May 1, 1998

A Note from Ralph Swisher

Here is the latest on two important upcoming events at the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) in Maryland: our annual CFP conference and a pilot of the new Disaster Educators Organizers Course. Also below is information about a new awards program for disaster educators. As always, please forward the Act Now Preparedness Update to others. And keep up the great work in disaster education.

CFP Conference (June 9-12, 1998)

If you’re not on the list for this year’s national CFP conference and would like to be, please let us know real soon what you would like to learn or share with others. Due to limited meeting space, this is an invitation-only event, but we try to accommodate as many participants as possible. We carefully balance selection of invitees to represent all levels of government, voluntary agencies and others with an active interest in disaster education.

The conference -- "making communities more disaster resistant with disaster education" -- will offer ample opportunity for problem solving and information sharing with disaster educators from neighborhood-, community- and state-based programs, including several Project Impact communities. Participants will explore such topics as:

• How to build comprehensive disaster education programs
• How to educate homeowners about mitigation measures
• How to evaluate public outreach programs, and
• Strategies for using the internet, training and other means for strengthening the network of disaster educators.

The conference, conducted in cooperation with FEMA’s long-standing partner, the American Red Cross, will be held June 9-12 at EMI in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

"Disaster Saves" to be Awarded in June

We know disaster education works. But sometimes others need convincing.

To showcase the true benefits of disaster preparedness, FEMA and the American Red Cross are pleased to announce a new award to recognize your work in disaster education

-- it’s called "Disaster Saves."

We’re looking for specific examples of how disaster education has made a real difference in people’s lives in a natural disaster: how it has saved lives or lessened the hardships or financial consequences of disaster.

Perhaps you know of someone who saved himself because he took shelter in a tornado … or a family that was re-united after a flood having practiced a family communications plan …or someone whose home incurred limited damages in an earthquake because he or she learned what to do and acted accordingly because of your program.

Let’s hear your success stories. No "disaster save" is too small. We’re interested in any example of an individual, group or organization that did the right thing -- something that made a difference in a natural disaster -- because of your public education effort.

FEMA and the American Red Cross will appoint a panel to select the most meritorious "disaster saves" and present the award to the person(s) responsible for conducting the education that led to the "save." We’ll also promote the stories so others can learn how disaster education makes a real difference in natural disasters.

Document your "disaster saves" by including:

• Name of the person who organized the educational effort
• Name of the person who conducted the education
• Description of the education
• Name of the persons who did the right thing because of the education
• Description of what they did right
• Newspaper article about the "save," a quote from the person who did the right thing or other documentation.

You could also include a photograph of the educator or the person who was "saved." Letters of support from community leaders are optional.

FEMA and the American Red Cross intend to hold a "disaster saves" awards ceremony at the CFP conference in June, but you need not be a conference participant to enter -- entries from any program are welcome.

Entries should be mailed (Ralph Swisher, Program Manager, Community & Family Preparedness Program, FEMA, 500 C St., S.W., Room 625, Washington, D.C. 20472) or emailed (ralph.swisher@fema.gov) by May 29, 1998. We hope to hear from you soon.

Pilot Disaster Education Organizer’s Course (June 6-8, 1998)

Immediately prior to the CFP conference, FEMA and the American Red Cross will pilot test the new Disaster Education Organizer’s Course. The course is designed to teach state and local emergency managers, Red Cross personnel and others how to plan, implement, evaluate and maintain a successful community disaster education program.

One aspect of the organizer’s pilot is to determine how well the course complements the Red Cross’ "Developing Community Disaster Education Presenters" course), which has already been developed. For that reason, the two courses will be given back-to-back over the three-day period (June 6-8). Two classes will be held simultaneously with 20 in each class. Pilot course participants are expected to attend the CFP conference as well.

We’re looking forward to getting this new course in the field, so more can get involved in disaster education. Stay tuned.

For more information:

Ralph Swisher
FEMA CFP Program Manager
Phone: 202-646-3561
Fax: 202-646-4371
E-mail: ralph.swisher@fema.gov