Colorado Division of Emergency Management

DEM Weekly Update ~ February 10, 2012

2012-02-10T13:30:00.001-07:00

Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update ~ February 10, 2012

In this week's edition:

2012 Colorado Emergency management Conference
County Office of Emergency Management Updates and Resources
Kudos in Emergency Management
NFPA Job Announcement
Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
Resources Focused on Emergency Management and Education Efforts
Training Information

If you have any questions or would like to submit information for next week contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, at micki.trost@state.co.us.

Evacuations Lifted in Walsh Colorado

2012-02-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

The evacuation order is being lifted in Walsh, Colorado. The tank has been secured, loaded and moved from the area.

Precautionary Evacuations in Town of Walsh

2012-02-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

Approximately 35 homes have been evacuated as a precaution in the Town of Walsh, Colorado due to a leak that was reported as 500 gallons of Anhydons Ammonia. There are no reported injuries.

To receive current information please contact the acting incident Public Information Officer Riley Frazee, Colorado Division of Emergency Management Field Manager, by cell at 719-510-2388 or by email at riley.frazee@state.co.us.

Updates will be included on the COEmergency Twitter page with #walshevac, COEmergency Facebook page and on the COEmergency blog site.

Update 11:30 a.m.

The Town of Walsh was evacuated this morning, primarily the Eastern Side of Walsh, due to an Anhydrous Ammonia carrier coming loose from the frame and rupturing some of the valves. Approximately 35 homes were evacuated.

Currently the Anhydrous Ammonia tank is not leaking. Two Colorado State Patrol (CSP) Hazmat Units and local Fire Departments are securing the tank. Once secure and the Anhydrous Ammonia has dispersed the evacuation order will be lifted.

CDEM Field Manager Riley Frazee is assisting with PIO Functions and two CSP Hazmat Units are supporting the incident with local agencies and departments.

No requests for assistance from the State have been made at this point.

Training Course Announcements

2012-02-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

The following training course announcements were added to the Training Page:

Mass Casualty Incident Command System - February 10 & 11
Incident Command System 300 (ICS 300) - March 6-7
Incident Command System 400 (ICS 400) - March 8-9
Mass Casualty Incident Command System - March 16 & 17
Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) - May 8-10
Radiation Specialist Course - June 18-22

Additional information and links to download the course flyer is available on the our Training Page.

Course Announcement: WebEOC Introductory/ Refresher Workshop

2012-02-07T12:03:00.000-07:00

Course Information
This workshop will teach participants how to use WebEOC to access state, local and regional boards, posting and accessing information in the file library, requesting/processing resource orders and exploring WebEOC's Mapper tool. Additional topics will be based on the needs of participants.

The workshop is a great opportunity to catch up on WebEOC developments and new tools. The training will be open to anyone who uses WebEOC in their local jurisdictions, state agencies or provides direct response support to the State Emergency Operations Center.

Date:    February 9, 2012

Time:    9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Location:    State Emergency Operations Center - 2nd Floor
   9195 East Mineral Avenue, Centennial, CO 80112

Register: Registration in advance is required through www.co.train.org.
    This course is first come, first served. No charge.

Contact:    Robyn Knappe at 720-852-6617 or Robyn.Knappe@state.co.us

Target Audience:   Individuals who use WebEOC in their local jurisdictions or state agencies.

Download a copy of the WebEOC Introductory/ Refresher Workshop flyer.

DEM Weekly Update ~ February 3, 2012

2012-02-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update February 3, 2012

Topics included in the Weekly Update include:

2012 Colorado Emergency Management Association Annual Awards Announced
2012 Emergency Management Conference and Trivia Question

The first Colorado conference of record originated with the Colorado Civil Defense Association Fall Meeting, October 18, 1968. Held at the University Memorial Center in Boulder, Colorado, the one day agenda was packed with sessions that included Military Support, Disasters and Public Apathy, The Real What and Why of Modern Civil Defense, Legal Aspects and a session by the Colorado Civil Defense Agency (now known as Colorado Division of Emergency Management). The agenda was followed by the Associations Business Meeting.

NAPSG Survey for Those in Emergency Management
Job Announcement for Kiowa County
Resources Focused on Emergency Management and Education
Training Information

Please contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, at Micki.Trost@state.co.us with any questions or comments.

Post

2012 Colorado Emergency Management Association Awards

2012-02-03T13:51:00.001-07:00

The Colorado Emergency Management Association (CEMA) annual awards have been selected for 2012. These awards will be presented at the Colorado Emergency Management Conference being held in Loveland, Colorado from March 6 to 8.

Award Information and Winners

Chris Sorensen, Bent/Kiowa Counties Emergency Manager, CEMA Presidents Award

Mike McHargue, Lake County Emergency Manager, Rookie Emergency Manager of the Year

Steve Schroder, Hotchkiss Fire District Assistant Chief, CEMA Mike Gelski Award for Outstanding Volunteer Achievement

Todd Manns, Berthoud Emergency Manager, Northeast All Hazards Region Emergency Manager of the Year

Jerry Gray, Hinsdale County Emergency Services Director, West All Hazards Region Emergency Manager of the year

Todd Parisi, Dolores County Emergency Manager, Southwest All Hazards Region Emergency Manager of the Year

Brian Foltz, Park County Emergency Manager, South Central All Hazards Region Emergency Manager of the Year

Mike Chard, Director Boulder Office of Emergency Management, North Central All Hazards Region Emergency Manager of the Year

CEMA Awards are based on contributions made to the field of comprehensive emergency management and the advancement of the profession.

DEM Activates Emergency Operations Center to Monitor Winter Storm

2012-02-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Division of Emergency Management has activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with general staff and core Emergency Support Functions (ESF) to monitor the current weather conditions across the state and maintaining communication with local county Emergency Operations Centers.

If you must travel on the roads today please utilize the information being shared by the Colorado Department of Transportation on their website at www.cotrip.org. This site gives you access to current road conditions and road closures.

Visit the website for the National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office out of Boulder, Colorado for current and projected weather.

VHF/UHF Narrow-Band Requirements

2012-01-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

Requirements

By January 1, 2013, all radios operating below 512 MHz. will be required to move to narrow-band operation. This impacts all Public Safety service radio systems not already on narrow band channels. It is not too late to begin planning and budgeting for this, as it will require changing out your radios for ones that are capable of narrow band operation.

FCC Actions

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), reacting to the crowding of the radio spectrum, studied various methods to help alleviate the over-crowding on the radio bands. With the increase of personal communications devices – from baby monitors to cell phones – there had been a veritable explosion of use of radio frequencies. The FCC came up with the plan of “splitting” each current wide-band 25 kHz channel into two 12.5 kHz channels. Thus, we have more radio spectrum for use, but everyone has to buy new equipment if their current radios cannot use narrow-band frequencies.

Radio Licenses

Radio licenses will need to be re-licensed for narrow-band frequencies, and agencies will not be able to “grandfather” their use of wide-band channels. If you don’t re-license, you will probably loose your frequency to someone else and incur additional expense in re-programming all your radio gear to the new narrow-band frequency allocated to you by the FCC.

In planning/budgeting for this, you should consider radio equipment that can use your current wide-band channels and be programmed for the new narrow-band use when you get re-licensed. That way, you can stagger your purchases and not have new radios sitting in the closet waiting for the new license and change-over to the narrow-band frequency.

All agencies will not be moving at the same time, and the new inter-operable UHF/VHF frequencies will co-exist with the old wide-band channels until 1-1-2013.

Recommendations

What we recommend is to program your new radios with both the “old” wide-band FERN, NLEEC, HEAR, and SAR channels in one bank or group on the radio, and then program in the “new” narrow-band inter-operable channels VLAW, VFIRE, VTAC, etc., into another bank or group. Hopefully, your new radios will have a display of a channel name and not just a channel number. That way, when someone says “Go to FERN 1” you just go to the display for “FERN 1”. If the channel to be used is “VFIRE 21”, just go to where it displays “VFIRE 21”. That way there is no confusion of whether the channel to be used is wide or narrow-band.

The “old” names – FERN, NLEEC, HEAR, etc. – will not be used when the new narrow-band channels are used. Instead, we will use the new National Public Safety Telecommunications Council channel naming convention – VCALL 10, VTAC 11-14, VFIRE 21-26, VLAW 31-32, VMED 28-29 etc.

For more information on the VHF/UHF narrow-band requirements contact Jack Cobb, DEM Communications Manager, at Jack.Cobb@state.co.us.

Download a copy this VHF/UHF Narrow-Band Requirements article.

DEM Weekly Update ~ January 27, 2012

2012-01-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update January 27

Topics included in the Weekly Update include:

2012 Emergency Management Conference and Trivia Question
Kudos Board
Citizen Corps
VHF Narrow Band Information
Wide Area Recovery and Resiliency Program
Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
Resources Focused on Emergency Management and Education
Training Information

Please contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, at Micki.Trost@state.co.us with any questions or comments.

Course Announcement: G290 Basic Public Information Officer

2012-01-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

Basic Public Information Officer

The two day course is intended for the public information officer (PIO). 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.

Target Audience
Individuals who may assume a public information role in expanding emergency incidents.

Date:    April 28 - 29, 2012

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Where:    Alpine Rescue Team Headquarters
                  28802 Rainbow Hills Road, Evergreen, CO 80439

Register: COTRAIN, Course #: 1024974
                  This course is first come, first served. No charge.
                  Contact Robyn Knappe for assistance with registration at
                  Robyn.Knappe@state.co.us.
                  Lodging is available upon request by contacting Robyn Knappe.

Recommended Prerequisites

NIMS IS-700
IS-800
IS-100
ICS-200

Contact: Stephen Wilson at stephen.m.wilson@ulalaunch.com
Robyn Knappe at Robyn.Knappe@state.co.us

View the G-290 Basic Public Information Course Flyer for more information.

Course Announcement: ICS 400

2012-01-24T12:50:00.001-07:00

ICS-400 Advanced ICS Principles

ICS-400 provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS). The course expands upon information covered in the ICS-200 and ICS-300 courses. Attendance both days is mandatory.

Personnel must have completed the following Incident Command System Courses or an equivalent to these courses: ICS-100 Introduction to ICS, ICS-200 Basic ICS, ICS-300 Intermediate ICS and IS-700 NIMS.

Date: February 23-24, 2012

Time:           8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location:     Kinsco
                    1530 Skyway Drive, Longmont, CO 80504

Register:      COTRAIN, Course #: 1006001

Contact:       Robyn Knappe at Robyn.Knappe@state.co.us or 720-852-6617.

Download the ICS-400 Course Flyer for more information on this training.

Course Announcement: ICS 300

2012-01-24T12:32:00.001-07:00

ICS-300 Intermediate ICS Principles

ICS-300 provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS). The course expands upon information covered in the ICS-100 and ICS-200 courses. Attendance both days is mandatory.

Personnel must have completed the following Incident Command System Courses or an equivalent to these courses: ICS-100: Introduction to ICS, ICS-200: Basic ICS, and IS-700 NIMS.

Date:    February 21-22, 2012

Time: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location: Kinsco
    1530 Skyway Drive, Longmont, CO 80504

Register: COTRAIN, Course ID: 1006001
   This course is first come, first served. No charge. No lodging.

Contact: Robyn Knappe at Robyn.Knappe@state.co.us or 720-852-6617

View the ICS-300 Course Flyer for more information.

Course Announcement: Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals

2012-01-23T11:50:00.001-07:00

Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals is designed to help communities of any size actively and formally prepare for disasters affecting both animals and humans. Natural or man-made disasters can strike at any time, and depending on their scope and severity, the local community needs to be equipped to handle the resulting influx of dogs, cats and other small companion animals.

Dates:          March 23-24, 2012

Time:           9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Location:     Westminster Public Safety Building
                     9110 Yates Street, Westminster, CO 80031

Cost:            $180

Registration and Course Information:
Visit the American Humane Association website for more information and to register.

Contact:      AEStraining@americanhumane.org

Course Announcement: Management of Financial Issues Related to a Disaster

2012-01-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

Please save February 13 for the training, the time will be 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and the location has not been determined. Please do not hesitate to contact Melinda Johnson at Melinda.Johnson@rmpdc.org if you have any questions! Registration will be on COTRAIN once a location has been confirmed.

Course Information

Before, during, and after a disaster, one of the major concerns for emergency management personnel is money. Questions often arise related to who is going to pay, what needs to be tracked, what should the impacted agency pay for, what is the impacted agency responsible for, what forms need to be utilized, how long will it take to receive money, and what disaster funds are available to various agencies. Many of these questions have continued to arise during the project focused on making the North Central All-Hazards Region Health and Medical Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) functional.

In an effort to address questions related to financial management of disaster costs and to educate participants in the MMRS MOU, the Denver MMRS is offering a day-long Disaster Finance Symposium. Objectives of the training include:

Review finance components of emergencies and disasters
Examine the declaration process for local, state, and federal governments
Discuss recovery considerations
Determine partnerships and agencies available for assistance
Review local policies and procedures to ensure the best results following an emergency or disaster
Discuss tools, forms and communications that will facilitate efficient utilization of the North Central Region’s Health and Medical MOU

The information presented is a collaboration of a financial symposium developed the Colorado Division of Emergency Management and information and best practices gathered from other states and hospitals that have successfully managed finances during a disaster involving healthcare agencies. The information is intended for hospital emergency managers, hospital financial managers, local emergency managers, local government financial personnel, purchasing and logistics staff, and any other positions that are actively involved with expenditures, financial tracking, or reimbursement related to an emergency or disaster.

Course Announcement: ICS 300

2012-01-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

ICS-300 Intermediate ICS Principles

ICS-300 provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS). The course expands upon information covered in the ICS-100 and ICS-200 courses. Attendance both days is mandatory.

Date:    February 14 - 15, 2012

Time:    8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Location:    South Metro Fire Administration Headquarters
   9195 E. Mineral Avenue, Centennial, CO 80112

Register: COTRAIN, Course ID #: 1005860
                      This course is first come, first served, No Charge. No lodging.

Target Audience:
Individuals who may assume a supervisory role in expanding emergency incidents.

Recommended Prerequisites:
NIMS IS-700, IS-800, ICS-100, ICS-200

For more information download the ICS 300 Course Announcement flyer or contact Robyn Knappe at 720-852-6617 or Robyn.Knappe@state.co.us.

DEM Weekly Update ~ January 20

2012-01-20T17:26:00.000-07:00

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update January 20

Topics included in the Weekly Update include:

2012 Colorado Emergency Management Conference Registration
Emergency Management Program Guide for Colorado
Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Specific Task Books
Emergency Management Academy Reminder
Kudos to Share

Steve Steed, Teller County Emergency Manager
Carolyn Bluhm, City and County of Denver, OEM and HLS Community Relations Specialist
Lori Hodges, CDEM Field Manager
Jack Cobb, CDEM Communications Manager
CDEM Elected Officials Guide for Disasters and Emergencies

Denver CERT - It is Time to Grow
Job Announcements
Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
Resources Focused on Emergency Management and Education
Training Information

Please contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, at Micki.Trost@state.co.us with any questions or comments.

DEM Weekly Update January 13, 2012

2012-01-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update January 13
Topics included in the Weekly Update include:

Scholarship application for 2012 Colorado Emergency Management Conference
CEMA Certification Committee isRecruiting Members
Job Opening with the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
Resources Focused on Emergency Management and Education
Training Information

Please contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, at Micki.Trost@state.co.us with any questions or comments.

Scholarship Application for Colorado Emergency Management Conference

2012-01-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

Scholarship Purpose:
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide funding to pay the registration fee ($150.00 in 2012) for an emergency manager (EM), an employee or volunteer working with a voluntary organization involved in emergency response, or a student to attend the Colorado Emergency Management Conference. This scholarship program is funded by proceeds derived from the silent auction held at the Colorado Emergency Management Conference and/or contributions from the Colorado Emergency Management Association (CEMA).

Procedure:
To be eligible for this scholarship, an applicant must be:

working EM in Colorado or staff
working with a voluntary organization – e.g. members of VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters)
a student enrolled in an EM or Homeland Security program in Colorado

Application:
The completed Colorado Emergency Management Conference Application must be received by email at CEMAapplications2012@gmail.com on or before February 3, 2012.

Due Dates:

Applications sent out no later than: January 9, 2012

Submit completed application no later than: February 3, 2012

Scholarship recipients notified no later than: February 10, 2012

Colorado EM Conference: March 6 – 8, 2012

Download the Colorado Emergency Management Conference Application for details on the process.

CEMA Certification Committee Recruiting Members

2012-01-09T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Emergency Management Association (CEMA) Certification Committee is looking for new members.

If you are a CEMA member and would like to volunteer to be on the Certification Committee, please contact Jim Lancy at 720-898-6876 or jlancy@arvada.org.

The time commitment involves one meeting each quarter. Meetings are held in person and by phone, allowing folks from all over the state to participate without having to drive out of area.

DEM Weekly Update January 6, 2012

2012-01-06T16:00:00.003-07:00

Colorado Division of Emergency Management Weekly Update January 6

Topics included in the Weekly Update include:

2012 Colorado Emergency Management Conference
Job Opportunities Available
Share Your Comments on the National Preparedness Report
Joint Budget Council Update
Creating Usable Web Sites
2011 DEM Customer Survey
Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
Resources Focused on Emergency Management and Education
Training Information

Please contact Micki Trost, DEM PIO, at Micki.Trost@state.co.us with any questions or comments.

Two Job Opportunities Available with the Denver Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security

2012-01-06T10:52:00.002-07:00

The Denver Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security has posted two job opportunities.

Deputy Director
Emergency Exercise and Training Coordinator

The job descriptions and qualifications are listed on the Denver Human Resources page. Each of these postings are open until January 19. Go to the Denver Job Information page for more information or to apply.

Please share this information with anyone who may be interested or in your agency newsletters.

Training Course: ICS 400 Advanced ICS Principles

2012-01-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

ICS-400 provides training on and resources for personnel who require advanced application of the Incident Command System (ICS). The course expands upon information covered in the ICS-200 and ICS-300 courses. Attendance both days is mandatory.

Personnel must have completed the following ICS courses or an equivalant to these courses:

ICS 100: An Introduction to ICS
ICS 200: Basic ICS
ICS 300: ICS Intermediate
IS 700 NIMS

Course Date: January 16-17, 2012

Course Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. each day

Course Location: Florence Police Department

300 West Main, Florence, CO 81226

Target Audience: Individuals who may assume a supervisory role in expanding

emergency incidents.

Registration: COTRAIN, Course ID #1006001

This course is first come, first served.

No charge. No lodging.

Course Contacts:

Robyn Knappe at robyn.knappe@state.co.us or 720-852-6617

Scott Morrill at smorrill@gunnisoncounty.org or 970-641-2481

Download the ICS 400 Course Flyer.

Training Course: Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Train the Trainer

2012-01-03T15:42:00.001-07:00

Community Emergency Response Team Train the Trainer Course

Course Dates:     January 25, 26, and 27, 2012

Course Time:     8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Course Descripton:
The course introduces potential instructors to the CERT curriculum, covers administrative issues and prepares trainers to teach the class by demonstrating instructional methods. This course is required for all citizen instructors prior to teaching a class. Typically, CERT instructors act in a volunteer capacity.

Instructors come from a variety of disciplines that include emergency management, fire, law enforcement, and EMS; or citizen volunteers attending at the request of their sponsoring local CERT program.

Attendees that successfully complete the prerequisites and the course are added to the Colorado CERT Trainer database maintained by The Office of Preparedness located in the Division of Homeland Security.

Course Location:
Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office HQ - Training Room
13101 East Broncos Parkway, Centennial, CO 80112
Parking is FREE

Course Registration:    COTRAIN, Course ID #1031180

Target Audience: Future CERT course instructors

Additional Requirements/Prerequisites:
Certificate of Completion of the classroom CERT course and hands-on exercise (waivers only for Law Enforcement, Firefighters, and EMS Personnel); Certificates of completion -ICS 100 and 700; Background Check; Signed Train the Trainer Agreement; and a sponsoring agencies approval.

Please note that lunch is NOT provided, however, there are numerous locations nearby and an adequate lunch break will be provided. For more information download the course flyer or contact: Cathy Prudhomme or 720-852-6650.

Future CERT training information:

Denver CERT Program will also be having a CERT Train The Trainer (TTT) Course on weekends and evening hours for people who work and can’t make the weekday course. It will be in May 2012 and information will be out in late January.

During the Denver CERT TTT program they will be working with the trainers to help build a program within their community, business and faith based organizations. This class will be the beginning of a growing process. As a Program Manager, Denver will be there to help you create your CERT program for your organization and make it a successful one. Denver will be asking its participants to have the same prerequisites as the state program has to maintain continuity in Colorado.

For more information about the Denver CERT Program contact Carolyn Bluhm.

Training Course: Hospital All-Hazards Course (Pueblo)

2012-01-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

Colorado Medical Community

Dates Offered: January 10-11, 2011

Times Offered: This is a 4-Hour Course offered in the following sessions (please register for one):

JANUARY 10 - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
JANUARY 10 - 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
JANUARY 11 - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
JANUARY 11 - 1:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m.

Course Location: Pueblo City-County Health Department
3rd Floor, Conference Room C
101 W. 9th Street, Pueblo, CO 81003

This course is hosted by the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program and Pueblo City-County Health Department.

Class size limited to 35 per session.
There is no cost to attend.

RSVP to Loraine Greenwood by electronic submission; Fax-(719)583-9902; or E-Mail - loraine.greenwood@co.pueblo.co.us.