excellent written and oral communication, facilitation and public speaking skills.
• Good interpersonal skills, team-oriented, enjoy working with others.
• Demonstration of the highest standards of professionalism, personal initiative and integrity.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.
• Passion for and commitment to volunteerism.
• Demonstrated interest in emergency preparedness/response and knowledge of nonprofit dynamics.
• Background check, valid driver’s license, clean driving record, reliable transportation.
• Travel expected to Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver Metro Area, Fort Collins, Greeley, Routt County, and other areas of Colorado as necessary.

Application Deadline: Applications must be received no later than 5:00pm on June 30th.

Interviews will take place July 5th – July 7th.

The position start date will be August 22nd, 2011.

Please mail or email a resume, cover letter and three references to:

Nancy Schoemann 

Colorado Volunteer Center Network 

1355 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite C-601 

Denver, CO 80222 

nancys@metrovolunteers.org 

Please note that this is an AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer position, with a living allowance stipend. VISTA is a unique national service program and not traditional employment. Please review the VISTA Handbook (link above) prior to applying.

Maxwell Fire Info Sources - Boulder, CO

The Boulder County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has been activated in response to a fire in Lefthand Canyon being referred to as the Maxwell Fire.  Response information - including evacuation and shelter information - is being posted on Boulder's Office of Emergency Management Emergency Information Page at http://boulderoem.com/emergency-status.  Boulder OEM is also providing information via their Twitter feed (@boulderoem) at http://twitter.com/boulderoem, their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/BoulderOEM and via Boulder County's Twitter feed (@bouldercounty) at http://twitter.com/bouldercounty or Boulder Police's Twitter feed (@boulderpolice) at http://twitter.com/boulderpolice.

Fire Fight/Suppression information for the Maxwell Fire is being by the U.S. Forest Service Incident Command on Inciweb at http://inciweb.org/incident/2384/. Recorded fire information is being made available by incident command at (970) 498-1030.

An evacuation center was established by the Red Cross at the YMCA at 28th and Mapleton in Boulder.  Red Cross Shelter information is being posted at http://twitter.com/redcrossdenver, although as of 9:30 pm on June 26, all shelters are closed.

The Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center (@rmaccfireinfo) is also posting fire-related information at http://twitter.com/rmaccfireinfo as is the Arapahoe National Forest at http://twitter.com/usfsarp.

Boulder County also maintains a txt/email alert system - register for alerts online at https://ww2.everbridge.net/citizen/EverbridgeGateway.action?body=home&gis_alias_id=160781.

There are two hashtags currently being used on Twitter for fire-related information:  #maxwellfire and #boulderfire.  Search for fire info using the hashtags at http://search.twitter.com

Job Announcement - Regional Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC) Analyst

The Regional Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC) Analyst would report to the Northeast All-Hazards Region Homeland Security Coordinator, the Northeast All-Hazards Region Chair/Designee(s) or the Colorado Information Analysis Center (as subject matter requires).

NEAHR CIAC Analysts will coordinate and facilitate information sharing between the State of Colorado’s North East All Hazards Region (NEAHR) and the Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC). The analysts will be the primary contact for the NEAHR concerning current threat intelligence, critical infrastructure protective measures, and industry best practices. In this role, the NEAHR CIAC Analysts will facilitate and produce intelligence products that are disseminated by the CIAC and/or products that will be focused on the NEAHR. The position is primarily located within the North East All Hazards Region.

Regional CIAC Analysts are responsible to:

• Provide outreach and education on information sharing systems and processes to NEAHR membership; attend NEAHR meetings to facilitate this outreach as required.
• Promote and educate NEAHR membership on the Terrorism Liaison Officer (TLO) program. Develop relationships with a primary point of contact within law enforcement and emergency management agencies throughout the Region.
• Study a variety of criminal intelligence products and prepare link analyses to reflect contacts and associations among criminals and criminal organizations and domestic and international extremist organizations. Develop and disseminate a wide variety of CIAC reports and products as needed.
• Review intelligence and open source information contained in automated information systems; refer to databases, periodicals, and electronic media to remain aware of current events as they pertain to homeland security and related criminal activity; and obtain relevant information from other agencies.
• Analyze intelligence to support law enforcement investigations and critical infrastructure protection preparations in order to develop security alerts for government and private entities, and to link cases, investigations and information with the goal of preventing acts of terrorism and criminal activities.
• Prepare written reports and Intelligence Bulletins; assist with threat assessments on persons and infrastructure; update and maintain intelligence databases; develop and maintain working partnerships with state, federal and private sector intelligence professionals; and collaborate with other analysts and outside agencies to fully develop case analyses.
• Develop and complete the Regional Risk Assessment in concert with relevant NEAHR stakeholders.
• Support and participate in exercises (HSEEP compliant) within the North East All Hazards Region. Participation will include exercise design team membership.
• Provide monthly summary/update briefings to the NEAHR Steering Committee and relevant groups, which are identified by the Analyst selection/monitoring committee as required.
• Promptly respond to/answer all requests for information (RFI) from agencies and jurisdictions within the North East All Hazards Region.
• Participate in Regional Committees as required, or directed
• Participate in State, ODP and FEMA training classes/sessions as required.
• Provide a variety of administrative support functions (e.g., meeting/conference notices & support packages, plan documentation, trip reports, AAR documents, etc.) as required.
• Perform other duties and functions as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Must be able to pass a Background Investigation, Polygraph Examination and have the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance from the Department of Homeland Security. Signing a statement of acknowledgment and consent to release information form will be required.
• Selected candidate must have a valid Colorado driver’s license, ability to drive and attend meetings within the Region.
• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent transferable experience and training) from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field appropriate to the assigned areas of responsibility.
• Must be able to work with multi-disciplinary and diverse groups.
• Ability to maintain deadlines, work independently and adapt to flexible and changing requirements.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, Excel) software suite.
• Selected candidate must reside within the NEAHR.
• Selected candidate must be willing to work nights and weekends in support of an ongoing emergency within the Region and/or State.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Criminal intelligence analyst training from an accredited organization such as the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts (must be completed within 6 months of hire).
• Familiarity with Homeland Security directives and guidance (DHS publications, State strategy, etc.). Specifically, knowledge of HSPD-5, HSPD-8, HSPD-9, the National Incident Management System (NIMS), the National Preparedness Goal, the National Response Framework (NRF) and the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP).
• Familiarity with emergency management function and structure within the NEAHR.
• Experience as a First Responder (e.g., Law Enforcement, Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, Emergency Management, and Military).

Position Type:
Entirely Grant Funded, full time position with benefits supporting the North East All-Hazards Region. Continuation of the position is dependent upon annual grant and/or local governmental budget funding. Current grant funded amounts are expected to support the position for an estimated duration of two years with an expectation that the positions will be renewed depending upon annual grant and/or local budget funding.

Monthly Salary Range:
$3500 to $4500 per month depending on qualifications. A benefit package is currently being considered.

Education and/or Experience:
4 Year Baccalaureate Degree (or equivalent training & experience) in Public Administration, Management, Finance, Political Science, Fire Science, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management or other related field. Experience in Homeland Security, Emergency Management or Emergency Response fields is highly desirable.

Those interested in being considered for the position should send a cover letter, resume and salary history to:

NEAHR Coordinator
Re: Analyst/Planner
16527 WCR 70
Greeley, CO. 80631

All Application packages are due by July 8, 2011

Colorado Lightning Safety and Wildfire Awareness Week - June 19-25, 2011

June 19th through 25th has been designated as Colorado Lightning Safety and Wildfire Awareness Week by Governor John Hickenlooper.  In Colorado, the two threats are often intertwined.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), in the United States, there are an estimated 25 million cloud to ground lightning flashes each year and each one is a potential threat to life and property. An average of 58 people are killed each year by lightning. In 2009, 34 people were killed by lightning in the United States. Hundreds of others were injured. In the United States during 2009 of the victims who were killed:

• 100 percent were outdoors,
• 82 percent were male,
• 20 percent were standing underneath a tree,
• 23 percent occurred on or near the water,
• two fatalities occurred while riding motorcycles.

The NWS also indicates that during the past 20 years, on average, Colorado had three lightning deaths and 16 injuries. The Natioanl Weather Service also notes that El Paso County and the Colorado Springs metro area, has the dubious distinction of having the most lightning incidents with 10 fatalities and 58 injuries since 1980. Larimer County has had seven fatalities and 53 injuries and Boulder County has had eight fatalities and 36 injuries since 1980.

Because it usually affects one or two victims at a time and does not cause the destruction left in the wake of tornadoes or hurricanes, lightning generally receives less attention.

Many people do not act in a timely manner to protect their lives and property and the lives of others simply because they do not understand all the dangers associated with thunderstorms and lightning.  Put simply, if you can hear thunder...you could be in danger of being struck by lightning.  Get inside and stay inside until the threat passes. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur during the afternoon and evening, when lightning is most likely to occur and when people are more likely to be outside.

But it isn't just the threat of being struck by lightning that poses a danger.  In fact, lightning starts around half of the forest and rangeland wildfires across the state. Colorado averages around 2500 wildfires each year and we have already seen a number of them this spring across Colorado. Many of these lightning caused fires occur with very little or no rain. these storms often generate gusty winds, which can fan the flames of the fire.

While there is little that can obviously be done to mitigate a direct, lightning-sparked ignitition, two important ways to protect property from the ravages of wildfire are to create defensible space around homes and replace roofs with fire-resistant materials. Coloradans can help protect themselves and their property and reduce the damage and destruction of wildfires by being aware of precautionary measures they can take before and during lightning, severe weather and wildfire events.  Check out http://www.firewise.org for more info about setting up defensible space around your home, neighborhood and business.

People should also think about mitigation in terms of protecting their pocketbook-in the short and long-term by keeping affordable insurance.  If you live in a high risk wildfire area insurance companies increasingly expect you to share the responsibility for reducing the threat of wildfire damaging or destroying your home.

For a free guide on wildfire mitigation and insurance: http://rmiia.org/Catastrophes_and_Statistics/Wildfire_and_insurance.html

For information on wildfire preparedness, lightning safety and what Coloradans can do to take responsibility and prepare for disasters, visit the Colorado Division of Emergency Management (CDEM) website at http://dola.colorado.gov/dem/; the National Weather Service offices in Colorado at: Boulder - www.weather.gov/denver, Grand Junction - http://www.crh.noaa.gov/gjt/, Pueblo - www.weather.gov/pueblo, and Goodland, Kansas - www.weather.gov/goodland; the Colorado State Forest Service website at http://csfs.colostate.edu/; the Division of Fire Safety at http://dfs.state.co.us/; the Rocky Mountain Wildland Fire Information website at http://www.rockymountainwildlandfire.info/; and the Colorado Lightning Resource Center - http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pub/?n=ltg.php.

For additional information about lightning or lightning safety, visit NOAA's lightning safety awareness web site at http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/

2011 Local Emergency Planning Commission Conference

On September 7-9, 2011, Colorado's Division of Emergency Management will host the 2011 Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC) Conference in Breckenridge, Colorado.

The Colorado Emergency Planning Commission (CEPC) has planned this 2.5 day conference for Local Emergency Planning Commission (LEPC) members, first responders, and local, state and federal partners who are responsible for hazardous material response planning.  In addition to the regular sessions, the conference will also host a LEPC101 on Wednesday afternoon focused on new members.

LEPC members are eligible for lodging by contacting Cindy VonFeldt at 720-852-6628 or cindy.vonfeldt@state.co.us by no later than August 11.

The individual attendee can make a lodging reservation by calling 1-888-525-1787 and identifying themselves as part of the CEPC group by referencing Group Code #BC8CDL.  The group discount will apply to all reservations made before August 15, 2011 and includes internet, parking and breakfast the following morning.

Registration is required by August 25, 2011 on http://co.train.org, under Course ID:  1028121

For any questions, contact Cindy VonFeldt at (720) 852-6628 or at cindy.vonfeldt@state.co.us

Colorado's Animal Emergency Management Program

The Colorado Veterinary Medical Foundation’s Animal Emergency Management Program (AEMP) provides support with animal emergency planning and response to communities throughout the State.

Through AEMP’s coordination of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps, members were deployed this spring to:
• respond to the Burning Tree Fire to assist with the opening and staffing of a small animal shelter at the County Fairgrounds;
• provide veterinary services to 50 canine search and rescue teams undergoing certification at the Denver International Airport Rubble Pile;
• support the movement of animals to the new Denver Animal Shelter by providing planning and evaluation assistance; and
• train participants on animal emergency response at Colorado’s Volunteer Capacity Building Workshop.

AEMP also provides planning and capacity-building assistance to local jurisdictions in Colorado.  Thanks to funding from the Animal Assistance Foundation, the Banfield Charitable Trust and the Colorado Division of Emergency Management, AEMP has added an Animal Emergency Planner in Western Colorado that has led in advancements in animal emergency response in the San Luis Valley and Archuleta County.  Planning activities are underway in Montrose, Ouray and San Miguel Counties.  In the near future, AEMP will hire an Animal Emergency Planner to support the Metro Denver area using funding awarded from the Denver Urban Area Security Initiative.  AEMP has provided support to Boulder County in enhancing its animal response plan as a result of lessons learned from the Four Mile Canyon Fire.

Supporting companion and service animal issues in the State Emergency Operations Center and providing resources to local animal response efforts are a responsibility of AEMP.  Staff and volunteers continue to train and exercise and supported both the Four Mile Canyon and Burning Tree events by facilitating the provision of necessary response resources.

For more information on AEMP visit their website www.cvmf.org/aemp.  To have AEMP assist your community, contact Deborah Foote, Director at deborahfoote@cvmf.org or 303.539.7633.

FEMA 2012 Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program Grant Announcement

The Colorado Division of Emergency Management Mitigation Team is now accepting Notice of Interest from eligible sub grantees for the Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants, including the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program (PDM), Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMA) and Repetitive Flood Claims Program (RFC). It is the Mitigation Teams’ hope that local emergency management partners will take a comprehensive look at their community’s risk, determine if any projects would meet the requirements for funding, and submit an application. These grants represent a fantastic opportunity to improve a community’s ability to mitigate natural hazards and reduce potential impacts on citizens, property and local economies.

The Mitigation Team is soliciting Notice of Interest for these programs by July 15, 2011. Please take a look at the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Announcement Letter for additional information and contact Ken Brink, Mitigation Team Supervisor, with questions or comments at kenneth.brink@state.co.us or 720-852-6695.

Colorado High Water Status/Info

Photo Courtesy Chuck Vale, DEM Field Mgr (NW Region)

Colorado’s northern and central mountains have experienced an unusually deep snowpack over the 2010-2011 winter season. Consequently, the speed at which the snow melts, compounded by additional water from spring rains and a new round of mountain snowfall has the potential to create high water conditions throughout the northern and central mountain and Front Range regions.

To ensure effective preparedness for potential flood issues, the State of Colorado’s Colorado Water Conservation Board chairs a Governor’s Flood Task Force and Water Availability Task Force, in partnership with a variety of local, state, federal, nonprofit and private sector entities, to track, coordinate and facilitate response to evolving high water issues across Colorado. During meetings of both task forces, several areas of interest where significantly higher than average snowpacks, which hold the potential to produce high water issues, are being monitored closely, including:

Yampa/White Basin
Steamboat (Routt County) and downstream
Colorado Basin
Frasier (Grand County)
Colorado main stem (Grand County to Mesa County)
Blue (Summit County)
Gunnison Basin
Coal Creek, East River (Crested Butte/Gunnison County)
South Platte Basin
Poudre (Larimer, Weld including Fort Collins and Greeley)

Photo Courtesy Chuck Vale, DEM Field Mgr (NW Region)

Note: All presentations are posted on CWCB Flood Task Force website at http://cwcb.state.co.us/public-information/flood-water-availability-task-forces/Pages/main.aspx

Based on the assessment of the task forces, it is imperative that residents, recreators and business owners, need to be aware and prepared to potential flood conditions. There are a number of resources available to help citizens stay informed of developing high water conditions in Colorado.

Colorado Flood Information Sources

• Local Emergency Management Offices and Alert Systems - http://www.coemergency.com/p/sources.html
• Colorado Water Conservation Board Flood Page - http://cwcb.state.co.us/water-management/flood/Pages/main.aspx
• Colorado Water Conservation Board Flood Threat Bulletin (issued daily) - http://www.hdrweather.com/operational/cwcb/cwcbinformation.htm
• National Weather Service Colorado Alerts and Warnings
• Boulder NWS Office  -http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=bou
• Grand Junction NWS Office - http://140.90.113.194/ahps2/index.php?wfo=gjt
• Pueblo NWS Office - http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=pub

Flood Safety Tips

• High Water Conditions
• Know the water conditions in your neighborhood or your destination
• Stay alert for changing weather conditions
• Get out of areas subject to flooding like low spots, canyons, and areas downstream from dams
• Do not attempt to cross water that is above your knees
• Do not drive over flooded roads or bridges
• Abandon a stalled vehicle and immediately move to higher ground

Flash Floods

• Flash floods can move at incredible speeds.
• If a flash flood warning is issued, or you realize a flash flood is coming, act quickly to save lives. You may have only seconds!
• Move to high ground - do not attempt to outrun the flood.
• Even 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock you off your feet, and a depth of two feet will float your car!
• NEVER try to walk, swim, or drive through such swift water. If you come upon flood waters, STOP! TURN AROUND AND GO ANOTHER WAY.

General Emergency Preparedness/Safety - READYColorado

• Pack a 72-hour Emergency Kit for your car, home and business - http://readycolorado.com/packakit.php
• Develop a Communications Plan - http://www.readycolorado.com/pdf/familycommunications.pdf
• Make an Emergency Plan for responding to disasters for you, your family, pets, neighborhood, business, finances and school - http://readycolorado.com/plan.php

Photo Courtesy Chuck Vale, DEM Field Mgr (NW Region)

Flood Insurance Information
While flood insurance is available to renter’s, homeowners and businesses, it is not a standard part of insurance policies. It is, therefore, recommended that homeowners, business and renters consult with their insurance agency to understand whether their existing policy covers flood and, if not, to consider adding flood coverage to their policy if they live in areas potentially subject to flooding. Unfortunately, many people affected by floods do not find out their policy does not cover or was insufficient to cover losses incurred as a result of flooding often until it is too late to take action. It should be noted that 20-25% of all flood insurance claims come from outside the mapped 100-year floodplain. Those residents and business owners considering flood insurance should act sooner rather than later because most policies require a 30-day waiting period after application and premium payments are made before policies become effective. For further information regarding flood insurance, reference the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association (http://www.rmiia.com) or contact your local insurance provider directly.

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Local High Water/Flood Guides
In addition to the general preparedness information for emergency kits, plans and resources available via READYColorado (http://readycolorado.com), through READY.gov (http://ready.gov) and through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Flood Page (http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm) several counties in the areas identified for potential flood issues during the Flood Task Force meeting have developed flood-specific assistance guides for local residents/businesses. Links to the specific, local high water/flood guides are listed below. Of course, each of the counties maintain emergency managemetn websites and links to Colorado emergency management office websites, phone numbers, emails, and local alert system, including SMS/TXT alert, registration pages can be found online at http://www.coemergency.com/p/sources.html

Boulder County - http://boulderoem.com/files/Boulder_Co_Emer_Prep_Guide.pdf
Eagle County - http://www.eaglecounty.us/Emergency/Emergency_Preparedness/Flooding
Grand County - http://co.grand.co.us/GCHome/downlads/High_Water_Brochure.pdf
Routt County - http://www.co.routt.co.us/commissioners/Emergency/High%20Water%20Preparedness%20Guide%20-%20Routt%20County%20-%20April%202011%20-%20Rev%2004-01-2011.pdf
Summit County - http://co.summit.co.us/Emergencymanagement/documents/2011%20SC%20High%20Water%20Packet.pdf

Basic PIO - 7/21-22 - Buena Vista

The Division of Emergency Management is hosting a two-day Basic Public Information Officer  (FEMA G290) course from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on July 21-22, 2011 at the Buena Vista Correctional Complex.

The two day course is intended for public information officers (PIO’s). The emphasis is on the basic skills and knowledge needed for emergency management public information activities or as a refresher. Mock interviews will be videotaped.

Registration will be through  www.co.train.org Course #1024974  For help with co.train registration contact Robyn Knappe at robyn.knappe@state.co.us. There is no charge for the class and lodging is available upon request.

CO Flood Decision Support System

Developed for the Department of Natural Resources, Colorado Water Conservation Board, the Colorado Flood Decision Support System is a one-stop, great resource for flood information in Colorado.  Combining floodplain boundaries, real-time weather and streamflow conditions, local and county data (including historical information) related to flooding and snow conditions, it is remarkable and timely tool to help the public and decision-makers understand and distill the mass of water, weather and flood potential conditions across Colorado.

To get started, check out the interactive DSS Flood Decision Support System Viewer

For additional flood preparedness, alert and monitoring information, check out the Colorado High Water Status/Info page on COEmergency.

You can also tap into information, grouped by drainage basin, on the Colorado's Decision Support Systems (CDSS) Page, including from the Arkansas, Colorado, Dolores/San Juan, Gunnison, Rio Grande, South Platte and Yampa/White River Basins.

Shell and Brice Fires - Las Animas County - Info Sources

The Las Animas County Sheriff's Office is serving as incident command and public information for the Shell Fire and the Brice Fire.  All media/public inquiries regarding the fire should be forwarded to (719) 846-2211.    Hashtags being used to follow posts regarding the Las Animas fires are #shellfire and #lasanimasfires using http://search.twitter.com.

Emergency Planning for Campus Executives (G367)

Course Description
Tragedies and catastrophic incidents have taken place at colleges and universities in the past. These incidents, ranging from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to the suicide bomber at the University of Oklahoma and incidents involving homemade explosives at other institutions have been reviewed and captured in various after-action and lessons-learned reports. Findings and recommendations from these reports point to two major needs for institutions of higher learning: the concept of operations should be based on an all-hazards approach and the incident management of response mechanisms should transfer easily from one incident to another.

Together with its State, local, and private-sector partners, the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) determined that an effective step toward meeting these identified needs is to develop all-hazard exercise-based training courses. The courses should highlight the importance of comprehensive planning as well as the important relationships that need to be established during a response to an emergency involving institution of higher education.

This 2-hour overview of emergency planning serves as a briefing for executives of institutions of higher education. It provides them with insights into multi-hazard emergency planning and their role in protecting lives, property, and operations. The course consists of seven modules which can be delivered independently so that executives can tailor it to fit their schedules and needs.

• Emergency Management: What Is It? Why Do It?
• Executive-level Support
• Developing Your Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
• Evaluating Your EOP
• Responding Using Incident Command System (ICS)
• Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Engaging Your Campus

Course Goal
Provide executives of institutions of higher education (IHEs) with insights into multi-hazard emergency planning and their role in protecting lives, property, and operations.

Pre-requisite
None

Course Length
2-hour seminar

Target Audience
Presidents, vice presidents, provosts, chancellors, deans and other leadership positions at institutions of higher education.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
None

Location to download materials
The G367 Emergency Planning for Campus Executives training materials are available for free download to use as needed on college campuses from: http://www.training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/edu/emergencyPlanning.asp

EMI/State of Colorado Point of Contact
For more information, contact the EMI course manager, Barbara Nelson at (301) 447-1247, 1-800-238-3358 (ext.1247), or email Barbara.nelson@dhs.gov.  NOTE:  Colorado attendees should also ensure they send their completed General Admission Application (i.e., the 119-25-1 Form) to robyn.knappe@state.co.us or fax them to (720) 852-6617

Salt Fire Info/Sources - Bent County

The Salt Fire is burning buring in and near the Purgatoire River in Bent County near the Otero County line. Updates regarding the Salt Fire are being posted to http://kcdem.info and are being provided by Chris Sorensen, Eastern Colorado Incident Management Team. The twitter hashtag for the fire is #saltfire (http://search.twitter.com). Follow @kcdem at http://twitter.com/kcdem for fire updates.

Salt Fire Incident Command is also maintaining an incident info map for the fire (embedded below) and available online at http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=208760457709487252751.0004a4dd4864362d2140d&z=12. For more info on each of the icons, just click on them or view a larger map with legend and current status/objectives updates (top left, above map legend).



View Salt Fire #saltfire in a larger map

Animal Disease Response Training - 8/2 - Centennial, CO

The Colorado Division of Emergency Management, Colorado Department of Agriculture and Kirkwood Community College will host an "Animal Disease Response Training " (AWR 206) on August 2, 2011, from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm at the South Metro Fire Building in Centennial, CO.

Responders play a critical role in containing and recovering from an animal disease outbreak by assessing the local emergency, assisting in response efforts, coordinating resources, and assuring that all components of the response are carried out quickly and accurately to prevent further contamination. Animal Disease Response Training provides the critical information needed to minimize the affects of an outbreak on your community.

Responders to whom this course is targeted includes, but is not limited to:

• Agriculture Producers and Workers 
• Law Enforcement 
• Firefighters 
• Veterinarians and Animal Health Technicians 
• Emergency Medical Services 
• Emergency Management Personnel 
• Public Health Officials 
• Public Works Personnel 
• Elected Officials 

Participants will learn the importance of preparing for a potential outbreak and be trained on the concepts of:

• Biosecurity and Quarantine 
• Personal Protective Equipment 
• Euthanasia and Disposal 
• Cleaning and Disinfection 
• For additional information or to register for a class, go to AgPreparedness.org

For more information contact Robyn Knappe at 720-852-6617 or at robyn.knappe@state.co.us

There is no registration fee and class size is limited, so register early!

EMI Webinar: Awareness Campaigns-Promoting Preparedness

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute (EMI) will host a webinar will provide an overview of a public awareness campaign, along with explaining how to work with the news media to "sell" a story on July 6, 2011.  The webinar will describe how public awareness campaigns relate to emergency management and the process to develop/execute an awareness campaign.

Date/Time/Webinar Info: 
July 6, 2011 from 11:00-11:45 p.m. (Mountain Time)
Website Information: https://fema.connectsolutions.com/r18507574/
Conference Bridge Information: 1-800-320-4330 - Pin #: 885312

Course Goals:

• At the completion of this training, participants will have a basic knowledge of:
• A public awareness campaign;
• Working with the media to sell your story; and
• The relationship of an awareness campaign to Emergency Management and how to create it.

Course Point of Contact:
For course information, contact the EMI course manager, Doug Kuhn, at (301) 447-1287, 1-800-238-3358 (ext. 1287) or email: doug.kuhn@dhs.gov.

National Weather Service - Colorado Flood Monitoring/Prediction Service

In addition to the other Colorado flood information sources available, the National Weather Service maintains three Colorado-based pages that monitor current and projected water levels across the state.  Called the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS), on the page(s), you can find detailed information from river gauges and forecasts for the next 48 hours.

There are three AHPS pages covering river basins across Colorado:

• NWS Grand Junction -  http://j.mp/ks13qp 
• NWS Boulder/Denver http://j.mp/jJxHD2 
• NWS Pueblo - http://j.mp/jEGwiI 

In addition to these flood stage monitoring resources, it is important to also stay in touch with local emergency alerts, which will provide warnings and safety information in affected areas should it be necessary.  Local emergency information sources, including emergency management telephone numbers, websites, emails and txt/email alert registration links can be found online at http://www.coemergency.com/p/sources.html.

Colorado Flood/Fire Insurance Info

For more information, Colorado Wildfire and Insurance Guides now available for download or ordering (contact molly@rmiia.org to order the guides at no cost). Also, there are a number of good insurance resources available on the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association's site at http://rmiia.org.