Conferences

2011 Citizen Corps/Texas VOAD Conference
June 20-22, 2011
Omni Hotel, Austin, TX
website

National Voad Conference
May 23-26, 2011
Hyatt Crown Plaza, Kansas City, Mo 
website

 

May 2nd, 2011

 

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Governing Board
will meet on May 5, 2011, beginning at 9:00 a.m., in the Ric Williamson
Hearing Room of the Dewitt C. Greer Building (TxDOT building), located
at 125 E. 11th St., Austin, Texas.  The meeting also will be broadcast
live on the Internet through the Texas Department of Transportation's
network.  The live broadcast will be accessible at:
www.tdhca.state.tx.us/au_boardcenter.htm

Please refer to the board book, posted at the above link, for the
meeting agenda and documents.  Contact TDHCA at 512-475-3930 if you have
questions about the board meeting.

 

Just wanted to remind you of a couple of upcoming webinar opportunities.  We will be doing the Long Term Recovery Basics series on May 3 & 4, 2011.  June 7, 2011 we will do a webinar on "What's the Story and How to Tell It."  August 2, 2011 will be a webinar on "What comes after Recovery." You can find more information on these three webinars and register to participat at www.cwserp.org

 

We have had many disasters across the country over the past month.  The Long Term Recovery Basics webinar is a good introduction to several issues that a community would need to deal with during the recovery process.  Encourage folks from impacted communities to plan to attend.  Many folks will think they aren't able to take the time to participate, but participation in the webinar may save them time in the long run and provide resources that will help in the recovery process.

 

The other two webinars deal with issues that we often talk about relative to the recovery process, but we don't often give much attention two.

 

We would love to have you join us.

 

April 7th, 2011

Accessible PSAs for public Health Emergencies and Disaster from HHS

            Hurricanes:   http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/psa.asp   
            Floods:  http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/psa   
            Winter Weather: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/psa   
            Wildfires:  http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/psa   
            Power Outages: after Storms: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/psa   
            All types of disasters:  http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/psa   

 

On Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. Central Standard Time, the
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) will hold a
Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) ?Monitoring:
What to Expect" Webinar.  The Department will discuss the reasons why
the Department and/or HUD monitors programs, the monitoring process,
what areas the Department and/or HUD will monitor, and what happens
after the Department and/or HUD monitors.

The Department would like to strongly suggest that your HPRP agency
staff attend this webinar. TDHCA encourages attendance from everyone
involved in administering HPRP including case managers, supervisors,
executive directors, chief financial officers, and program directors

*Please note that the PowerPoint slides for this webinar will be posted
one hour prior (at 8:30 a.m.) to our "go live" time at 9:30 a.m.

The following is information regarding the webinar registration.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/256847114
Title:  HPRP Monitoring: What to Expect Webinar
Date:  Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. Central Standard Time

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing
information about joining the Webinar.

I apologize if you receive the below information twice.  The information only applies to:

Chambers County, Fort Bend County, Galveston County, Harris County, Liberty County, Montgomery County, San Jacinto County, Waller County, and Brazoria County.

It is a great resource so please share with your partners.  Read below

Our HPRP Program currently has funds to assist clients with utility deposits and utility payments. Please make the other members of VOAD aware that if they have clients who meet the following criteria we may be able to assist them.

    ·         Disconnect/Shutoff Notice or it must state in the lease that the client will be evicted without the utilities being paid

    ·         Source of income/Show an ability to stabilize after our assistance

    ·         50% or below Area Median Income based on household size

    ·         Ability to pass a housing inspection

The client’s must be referred by a case manager. The case manager can fill out the screening tool that I have attached and this can serve as a referral. Once completed it can either be emailed or faxed to our office. When we receive the referral, we contact the clients to schedule them for the next available intake. If anyone has any questions or concerns they can feel free to call or email me.

Regards,

Ray B. Shackelford

Housing Case Manager

Houston Area Urban League, Inc.

1301 Texas Ave.

Houston,Texas 77002

Office  713.393.8759

Fax  281.768.7907

rshackelford@haul.org

“Disability Prepared”  Wants Your Best Practices 

You can now contribute your own expertise and experiences to help decrease the impact of disasters on vulnerable populations.

 How? Get involved with the new interactive website, www.disabilityprepared.ku.edu, on disaster management for people with disabilities.  It’s a fast, free information clearinghouse where peers can network and share best practices in real time.

 The site is created and administered by the staff at the Research and Training Center on Independent Living at the University of Kansas. Our purpose is to help others discover what is new and working well so it can be duplicated and encourage us to continue to innovate in this field.

We invite those in emergency management and related fields to share what practices, plans, flyers, and resources have worked for them. Plus, what are the current challenges faced in addressing the disaster-related needs of people with disabilities? We need to hear from you and learn from your successes! Please tell us where you have found the gaps to be for people with disabilities.

 Registration on the site’s forum is free. There you can discuss specific issues and exchange detailed information. Also, join us on scheduled live discussions on the upcoming forum chat feature.

You can also participate through our Facebook or Twitter pages. Links to those pages are on the home page. 

To get the information flowing, we’d appreciate your help in spreading the news about this site on your list-servs, newsletters, and in other communications you may have with people in the emergency management, health, safety, and disabilities fields.  

We look forward to hearing from you! Let’s start sharing.

www.disabilityprepared.ku.edu

Cat Howland, Project Manager

Tiffany Huggard-Lee, Forum Designer.

 

The Texas Association of Regional Councils and the Texas Citizen Corps Program announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for statewide CERT Training classes. Below please find a copy of the RFP with specifications for the trainings. All RFPs must be submitted by April 29, 2011 to be considered. All trainings must be delivered by August 30, 2011. This RFP will be posted on the TARC and Texas Citizen Corps website as well as other Emergency Management sites until the close date. Feel free to forward to any qualifying entity for review.

 

Texas Association of Regional Councils

Texas Citizens Corps Program

2011 Request for Proposal (RFP)

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Summer Training Programs

 

Objective:

Conduct a series of training for the Citizen Corps program in Texas to expand both trained volunteers and master instructors to provide training around the state.  The following specific objectives in the Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan will be  

Part 1:

Address Strategic Objective 3.8 of the Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan, Priority Action 3.8.3 by conducting one (1) statewide Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Master Instructor (CMI) class and six (6) CERT Instructor - 8 Hour Refresher classes to expand and enhance the capabilities of CERT programs across Texas.

Address Strategic Objective 3.2 of the Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan: To Enhance the Safety of Schools in Texas. Priority Action 2.4.5 requires the Texas School Safety Center to incorporate and implement Citizen Corps programs through training and outreach in schools to emphasize student and staff preparedness and safety.   Conduct four (4) TEEN Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Train the Trainer courses across the State to expand and enhance the capabilities of the TEEN CERT in Texas.

Program Background:

Citizen Corps is funded by federal Homeland Security grant funds and utilized by local jurisdictions across the state through customized local programs.

CERT is part of the Citizen Corps Program.  CERT trains citizens in basic disaster response skills.  Funding is made available to the Texas Association of Regional Councils (TARC) through the Citizens Corps Program Grant.

Opportunity:

§  TARC will hire a qualified entity to deliver the CERT Master Instructor (CMI) course, the CERT Trainer 8 hour Refresher Class, and Teen CERT Train the Trainer course.

§  The selected agency will deliver 1 CMI course, 6 Refresher classes, and 4 Teen CERT Train the Trainer classes as requested by TARC.

§  The selected entity will use the new training and course materials developed by FEMA and supplemented by any additional materials needed to provide effective training.

§  The selected entity will use training materials provided by TARC utilizing the new course instructor guide, presentation aids, student materials provided by TARC on CD ROM, and consumable supplies needed to conduct the courses.

§  TARC will furnish all necessary training equipment and training aids during the training, including back packs, fire extinguishers, vests, flashlights, hard hats, and other team equipment. 

TARC has over 30 qualified CERT Master Instructors who can be utilized to assist for the 8-hour refresher classes and the Teen CERT Train the Trainer by the selected agency.

The RFP Assignment:

1.       Show us your presentation skills.  This can be done with video recording or by presenting a module from the CERT Train the Trainer Curriculum to the TARC selection team.

 

2.       Proven experience and record of accomplishment:  The ideal candidate will have knowledge and background in emergency management in Texas or another State, previous success as a trainer, and have completed the CERT Train the Trainer (G-417) class.  Previous experience in working with volunteers active in emergency service is desirable. The selected agency shall provide a resume for the proposed instructors to TARC for review. Share past training successes. Who have you trained and worked with in the past?  Have you ever taught for TARC before and if so when and what class?  Who have you trained and worked with in the past?  Tell us about your teaching style.

 

3.       Money Management skills. TARC must ensure that the federal funds are utilized in the most cost effective manner.  Please provide a specific and detailed budget estimate based on 35 people per class. The CMI Course will be one class with up to 50 qualified students pre-screened by TARC.  The CERT 8 hour refresher will consist of 6 classes in strategic locations around the state as pre-determined by TARC, with approximately 35 students in each.  In addition, provide detail of your process for accurate and timely billing. All billing will be open to government audit.

Timing:

·         Please submit four copies of your written response and proposed budget no later than Friday, April 29, 2011.

·         Limit your response to 6 pages.  You may include additional creative materials.  Only one set of creative materials is needed, if submitted.

·         Finalist will be invited to meet with the Texas Citizen Corp Management Team for a presentation and discussion before the end of April.

·         Once selected, the awarded organization must complete all summer trainings series classes by August 30, 2011.

Questions and responses should be directed to:

Julie Martinez

Texas Association of Regional Council

701 Brazos, Suite 780

Austin TX 78701

512-478-4715

Fax: 512-275-9910

jmartinez@txregionalcouncil.org

Or

Ginny Lewis

Texas Association of Regional Council

701 Brazos, Suite 780

Austin TX 78701

512-478-4715

Fax: 512-275-9910

glewis@txregionalcouncil.org

 
The 15-day public comment period for State of Texas Draft 2011
Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report - Reporting on
Program Year 2010 (CAPER) begins today, April 1, 2011, and continues
until 5:00 pm on April 15, 2011.  The CAPER is available on the Texas
Department of Housing and Community Affairs' website at
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/housing-center/pubs.htm. A hard copy can be
requested by contacting the Housing Resource Center at PO Box 13941,
Austin, TX 78711-3941 or by calling (512) 475-3976.

The CAPER gives the public an opportunity to evaluate the performance of
the past program year for four HUD programs: the Community Development
Block Grant Program (CDBG), the Emergency Shelter Grants Program (ESGP),
HOME Investment Partnerships program (HOME), and the Housing
Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA). The CAPER is part
of the overall requirements governing the State's consolidated planning
process (24 CFR 91.520).

Written comment should be sent by mail to the Texas Department of
Housing and Community Affairs, Housing Resource Center, PO Box 13941,
Austin, TX 78711-3941, by email to mailto:info@tdhca.state.tx.us, or by
fax to (512) 475-1672.

 


 

February 2nd, 2011

From: 2-1-1
Subject: Closed 2-1-1 Centers

Currently, the following 2-1-1 call centers are closed due to extreme weather:

-         Dallas

-         Fort Worth

-         Amarillo

-         Abilene

-         Sherman

-         Wichata Falls

-         Midland (closing early today)
As Winter Storm Moves Across the Country, FEMA Offers Important Tips to Ensure Safety When Using Generators

As Winter Storm Moves Across the Country, FEMA Offers Important Tips to Ensure Safety When Using Generators

Posted February 2, 2011 8:26:08 AM CST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Document Link: http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=53647
Power Emergency - Conservation CRITICAL - Rotating Outages Have Begun
Posted February 2, 2011 8:28:58 AM CST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has instructed utilities to begin rotating outages to compensate for a generation shortage due to numerous plant trips that occurred because of the extreme weather.

Rotating outages are controlled, temporary interruptions of electric service, typically lasting 10-45 minutes per neighborhood.  The locations and durations are determined by the local utilities.  Critical need customers such as hospitals and nursing homes are generally not included.

It is not known at this time how long the need for rotating outages will last.

Consumers and businesses are urged to reduce their electricity use to the lowest level possible, including these steps:

  • Limit electricity usage to only that consumption which is absolutely necessary. Turn off all unnecessary lights, appliances, and electronic equipment.
  • Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.
  • Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.

See more conservation tips at "Powerful Advice," Public Utility Commission of Texas: www.puc.state.tx.us./ocp/conserve

Background

A Power Emergency indicates that the regional electric grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), has instructed utilities to implement rotating outages to reduce load.

Rotating outages are controlled, temporary interruptions of electrical service initiated by each utility when supplies of reserve power are exhausted.  Without this safety valve, generators would overload and begin shutting down to avoid damage, risking a domino effect of a region-wide outage.

Rotating outages primarily affect residential neighborhoods and small businesses and do not typically include critical-need customers such as hospitals and nursing homes.

The outages are limited to 10-45 minutes before being rotated to a different neighborhood.  Some customers may experience longer outages if power surges cause equipment failure during the restoration process.  Customers can minimize power surges by turning off appliances, lights and other equipment, except for one task light to determine when power has been restored.

ERCOT Region

The ERCOT Region includes Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi, Abilene and the Rio Grande Valley.  It does not include the El Paso area, the Texas Panhandle, Northeast Texas (Longview, Marshall and Texarkana), and Southeast Texas (Beaumont, Port Arthur, and the Woodlands).  Region map: http://www.ercot.com/news/mediakit/maps/index.html

Helpful Contacts

For Utility Information, check your electric bill to identify your utility company or transmission provider.

Investor-Owned Utilities (Transmission & Distribution)

Outside ERCOT: Entergy-Texas (800-968-8243)


The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the flow of electric power to approximately 22 million Texas customers - representing 85 percent of the state's electric load and 75 percent of the Texas land area.  As the Independent System Operator for the region, ERCOT schedules power on an electric grid that connects 40,000 miles of transmission lines and more than 550 generation units.  ERCOT also manages financial settlement for the competitive wholesale bulk-power market and administers customer switching for 6.5 million Texans in competitive choice areas.

For More information, contact:
David R. Noak
Regional Liaison Officer
Texas Department of Public Safety
Texas Division of Emergency Management
RLO District S2C
(979) 320-4362 
david.noak@txdps.state.tx.us

 

December 2010

Texans with Disabilities Preparedness for Cold Weather

Texans who are particularly vulnerable to exposure from freezing temperatures, such as the elderly and those with disabilities, should organize activities outside of their home so that they go out in the warmest part of the day.  Texans who are paralyzed from the chest or waist down and individuals who have difficulty sensing and maintaining heat in their extremities are at risk for severe frostbite and need to protect their feet, pelvic areas, and hands because of circulation problems. It is important to dress for the weather by wearing several layers of clothes, keeping one's head, neck, and chest covered with scarves, and wearing two pairs of thick socks under lined boots. Texans using a wheelchair should wrap a blanket over their pelvic region and limit their amount of time outside.

To enable the full functioning of driving adaptation equipment in motor vehicles, allow your vehicle to warm up before you get in them. Service animals should wear a coat or cape underneath their regular harness and should sit or lay on a blanket in the vehicle or on cold floors inside your home or place of destination. Sometimes it is helpful in snow to protect your dog’s paws with boots or be sure to warm feet and clean any debris once inside.

Pneumatic tires provide better traction for wheelchairs on icy surfaces. Tires for dirt bikes (sold through bicycle shops) can be used as an alternative on icy surfaces. Ramps should be cleared of ice by using standard table salt or cat litter, as rock salt is poisonous to service dogs. Rock salt can also be slippery for certain types of mobility aides. Freezing rain will stick to canes, walkers, fore arm cuffs, and wheelchairs making the metal parts slippery and cold to touch. Driving gloves which grip can be helpful. When returning wheelchairs to vehicles, it is important to first remove the tires and shake the debris and ice off of them. The tire rims, and other metal parts that may have any salt or other de-icing chemicals on them need to be wiped off to avoid rust on the metal parts.

Public Health Interventions

Educating communities about preventive steps that they can be taken both in advance of winter and once a storm has begun will help reduce the impact. Winter storm preparation activities should include:

  • Home winterization activities (insulating pipes, installing storm windows).
  • Collect winter clothing and supplies such as extra blankets, warm coats and clothes, water-resistant boots, hats and mittens.
  • Assemble a disaster supplies kit containing a first aid kit, battery powered weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
  • Stock canned food, non-electric can opener, and bottled water.
  • Winterize vehicles, keep gas tank full, and assemble a disaster supplies car kit.
  • In heavy snow, stay away from downed power lines.

 

Winter Weather Checklists (CDC guidance)

 Stock up on emergency supplies for communication, food, safety, heating, and car in case a storm hits.

Communication Checklist

·         Make sure you have at least one of the following in case there is a power failure:

o    Battery-powered radio (for listening to local emergency instructions). Have extra batteries.

o    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio receiver (for listening to National Weather Service broadcasts). Seewww.nws.noaa.gov/nwr for more information.

·         Find out how your community warns the public about severe weather:

o    Siren

o    Radio

o    TV

·         Listen to emergency broadcasts.

·         Know what winter storm warning terms mean:

o    Winter weather advisory: expect winter weather conditions to cause inconvenience and hazards.

o    Frost/freeze warning: expect below-freezing temperatures.

o    Winter storm watch: be alert; a storm is likely.

o    Winter storm warning: take action; the storm is in or entering the area.

o    Blizzard warning: seek refuge immediately! Snow and strong winds, near-zero visibility, deep snow drifts, and life-threatening wind chill.

Food and Safety Checklist

Have a week’s worth of food and safety supplies. If you live far from other people, have more supplies on hand.

·         Drinking water

·         Canned/no-cook food (bread, crackers, dried fruits)

·         Non-electric can opener

·         Baby food and formula (if baby in the household)

·         Prescription drugs and other medicine

·         First-aid kit

·         Rock-salt to melt ice on walkways

·         Supply of cat litter or bag of sand to add traction on walkways

·         Flashlight and extra batteries

·         Battery-powered lamps or lanterns
(To prevent the risk of fire, avoid using candles.)

Water Checklist

·         Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously.

·         Keep the indoor temperature warm.

·         Allow more heated air near pipes. Open kitchen cabinet doors under the kitchen sink.

·         If your pipes do freeze, do not thaw them with a torch. Thaw the pipes slowly with warm air from an electric hair dryer.

·         If you cannot thaw your pipes, or if the pipes have broken open, use bottled water or get water from a neighbor’s home.

·         Have bottled water on hand.

·         In an emergency—if no other water is available—snow can be melted for water. Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute will kill most germs but won’t get rid of chemicals sometimes found in snow.

Heating Checklist

·         Have at least one of the following heat sources in case the power goes out:

o    Fireplace with plenty of dry firewood or gas log fireplace

o    Portable space heaters or kerosene heaters

·         Check with your local fire department to make sure that kerosene heaters are legal in your area.

·         Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.

·         Use electric space heaters with

o    automatic shut-off switches and

o    nonglowing elements.

·         Keep heat sources at least 3 feet away from furniture and drapes.

·         Never leave children unattended near a space heater.

·         Have the following safety equipment:

o    Chemical fire extinguisher

o    Smoke alarm in working order (Check once a month and change batteries once a year.)

o    Carbon monoxide detector

·         Never use an electric generator indoors, inside the garage, or near the air intake of your home because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning:

o    Do not use the generator or appliances if they are wet.

o    Do not store gasoline indoors where the fumes could ignite.

o    Use individual heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords to plug in other appliances.

Cooking and Lighting Checklist

·         Never use charcoal grills or portable gas camp stove indoors—the fumes are deadly.

·         Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns.

·         Avoid using candles.

·         Never leave lit candles alone.

Car and Emergency Checklist

·         Cell phone; portable charger and extra batteries

·         Shovel

·         Windshield scraper

·         Battery-powered radio (and extra batteries)

·         Flashlight (and extra batteries)

·         Water

·         Snack food

·         Extra hats, coats, mittens

·         Blankets

·         Chains or rope

·         Tire chains

·         Canned compressed air with sealant (emergency tire repair)

·         Road salt and sand

·         Booster cables

·         Emergency flares

·         Bright colored flag; help signs

·         First aid kit

·         Tool kit

·         Road maps

·         Compass

·         Waterproof matches and a can (to melt snow for water)

·         Paper towels

 

Full PDF of Extreme Cold:  http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/pdf/cold_guide.pdf

HTML files of Extreme Cold: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.asp