Earthquake Recovery Assistance Center

Las Animas County is partnering with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs in establishing an Earthquake Recovery Assistance Center to provide informational resources and support to residents affected by recent local earthquakes. 

The recovery assistance center will be open on the following dates/times, and located at the Kennedy/Segundo Senior Center at 24295 County Road 18.3 in Segundo:

   2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.      August 31, 2011  

   8:00 a.m. -  6:00 p.m.     September 1, 2011

Services that may be provided will include:  Q&A regarding homeowner's insurance and earthquake coverage, earthquake preparedness and response information, mental health resources and the coordination of structural stability inspection.  Specialists from area emergency services organizations and the American Red Cross will be on hand to meet with affected and concerned citizens and to offer information regarding local, state and non-governmental assistance programs.


Questions regarding the Earthquake Recovery Assistance Center and its offerings can be directed to the Las Animas County Commissioners Office at 719-845-2568.

Listed below are relevant earthquake resources:

FEMA Earthquake Homepage

What To Do During an Earthquake

Earthquake Safety for Homeowners

FEMA Seeking Comments- National Preparedness Goal PPD 8

FEMA is seeking public input on the National Preparedness Goal for Presidential Policy Directive 8. National preparedness is a shared responsibility and the Presidential Policy Directive 8 is designed to facilitate an integrated, whole community, capabilities-based approach to preparedness. Involvement is desired from representative of the public, non-governmental organizations, faith and community based organizations, the private sector, and governmental organizations at all levels. 


Presidential Policy Directive 8 is a strategic vision for national preparedness using a comprehensive approach to preparedness and the document includes sections such as:

• Strategic National Risk Assessment
• Focus Areas and Core Capabilities
• Appendix A: Core Capability Descriptions and Performance Objectives

Click Here to see the First Draft of the National Preparedness Goal (Dated 8/22/2011)

All comments should be submitted (using THIS comment matrix) to: PPD8-Engagement@fema.gov by noon EDT September 2, 2011 (please note federal departments and agencies have until August 30, 2011 at 4pm EDT)

The draft was developed with a range of stakeholders from a varied communities. The project intends to present the first edition of the National Preparedness Goal to the President for his review no later than September 25, 2011.

For more information on this project please visit FEMA's website at: http://www.fema.gov/prepared/ppd8.shtm

Earthquake Preparedness

Be Prepared for an Earthquake and share the Earthquake Information Fact Sheet

For additional information on the recent quakes visit our partners:

• The US Geological Survey http://earthquake.usgs.gov/ 
• The Colorado Geological Survey    http://geosurvey.state.co.us/hazards/Earthquakes/Pages/Earthquakes.aspx

Drop, Cover and Hold
When you feel and earthquake, DROP and COVER under a desk or sturdy table.  Stay away from windows and objects like bookcases that could fail.  HOLD on to the desk or table.  If it moves, move with it.  Do not run - stay where you are.  "Drop, Cover and Hold."


Be Prepared for an Earthquake

•  Anchor appliances and tall, heavy furniture that might fall.  Put latches on cabinets doors to keep contents from spilling out.
•  Find out how you can improve your home to protect it against earthquake damage.
• Establish an "out-of-area" contact and keep the phone numbers handy.  This is the person family members will call if you are separated.
• Have a place at home where emergency supplies are kept and tell others where it is.

During an Earthquake

If you are Indoors

•  Stay inside.  Move under a desk or sturdy table and hold on to it.  If it moves, move with it.  Stay way from windows, bookcases, refrigerators, heavy mirrors, hanging plants, and other objects that could fall.  Do not go outside until the shaking stops.
•  If you are in a crowded store or public place, do not rush for an exit.  Move away from display shelves holding objects that could fall on you, and "Drop, Cover and Hold."
•  If you are in a theater or stadium, stay in your seat, protect your head with your arms or get under the seat.  Do not leave until the shaking stops.

If you are Outdoors

•  If you are outdoors, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings or downed electrical wires and poles.

If you are in a Downtown Area

• If you are on a sidewalk near a tall building, get into a building's doorway or lobby to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass and other debris

If you are Driving

• If you are driving, slowly pull over to the side of the road and stop.  Avoid overpasses, power lines and other hazards.  Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.

If you are in a wheelchair

•  If you are in a wheelchair, stay in it.  Move to safe cover if possible, lock your wheels and protect your head with your arms.

After the Earthquake

•  If you were evacuated, wait until you are told it is safe before returning home
•  Be careful entering buildings.  Stay away from downed power lines.
•  Check yourself and those around your for injuries.
•  Be prepared for aftershocks.
•  Use the phone only to report a life-threatening emergency.
•  Do not drive unnecessarily.
•  If you smell gas or a hissing sound - open a window and leave the building.  Shut off the main gas valve outside.
•  Check on neighbors, particularly elderly or disabled persons.
•  Try to contact your out-of-area phone contact.
•  Listen to your radio.

9/11 Opinion Survey: Emergency Management & Public Health Professionals Poll

The National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) in partnership with the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), Rx Response and the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) have created a survey to measure the attitudes of emergency management and public health professionals regarding terrorist threats and natural disasters a decade after 9/11.

Two versions of the survey have been developed; one targeting consumers and another geared to the emergency management and public health professional.  Both surveys will include some common questions which will enable researchers to determine whether the public and emergency management professionals have similar or divergent views on the same topics.

The survey results will be enhanced significantly if there is broad participation across a wide range of organizations. To help achieve this, NEMA is asking all members of the organizations, including our private sector members, to take this important survey.  The survey is brief and confidential so please be frank in your answers.  The survey will close within one week. 

To take the Emergency Management portion of the survey please click here.

EMI- Train the Trainer NIMS ICS Position Specific Classes

FEMA's Emergency Management Institute  will be offering four NIMS ICS All-Hazards Position Specific train-the-trainer classes on their campus at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland this fall. This is the only time during the federal fiscal year 2012 that these classes will be offered in a train-the-trainer format, so interested persons are encouraged to apply in a timely manner. 

Scheduled classes include:

• E-957 Liaison Officer TTT -  October 11 – 12, 2011
• E-599 Operations Section Chief TTT – October 31 – November 3, 2011
• E-955 Safety Officer TTT – November 28 – December 1, 2011
• E-968 Logistics Section Chief TTT – December 5 – 9, 2011

 

NIMS ICS All-Hazards Position Specific training should be completed by personnel who are currently members of Type III or Type IV IMT’s, or by those seeking credentials/certification for ICS Command and General Staff or Unit Leader positions.  Train-the-trainers for those classes are designed for those personnel who are experienced instructors, are well familiar with the ICS system, and have a desire to teach selected Position Specific classes. Person(s) interested in attending should meet the selection criteria for the course as noted in the EMI Course Catalog and submit FEMA Application Form 119-25-1 to NETC Admissions through their respective State Training Officers. If you have any questions, please contact the EMI Course Manager: Robert L. Ridgeway, Training Specialist, Robert.Ridgeway@dhs.gov, 301.447.1142

Basic PIO Course - 9/28-29 - Fort Collins- G290

The Division of Emergency Management is hosting a two-day Basic Public Information Officer  (FEMA G290) course from  9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on September 28-29, 2011 at the Fort Collins Police Department.

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.

EMI Webinar- Resource Management, Resource Typing, and Readiness

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute (EMI) will host a webinar which will focus on the fundamentals of Resource Management and address the basics of Resource Typing as described in the “Resource Management” section of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), with emphasis on the difference between “Tier I” and “Tier II” resource types and a review of a resource typing example.  The presentation will also provide information relating to the determination of resource capabilities by category, kind, and type and how Resource Management corresponds to readiness.

Date/Time/Webinar Info: 

September 7, 2011 from 11:00-12:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)

Website Information: https://fema.connectsolutions.com/r50391763/

Conference Bridge Information: 1-800-320-4330 - Pin #: 885312

Closed Captioning Information: http://fedrcc.us//Enter.aspx?EventID=1809624&CustomerID=321

Course Goals:

At the completion of this training, participants will have a basic knowledge of:

• Understanding the fundamentals of Resource Management
• Categorizing and Identifying resources using Resource Typing
• The correlation between Resource Management and Readiness

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.

Disaster Assistance for Small Colorado Business Available

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced some Colorado counties are now available for low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs).  "These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by adverse weather conditions that occurred in some Colorado counties.  SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster.  Small, nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private, nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for EIDLs of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred."  Below is a list of eligible counties.  More information available here.

EIDL #	Primary Counties	Neighboring Counties	Incident Type	Incident Date	Deadline
12724	Delta, Mesa and Montrose	Garfield, Gunnison, Ouray, Pitkin and San Miguel in Colorado; and Grand and San Juan in Utah	Freezing conditions	4/26 through 5/3/11	3/29/12
12725	Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Rio Grande and Saguache	Archuleta, Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Huerfano, Las Animas and Mineral in Colorado; and Colfax, Rio Arriba and Taos in New Mexico	Drought	Beginning 5/1/11	3/29/12

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA's secure web site.  The deadline to apply for these loans is March 29, 2012.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA by calling SBA toll-free at (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA's Disaster Loans website.

Job Announcement - Colorado Division of Emergency Management Public Information Officer (PIO)

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs is seeking a Public Information Officer (PIO) within the Division of Emergency Management.  This role will provide information to the public, media, partners and stakeholders on the state's responsibilities regarding all hazards preparedness, natural hazards mitigation, emergency response, and disaster recovery in support of local governments, special districts, private sector and volunteer partner entities within Colorado.

The Public Information Officer position is open only to Colorado state residents and closes August 12, 2011.  The primary physical work address is in Centennial, CO.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to,

• Advising and coordinating the state's public information activities before, during and after a state disaster emergency.
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive public information program, including providing education and increasing awareness of emergency preparedness.
• The position develops and implements the Division's internal and external communications plans; maintains the Division's internet presence as a communications tool for all target audiences utilizing Content Management System (CMS), Google Blogger, Facebook, and Twitter and develops and distributes weekly information reports.

For more information, see the Public Information Officer, DEM Position Announcement or contact Susie Esparza, Department of Local Affairs Human Resources, at susie.esparza@state.co.us or at (303) 866-5884.