Monthly Updates - August 2006

ICC Monthly Highlight

Airport Screening Procedures for Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions
In recent weeks, a substantial plot to destroy multiple passenger aircrafts flying from the United Kingdom to the United States was averted by authorities. In the days immediately following the event, CRCL staff alerted the ICC Incident Management Team. The Team assessed the potential impacts on travelers with disabilities resulting from the tightened airport screening procedures. CRCL staff also collaborated with the DHS Transportation Security Administration Director for Screening of Persons with Disabilities and the White House Domestic Policy Disability Liaison to send a message to disability constituencies nationwide informing them of the allowable medical and assistive carry-on items and encouraging them to prepare for travel accordingly.

The message to disability constituencies indicated that TSA's Checkpoint Security Screening Procedures for persons with disabilities, medical conditions, and senior citizen have not changed. However, due to heightened security measures, liquids, gels, lotions and other items of similar consistency will not be permitted in carry-on baggage. These types of items must be packed in checked baggage.

For a complete listing of allowable carry-on items, as well as a list of helpful tips for air travelers, visit http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm.

ICC Private Sector Coordination
Chair: Department of Homeland Security - Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL)

September 2006 is National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort sponsored by DHS each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. The goal of the month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action. Throughout September, DHS will work with a wide variety of organizations, including local, state and federal government agencies and the private sector, to highlight the importance of family and personal emergency preparedness and promote individual involvement through events and activities across the nation. More information can be found at http://www.ready.gov.

National Preparedness Month Collaboration with Salvation Army
In support of National Preparedness Month, the DHS CRCL and the Salvation Army USA will co-host a pilot training of Salvation Army's simple, yet innovative project to assist individuals with disabilities and senior citizens with personal preparedness. This event, scheduled for a location in New England, will introduce Salvation Army's strategy to utilize their vast network of volunteers to personally walk individuals through emergency preparedness planning. Representatives from CRCL will attend this event to help raise awareness of the importance of personal preparedness for everyone - even those who need assistance preparing for themselves. The Salvation Army grassroots preparedness concept has the potential to reach many people who may not be receptive to traditional outreach methods such as advertisement campaigns, web based information, or community emergency preparedness meetings.

Ready.Gov Develops New Information for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities
The DHS is joining efforts with The Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons (AARP), American Red Cross (ARC) and the National Organization on Disability (NOD) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) during National Preparedness Month, to encourage older Americans and individuals with disabilities to prepare for emergencies. The Department's Ready Campaign and AARP, ARC and NOD developed two new brochures highlighting the key preparedness steps senior citizens, Americans with disabilities and other special needs, and families and caretakers of people with disabilities and other needs should take before emergencies occur. The National Fire Protection Association also plans to unveil a new guide, Emergency Evacuation Planning Guide for People with Disabilities, which is designed to help individuals with disabilities and businesses prepare for emergencies.

National Citizen Corps Spreads the Word on Pandemic Flu Preparedness
As part of a Homeland Security Council initiative on Pandemic Flu Action Planning, National Citizen Corps has been working with the DHS Chief Medical Officer and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to raise awareness about Pandemic Flu. Citizen Corps has created a Pandemic Flu link on its Web site homepage and seeks assistance from the community in the following ways:

• Acknowledge Citizen Corps as a partner on your business or organization's Web site and including a link to the http://www.citizencorps.gov and the HHS Web site http://www.pandemicflu.gov which includes extensive information about pandemic influenza, tracks confirmed cases of avian influenza, details global activities, and provides planning guidance for individuals, businesses, schools, and communities.
• Citizen Corps is interested in learning about your organization's pandemic flu outreach and educational activities, including newsletters articles, Web based information, training, exercises, and community events. Please send relevant information and highlights to: Leiloni Stainsby at lstainsby@dfi-intl.com and Jackie Snelling at Jacqueline.snelling@dhs.gov.

ICC Health Subcommittee
Chair: Department of Health and Human Services - Office on Disability

HHS Office on Disability Holds ADA Celebration
The 16th anniversary of the ADA was an opportunity for the Office on Disability to celebrate the achievements that have been made to promote health and wellness across the nation, including those made by the Office on Disability. This year's celebration of the ADA focused on the rollout of the People's Piece-a publication for persons with disabilities written in simple language that summarizes the Surgeon General's Call to Action to Improve the Health and Wellness of Persons with Disabilities and includes a highly regarded and comprehensive listing of disability resources.

The People's Piece is in keeping with Surgeon General Carmona's firm belief that when people have information about a public health issue, they are better able to take action to improve their health and wellness and that of their families and their communities. This is particularly true when it comes to disaster planning. Applying the principles of the four goals of the Call to Action to emergency preparedness takes little re-wording:

To increase the understanding nation-wide of persons with disabilities and their families and communities, private citizens, health-care providers and advocates:

1. that through personal and community planning, all people have the same opportunity to survive natural and man-made disasters;
2. that emergency workers can be provided the tools and equipment and the training to maintain the independence of persons with disabilities in an emergency event;
3. that persons with disabilities can develop a realistic and successful emergency plan through educating themselves and emergency workers on how to best help them during an emergency; and
4. that all transportation, reception centers, shelters and medical services can be accessible for all people and that all people can maintain dignity and self-respect.

More information about the Surgeon General's Call to Action to Improve the Health and Wellness of Persons with Disabilities can be found on the Surgeon General's Web site at www.surgeongeneral.gov and the Office on Disability Web site at http://www.hhs.gov/od.

ICC Emergency Transportation Subcommittee
Chair: Department of Transportation - Office of Civil Rights

Emergency Transportation ICC Subcommittee Chair Included in DOT Emergency Response Team
John Benison, the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Senior Policy Advisor on Disability Issues, is now part of DOT's Emergency Response Team. In the event that a hurricane makes landfill, Mr. Benison will be serving as part of this team's Incident Management Group as an on-call advisor on disability and access matters. The Incident Management Group is comprised of the Acting Secretary's Chief of Staff, representatives from the Office of Intelligence, Security and Emergency Response, the Acting Secretary's Policy Assistants, and Event Team Leads from each of DOT's Operating Administrations. Other on-call advisors include representatives from DOT's Offices of Public Affairs, General Counsel, and Budget. Should a hurricane make landfill in the U.S., Mr. Benison will be on 24 hour call to help address issues impacting people with disabilities.

ICC State, Local and Tribal Government Subcommittee
Chair: Department of Homeland Security - Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL)

New Target Capability Development Working Group
The DHS Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness recently reviewed many of the target capabilities established to assure that the nation is ready to respond to all-hazard disaster situations. Through discussion with subject matter experts, it became evident that the target capabilities did not ensure the establishment of a sheltering system that considered those with physical, cognitive, sensory, emotional, or other conditions impacting their level of functioning, or those with chronic medical or health conditions which precludes them from staying at a general population shelter. Currently the capabilities include two sheltering categories: 1) general population, for individuals who can function independently or needing only minimal assistance, and 2) medical shelters for those who have medical conditions and must receive treatment to maintain their current function level. DHS and the HHS Office of Public Health and Emergency Preparedness deemed it necessary to develop a new capability that establishes criteria for a third shelter focusing on care for those requiring medical or other assistance not provided in the other types of shelters. In doing so, a team of disability advocates, federal disability and emergency management experts (including CRCL), American Red Cross representatives and state and local government emergency management personnel assembled to develop a new capability. The working group is defining what population this shelter will serve and the necessary level of staffing and resources.

The Target Capabilities List (TCL) identifies the capabilities needed to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recovery from major catastrophic events. It is a living document that will continue to be enhanced and refined over time. Currently, there are 37 capabilities to provide the Nation with a comprehensive set of capabilities across four homeland security missions: Prevent, Protect, Respond and Recover. More information about the TCL is available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/odp/assessments/hspd8.htm.

Outreach to Tribal Governments
Under Executive Order 13347, Native American tribal governments are named as among the key stakeholders in advancing emergency preparedness for people with disabilities. As Chair of the ICC Subcommittee on State and Local Government Coordination, CRCL conducting outreach to the tribal governments.

CRCL staff participated in the Tribal Leaders Conference on Homeland Security and Domestic Preparedness in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Conference, attended primarily by elected leaders and emergency managers from Native American tribes of the Southwest U.S., focused on the overarching homeland security topics facing the people of the tribal lands within an increasingly globalized and complex world. During the Conference, CRCL staff shared insights regarding the inclusion and involvement of people with disabilities in emergency management. CRCL staff also learned from tribal leaders their unique perspectives regarding emergency management, including tribal government sovereignty issues, DHS policy and funding requirements, and Native American cultural traditions that affect emergency preparedness and response.

CRCL staff also met with the DHS State and Local Tribal Governments liaison regarding emergency management and individuals with disabilities. The meeting advanced CRCL's efforts to reach networks of Native American communities and offer technical assistance to tribal governments.

Recently Released Resources

Time Magazine Article Explores Why Americans Do Not Prepare for Disasters
Approaching the year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Time Magazine published an article on the state of emergency preparedness in America: Floods, Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Wildfires, Earthquakes ... Why We Don't Prepare. To view the article visit http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1229102,00.html?cnn=yes.

Revision to 2006 Hurricane Forecast: AP Article Reports the Atlantic Hurricane Season to be Slightly Less Active Than Originally Predicted
Forecasters predict a slightly less active hurricane season, but still above long-term averages with 12 - 15 named storms and seven to nine hurricanes, three to four of which could be major hurricanes. To view the entire article visit http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/08/08/storm/main1876259.shtml.

Compensation now available for 9/11 Workers and Volunteers Who Participated in Rescue, Recovery or Cleanup Work
As we approach the 5th Anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, the work of organizations to assist responders with health problems continues. There have been newspaper reports on responders who are now ill or who have died as a result of time spent at Ground Zero in rescue, recovery or clean up efforts. The United Church of Christ and Church World Service with local New York partners-New York Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) and Mt. Sinai WTC Clinic-along with many of others have continued to lobby for workers' compensation for responders. Recently, the Governor of New York signed into law a compensation registry which will eliminate the 2-year cut-off date for filing a claim. For more information contact http://www.nycosh.org.

Women and Infants Service Package (WISP) Guidelines to Help First Responders Assist in the Special Needs of Pregnant and New Mothers During a Disaster
Katrina focused unprecedented attention on pregnant women and newborns as an acutely vulnerable population during emergencies. A year later, those concerns are driving a push to add provisions for both groups to national preparedness guidelines for disasters, epidemics or terrorist attacks. To view the entire Washington Post article visit: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/16/AR2006081601516.html.

Upcoming Events

September 2006
National Preparedness Month
National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort sponsored by DHS each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. The goal of the month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action. To view calendar events in your neighborhood as well as nationwide visit http://www.citizencorps.gov/citizenCorps/eventCalendarMap.do or visit http://www.ready.gov for more information.

September 6-8 , 2006
8th Annual Technologies for Critical Incident Preparedness Conference & Expo
Hyatt Regency, Atlanta, Georgia
This three-day conference will highlight the technology and training tools currently available and being developed for the emergency responder community to deal with major threats to lives and property, such as natural disasters and terrorist attacks. For more information visit http://www.regonline.com/eventinfo.asp?EventId=88623.

September 15, 2006
The World Trade Center Evacuation Study: Translating Research into Practice
NY, NY
The Mailman School of Public Health is sponsoring a symposium to share the findings of the World Trade Center Evacuation Study and its practical applications. For more information visit: http://www.mailman.hs.columbia.edu/news/wtc-eval-fnl.html.

September 18-22, 2006
NEMA 2006 Annual Conference
Orange, AL
The 2006 National Emergency Managers Association (NEMA) Annual Conference will provide a forum to discuss challenges and issues facing emergency managers today and share NEMA's views on all hazards emergency preparedness with leadership in Washington. For more information visit http://www.nemaweb.org/.

Emergency Responders and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community: Taking the First Steps to Disaster Preparedness
Community Emergency Preparedness Information Network (CEPIN) has developed this course, designed for and by emergency responders and deaf and hard of hearing consumers. It is certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The course is free and open to only 40 participants: 20 who are hard of hearing/deaf/deaf-blind, and 20 Emergency Responders. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information contact Lise Hamlin, lhamlin@nvrc.org. The course will be held at the following locations:

• September 19, 2006: Northwest Regional Library, Coral Springs, FL - Host Agency: League for the Hard of Hearing - FL, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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• September 25, 2006: Georgia Public Safety Training Center, Forsyth, GA - Host Agency: GACHI, Atlanta, GA
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• October 18, 2006: Hearing and Speech Agency, Baltimore, MD
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• October 24, 2006: Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons, Fairfax, VA

September 29, 2006
ICC Citizen Corps Subcommittee Meeting
Location TBD

October 10, 2006
Pandemic Influenza: Principles and Techniques for Communicating Effectively in High Stress & High Concern Situations Workshop
This one-day training workshop-which will take place one day prior to the Pandemic Influenza Conference-will help individuals and organizations prepare for high stress and high concern situations by focusing on specific challenges and solutions for integrating risk and crisis communications and operational response. For more information visit http://www.homelanddefensejournal.com.

October 11 - 12, 2006
Preparing for Pandemic Influenza Conference
Sheraton National, Arlington, VA
This conference will bring together an influential gathering of medical and public health leaders to review and discuss the National Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan and our nation's preparedness and response efforts and goals. For more information visit http://www.homelanddefensejournal.com.

October 8-14 , 2006
Fire Prevention Week 2006
Sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), "Prevent Cooking Fires: Watch What You Heat" - is the message of this year's Fire Prevention Week (FPW). From October 8-14, NFPA be spreading the word that more fires start in the kitchen than in any other part of the home - and teaching families and kids how to keep cooking fires from starting in the first place. For more information, visit http://www.nfpa.org/itemDetail.asp?categoryID=1194&itemID=28246&cookie%5Ftest=1.

October 24-26, 2006
Pacific Northwest Preparedness Society
Vancouver, British Columbia
This year's Conference has several themes including: the impact and aftermath of hurricane Katrina - lessons to be learned, Avian influenza, pandemic preparedness, forgotten victims - animals in disasters, Neighborhood preparedness, and Fraser River flood hazard. For more information visit http://www.epconference.ca.

October 25, 2006
Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons, Fairfax, VA
Emergency Responders and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community: Taking the First Steps to Disaster Preparedness: Train the Trainer
Pre-requisite for the course: successful completion of the CEPIN course: "Emergency Responders & the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Community: First Steps to Disaster Preparedness," experience in the field and experience as a trainer. Applicants must submit a resume and application letter. Trainees who receive a certificate of completion are eligible to provide the direct delivery of the CEPIN course in their community. For more information contact Lise Hamlim, lhamlin@nvrc.org.

November 12-15, 2006
International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) 2006 Annual Conference & EMEX Exhibit
"Going All the Way.Putting Plans Into Action"
Orlando, FL
The IAEM Annual Conference purpose is to provide a forum for current trends, topics and the latest tools and technology in emergency management and homeland security, and to advance IAEM committee work. Sessions encourage stakeholders at all levels of government, the private sector, public health and related professions to exchange ideas on collaborating to protect lives and property from disaster. For more information visit http://www.iaem.com/events/annual/intro.htm.

Nov. 14-16 , 2006
Transportation Disaster Response - Family Assistance
Course offered by the National Transportation Safety Board
NTSB Academy, Ashburn, VA (near Washington, DC)
Developed for commercial transportation officials, representatives of federal agencies and staff of non-governmental relief organizations and emergency managers, this course is instrumental in understanding how any organization involved in accident response can most effectively support family assistance efforts. For more information visit: http://www.ntsb.gov/Academy/CourseInfo/TDA301_2006.htm.

November 17-19, 2006
World Congress & Expo on Disabilities (WCD Expo)
Philadelphia, PA
The WCD Expo, the world's largest disability event, is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities, their families and professionals who work with them. The WCD is intended to educate, inform and provide a useful exchange of ideas for people with disabilities and special healthcare needs and those involved in their care and development. For more information visit: http://www.wcdexpo.com/.

January 29-February 2 , 2007
Florida Emergency Preparedness Association Annual Conference
Daytona Beach, Florida
The Florida Emergency Preparedness Association Annual Conference includes speaker presentations, panel discussion, and workshops that focus on timely emergency management issues and topics. In conjunction with the annual conference, association business is conducted; also, outstanding agency and individual contributions to the field of emergency management are recognized through an awards program. For more information visit: http://www.fepa.org/meetings.aspx.

February 8-9, 2007
National Conference on Disaster Planning for the Carless Society
New Orleans, LA
The University of New Orleans Transportation Center, in partnership with the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission and the Regional Transit Authority, is organizing a National Conference on Disaster Planning for the Car-less Society. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita revealed the importance of evacuation planning, especially for people without the ability or means to drive. All cities in the United States are vulnerable to natural and human caused disasters. The focus of this conference is on evacuation planning for car-less residents, including the elderly, disabled, and transit dependent populations. Our intent is to bring together government officials, professionals, and experts to discuss how we can better prepare for those that are in most need.

About the Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties oversees the implementation of Executive Order 13347, Individuals with Disabilities in Emergency Preparedness, which was signed by President Bush in July 2004. This Executive Order is designed to ensure the safety and security of individuals with disabilities in all-hazard emergency and disaster situations. To this end, the Executive Order created an Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities. The ICC is comprised of senior leadership from more than 20 Federal departments and agencies. Its mission is to ensure that people with disabilities and their specific needs are fully integrated into all aspects of our nation's emergency management system; including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The Secretary of Homeland Security is the Chair of the ICC, and he has delegated that role to Mr. Daniel Sutherland, the DHS Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. The Council has concentrated its work in eight major areas:

1. Emergency Communications;
2. Emergency Preparedness in the Workplace;
3. Emergency Transportation;
4. Health;
5. Private Sector Coordination;
6. Research;
7. State, Local and Tribal Government Coordination; and
8. Technical Assistance and Outreach.

For more information about the ICC please visit http://www.disabilitypreparedness.gov.