Emergency Management News Archive

Below are news articles that have been archived by our staff. Some past articles may have been removed from the database.

• UW Outdoor Alert Testing Scheduled for August 27, 2008
  Dec 09, 2007
  (8/26/08) UW officials will be testing the new UW Outdoor Alert System at 12 locations throughout the Seattle Campus from approximately 8 am until 7 pm. UW Technology Services, UW Police and UW Emergency Management personnel will be training and testing the new "blue phones" as part of our ongoing continuous improvement program.

• Radio Interview (8/6/08)
  Dec 09, 2007
  The Plans & Training Manager, Siri-Elizabeth McLean, was featured this week on Movin 92.5 discussing emergency preparedness. Tune in and listen!

• Annual Internal Disaster Preparedness Grant Open Thru Sept. 1st
  Dec 08, 2007
  (July 21, 2008) Its that time o' the year again. UWEM is soliciting proposals from any UW department, unit, campus or college for emergency preparedness projects. The simple 1-page online application can be found by clicking on the headline above. This annual $100K grant program has NO matching requirements and has funded nearly 62 projects over the past 3 years. All applications must be received by September 1st in order to be considered!

• New Vice-Chair of Partners Conference
  Dec 08, 2007
  The new Plans and Training Manager, Siri McLean, was recently elected as the Vice-Chair of the Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference steering committee.

• UWEM Welcomes a New Team Member Siri-Elizabeth McLean
  Dec 08, 2007
  (July 21, 2008) Ms. Siri-Elizabeth McLean (Siri for short) today joined the UW Emergency Management Team. She is the new Plans and Training Manager for UWEM. In this role, she will be responsible for many of the activities that Elenka Jarolimek used to do (including managing nearly $2 million in new FEMA mitigation grants), but also will be expanding to work on developing new training programs for students and faculty for disaster preparedness. She will also will be assisting in the development and update of department disaster plans, policies and procedures, and working on drills and in the EOC. Siri is a UW graduate, having recently completed her Masters Degree in Critical Infrastructure Protection (aka "homeland security") in the School of Architecture and Urban Planning and recently worked as an emergency planner at Microsoft in Redmond, WA. Siri's office will temporarily be located in Gerberding Hall Room B-78 (basement) until we can relocate her back into Suite 22 later this Fall. Her email is sirim@u.washigton.edu and her phone number is 206-897-8081.

• July 2008 Newsletter Issued
  Dec 07, 2007
  (July 1, 2008) The Quarterly UWEM Newsletter was issued today. Click on the above headline to be taken to the issue and read about what's new with the UW's disaster management programs.

• UW CERT Program Being Suspended Indefinitely
  Dec 07, 2007
  Effective May 29, 2008, the 5-year UW Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT) program will officially be discontinued as a campus-wide disaster response resource. Information on this difficult decision can be found on the UW CERT website by clicking on the headline above. Thanks to the over 300 UW volunteers who participated in training and activations over the past 5 years!

• No News Is Good News?!
  Dec 06, 2007
  (May 13-20,2008) There are no news stories for UWEM. Please check back in the future or look in the archives.

• UWEM Recognizes its 5-Year Anniversary
  Dec 05, 2007
  (May 1, 2008) - UWEM officially recognized its 5-year anniversary today. As it completes its first half-decade of existence, it is important to look back at the many ground breaking and innovative accomplishments of this small division. The next year will bring continued challenges as UWEM continues to meet is vision: A disaster resistant university as a global model for other institutions of higher learning.

• Annual "Drop, Cover and Hold" Earthquake Drill Coming April 22nd
  Dec 04, 2007
  UW Facilities Services recommends that all UW buildings, departments, offices and units participate in the annual statewide (voluntary) "Drop, Cover and Hold" earthquake drill on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 9:45 am. Building Coordinators, Emergency Wardens, professors, TAs and administrative staff are encouraged to participate by taking 15-minutes to practice this procedure that could possibly save your life. Click here for more information (PDF).

• Sound Shake After-Action Report Now Available
  Dec 04, 2007
  On March 5th, the UW participated in the regional catastrophic earthquake exercise, called Sound Shake. The attached report highlights the lessons learned and outlines improvements that the UW should work on to improve its overall disaster response and recovery efforts. click here for a copy of the report.

• New UW Outdoor Alert System Tested on 3/27/08
  Dec 04, 2007
  The UW Crisis Communications Team conducted the first test of the UW Outdoor Alert system on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 2 pm. This wa the first field test of 10 (of 12) new outdoor alert pedestals. These new outdoor public address and emergency phones (aka the "code blue phones") include a distinctive tone alert followed by a voice instructions. This system-wide test includee field observers and technical experts who evaluatee the effectiveness of the sound quality, message clarity and overall campus coverage of the system. The UW will continue to test the new UW Outdoor Alert emergency public alert system throughout the year -- at least on a quarterly basis. Information on the tests was posted on the UW home website, as well as UWIN and the UW Emergency Management webpages.

• UWEM to Co-Sponsor FREE Weather Spotter Training
  Dec 04, 2007
  Do you look at clouds and see more than just puffy cotton balls and rain? If so, the National Weather Service, in conjunction with UW Emergency Management and King County, wants you to attend FREE training for new and veteran spotters, on how to look for and report significant weather events. Training includes video demonstrations. The training will take place on April 15th from 6:30 - 9pm. Click here for more information.

• Scott Preston Leaving UW for Wetter Pastures
  Dec 03, 2007
  Scott Preston, UWEM team member for the past 2.5 years is leaving the UW soon to become the very-first Emergency Management Coordinator for the Covington Water District. Scott developed the UW CERT Program as a nationwide model with over 300 UW staff trained, was one of our main ICS trainers, and the university's business continuity manager. He will be sorely missed by everyone who he met and worked with. Scott's last day will be Friday, March 14th. GOOD LUCK SCOTT!!

• New UW Crisis Communications Plan Unveiled
  Dec 03, 2007
  (Reposted 2/15/08) A new campus crisis communications plan has just been published and is being distributed to key campus partners. This plan was developed over the Summer of 2007 in response to local and national events related to campus safety and the ability of the UW to quickly and reliably develop critical campus emergency messages for our community. This plan forms the basis for critical message development, approval and distribution. Click (here) for a PDF version of the plan.

• Sound Shake
  Dec 03, 2007
  The University of Washington will be a full-participant in the statewide SOUND SHAKE 08 earthquake disaster drill on Wednesday, March 5, 2008. As a regional partner in disaster planning, response and recovery, the UW will be conducting a number of real-time disaster response activities on the Seattle campus from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm. Besides fully-activating its campus Emergency Operations (command) Center as part of the drill, the UW will also be activating disaster response teams Harborview Medical Center, the UW Medical Center and other specialized response teams throughout the Seattle campus. This annual drill, the largest in over 10 years, will simulate the region’s response to a catastrophic 6.7 magnitude earthquake on the Seattle Fault. Click here for more information

• UW Campus Volunteers Needed for Sound Shake Disaster Drill
  Dec 03, 2007
  UWEM is calling a few dozen volunteers from the Seattle campus to help out at the statewide earthquake drill on Wednesday, March 5th from 8:30am - 4:30 pm. We need people to help run the drill, be earthquake victims or help out in the UW's disaster command center. If interested, call us at 206-897-8080. Volunteers will be trained, fed and will get a better sense of the UW's disaster response plans and activities. FUN STUFF!

• UW Begins Campus Disaster Plan Update
  Dec 03, 2007
  The UW has just begun the biannual wholesale update of its campus disaster plan. The UW's Emergency Response Management Plan (ERMP) is now open for public comment and review. The focus of the plan is the effective operational response and recovery from all-hazards and disasters. Comments on the plan are due to UWEM by COB, Friday, February 22, 2008.

• 2008 National Earthquake Conference in our Own Backyard
  Dec 02, 2007
  Just your fellow disaster groupies from April 22-26th at the Downtown Seattle Westin hotel for the 2008 NATIONAL earthquake conference. Why Attend? Understand the research: Develop a shared understanding of the scientific, engineering, and social research that underlies our ability to assess, mitigate, and respond to earthquakes across the U.S. (California, Pacific NW, New Madrid, Northeast, Southeast) Exchange ideas about tools for earthquake hazard and risk reduction: Exchange key information on the needs and state of the art in technological and informational products meant to facilitate earthquake hazard mitigation and response Showcase successful programs: Present and discuss successful earthquake and other hazard mitigation and response programs in the public and private sectors Learn from past disasters: Relate the lessons learned from large-scale disasters to probable future earthquakes Build resiliency: Discover and build on new approaches and solutions to achieving resiliency to earthquakes

• Record Flooding Hits Region and UW Impacts
  Dec 01, 2007
  (Updated 12/03/07 2:00pm). As a result of the near-record rainfall over the past 30 hours, the UW-Seattle campus remains OPEN for all classes and activities with 1 (one) exception. Due to flooding in a basement-level high voltage utility room, Condon Hall has canceled most classes today due to potential for loss of electricity. Details on those classes that are canceled can be found on the Office of the Registrar's emergency website. Click on the headline above to be taken to that link.

• Annual UW Winter Inclement Weather Policy Revisited
  Nov 03, 2006
  (Posted 11/9/07) With a stronger-than-normal "La Nina" winter pattern expected this winter, UW students faculty and staff are asked to review the UW's official inclement weather policy. Click on the the title above for more information and links to important details.

• UW Issues MRSA Guidelines and Recommendations
  Nov 02, 2006
  (Posted 11/20/07) The UW's campus health officials have posted and distributed a number of recommendations related to MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. This information includes protective actions due and is the result of recent increased mass publicity on local MRSA infections. This easy-to-understand information can be found at the UW's Hall Health website by clicking on the title above.

• UWEM Hosts 2nd Annual UW Building Emergency Responder Summit
  Nov 01, 2006
  (November 6, 2007) UWEM, in cooperation with C&C, Media Relations & Communications, hosted the 2nd Annual UW Building Emergency Responder Summit on Tuesday, November 6, 2007. Click here for all the details (time, location, agenda) This FREE event, attended by over 200 UW staff, was open to all UW staff, but primarily for staff responsible for building safety and disaster response (Building Coordinators, Evacuation Wardens, UW CERT, Department Administrators, Health & Safety Committee members...). The focus of this year's summit was campus crisis communication: how information on critical campus events are transmitted to key building staff. We updated staff on new and proposed processes and tools on how we can better communicate with our campus population. Click on the title for copies of Summmit materials.

• New UW Campus Emergency Volunteer Study Posted Online
  Nov 01, 2006
  (Oct. 8, 2007) UWEM recently completed a 9-month comprehensive study outlining the issues and challenges of developing a post-disaster emergency volunteer program for the Seattle campus. This 61-page comprehensive report, identifies other current volunteer programs at the UW, legal and regulatory requirements for implementing a disaster volunteer program and provides a series of recommendations for improvement for a future disaster volunteer management program.

• UWEM Director Selected for FEMA Advisory Council
  Oct 31, 2006
  (Oct. 5, 2007) FEMA Region X Director Susan Reinertson announced the appointment of UWEM Director Steven Charvat, CEM to the newly-created FEMA Region IX Advisory Council. This council will advise the FEMA Regional Director on policy issues related to disaster preparedness ,response and recovery issues covering the State of Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Idaho. Mr. Charvat's term of appointment is 2-years and will conclude on December 31, 2009.

• UWEM Gets a New Boss
  Oct 31, 2006
  Effective September 17, 2007, UWEM officially began reporting to the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Facilities Services. AVP for Facilities Services Charles Kennedy will be overseeing all emergency management services along with the current 6 major service divisions in Facilities Services. All UWEM staff and services will remain the same, as well as our focus on exceptional customer service. Same phone numbers, mailing addresses and "semper gumby" motto. More to follow.....

• UWEM Announces Internal Grant Awards in 4th Year of Successful Program
  Oct 31, 2006
  18 UW departments and operating units (including Pack Forest, Friday Harbor, and UW-Tacoma) were recently awarded $100,000 in internal emergency preparedness grants as part of the fourth year of the UW-internal emergency preparedness grant program. 36 proposals were submitted totaling over $439,000 in requests. Over 75% of all departments received full or partial funding for projects that will enhance the UW's disaster preparedness efforts. Click here for a summary of the successful proposals (PDF). All projects must be completed by June 30, 2008.

• UW Helping to Lead the Way on Campus CERT Programs CANCELLED
  Dec 10, 2006
  THIS EVENT WAS CANCELLED ON 9/27/07: UW Emergency Management is partnering with Michigan State University and the US Department of Homeland Security to co-host a Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT) train the trainer course here at the UW on Oct 9-11. This course is designed to help other education institutions develop their own CERT programs to assist in emergencies and disasters. The UW-CERT team has about 270 members who are volunteers drawn from UW faculty and staff. The UW-CERT program has been recognized as one of the leading university CERT programs in the United States and is a model for other universities to follow.

• PROTECTING AMERICA TOWN HALL MEETING (9/13/07)
  Dec 09, 2006
  On Thursday, September 13, ProtectingAmerica.org and University of Washington Emergency Management will hold a ‘Town Hall’ Meeting to raise public awareness and create dialogue on the importance of earthquake preparedness. The event is free to the public. The event will feature a screening of The Damnedest Finest Ruin, an award-winning documentary about the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire, followed by a panel of distinguished experts who will discuss the threat of earthquakes in Seattle and what individuals, agencies and the government can do to better prepare. James Dalessandro, filmmaker, historian and author of the best-selling novel 1906, will moderate the discussion. Location: Kane Hall, Room 120, 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Find out more...

• Elenka Leaving UWEM for the City of Seattle
  Dec 08, 2006
  After nearly 5 years of service to the UW, Elenka Jarolimek, Emergency Management Specialist, will be leaving UWEM for a new position with the City of Seattle. She has accepted a position as with the Fleets and Facilities Department as their first Emergency Management Coordinator effective September 4th. Elenka was instrumental in developing a world-class mitigation program at the UW and will be missed. Best of luck in the next step in your career!

• Attention UW Building Coordinators!
  Dec 08, 2006
  We hope you plan to attend the Building Coordinators meeting scheduled for July 25, 2007 at 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. in 102 Johnson Hall. You should have received an invitation to this meeting via email from Norm Arkans’ office on June 13. The crisis communications committee, appointed by President Emmert, would like to meet with campus building coordinators to discuss strategic and logistic opportunities for communications during an emergency. For more information or to rsvp to this meeting, please email Tina Aguilar at: aguilar@u.washington.edu

• LEGAL NOTICE
  Dec 07, 2006
  The Burke Museum is applying for federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Grant Program "December 2006 Severe Storm" (FEMA-1682-DR-WA), which is administered by the state of Washington Emergency Management Division. Local funds will be used as a match if the project is approved. The 2007 UW Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies the need to seismically retrofit the Museum’s collection shelving units. We invite you to share ideas and comments via https://catalysttools.washington.edu/survey/elenka/39213 regarding potential projects and alternatives to address the seismic hazards in the Ethnology and Geology divisions. We welcome your comments; all comments must be received by Friday, July 6, 2007. Please send written comments to UWEM box 351275 Seattle, WA 98195, disaster@u.washington.edu or call ((206) 897-8000).

• Call for Papers/Presentations for 2008 PEP Conference
  Dec 07, 2006
  UWEM is once again a member of the 2008 Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference Steering Committee. The April 1-2, 2008 regional disaster conference will once again be held at the Tacoma Convention Center. UWEM partners and others are encouraged to submit speaking papers or presentations as part of the conference. If selected, you will receive a FREE registration to the event. More details can be found here.

• UWEM Staff Elected Vice-Chair of IAEM University Committee
  Dec 06, 2006
  UWEM Director Steve Charvat was elected Vice-Chair of the International Association of Emergency Manager's (newly-formed) College and University Committee on May 25, 2007. This committee represents practicing EM officials in higher education institutions. IAEM is the world's largest professional association with over 3,000 members.

• UWEM Director Chosen to Speak at S. American Conference
  Dec 06, 2006
  UWEM Director Steven Charvat has been selected as part of a 5-member US delegation to make a presentation on disaster management to the Argentina Institute of Standardization. This late-June weeklong conference will involve over 200 emergency management and engineering professionals from throughout South America.

• FREE course - Earthquake Retrofit for Your House
  Dec 06, 2006
  You've heard the predictions, seen the fault line maps and even felt the earth shake in February 2001. Now it's time to ask yourself if your house can withstand another significant earthquake. Each time an earthquake hits, it weakens your house's structure, so past performance is no guarantee of future stability. Learn how to evaluate your home to determine if it requires earthquake retrofitting. Retrofitting methods and tools will be presented along with information on the City of Seattle code and permit requirements. TO REGISTER call Safeco' Neighborhood Academy at 206-545-6111. This training is FREE held both Thursdays, June 21st & June 26th.

• UW
  Dec 05, 2006
  After months of planning and testing, the UW's primary Pandemic Flu gateway webpage went live today (May 1st). This page is intended to be a gateway to up-to-date news, actions and notices to the UW campus and community on recent efforts, activities and policy decisions related to the UW's preparation for and response to a pandemic influenza event. Check back regularly for updates and news items. Click here for more information.

• UW Staffers Selected to be part of the Seattle Metro Incident Management Team
  Dec 05, 2006
  Elenka Jarolimek and Scott Preston from UWEM along with David Girts from UWPD were selected to be part of the Seattle Metro Incident Management Team. The type III Incident Management team is made up of representatives from a variety of disciplines from different agencies in the Seattle Metro Area and King County. The Seattle Metro IMT will have a primary mission of assisting agencies and jurisdictions in providing incident management for complex incidents or large-scale special events.

• GO AHEAD _ DROP, COVER & HOLD!
  Dec 05, 2006
  UWEM recommends UW Units and Departments to practice Drop, Cover & Hold as part of the Earthquake and Tsunami Awareness Drill held Statewide Tuesday, April 24, 2007 from 9:45AM to 10AM. Go Head and take one minute out of the morning to reinforce these important steps that have saved many lives in previous earthquakes.

• April 24, 2007 is the Statewide Earthquake & Tsunami Preparedness Drill
  Dec 05, 2006
  Join UWEM and dozens of UW Departments, offices and buildings in participating in the voluntary statewide annual earthquake and tsunami response drill. UWEM recommends that all UW faculty, staff and students take 15-minutes out of their day to pracice the DROP-COVER-HOLD drill. These simple steps may one day save your life. Click [here} for more information

• Gould Hall Shooting 12:25 pm Update (4/2/07)
  Dec 04, 2006
  This morning's shooting incident at Gould Hall has stablized. All afternoon and evening classes at Gould Hall have been cancelled or relocated at alternate sites. Classroom Support Services has contacted all instructional staff. The crime scene investigation is continuing. All students, faculty and staff have been evacuated from the building. The remainer of the UW Seattle Campus is OPEN. Members of the UW community may make themselves available to a number of free services for crisis and grief counseling. Students may drop by the Student Counseling Center, located in Schmitz Hall, Room 401 to talk to trained counselors. In addition, both students and faculty/staff may go to the UW's Mental Health Clinic, located at Hall Health, 3rd Floor, 206-543-5030, http://www.hallhealth.washington.edu/mentalhealth Faculty and Staff may contact CARELINK, for immediate phone assistance or to schedule an individual appointment at 866-598-3978.

• Gould Hall Shooting Update: 2:25 pm (4/2/07)
  Dec 04, 2006
  NEW: Information regarding relocated afternoon and evening classes can be found online at: http://depts.washington.edu/registra/gould.html A double shooting early this morning Gould Hall has been stablized. Gould Hall will be closed for the remainder of the day for classes and meetings. All other UW buildings, classes and business will continue as usual. The UW Office of the Registrar and Classroom Support Services are working together to relocate some classes and seminars scheduled for Gould Hall this afternooon and evening. A criminal investigation is underway. Emergency services are on-scene. Updates will be provided if the situation changes.

• Join the UWEM "Gilligan
  Dec 03, 2006
  Stop by the UWEM Booth at the U-wide BIZTECH Fair on March 14th at the HUB Ballroom. Your UWEM friends (Gilligan, the Skipper, Maryann, Mrs. Howell and Ginger) will be providing tips and freebies to show you how you can best prepare for any disaster, even being stranded on a tropical island.

• UW Emergency Manager Selected to Sit on National Evaluation of Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program
  Dec 03, 2006
  UWEM Emergency Management Specialist, Elenka Jarolimek, was invited to participate in the Department of Homeland Security's FEMA National Evaluation of Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program. This will consist of review and evaluation of grant applications from States, Communities and Tribes requesting funds to develop plans or projects that address the threat of natural hazards. The 2007 National Evaluation will result in the selection of mitigation projects and plans designed to reduce risks to population and structures, while also reducing reliance on funding from disaster declarations.

• UWEM Customer Service Suggestions Showing Progress
  Dec 03, 2006
  As a result of the 2006 UWEM Customer Service Survey, our team has been working hard to fully-implement the 24 recommended service improvements suggested by our clients. To-date, we have completed 16 of the 24 (66%) suggestions! 3 are still in-progess or ongoing and only 5 have yet to begin. Click here to see all the exciting details as we continue to work hard to serve and protect our university.

• UWEM Welcomes 2 New Staffers
  Dec 02, 2006
  UWEM is happy to welcome 2 members to our team. Ms. Suzy Bramwell, a graduate student in the School of Nursing will be working with us to develop a new Pandemic Flu webpage for the UW. Kate Nickel, will return to UWEM and is assisting us in the development of a new campuswide disaster volunteer management plan. Both will be working part-time. Join us in making them feel right at home. Click here for more information and their full biographies.

• UW
  Dec 02, 2006
  The first working copy of the UW's Pandemic Flu Guidance document (referred to as the Pan Flu "Plan") was officially released in its initial format to the campus on October 11, 2006. All UW Health and Safety Committees received a copy. This documents is a work-in-progress and will be revised by the UW's Advisory Commitee on Communicable Diseases (ACCD).

• Time To Dust off the UW Inclement (Snow) Weather Policy
  Dec 02, 2006
  With the continued messy winter weather over the next few months, UW Emergency Management reminds students, faculty, staff, and visitors of the approved Inclement Weather Policy. All updates and closures will be posted on the UW Homepage and via the 206-897-INFO line with up-to-date information. Remember -- the UW NEVER closes, we just suspend operations. Essential employees are still expected to show up to work!

• Annual Partners in Emergency Preparedness Registrations Open NOW
  Dec 01, 2006
  Join over 500 local, state and regional emergency management professionals for the annual Partners in Preparedness Conference. This April 10-11, 2007 event will take place at the Tacoma Convention Center. This is the best disaster preparedness conference in the Northwest. Hurry up! Registrations fill up fast on a "first come -- first registered" policy.

• The 12 Days of Christmas - Disaster Style
  Nov 03, 2005
  Most people believe that on the First Day of Christmas the appropriate gift to give is a PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE. Well, the American Red Cross believes in building Disaster Resistant Neighborhoods during the Holiday Season as well during the Hurricane Season. To help you in purchasing stocking stuffers and Christmas gifts designed to make individuals, families and the homes they live in as safe as possible, the American Red Cross has put together the following recommendations for gifts for the Twelve Days Of Christmas.

• Now Clean up begins
  Nov 02, 2005
  Re-routes remain in effect due to the closure of the Evergreen Point Bridge (State Route 520). Metro and Sound Transit routes will make regular stops in downtown Seattle or the University District, and then operate via I-5, I-90, and I-405. Stops at Montlake Freeway Station, Evergreen Point Freeway Station, and Yarrow Point Freeway station will not be made. However, a shuttle will serve Evergreen Point and Yarrow Point freeway station and will connect to other service at Bellevue Transit Center. The bridge will reopen to traffic when winds subside and the bridge has been inspected. This could be as late as noon today. As blockages are cleared and highways reopen, Metro will reassess service changes and reroutes and make adjustments until conditions are back to normal. (12-15-2006 09:54:00 AM)

• High Winds Disrupt Transit
  Nov 02, 2005
  The SR-520 Evergreen Point Floating Bridge has re-opened to traffic and buses. Until further notice, other Eastside transit routes north of I-90 are serving only Park & Ride lots, Transit Centers, and Freeway Station stops due to numerous road blockages in neighborhoods. Transit service has resumed normal operations on the University of Washington campus, however power outages, roadway obstructions, and flooding may continue to delay or reroute bus service throughout Metro's service area. (Friday, December 15, 1:45 PM)

• Weather continues to affect Transit service
  Nov 02, 2005
  Transit service has resumed normal operation on the University of Washington campus. The SR-520 Bridge remains closed, but is expected to re-open before the afternoon commute - as soon as it is deemed safe. Metro Transit and Sound Transit buses that normally cross SR-520 are serving regular stops in downtown Seattle and the University District, then operating via I-5, I-90, and I-405, missing stops at Montlake Freeway Station, Evergreen Point Freeway Station, and Yarrow Point Freeway Station. However, the Medina Shuttle serves Evergreen Point and Yarrow Point Freeway Stations and connects to other service at Bellevue Transit Center. (12-15-2006 11:47:00 AM)

• UW Campus Snow/Ice Update for November 29 (Posted 4:30 pm)
  Nov 02, 2005
  Evening classes in Seattle are cancelled. UW Bothell is suspending operations at 3:30 PM. UW Tacoma is suspending operations at 5:00 PM. With today’s forecast calling for more snow, Metro Transit is chaining up buses for afternoon and evening travel. If travel conditions deteriorate, bus riders should expect delays in service. This message will be updated if conditions change.

• New Business Continuity Management Website is Live
  Nov 02, 2005
  UW Emergency Management is pleased to announce that the UW Business Continuity website is now live, offering ideas and helpful hints on how to get your business unit prepared.

• Oct. 24 UW Building Emergency Responder Summit Materials Now Online
  Nov 01, 2005
  UWEM, in cooperation with UW Police, Facilities Services, EH&S and Seattle Fire, hosted the 1st Building Responder Summit on Tuesday, October 24, 2006. This event was open to all UW staff, but primarily for staff responsible for building safety and disaster response (Building Coordinators, Evacuation Wardens, UW CERT, Department Administrators, Health & Safety Committee members...) A copy of the Powerpoint presentation may be viewed/downloaded by clicking HERE.

• Business Continuity Symposium (November 6th)
  Nov 01, 2005
  UW Emergency Management, in cooperation with the UW Business School and the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the 2006 Business Continuity Symposium November 6, 2006 in the Walker-Ames Room at Kane Hall, Room 225. This is a FREE event. Our guest speaker will be Brian Yeoman of the Houston Area Research Center, an expert on disaster recovery at universities. Additional presentations by Barbara Benson, Director of UW Records Management on vital records protection and Scott Preston, UW Business Continuity Manager on best practices in business continuity management. Please RSVP to disaster@u.washington.edu

• UWEM Hosts 1st Building Emergency Responder Summit
  Nov 01, 2005
  UWEM, in cooperation with UW Police, Facilities Services, EH&S and Seattle Fire, hosted the 1st Building Responder Summit on Tuesday, October 24, 2006. This event was open to all UW staff, but primarily for staff responsible for building safety and disaster response (Building Coordinators, Evacuation Wardens, UW CERT, Department Administrators, Health & Safety Committee members...) Click here for a preliminary program and program specifics. A copy of the Powerpoint presentation will be posted online in the near future. CHECK BACK SOON!

• QuakeFest: Get Ready To Rumble!
  Oct 31, 2005
  October 11, 2006, 11 AM – 3 PM. HUB West Ballroom, 2nd Floor. Are you REALLY ready for “The Big One” or even smaller earthquakes or emergencies? Come to QuakeFest and find out what you need to do to be prepared for earthquakes, storms, the pandemic flu, and the latest disaster du jour. This fun and informational event will include exhibits on personal preparedness and what the UW is doing to be disaster resistant. Along with UW Emergency Management and other campus departments, King County, City of Seattle, NOAA, the American Red Cross and other agencies will be on hand to help you be better prepared for all emergencies. Exhibits/presentations will show you how to build a disaster plan & kit; safeguard your home against earthquakes; & minimize your exposure to the flu. The Burke Museum and UW Seismology Lab will have an exhibit on the Puget Sound region's earthquakes; and NOAA will be on hand to tell you all about our northwest weather. For more in depth information, see the demos on emergency preparedness for seniors and people with special needs; what to do until help arrives; and first aid for pets.

• UWEM Announces $100K for Campus Disaster Improvement
  Dec 10, 2005
  On this 5th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the UW announces the third year awards of $100,000 grants to 16 UW units to increase the UW's homeland security and emergency preparedness efforts. This highly-sucessful internal competitive grants program, provides seed funding for UW department and unit projects that meet one or more of the UW's hazard mitigation and emergency response initiatives and plans. Click here for a listing of (16 of 28) funded projects for FY 2006-2007.

• UW Special Events Mobile Command Vehicle Ready for Action!
  Dec 10, 2005
  The UW now has another tool to use to respond to all sizes of emergencies - from small-scale incident, to catastrophic disasters. The Special Event Mobile Operations Command vehicle (SEMOC, for short), has been acquired by the C&C department to provide critical incident site communications and support during and after emergencies impacting the Seattle Campus.

• UW-CERT on NW Cable News for 9/11/2006
  Dec 09, 2005
  NW Cable News filmed a news story on the UW's Campus Emergency Response Team (UW-CERT)team on 9/7/06. Volunteers from C&C and HSB CERT teams staged a mock-rescue of "George", our UW-CERT rescue dummy. Bruce Menzies & Lynetta Holifield did a great job answering interview questions on behalf of UW-CERT. The newscast will air through-out the day on Monday, September 11, 2006 and will have a more in-depth story broadcast around 7:00 PM PST on NW Cable News. If you have any questions about UW-CERT, please contact the UW Office of Emergency Managment at 206-897-CERT or disaster@u.washington.edu.

• UWEM Unveils New Logo
  Dec 09, 2005
  The UW Emergency Management officially unveiled its new (and first) department logo on 8/17/06. The logo, which will be used in all future promotions, printed and electronic materials, was developed an internal team working with a professional graphic artist. The simple, exciting design was chosen to reflect UWEM's core values and activities: inclusiveness, action, progress and global partnerships. Click here for a better view!

• 2006 UWEM Customer Survey Results Released
  Dec 09, 2005
  The very-first customer service survey for the UWEM were released today. Overall, UWEM received very high ratings in the full spectrum of services we provide to the campus. Included in the report are a number of excellent suggestions for improvement that will be evaluated by the OEM team. Thank you to everyone who participated in this ground-breaking effort! Click here to review the full 41-page report (in PDF format) Click here

• UW Pandemic Flu Exercise Deemed a "Success"
  Dec 08, 2005
  On May 31, 2006, nearly 90 UW, City, County and State officials responded to a major outbreak of pandemic flu impacting the UW Campus. But, it was only a drill. This event, part of the UW's annual disaster drill cycle, focused on the policy and operational planning considerations for the UW and its community partners. A full copy of the After-Action report can be found by clicking [ here ] .

• UWEM Staffer Gains National Certification
  Dec 07, 2005
  UWEM Emergency Management Specialist Elenka Jarolimek received notification on July 3rd that she has achieved the status of CEM (Certified Emergency Manager). Elenka is one of only 544 CEMs worldwide and gained this recognition through passing a rigorous examination and approval of her professional contributions application package. The CEM program is administered by an independent national peer-review panel.

• UW Needs Volunteers for Disaster Drill at Husky Stadium
  Dec 07, 2005
  The UW needs at least 200 volunteers to act as victims at our annual field disaster drill at Husky Stadium on Sunday, July 23rd (7am - 2pm). This drill, in cooperation with the City of Seattle & other emergency response agencies, will be the largest ever for the UW. Free Lunch will be provided for all participants. For more information on this exciting opportunity, please contact Scott Preston at scottpre@u.washington.edu for all the details..plus we feed you! Click here for more information.

• UWEM Recognized in National Online Emergency Mgmt. "Chat"
  Dec 07, 2005
  The UW's Emergency Management Program was once-again recognized as a national leader in college/university disaster preparedness. The June 28, 2006 online EIIP Emergency Management Forum, hosted by King County EM Director Eric Holdeman, discussed the Phase II results of the new federal National Plan Review (NPR). In reply to a question about campus preparedness, the UW was singled out as a beacon for other higher education institutions!

• UWEM Staffer Wins International Recognition
  Dec 06, 2005
  UWEM Emergency Management Specialist Elenka Jarolimek was honored to receive a full scholarship to attend the 2006 Annual Natural Hazards Conference in Boulder, CO July 9-12, 2006. Selected from 41 applicants from 17 countries, Elenka is only one of 2 recipients this year. She will represent the UW and her profession as another shining-star of what UWEM is doing to better our institution. Congratulations Elenka!

• Campuswide Pandemic Flu Exercise Planned for May 31st
  Dec 06, 2005
  OEM is coordinating a campuswide communicable disease tabletop drill on Wednesday, May 31st. Over 85 UW, community and regional public health officials will convene for this 6-hour drill. The purpose is to further develop detailed plans, policies and procedures in responding to the potential of a worldwide pandemic impacting the UW's operations. This invitation-only event will result in improvements to the UW's emergency response activities and efforts.

• UWEM Now Offers Disaster Video Lending Library
  Dec 05, 2005
  The UWEM now offers to lend out, free-of-charge, over 70 VHS tapes and DVDs for UW staff, students, faculty and classes. Disaster topics on tape range from earthquakes, fires, terrorism, mass fatalities to personal, business and family preparedness. Contact UWEM for a full listing of available tapes. Like Blockbuster, we do not charge any late fees!

• "3 Days - 3 Ways" Public Campaign Launched
  Dec 05, 2005
  "3 Days, 3 Ways, Are You Ready?" is a public motivation campaign developed through a joint effort between emergency management agencies throughout King County to raise awareness of citizens to get prepared for a major event in our area. The campaign is designed to be easy to learn the steps to preparedness. The three key ingredients are make a plan, get a kit, and get involved. Any step a citizen takes today will put them in a stronger position to be more resilient in a major event such as earthquake, winter storms or terrorist attack.

• Higher education programs jump in response to recent events
  Dec 05, 2005
  Following 9/11 and now Katrina there has been an explosion of higher education degree programs in emergency management. For those of you looking to either enter the field of emergency management or obtain higher level degrees in the subject area this Web site (external) provides a list of colleges, universities and institutions offering emergency management courses

• C&C Launches new "eOutage" Automatic Notification System
  Dec 04, 2005
  Starting March 14th, C&C will allow the UW Community to sign up for an automated list for receiving email notifications about major campus service disruptions that impact communications, computing, networking, & power. This listserv will be the primary source of info. regarding widespread outages. It will not announce outages that affect smaller portions of campus or that are resovled before an announcement can be sent. This service will not solve all outage notification needs, nor will it replace pre-existing notification methods. Information can be found at http://www.washington.edu/eOutage/ and by telephone at 206.eOutage (206.368.8243) or toll-free 1.866.368.8243.

• Training Opportunity: Prevention and Response to Suicide Bombing Incidents
  Dec 03, 2005
  The UW Office of Emergency Management has invited a couple of speakers from New Mexico Tech's EMRTC program to spend 4 hours talking about Preventing and Responding to Suicide Bombing Incidents (PRSBI). The time and location of the presentation will be: March 21, 2006 HSB T-435 (seating for 189) 0800-1200 We welcome all first responders, security, emergency management and others with a vested interest in this training to attend. We do ask for an RSVP to scottpre@u.washington.edu or 206-897-2378 so we know how many to plan for. We've included the link for this class from New Mexico Tech if you are interested in reading more about the curriculum.

• UW Offers New Undergraduate Course in Disaster Management
  Dec 03, 2005
  Beginning Spring Quarter 2006, the UW College of Architecture and Urban Planning will be offerering an exciting new undergraduate couse in disaster management. The course will focus on real-world emergencies and disasters and focus on how students can better prepare their own families and workplaces in case of the unthinkable. Course Developer Bob Freitag encourages anyone interested in the field to sign up for the URBDP 498 to sign up. Spots will fill up quickly.

• Pandemic Flu Primer
  Dec 03, 2005
  Read more on the potential impacts of a major worldwide pandemic flu outbreak globally as well as regionally here in King County. Because most or all people would not have immunity to a new pandemic virus, large numbers of persons around the world can be infected. If the pandemic virus causes severe disease, many people may develop serious illnesses. Click here for more information.

• New/Free Homeland Security Online Courses NOW Available
  Dec 02, 2005
  The Washington State Homeland Security Institute announced that it is now offering its first 4 online courses. Click here for more information on the following FREE courses: Personal Protective Equipment, Operational Safety & Security, Mass Decontamination, and WMD Awareness. These courses are available 24/7 and are approved by the US Office of Domestic Preparedness.

• Regional Pandemic Flu Workshop Webcast (January 30th)
  Dec 02, 2005
  Harborview Medical Center and Public Health-Seattle and King County are sponsoring a Regional Pandemic Flu Conference, Monday, Jan. 30. The day-long event will address issues that would face the Northwest if there were a pandemic flu outbreak. Designed for clinicians and hospital administrators, it will feature speakers from Harborview, Public Health--Seattle and King County, and the national Centers for Disease Control. Topics include community coordination, infection control in the health-care setting, an update on antiviral drugs, health-care facilities preparation, patient care issues, and palliative care. Although registration for the conference is full, the event will be Webcast, "Live" on January 30. A link to the Webcast is available from this page. The event will also be broadcast on UWTV and the Research Channel later this spring.

• In Case of Emergency (ICE) Recommendation
  Dec 01, 2005
  UW OEM is joining with rescue personnel in asking people to program on their cell phones' address book ‘In Case of Emergency' (ICE) contacts as a way to easily reach a family member or emergency contact should an illness or accident render one unconscious. Click here on information including a Powerpoint presentation describing how and why this can be done (type in "ICE" in the search engine). With over 190 million people in the U.S. with cell phones and even more worldwide, ICE can help emergency personnel in quickly identifying an injured individual and their next of kin in minutes instead of hours. Making ICE a common practice for cell phone users will help make it a routine measure for police, fire and other emergency personnel to check cell phones when necessary. ICE is free and only requires a cell phone to use it. Even when carrying personal identification (ID), such as a driver's license, it is still recommended to use ICE, because an ID does not contain the names and phone numbers of next of kin, medical history or any other information that emergency personnel may need in assisting a patient.

• UWEM Featured on King County Television
  Dec 01, 2005
  Starting in December, KCTV, King County Public Access Television's Project Impact show will regularly-highlight the UW Office of Emergency Management, its innovative programs and Homeland Security activities. Click here to view the entire program on your computer or consult your cable TV guide for programing times/dates (Comcast Digital Cable 22 or Millennium Digital Cable 72 or 80.)

• We’re Looking for a Few Good Victims!
  Dec 01, 2005
  Come help the Office of Emergency Management during our January 11, 2006 disaster response training. We’re putting some of the UW Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT) trainees through their paces with a hands-on exercise. To make the scenario as realistic as possible, we need volunteer victims who will have life-like wounds simulated with make-up. We’ll need people from about 7:00 AM-2:00 PM or so. If you can’t make it the whole time, we’ll accept whatever time commitment you can offer. A catered lunch will be provided.If you’re interested in helping, please call Scott Preston, UW CERT Coordinator at 206-897-2378 or write him at scottpre@u.washington.edu.

• UWEM Hiring for a New Business Continuity Manager
  Dec 01, 2005
  UWEM has an outstanding 1 year, full-time opportunity for a Business Continuity Manager to direct the development and implementation of a new business continuity and disaster resumption program for the University of Washington. Additionally, the individual will work closely with the Office of Emergency Management, Computing and Communications, primary operating departments and business units, government agency partners and the DIS-selected product vendor to launch the new statewide enterprise business continuity software for campus-wide implementation. The Business Continuity Program Manager will be responsible for managing activities and new programs related to the initial development, and on-going support and maintenance of UW’s Business Continuity (BC) efforts. Click here for more information on the UW's Human Resources site.

• Martha Knows Best
  Nov 02, 2004
  Domestic Diva Martha Stewart recently published and highlighted "30 Things Everyone Should Know" in her magazine and syndicated television show. The #1 recommended action was..................... drumroll please................................ "Put Together the Perfect Survival Kit." Click here for more information on how you can be more like Martha. Now, get to work!

• Top 12 Disaster Myths
  Nov 02, 2004
  With all the recent media coverage of national and global disasters, many rumors and "urban myths" have once again resurfaced regarding disasters and how to recover from them. Click here for the truth behind 12 common disaster myths! You may be surprised how little you actually knew about disaster and catastrophic events.

• 2006 Partners in Emergency Preparedness Conference Announced
  Nov 02, 2004
  Save the date! The Partners In Emergency Preparedness Conference 2006 will take place in Tacoma, WA on April 18-19, 2006 the brand new Tacoma Convention Center. Keep checking Washington State University Conferences and Professional Programs for updates on the event. Click here for more information.

• Katrina Assistance Workshop - November 22, 2005
  Nov 01, 2004
  The "Katrina Assistance Workshop" is scheduled for Tuesday November 22, 2005 at the downtown Seattle Washington Convention Center. This free event is open to individuals who have been directly impacted by the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in September 2005. The event will be hosted by organizations (public, private or non-profit) who might can providing assistance to displaced individuals and families here in the Puget Sound Region. This is an opportunity for people impacted by these disasters to know more about, and take advantage of assistance that is available to them. Parking and Child-care are free. More information.

• Day of Reflection and Action on the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina
  Nov 01, 2004
  The School of Social Work has planned a Day of Reflection and Action in response to the events of Hurricane Katrina November 8, 2005 from 12:30 to 6PM. The impacts surrounding this disaster have significance at every level of social work practice in alleviating the underlying inequalities highlighted by this event. Sessions will be held at the School of Social Work at 4101 15th Ave. NE.

• Hurricanes Katrina & Rita Devastate the US Gulf Coast
  Nov 01, 2004
  The September 2005 twin Hurricanes Katrina & Rita struck the US, left over a thousand dead, damage estimates over $200 Billion and has left hundreds of thousands people homeless in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Dubbed the "American Tsunami," relief efforts continue throughout the region. Click here for more information on resources available nationwide for victims and other impacted citizens of the Gulf Region.

• UWEM Announces 2nd Year Internal-UW Disaster Grant Recipients
  Oct 31, 2004
  Ten UW Departments and operating units were recently awarded over $100,000 in internal emergency preparedness grants as part of the second year of the UW-internal emergency preparedness and homeland security grants program. Over 25 proposals were submitted totalling over $1 million in requests. Over 65% of all departments received full or partial funding for projects that will enhance the UW's disaster preparedness efforts. Click here for a summary of the successful proposals. All project must be completed by June 30, 2006.

• Join our UWEM Webpage Focus Group Workshop
  Oct 31, 2004
  ... if you are a regular "lurker" or user of the our webpage, please join us on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 from 1:30 - 3:00 pm for our first annual OEM Webpage Users Focus Group Workshop. Bring your ideas, criticisms and suggestions on how we can make our site even more user-friendly. This workshop is limited to the first 24 people who sign up. OPEN TO ALL USERS (students, faculty, staff, and even non-UW users!!). Click here for more details. A free disaster preparedness gift will be given to everyone who attends!

• How will we Respond and Recover from a "Katrina/Rita" Scale Event?
  Oct 31, 2004
  Come join the UW Department of Urban Design and Planning and the Cascadia Region Earthquake Workgroup in discussing what the risks are from catastrophic events, such as earthquakes and other hazards. This free event will be held Oct. 19, 2005, 1:30PM - 3:30 PM in Hogness Auditorium, A-Wing of Health Sciences at the University of Washington. Learn from the experts about how we will respond and recover, and what to expect the regional impacts and opportunities for mutual support from Canada, Oregon and California would be.

• Disaster Home Retrofit Workshops Planned for Fall 2005
  Dec 10, 2004
  When it hits it could be devastating to your home, your possessions. Attend free one-hour clinics this Fall at various Home Depots in the Puget Sound area. Dates and locations are listed when you click on this weblink. Learn how to retrofit your home by bolting it to its foundation. And learn how to secure heavy objects like the water heater, china cabinet, and bookcases. Be ready when disaster strikes!

• 58 UW Officials Attend Disaster Response Course
  Dec 09, 2004
  Nearly 70 UW, City and regional officials attended a weeklong disaster recovery and mitigation course at FEMA's National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, MD from August 8-12, 2005. The results of this training and exercise event will be presented to the University officials by October 2005 with specific recommendations for disaster improvement on the Seattle campus. Click {here} for photos of this activity.

• City and UW Conduct Joint High-Rise Disaster Drill on August 3rd
  Dec 09, 2004
  On Wednesday, August 3 from 8am - 3pm, the UW and City of Seattle jointly conducted the largest live disaster response drill at Lander Hall on the Seattle campus. Over 500 City, County and UW emergency response personnel and volunteers were involved in the drill. The UW's Emergency Operation Center and UW Medical Center provided support for this terrorism response exercise. The UW Office of Emergency Management coordinated this drill on behalf of the University community. More information

• 2nd Year of Internal UW Emergency Preparedness Grants Now Available
  Dec 09, 2004
  The UW Emergency Management (UWEM) will provide a limited number of short-term, one time emergency management and homeland security grants to internal UW departments and operating units. These annual UW funds will be provided to support internal programs that improve the overall emergency preparedness efforts for the campus community. Annual operational funds will encourage departments and operating units to address key vulnerabilities in their respective operations, facilities and plans/procedures. Click here for details. ALL APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY SEPTEMBER 1st.

• UW Campus Disaster/Emergency Response Teams Conduct Drill
  Dec 08, 2004
  The UW Campus Emergency Response Team and the EH&S Pre-Entry Assessment Team (PEAT) conducted a joint emergency response drill on Thursday, June 16th at Sandpoint Magnusson Park. This joint drill allowed both UW emergency response teams to practice their skills in hazard assessment, emergency triage, search and rescue and team-building skills. Photographs of the event.

• Bombs Detonated in London’s Public Transportation System
  Dec 07, 2004
  Bombs were detonated July 7, 2005 in London, England's public transportation system. As a result of these bombings, Washington State regulatory agencies and law enforcement agencies are maintaining vigilance and increasing their security capabilities for mass transit systems. No transportation systems are expecting delays at this time. Please immediately report any suspicious activity or suspicious packages to the UW Police Department at 206-543-9331. Click here for more details about what you can do.

• UW and City of Seattle Conduct Joint Disaster Exercise
  Dec 07, 2004
  The UW and City of Seattle conducted a joint 4-hour tabletop disaster exercise on June 15, 2005 at Lander Hall. This exciting and ground-breaking activity involved over 50 key officials from the UW, City, County and State. This facilitated training event was designed to prepare all parties for a potentially-devastating terrrorist attack on campus. This event is precursor to a full-scale disaster drill to happen on campus on Wednesday, August 3, 2005. Photographs of the event.

• OPERATION DETOUR: UW Conducts Annual EOC Drill
  Dec 06, 2004
  .... on the morning of Thursday, April 28, 2005, the UW conducted its annual Emergency Operations Center drill. This unannounced drill took place in the UW's backup EOC. The focus of the drill and follow-up training was to test the alternate emergency communications for key responders. Nearly 40 UW staff and officials participated. A formal evaluation will be completed and distributed by May 15, 2005. Click here for photos of from the event...

• Campus Emergency Transportation Workshop Executive Report
  Dec 05, 2004
  Over 25 UW staff, students, and city, county, state and regional officials convened on March 14th to begin the development of a campus wide emergency evacuation and transportation strategy. Funded in part with federal homeland security funds, this professionally-facilitated workshop identified key issues related to the planning and execution of a campus evacuation activity. (Click here for the executive Report - PDF format)

• Volunteers Needed for Medical Drill on Sat. April 30th
  Dec 05, 2004
  Public Health – Seattle & King County is seeking several hundred volunteers to participate in a Mass Dispensing Training Drill and need your help. Across the nation, public health leaders and local government officials are making plans to rapidly provide medicine in local communities should a large outbreak of disease (like the flu, hepatitis, or meningitis) or a bioterrorism emergency require an immediate medical response. You can play a key role now! Volunteers are needed at the Highland Community Center at 10:00 am to role-play a patient at our Mass Dispensing Clinic. Lunch will be provided. Click here for more details.

• UW & Partners Conduct Campus Emergency Evacuation Workshop (view photos)
  Dec 05, 2004
  Over 25 UW staff, students, and city, county, state and regional officials convened on March 14th to begin the development of a campuswide emergency evacuation and transportation strategy. Funded in part with federal homeland security funds, this professionally-facilitated workshop identified key issues related to the planning and execution of a campus evacuation activity. More details to follow. Click here for photos from the event.

• UW Community Asked to Participate in Annual Statewide Earthquake Drill
  Dec 05, 2004
  The annual Washington "Drop, Cover and Hold" statewide earthquake preparedness drill will be on Thursday, April 21 from 9:45 - 10:00 am. All UW students, faculty and staff are encouraged to practice the recommended safety drill at that time in preparation for what experts predict will likely happen here in Western Washington. The 2001 Nisqually Earthquake is recent reminder of the destructive forces of nature and how we in Western Washinton need to prepare for every contingency.

• UWEM Director Visits National University of Singapore
  Dec 04, 2004
  UWEM Director Steve Charvat was the invited guest of the National University of Singapore from March 18-25 to assist them in establishing a Crisis Management Framework. Modeled after the UW's Office of Emergency Management, the NUS program will incorporate many of the innovative concepts and programs established by its UW's counterparts.

• Tsunami Waves Kill Over 225,000 in Asia
  Dec 02, 2004
  The devastating tsunamis that were triggered by 9.0 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia serves as a reminder that the western coast of North America could suffer comparable inundation. A similar earthquake could very well occur along the Cascadia subduction zone that lies off the shore of Vancouver Island, Washington, Oregon and Northern California. Geological research hints there is a 5 to 10% chance of such an earthquake occurring along the Cascadia subduction zone in the next 30 years. However the Pacific Ocean network of scientific buoys detecting severe waves would likely provide a much better advance warning where none existed in the Indian Ocean. Click here for more information (http://staff.aist.go.jp/kenji.satake/animation.gif)

• Donate to the SE Asia Disaster Response Through InterAction Member Agencies
  Dec 02, 2004
  InterAction is a coalition of more than 160 US-based private relief, international development and refugee assistance organizations. InterAction members have agreed to abide by a set of standards to ensure accountability to donors, professional competence and quality of service. InterAction member agencies, United Nations disaster assessment and country teams, and various donor governments are working together with the governments of the affected countries to assess the extent of the disaster and to prioritize emergency needs. Refer for more details at: http://www.interaction.org/sasia/index.html

• UW Announces First Year Homeland Security/Emergency Prep Grant Recipients
  Nov 03, 2003
  15 UW departments, schools and operating units received over $220,000 in funding to support local efforts to reduce their risks to natural and human-caused disasters as part of an internal Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness grant program supported by the University. Grants ranged from $40,000 to $300. This annual grant program is designed to provide one-time financial support to UW organizations for the purchase of supplies, materials, and equipment/systems that will address hazards and threats facing their students, staff and visitors.

• Affirmation of "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" in an Earthquake
  Nov 02, 2003
  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has posted information on its Web site that affirms the earthquake safety advice "Drop,Cover, and Hold On" and provides accurate illustrations showing the proper procedure. This was done in response to a flurry of inquiries that asked FEMA and other agencies if the recommendation to "drop, cover, and hold on" remained accurate.

• UW Office of Emergency Management Receives $300,000 FEMA Grant
  Nov 02, 2003
  Making the UW safer in times of disaster - The University will get $300,000 in FEMA money and match it locally in an effort to mitigate the effects of natural disasters. It's some advance planning that can help save lives and property.

• UWEM Recommended Personal Survival Kit
  Nov 01, 2003
  For when you might be confined for several hours, or perhaps overnight, UW Office of Emergency Management has put together a list of recommended emergency supplies to have at your desk, car and at home. Stocking up now on emergency supplies can add to your safety and comfort during and after a disaster.

• Tips on Handling Volcanic Ash
  Nov 01, 2003
  When Mount St. Helens exploded in 1980, 19 of Washington's 39 counties experienced significant problems due to ash deposit. While the recent activity at the volcano indicates that a similar eruption will NOT occur, the UW Office of Emergency Management offers students, visitors, and staff some tips on how to deal with the potential of ashfall if they encounter this hazard.

• College & University Emergency Preparedness Symposium
  Oct 31, 2003
  Join us for the "Best Practices in Risk Reduction for Colleges and Universities 2005 Symposium" January 27-28, 2005. This two-day symposium/workshop is designed specifically for emergency professionals serving colleges and universities. Join us for workshops and seminars led by nationally recognized experts in emergency management, business continuity and crisis communications. Find out about innovative approaches to disaster preparedness in institutions of higher learning - Hear from and question experts on cutting edge successful hazard mitigation techniques - Talk to and network with fellow peers from other institutions of higher learning - Learn how you can set up and support an Office of Emergency Management - Take home a "toolkit" for building a Disaster Resistant University - Sign up today!

• Office of Emergency Management Vision, Mission and Core Values
  Oct 31, 2003
  Our mission is to administer a campus-based comprehensive emergency management program in partnership with UW academic departments, operating units, staff, administration and neighboring jurisdictions in order to save lives, protect property and safeguard the environment.

• Are We Ready for Pandemic Influenza?
  Dec 09, 2003
  Join us on Thursday, September 9, 2004 from 9:00-11:00AM T-747 in UW Health Sciences to hear a presentation on Pandemic Influenza. Dr. Jeffrey Duchin is nationally recognized expert on the impacts of an influenza outbreak and will discuss how the potential for this outbreak (similar to the recent SARS scare and Avian Chicken flu) can impact those of us working emergency response here in Western Washington.

• UW Receives 2nd Homeland Security Grant from Feds
  Dec 09, 2003
  The UW Office of Emergency Management received an additional $805,000 in June 2004 as part of the federal Urban Area Security Initiative grant program via the City of Seattle and the US Department of Homeland Security. These funds, in addition to an earlier $239,000 grant, will provide for additional planning, exercise and equipment purchases for UW Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, Facilities Services, Intercollegiate Athletics and C&C to increase the overall preparedness of their employees and facilities to respond to a potential terrorist event or threat.

• Washington is First to Secure Federal Approval for Natural Disaster Plan
  Dec 09, 2003
  The University of Washington is part of a cadre of state agencies from Washington to have participated in the development of the State Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan, the first state in the nation to secure federal approval for an enhanced state plan to prevent and manage natural disasters. By gaining approval for the Enhanced State Hazard Mitigation Plan the University becomes eligible to compete for a share of the federal match of 20 percent for hazard mitigation projects after a disaster ˆ up from 7.5 percent for a standard plan.

• Seattle Campus Learns Lessons from April 22nd Disaster Drill (PDF)
  Dec 08, 2003
  Over 40 UW staff attended an "After-Action" workshop on May 24th to review the lessons learned from the April 22nd Operation Jumpstart campuswide earthquake exercise. Staff reviewed a report detailing over 50 recommendations for improvement to the UW emergency reponse program. Incuded in the detailed report were improvement to current disaster plans, communications and training. Contact the UW Office of Emergency Management for details.

• Disaster Resources Brochure for Faculty, Researchers and Staff Posted
  Dec 08, 2003
  A new, two page tri-fold brochure has been developed for UW Faculty, staff and researchers that highlights the basic steps and procedures that each should follow before, during and after a disaster. It contains helpful tips, telphone numbers and weblinks for more detailed information on emergency preparedness. All new faculty and staff are encouraged to review and print out this colorful brochure and share it with their co-workers.

• UW Applying for new FEMA Disaster Resistant University Grant
  Dec 06, 2003
  The UW is in the process of applying for a new FEMA grant designed to make the University more disaster "resistant". If you would like more information on the process and to provide ideas on potential projects, please contact us by February 10, 2004.

• University of Washington 2003 Risk Reduction Survey (PDF)
  Dec 06, 2003
  This survey collected information regarding UW academic and operating units' efforts to reduce the risks to natural and human-caused hazards. It contains recommendations for future projects and improvements

• UW Receives Grants for Homeland Security
  Dec 06, 2003
  The UW Office of Emergency Management received $239,000 in January 2004 as part of the federal Urban Area Security Initiative grants via the City of Seattle and the US Department of Homeland Security. These funds will provide for additional planning, exercise and equipment purchases for five UW Departments to increase the overall preparedness of the Seattle campus to respond to a potential terrorist event or threat.

• UW Survives Simulated "BIG ONE" Earthquake on April 22nd
  Dec 06, 2003
  The University of Washington sucessfully completed its firts campus-wide simulated disaster exercise in over 6 years. Dubbed "Operation Jumpstart", the April 22, 2004 exercise simulated a 7.0 major earthquake on the Seattle Fault. Over 80 UW officials and observers particiated in the 3-hour drill. A formal post-event critique workshop to review the "lessons learned" has been scheduled for May 24. For more information, call the UW Office of Emergency Management.

• Emergency Response Management Plan Posted
  Dec 03, 2003
  The Plan is a guide to the University for emergency and disaster management and coordination of all phases of emergency management operations in order to minimize the impacts of emergencies and disasters, and to protect the people, property, and environment, and restore the primary mission of the UW.