|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The MPA in Emergency and Disaster Management
| |
SubscribeLinksRecent Posts
Categories
ResourcesMCNY BlogsMCNY's Emergency and Disaster Management Blog The New “Facebook” of Emergency ManagementJune 16th, 2009 On Tuesday, June 16, 2009, the New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM), as part of its ongoing mission to continually educate the people of New York City on the techniques and benefits of emergency preparedness, unveiled its new, official “Facebook” page. The site, which contains additional information on New York City hazards, community event listings, and volunteer opportunities, was implemented in response to OEM’s annual preparedness poll, which indicates that over 50% of respondents use Facebook to keep informed about important emergency events in New York City. “If Facebook is where New Yorkers are looking for information, OEM needs to be there with answers,” OEM Commissioner Joseph F. Bruno told The New York Times in a June 16 article that appeared on The Times’ invaluable City Room site. The Facebook venture is only the latest innovation in OEM’s already comprehensive preparedness notification program. Building upon its solid successes in community outreach, notification, and emergency preparedness education, New York City’s OEM has once again shown the EM and HLS fields that it is not afraid to make use of new or emerging technology to address the age-old challenges of emergency preparedness and notification. And for those who don’t believe that early warning and robust preparedness measures can save lives, Disaster Central urges that they remember their history…the history that saw over 600 lives in the northeastern United States lost to a “surprise” hurricane strike on Long Island and southeastern New England in September of 1938. Disaster Central urges all New Yorkers to visit OEM’s Facebook page, and to regularly consult it as updates become available. OEM is clearly doing its part to keep New Yorkers safe - are you, your family, your friends, and your workplace doing the same? Email this · Subscribe to this Feed · Bookmark This! Posted by David Longshore in Emergency Management Planning, Emergency Preparedness. Post a Comment » David Longshore is the Director of MCNY’s Emergency and Disaster Management MPA Program. “Don’t Touch That Hot Stove!”April 30th, 2009 Not too long ago, Ms. Mary Williams, a Disaster Central reader, posted a very interesting, intelligent, and valuable response to my posting about one of our program’s open houses on the 1912 Titanic disaster. In her comments, Ms. Williams pointed out that she believes middle school students (and, perhaps, even younger students) should be afforded the opportunity to take Emergency Management training courses as part of their regular educational curriculum. From an Emergency Management standpoint, Disaster Central couldn’t agree with Ms. Williams more. In order to reach their full educational and operational potential, Emergency Management and Homeland Security need to become ritualized, need to become a more “natural” and integrated part of our collective culture in the United States. Because all Americans - regardless of their socio-economic level - can and do suffer in disasters, it’s important to the EM field not to exclude the opportunity for all Americans (regardless of age, gender, religious affiliation, and the like) to become better prepared, and to stay that way. Training the citizens of our great nation to better look after themselves, their families, their friends, their pets, and their property before, during, and after an emergency is one of the most important elements in reaching higher levels of preparedness and response, and our efforts should always be directed toward expanding that collective opportunity to save lives through saving systems. Japan is a nation at risk from a number of natural hazards…volcanic eruptions, seismic activity (earthquakes), tsunami (”tidal waves”), typhoons, and actors in rubber Godzilla suits…have all, over the centuries, beset this major global power. But unlike many other nations, Japan (which recognizes that nature is life) hasn’t attempted to downplay the risks of nature, but has instead reduced its collective vulnerability as a civilization to the deadly and destructive elements within these events. There’s no stopping a typhoon - but more robust building codes and practices in Japan have significantly reduced the death tolls that such hazards used to regularly claim. One way in which Japan has accomplished this is through the widespread ritualization of its preparedness message. Every year since 1960, Japan has marked September 1 as “Disaster Preparedness Day”. Disaster Central readers who are familiar with their history of catastrophes will no doubt remember that it was on September 1, 1923, that Japan was struck by the Great Kanto Earthquake, a natural disaster that claimed upwards of 100,000 people, and destroyed large sections of the capital city, Tokyo. Every September 1, Japanese authorities host preparedness educational events for children and adults, as well as drills and field exercises. The efficacy and wisdom of the Japanese model has been adopted by many countries and EM organizations, including our own top-notch New York City Office of Emergency Management, which frequently hosts educational venues for children and their parents. From a very early age, we teach our children to be careful of strangers, to look both ways before crossing the street, and to avoid touching a hot stove. But when it comes to teaching our children (and ourselves) to be prepared for natural and human-made disasters, we sometimes shy away for fear of - ? For instance: on Thursday, April 30, 2009, The New York Daily News ran an article titled, “N.Y.ers see red as FEMA coloring book shows 9/11″. The article severely criticizes FEMA for sponsoring a downloadable coloring book for children that contains a “horrific 9/11 image” which children can color in. In its usual tongue-in-cheek fashion, The Daily News helpfully re-published the “horrific 9/11 image” (why is that, do you suppose?), while at the same time including soundbites from “offended” New Yorkers, one of whom stated that he, ”…should punch the person who did this in the face.”(!) If you, too, want to “see red” (but for different reasons), you can access the article I’d like to thank The Daily News for providing us with such a valuable discussion point. But clearly, the American people cannot rely solely on corporate news media to objectively look after their best interests when it comes to devising and implementing a mature, sensible, accessible emergency preparedness educational program. For too long now, Americans have relied too greatly on the established news media to tell us what to think about disasters, about the government and quasi-governmental organizations designed to manage disaster operations, and even when and what to fear. But, over time, that twisted paradigm has started to change. Just as Americans no longer believe a fraction what is told to them by the corporate media, they have likewise begun to start looking after themselves when it comes to preparedness, response, and recovery. That’s not only a change we can believe in, but a change that one day may save your life. And the best way to keep up this progress is through education on just what preparedness means, what response means, and how great recovery from a disaster event can feel. FEMA is to be commended for its excellent efforts to educate the American people on how to be better prepared for disaster situations. Disaster Central encourages its readers to take emergency preparedness seriously, and without fear of ridicule or derision simply because cynicism and greed are apparently more important to us as cultural priorities than are preparedness and prosperity. It’s cool to be prepared. It’s a happy hipster who’s got a hip Go-Bag ready to go in an un-hip emergency. And it’s a responsible, caring parent who knows when and how to help a child understand that sometimes the winds blows, and the earth moves… Okay, Disaster Central readers, you’ve read some of my thoughts on this issue – what do you think? I’m quite certain we have some parents out there – how have you addressed disasters and emergency preparedness with your children? Email this · Subscribe to this Feed · Bookmark This! Posted by David Longshore in Uncategorized, Emergency Management Planning, Emergency Preparedness, Disaster Preparedness. 3 Comments » David Longshore is the Director of MCNY’s Emergency and Disaster Management MPA Program. A Visit to OEM’s Emergency Operations CenterNovember 18th, 2008 On Friday evening, November 14, 48 students and faculty members from Metropolitan College of New York’s MPA program in Emergency and Disaster Management were provided with a guided tour of the New York City Office of Emergency Management’s state-of-the-art Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Cadman Plaza, Brooklyn. Coordinated by EDM Team Foxtrot member William Bodt, and with the cooperation of MCNY’s IAEM-MCNY membership, the tour provided the program’s students and faculty members with the opportunity to look inside one of the country’s most sophisticated and environmentally-friendly Emergency Management facilities. The tour included a peak inside the Media Briefing Room, Situation Room, Watch Command, and an extensive visit to the two-story-high EOC. The tour, which included an informative powerpoint presentation by OEM’s knowledgeable Intergovernmental Relations director, was provided as part of New York City OEM’s ongoing efforts to educate the people of New York City on how to be better prepared for emergencies. In addition to reinforcing the need for unified command during emergency situations, the tour stressed the importance that technology, that situational awareness, represents to effective emergency preparedness, response, and recovery concepts. The Briefing Room serves as a reminder of the vitality of public outreach during emergencies, and of the mantra, “One voice, one message,” that informs an effective emergency PIO operation. And Watch Command, which represents OEM’s eyes and ears on the City, is a reminder that situational awareness, the ability to have a real-time understanding of a situation, is critical to the effective deployment of EM resources. Disaster Central thanks the New York City Office of Emergency Management and its team of professionals for its hospitality - and for its enthusiastic support of the lifesaving mission of better assisting the businesses, organizations, and people of New York City with preparing for, responding to, and recovering from, emergencies. Email this · Subscribe to this Feed · Bookmark This! Posted by David Longshore in Emergency Management Planning, Emergency Preparedness. 2 Comments » David Longshore is the Director of MCNY’s Emergency and Disaster Management MPA Program. You Don’t Know It’s Coming, But It IsSeptember 14th, 2008 The Sunday, September 14, 2008, edition of The Daily News (New York) contains an excellent article by journalist Michael Daly, titled, “Geography puts New York in ‘danger zone’ for hurricane.” To those who work in Emergency Management, Mr. Daly’s article is a welcome addition to the ongoing effort to educate New Yorkers on the dangers that would be confronted by the City and its people should a major hurricane recurve out of the North Atlantic and come ashore it our vicinity. But major hurricanes are not the only threat; tropical storms, as well as Category 1 and 2 hurricanes, pose considerable risks for the Big Apple. Every day and in every way, Disaster Central urges its readers to familarize themselves with the hurricane risk in New York, and to take proactive steps to prepare for all hazardous conditions. The New York City Office of Emergency Management (OEM), the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO), the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Salvation Army, and the American Red Cross are among the best in the nation when it comes to educating the public on hazards, and in providing leadership, coordination, resources, and support when hurricanes and other hazardous conditions impact the New York City-area. But no matter how good, no government agency or quasi-public organization can do everything in an emergency and that’s why the public must be an active participant in its own protection and survival. If you haven’t already, make the decision today to be prepared for whatever tomorrow brings. And remember, Disaster Central is here to help in those ways that it can. Email this · Subscribe to this Feed · Bookmark This! Posted by David Longshore in Emergency Preparedness. Post a Comment » David Longshore is the Director of MCNY’s Emergency and Disaster Management MPA Program. Hanna and CompanySeptember 3rd, 2008 A quick visit to the National Hurricane Center’s (NHC) website, or to The Weather Channel or other media outlet, indicates that the 2008 North Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Season is well underway. At this time (September 3), three tropical systems are active in the Atlantic basin, including major Hurricane Ike, and Tropical Storms Hanna and Ike. Several of the NHC’s forecasts have indicated that the New York City area could experience tropical storm-force winds and heavy rains (3-5 inches) during the coming weekend. As many of Disaster Central’s readers are aware, tropical cyclones are still very unpredictable phenomena, and course trajectories and intensity forecasts are subject to continual change. Now is the time for all New York City residents and those in storm-prone parts of the United States to revisit preparedness and response plans, and double-check that your Go Bag will serve you and your family well should the need arise. While information on Go Bags can be obtained through the New York City Office of Emergency Management’s (which is no doubt closely tracking Tropical Storm Hanna’s progress) website, only you can make the decision today to be ready tomorrow. Disaster Central will continue to monitor the 2008 North Atlantic season and issue posts as necessary. Our readers are encouraged to do the same - but only after ensuring that each is prepared! Email this · Subscribe to this Feed · Bookmark This! Posted by David Longshore in Emergency Preparedness. 1 Comment » David Longshore is the Director of MCNY’s Emergency and Disaster Management MPA Program. What To Do?August 23rd, 2008 There are numerous disaster scenarios in which a large loss of human life is a strong possibility. In addition to natural events such as earthquakes, tsunami, and tropical cyclones, there are human-made scenarios like chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear events that have the potential to claims tens of thousands of lives. Under such catastrophic circumstances, it may prove difficult or even impossible for local, state, and federal jurisdictions to conduct their response and recovery operations while simultaneously observing many of the religious and cultural traditions and rituals associated with the disposal of decedent remains. What are your thoughts on this challenge? Do you believe that in catastrophic scenarios it is possible to achieve operational effectiveness while observing burial and interment practices? Email this · Subscribe to this Feed · Bookmark This! Posted by David Longshore in Natural Disasters, Emergency Preparedness. 3 Comments » David Longshore is the Director of MCNY’s Emergency and Disaster Management MPA Program. Learning to Be Your Own Best Defense in a Disaster - NYTimes ArticleAugust 5th, 2008 In the August 5, 2008, edition of The New York Times, Tara Parker-Pope published an interesting and enlightening article titled, “Learning to Be Your Own Best Defense in a Disaster.” The article can be accessed at: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/05/health/05well.html?em In the interests of enhanced preparedness for everyone, Disaster Central encourages its reader to take a moment to read it. Email this · Subscribe to this Feed · Bookmark This! Posted by David Longshore in Emergency Preparedness. Post a Comment » David Longshore is the Director of MCNY’s Emergency and Disaster Management MPA Program. Why More Men Die in FloodsJune 25th, 2008 In its June 24, 2008, edition, TIME Magazine published an interesting article by Senior Writer Amanda Ripley titled, “Why More Men Die in Floods.” Disaster Central encourages its readers to read this article as it contains a number of valuable points concerning the relationship between gender and survivability. The article can be accessed at: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1817603,00.html For some time, we’ve recognized a connection between social/economic class and survivability - now there appears to be further evidence to support a connection between gender and survivability. Are men less prepared than women? Or are these statistics due to the fact that many first responders are male, and therefore more likely to die while carrying out their duties? It has been suggested that many emergency management preparedness programs be directed at females as they most often play an integral role in protecting children during emergency situations - does this lead to an unintended gender imbalance in the preparedness and response matrices? Disaster Central invites your comments. Email this · Subscribe to this Feed · Bookmark This! Posted by David Longshore in Evacuation, Emergency Preparedness. Post a Comment » David Longshore is the Director of MCNY’s Emergency and Disaster Management MPA Program. Financial IncentivesJune 2nd, 2008 With increasing frequency, communities are turning to the tax code to affect changes in (largely undesirable) social behaviors. Since 2002, for example, New York City has followed a policy of implementing deterrent tax rises in its ongoing efforts to end smoking in the five boroughs. According to figures released by the New York City Mayor’s office, these deterrent tax increases have reduced smoking by some 30% - although it should be noted that there is some variance in these figures. At the same time, the deterrent tax increases have added significant funds to the City’s treasury, with a portion of this revenue earmarked for smoking-cessation programs. Given the success of New York City’s efforts to control social behavior through the selective implementation of the tax code, do you believe a similar model should be applied to enhancing emergency preparedness in New York City? For businesses and other organizations, failure to implement business continuity, preparedness, response, and recovery protocols would result in the imposition of tax surcharges and increases that could then be applied to improving preparedness, response, and recovery levels in those respective firms. In another example, those high-rise buildings that have yet to install communications systems and radio-repeaters would be assessed a sky-high (no pun intended) tax surcharge in order to force them to better protect both their tenants and our first responders and public safety personnel during response and recovery periods. A similar plan could be applied to private homes. After all, just as smoking represents a public health hazard, so does a lack of emergency preparedness in New York City. How far are you willing to go to provide yourself, your family, and friends with safe working and living environments? Do you support this initiative? Do you believe it would improve safety and preparedness in New York City? In terms of public health, New York City has indicated that it has no intention of “simply blowing smoke.” Has the time come to expand this approach to achieving higher levels of emergency preparedness in New York City? Disaster Central welcomes your thoughts on this. Professor Longshore Email this · Subscribe to this Feed · Bookmark This! Posted by David Longshore in Emergency Preparedness. 3 Comments » David Longshore is the Director of MCNY’s Emergency and Disaster Management MPA Program. 2008 North Atlantic Tropical Cyclone SeasonJune 2nd, 2008 On June 1, the 2008 North Atlantic tropical cyclone season began. While there have, of course, been instances where hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical depressions have formed outside of the June-November season, the bulk of tropical systems in the Atlantic occur within this six month period. Although the seasonal peak for New York and the northeastern United States comes in August and September, now is the time to take a moment to review your preparedness levels as they pertain to tropical cyclone activity. The New York City Office of Emergency Management (NYC OEM) provides New Yorkers with useful information on those steps that must (not should) be taken to better protect your family, friends, and property in the event a hurricane or tropical storm “sets its sights” on the Big Apple. Please keep in mind that a mature-stage tropical cyclone can extend several hundred miles across, so even if the eyewall should pass away from your location, you can still be affected by high winds, heavy rains, and high surf conditions. NYC OEM’s excellent website can be accessed using the link on Disaster Central’s menu bar. Remember, preparedness is a decision best made early, so make the decision today to be better prepared tomorrow! Have you ever experienced first hand the effects of a hurricane or tropical storm? If so, please share your experiences with Disaster Central. As the lessons of Emergency Management and Homeland Security are largely experiential in nature, it’s important that readers understand the mechanics and nature of tropical cyclones - and one of the best ways to accomplish this is through a sharing of such experiences. Professor Longshore Email this · Subscribe to this Feed · Bookmark This! Posted by David Longshore in Uncategorized, Natural Disasters, Emergency Preparedness. Post a Comment » David Longshore is the Director of MCNY’s Emergency and Disaster Management MPA Program. | |
© 2008, Metropolitan College of New York
 |
(800) 33 THINK | 212 343 1234