News
November 17 '08: As wildfires
destroy homes in Southern California, social networking sites have been used by community first responders and citizens to spread important information, updates and maps in real-time. The fires have burned more than 1,000 homes, forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate and have claimed over 20,000 acres in the past four days,
Reuters reported.
CNN reported Monday that at least one of the fires has been linked to human activity.
November 10 '08: Researchers working on disaster response communication technologies have announced new advancements in understanding how radio frequencies behave in difficult areas such as collapsed buildings, mine shafts and tunnels,
CNN reported. Researchers at the
National Institute of Standards and Technology told the cable news channel that a "sweet spot" frequency has been found which allows radio communication to travel the farthest.
November 3 '08: According to
Washington Technology, the federal government is making preparations for the release of updated information sharing guidelines for state and local governments to help "achieve baseline capabilities necessary to share terrorism and law enforcement data." The guideline suggestions, which include increased partnership and participation with the private sector, will be published in a report titled "Baseline Capabilities for State and Major Urban Area Fusion Centers."
October 27 '08: In a report that is being considered a first of its kind for the DC area, the
Washington Post reported a new collaboration between the
Nonprofit Roundtable and
Deloitte to look at the ability of nonprofit groups to coordinate and respond to a disaster.
October 17 '08: Thanks to John Solomon over at
Incaseofemergencyblog.com for the tip regarding the
Disaster Accountability Project and its article in the
Natural Hazards Observer which appeared in last month's edition. DAP, begun in August 2007, was established to help improve the national disaster response framework through citizen oversight, research, whistle-blower engagement, and policy research, the website read.
Other Stories
International Strategy for Disaster Reduction DayHurricane Ike wrap-upHurricane Ike heads toward HoustonMyspace and DHS announce hurricane awareness partnershipAs Gustav heads toward Gulf Coast, partnerships help to build information portals for community members and response organizations
