http://www.citizencorps.gov/news/ Latest National Community Preparedness News en-us citizencorps@dhs.gov (Citizen Corps) http://www.citizencorps.gov/rss/images/cc_main_tag_rgb.jpg http://www.citizencorps.gov/news/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EDT Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EDT http://www.americorps.gov/about/newsroom/releases_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=1573 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EDT http://www.americorps.gov/about/newsroom/releases_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=1573 Nicola Goren, Acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service will be joined by U.S. Senator Mark Warner (VA) and Representative John Sarbanes (MD) on a national conference call to discuss new funding opportunities to support veterans service and military families on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 2pm. The conference call with Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) and other veterans groups will cover the development of the Veterans Corps and new AmeriCorps funding for programs that leverage veterans' skills and expertise to help restore local communities and ease veterans' transition to civilian life. http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/11/17/11199/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EDT http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2009/11/17/11199/ The 11th Annual SKYWARN Recognition Day (SRD) Special Event will take place Saturday, December 5, 2009. SRD is co-sponsored by the ARRL and the National Weather Service (NWS) as a way to recognize the commitment made by Amateur Radio operators in helping to keep their communities safe. http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=299 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EDT http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=299 Residents at Kloshe Illahee manufactured homes park are ready to take on disasters. The folks are trained through the city's Community Emergency Response Team and are prepared for wind, snow, ice, power outages and earthquakes. Residents embarked on their neighborhood emergency plan in 2005. The plan was finalized in 2006. Now, the group is preparing a revision, with the goal of continuing self-sustainability in preparation for a disaster. If a disaster were to occur, residents are not likely to see quick assistance from the county. "We're kind of isolated here," resident Ken Squier said. "We're going to be taking care of ourselves."... http://www.citizencorps.gov/nccp Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EDT http://www.citizencorps.gov/nccp Videos and transcripts of the featured plenary speakers at the 2009 NCCP are now posted on our website at www.citizencorps.gov/nccp. Citizen Corps Councils and partners are encouraged to link directly to the videos, embed them on their websites, or download them to share with their members who were unable to attend. http://www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org/Season_of_Suppers Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EDT http://www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org/Season_of_Suppers For pets and their parents alike, hunger can become a mutual affliction. Pet parents have been known to forego their own dinner so their furry companions can eat. That is why the Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) and the Banfield Charitable Trust have teamed up to help ensure that pets and their people both get what they need this holiday season. Pets of many MOWAA recipients are in need of nutritious food and the Season of Suppers campaign helps local Meals on Wheels programs start or sustain pet food distribution programs to feed the pets of their homebound clients. The 2009 Season of Suppers Campaign runs November 1 through December 31. http://networkchallenge.darpa.mil/ Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EDT http://networkchallenge.darpa.mil/ It has come to our attention that Citizen Corps Councils and partner programs around the U.S. are considering taking on the DARPA Network Challenge. This competition was created to explore the roles played by the Internet and social networking in timely communication, wide-area team-building, and urgent mobilization required to solve broad-scope, time-critical problems. The specific goal of the challenge is to be the first to submit the locations of ten red weather balloons posted at 10 fixed sites in the continental U.S. on December 5th. The first entrant to present the latitude and longitude of all ten balloons will win $40,000. As we have seen in recent disasters and incidents such as the Virginia Tech shootings, 2009 California Wildfires, and Hurricane Ike, information sharing among citizens through social networking has been beneficial to both responders and the public. This challenge is a great way to demonstrate how local and regional resources can share time-sensitive information, network, and collaborate to achieve a common goal. If you are participating, please send an email with your story to citizencorps@dhs.gov so we can share the successes and hurdles you encounter as you organize and participate in this challenge. For more information on the DARPA Network Challenge, visit: http://networkchallenge.darpa.mil/. http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49939 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49939 FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate today keynoted the inaugural Random Hacks of Kindness, Disaster Relief Codejam (RHoK). RHoK is an initiative, sponsored by industry leaders such as Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo! in conjunction with NASA and the World Bank that brings together disaster relief experts and software engineers to work on identifying key challenges to disaster relief, and developing solutions to these critical issues. http://www.disasterrecoveryworkinggroup.gov/questionnaire/ Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.disasterrecoveryworkinggroup.gov/questionnaire/ DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano and HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan co-chair the newly-formed Long Term Disaster Recovery Working Group that is chartered with providing the President with recommendations on how to improve long-term disaster recovery. This high level strategic initiative includes an outreach effort to collect input from stakeholders, community leaders, and citizens on how to support the work of the Long Term Disaster Recovery Working Group. Inputs received will help shape recommendations for improving long-term disaster recovery as well as the development of a National Disaster Recovery Framework. http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/releases_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=1568 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EDT http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/releases_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=1568 The Corporation for National and Community Service hosted an event that highlighted the agency's service initiatives that address unmet needs of veterans and military families and leverage veterans' expertise and skills to help tackle national challenges. At the event, Civic Enterprises released a report, “All Volunteer Force: From Military to Civilian Service,” that found that an overwhelming percentage of veterans want to volunteer as a way to continue serving and offers recommendations on how to best tap into veterans' passion to serve. On November 18 the Corporation and U.S. Senator Mark Warner (VA) will hold a national conference call to discuss the development of the Veterans Corps and provide information about funding opportunities in AmeriCorps that promote service with veterans, for veterans and by veterans. http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49919 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EDT http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49919 FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate addresses the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) Board of Directors Meeting. The gathering of national nonprofit organizations, who are dedicated to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, took place at the Salvation Army headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia. http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1257889987186.shtm Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EDT http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1257889987186.shtm DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano today unveiled a new website designed to provide a one-stop location for veterans and veterans organizations to learn about DHS' many veteran outreach initiatives and hiring and contracting opportunities. The new website, available at www.dhs.gov/veterans, features information for veterans about how to find employment opportunities at DHS, ways to get involved in community-based efforts like Citizen Corps, and special veteran programs such as Operation Warfighter and Wounded Warrior, which provide employment opportunities for severely wounded or recovering service members to assist their transition back to the military or civilian workforce. http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=285 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EDT http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=285 "Two years ago before volunteering to develop a CERT program in Monroe County, Illinois I sat on my couch in the basement with my daughter one evening hoping all would be well when the tornado siren blared out the warning of an impending threat. I found myself unprepared, in a basement with a ceiling loaded with pipes, a concrete room filled with Christmas decorations and an under house garage that sat at the southwest corner. My daughter and I sat in shorts, no shoes and waited out the siren that went in and out and in and out. Thankfully we were fine. Then one day the need for a “volunteer” CERT coordinator came to my attention..." http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ofbnp/blog Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EDT http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ofbnp/blog President Obama established the Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships to connect the Federal government to local nonprofit organizations and community leaders – both faith-based and secular – that are serving individuals, families and communities in need. We form partnerships between government and nonprofits on a range of issues, from public health to disaster response and everything in between, in order to better serve all Americans. This blog will highlight the work of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, along with the activity at Centers for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships that we coordinate at several Federal agencies. http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49884 Mon, 9 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49884 FEMA announces a new avenue for the public to provide input regarding the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) via a 30-day public comment period. Starting November 6th, stakeholders and individuals can visit www.fema.gov/nfipcomments to provide input and identify challenges regarding the NFIP. Created by Congress in 1968, the NFIP is designed to ensure that communities across the country have access to affordable flood insurance while encouraging community floodplain management to reduce future flood damage. http://www.nvoad.org/Portals/0/AwardsPacket2010-FINALb.doc Fri, 6 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.nvoad.org/Portals/0/AwardsPacket2010-FINALb.doc The National VOAD Board invites all National and State/Territorial VOAD Members to submit nominations for the 2010 Annual VOAD Awards. The awards recognize organizational and individual excellence and contributions that reflect the best of the best in service and support within the National VOAD network and disaster services. For more information, see the nomination form by clicking here. Award nominations must be received by Friday, February 27, 2010. http://www.nvoad.org/Portals/0/Request%20for%20Proposals-FINAL.doc Fri, 6 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.nvoad.org/Portals/0/Request%20for%20Proposals-FINAL.doc National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (National VOAD) announces a call for proposals for the 18th Annual National Conference, to be held May 11 -13, 2010. They are seeking presenters with expertise, best practices and innovative solutions to challenges in all phases of disaster and disaster-related services and issues. For more information, see the proposal form by clicking here. The deadline for proposal submissions is December 7, 2009. http://www.handsonnetwork.org/disney/faq#faqone Fri, 6 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.handsonnetwork.org/disney/faq#faqone HandsOn Network, a National Citizen Corps Affiliate, is excited to announce “Give A Day, Get A Disney Day.” Individuals and families who give their time to help improve communities are being celebrated and offered a free one-day ticket to a Disney. Many nonprofit and community partners will be able to participate in the program through partnerships with a HandsOn Action Center. The goal is to engage one million volunteers in service. http://www.ncpc.org/resources/files/pdf/internet-safety/Safe%20Social%20Networking.pdf Fri, 6 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.ncpc.org/resources/files/pdf/internet-safety/Safe%20Social%20Networking.pdf You’ve heard their names before: MySpace, Facebook, Friendster, Twitter. They’re all forms of social media where people go online to chat with their friends, make new friends, and exchange information. Their purpose is to bring people closer together. They let users create personal profiles, add photos, write in a public journal or blog, send messages to others, and invite people to become their online friends- all with just a few clicks of the mouse. When used responsibly, these sites present wonderful social opportunities. You can stay safe by following these tips from NCPC… http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/feedback_tcp.shtml Thu, 5 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/feedback_tcp.shtml Customer feedback suggests that there is a need for a more user-friendly format to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) Public Advisory. Users have expressed difficulty in finding pertinent warning, storm and impact information in the public advisory, especially when there is a significant amount of information to convey. The need for a format that separates certain sections of the advisory is most evident when a tropical storm or hurricane is close to making landfall. NHC requests your comments about the proposed changes and you may send an email with your feedback. http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49867 Wed, 4 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49867 FEMA announces a series of public meetings that will be held to discuss the DHS Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Accreditation and Certification Program (PS-Prep). http://www.nvfc.org/page/626/show_item/1065/News.htm Wed, 4 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.nvfc.org/page/626/show_item/1065/News.htm DHS will begin accepting applications for FY 2009 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Services (SAFER) Grants beginning November 16, 2009. The deadline for receipt of the SAFER Grant applications is December 18, 2009. The automated applications will be accessible from the web site for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) at www.firegrantsupport.com/safer. http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/11/03/cybersecurity-awareness-month-part-v Tue, 3 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/11/03/cybersecurity-awareness-month-part-v With National Cybersecurity Awareness Month now finished, I would like to remind everyone that cybersecurity is not an issue that requires our attention only one month a year. Instead, we need to be thinking about cybersecurity every time we turn on a computer. Further, as the threat of cyber attacks continues to increase, the U.S. Government and the nation as a whole need to continue to develop and identify the young cybersecurity experts who will keep our computers and digital networks secure and resilient. http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-010.html Tue, 3 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST04-010.html While email attachments are a popular and convenient way to send documents, they are also a common source of viruses. Use caution when opening attachments, even if they appear to have been sent by someone you know. http://www.noaa.gov/features/03_protecting/index.html Tue, 3 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.noaa.gov/features/03_protecting/index.html NOAA wants you to know more about the dangers associated with Nor'easters. A nor’easter is a cyclonic storm that moves along the east coast of North America. It’s called “nor’easter” because the winds over coastal areas blow from a northeasterly direction. http://www.cdc.gov/mobile Tue, 3 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.cdc.gov/mobile Become a part of the H1N1 Flu Mobile Texting Pilot and have important CDC information about H1N1 flu and other topics delivered directly to your mobile phone. To subscribe to the pilot, text "HEALTH" to "87000". Subscribers can expect to receive about three health messages a week during the three-month pilot. Standard text messaging rates will apply. http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49302 Mon, 2 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49302 FEMA has been engaging in Web 2.0 tools and on social media sites nationwide as part of its mission to prepare the nation for disasters. FEMA's goals with social media are: to provide timely and accurate information related to disaster preparedness response and recovery; provide the public with another avenue for insight into the agency’s operations; and engage in what has already become a critical medium in today’s world of communications. FEMA’s social media ventures function as supplemental outreach, and as appropriate channels for unofficial input. http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49859 Mon, 2 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49859 This week, FEMA Administrator Fugate delivered the keynote address at the 57th Annual International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Conference and encouraged emergency managers to engage the public is disaster preparedness and recovery. http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/10/30/flu-prevention-tips-fields-and-courts Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/10/30/flu-prevention-tips-fields-and-courts There are a number of common sense precautions being taught at homes and schools across America to help prevent the spread of the flu, including frequent hand washing, sneezing into the elbow, and getting a vaccination when it becomes available. If your kids are playing on sports teams this fall, here are a few more tips to help them stay healthy. http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1256914923094.shtm Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1256914923094.shtm DHS Secretary Napolitano opened the new National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) - a 24-hour, DHS-led coordinated watch and warning center that will improve national efforts to address threats and incidents affecting the nation's critical information technology and cyber infrastructure. http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/releases_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=1564 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/releases_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=1564 On Jan. 18, 2010, thousands of Americans will celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a Day of Service. This day is a way to transform Dr. King’s life and teachings into community service that helps empower and strengthen local communities. Kick start your organization’s planning for this Day of Service by attending one of the free, informative webshops hosted by the Corporation for National and Community Service. These webshops provide information on project toolkits, past best practices, resources, recruitment, and utilizing the media. http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1256840966679.shtm Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1256840966679.shtm DHS Secretary Napolitano meets with leaders of several veterans service organizations to discuss DHS’ ongoing engagement and collaboration with veterans on recruitment and other key DHS initiatives. http://www.dhs.gov/journal/theblog/2009/10/answering-your-questions.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.dhs.gov/journal/theblog/2009/10/answering-your-questions.html Secretary Napolitano last week delivered a live online address to promote National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and to issue a national call to action to safeguard the nation’s digital networks. During the webcast, she answered a few questions submitted by viewers, but unfortunately was only able to get to a handful of inquiries. To continue the dialogue on this important issue, she has recorded a video addressing more viewer questions submitted during the webcast. http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1256748968976.shtm Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1256748968976.shtm Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary and DHS Secretary announce the launch of DisasterRecoveryWorkingGroup.gov - a new interagency website that will allow federal disaster recovery officials to solicit public comments from state, local and tribal partners and the public. http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/media/press/2009releases/102809.shtm Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/media/press/2009releases/102809.shtm Last week, the USFA launched an effort to encourage everyone to install and maintain home smoke alarms and, if possible, sprinklers. More than 3,000 people die in home fires each year, and the majority of them have no working smoke alarm. To prevent these deaths, the USFA, is sponsoring the nationwide Install. Inspect. Protect. Campaign, which emphasizes that “Smoke Alarms Save Lives.” http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/releases_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=1561 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/releases_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=1561 The Corporation for National and Community Service has released a funding notice for its 2010 Learn and Serve America “Summer of Service” grants competition, implementing a new program authorized under the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. The new grant funding – totaling $1 million dollars – will support innovative summer-time service-learning programs for students grades 6 through 9. http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49841 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49841 Just as every home should have a smoke alarm, every home should have an emergency supply kit packed and ready. And being prepared doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/10/26/cybersecurity-awareness-month-part-iv Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/10/26/cybersecurity-awareness-month-part-iv DHS addresses another important dimension of Cybersecurity as a ‘shared responsibility’– the role of America’s small businesses. America’s competitiveness and our economic prosperity in the 21st century will depend on effective cybersecurity. For this reason, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at the Department of Commerce recently released a guidebook, Small Business Information Security: The Fundamentals, on cybersecurity fundamentals for small business owners. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2009pres/10/20091026a.html Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2009pres/10/20091026a.html Last week, HHS announced the availability of thirteen new 30-second flu radio public service announcements (PSA). These new radio messages feature 13 of America’s governors and Elmo from Sesame Street. http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/10/25/president-obama-signs-emergency-declaration-h1n1-flu Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/10/25/president-obama-signs-emergency-declaration-h1n1-flu In an effort to proactively address the ongoing pandemic, the President signed a National Emergency Declaration on H1N1 that allows healthcare systems to quickly implement disaster plans should they become overwhelmed. As experts expected, H1N1 flu is moving rapidly throughout the country and the majority of states now have widespread influenza activity. This declaration gives authority for the HHS to waive certain regulatory requirements for healthcare facilities in response the ongoing pandemic. http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49834 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EDT http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=49834 Last week, FEMA Administrator Fugate met with Missouri Governor Jay Nixon and a diverse group of faith leaders to discuss partnerships with local religious and community groups during disaster response and preparedness efforts. The meeting was part of Administrator Fugate’s continued efforts to build partnerships with key stakeholders and community leaders as FEMA works to increase public preparedness and strengthen our nation’s emergency response team.