National Institute for Urban Search and Rescue
“Community Smart Summit”
SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER, JAN 31, FEB 1,2010
|
International Experts +
“Boots on the Ground”
It all starts from the Ground Up!
Readiness, Resilience, Response, Rescue and Recovery
for LEADERS and COMMUNITIES
REGISTER NOW
no increase in prices
Fast-paced and extremely informative event!
Take an exuberant journey to Your
Community of the future!
Learn! Rub elbows!
Become optimistic about your community’s future! 2030 is just around the corner
“SMART-UPS”
Leadership and Humanitarian Care
complete with an Outdoor Luau!
JANUARY 31st AND FEBRUARY 1st, 2010
SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER
Hosted by NIUSR and AFCEA//USNI WEST 2010
Co-Hosts
U.S. Naval Institute
San Diego State University
TIDES International
InSTEDD
REGISTRATION FORM AND MONEY SAVING PRICING OPTIONS INCLUDING “HUKILAU” EVENING WITH POI, PIG, AND DANCING AVAILABLE ON THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, NIUSR’S 2-DAY EVENT SUMMIT 2010 FLYER, AND/OR NIUSR.ORG.
Click here for full agenda and list of presenters >
Click here to register >
Email your registration form >
|
 |
| The “Blackbird”, SR-71, could fly at Mach 3, with a 2 man crew On view in the Forecourt of the San Diego Air & Space Museum |
|
|
White Paper: by Lois Clark McCoy, President and CEO
National Institute for Urban Search & Rescue, Inc.NIUSR5
The Topic “The Fifth Dimension” seems to be generating more heat than usual in these days of Rapid Change. As individuals, as organizations and as nations, changes all the rules of social intercourse, as well as governing bodies. To make that jump into instant speed; to not be left behind as a Luddite, we need to dive into the water and learn how to swim in what is now the Main Stream. We are heading for the new “Normal” which will become our everyday world as we proceed into the 21st Century.
We in NIUSR are wrestling with this 5th Dimension. Its exponential speed has succeeded in changing our perception of our world and our new Century. In comparison to the speed of change experienced in the World after the introduction of Henry Ford’s Tin Lizzie, that previous change will seem to have been a mere blip in the road. There is no comparison to the exponential increase in rates at the Speed of Light.
Click here for the full article (PDF).
|
MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD
FROM: Lois Clark McCoy
SUBJECT: SMART POWER Conference, San Diego, CA Feb. 10, 2009
|
 |
| Dr. Eric Frost, Guiding LIght at San Diego State University VIZ Lab |
|
On February 10th, 2009 I attended the National Institute for Urban
Search & Rescue’s SMART POWER SEMINAR in the San Diego Conference
Center. This effort initiated by NIUSR with the support of San Diego
State University, HALO Corporation, and the Strategic Diamond Sponsor
AFCEA, brought together more than 50 different ORGANIZATIONS AND
AGENCIES involving DoD, California Department of Homeland Security,
police, fire, border patrol, emergency medical and other entities
across the country. Extensive use of social networking by George
Bressler, Adjunct Professor of Homeland Security at San Diego State
University; Brad Barker, President of HALO Corporation, and Dr. Eric
Frost, Professor of Engineering and guiding light of the SDSU Viz Lab
produced a series of "win-wins" of which all can be proud.
The
principle speakers were the top of the line and were enthusiastically
received. Dr. Dave Warner, M.D. PhD. received a standing ovation at the
end of his graphic and illustrated experiences over his last seven
trips to Afghanistan on humanitarian missions for both the Department
of Defense and the Department of State.
|
 |
| George Bressler |
|
The ATTENDEES LUNCHEON
sponsored by the Armed Forces Communications and Electronic Association
(AFCEA) featured the outstanding physician, Dr. Eric Rasmussen, M.D.,
MDM, FACP. former Commander in the U.S. Naval Medical Corps, (RET).
He
now serves as CEO for the Google inspired “InSTEDD” a medical research
facility focused on Humanitarian Care in Palo Alto, California. Dr.
Rasmussen has many years of experience in humanitarian relief, and
disaster medical relief, both in the military and as a civilian. His
talk opened a window into the complexity of today’s world and the need
for greater effort on all our parts to better the abysmal fate of the
oppressed around the globe. Our own country has pockets of need as well
in times of life threatening disaster.
The topics discussed during the event showed areas needing
improvement. Seven years after 9/11, communications remains a critical
data interoperability problem between Federal, State and Local entities
and the impacted public. Very capable first responder communications
systems, telemedicine units and mobile command centers have been
acquired, and are operating. However, data interoperability is the
exception, rather than the rule. Part of this is cultural—police and
fire units are more used to voice coordination, and this went fairly
well. But data interoperability is impeded by a range of problems from
incompatible protocols to the lack of shared crypto, to social issues
(not used to data). Ultimately, when progress was made, serious
technical efforts were needed to break through the obstacles, such as
punching through multiple firewalls. Doing this efficiently and
expediently AFTER a disaster has not proven possible in a timely manner
causing further confusion, lifesaving time lost and a higher morbidity
count.
|
 |
| Dr. Eric Rasmussen, M.D., MDM, FACP, EO of InSTEED, a Google inspired Humanitarian Care Research facility in Palo Alto, CA |
|
Some of the problems are not merely technical: For
example, Cultural differences in routine responses to everyday
emergencies rub up against each other creating inter-agency friction.
Some are procedural: MOUs have not been signed to ensure DHS and first
responders are on common crypto. Some shortfalls might not emerge
until a major disaster itself, e.g. the need for comms that are
independent of the power grid (though we know from repeated real world
experience that cell phones, land lines, broadcast, etc. are likely to
be affected by power issues).
The combination of HARD POWER,
police, fire, emergency management, responsible government agencies and
the military can band together with SOFT POWER, i.e. Community
agencies, Faith based agencies, the Red Cross and Salvation Army, the
Food Bank and many other non-profit organizations. Most were in the
room on the watershed day of February 10th. Joining Hard Power and Soft
Power into a unified whole will provide SMART POWER. As we develop the
intent and willingness to cooperate, and build coalitions that can
withstand previous long competition for the same funding dollar among
our vulnerable NGO communities, our Communities will become more
Resilient to any Disaster that may strike us. Now is the time for
strength and resilience provided by our freedom’s Communities? As one
of our nation’s founders said, “We all hang together or we hang
separately.” As a Nation faced with larger and larger Natural
Disasters and a smaller percentage of our population willing to
serve as first responders, that quote seems particularly appropriate.
It’s becoming a “do-it-yourself” world rather like the days of the old
West. As Teddy Roosevelt said, “Walk softly, but carry a Big Stick.”
Soft power is the walk, Hard Power the Stick and the result is SMART
POWER which is the winner in the game of providing the greatest safety
for our people.
|
 |
| Dr. Dave Warner, M.D. PhD on top of the world at Brown Field in July's Golden Phoenix 2008 |
|
The most noticeable lack was the scarcity of
attendees from Industry, both large and small. Industry is the heart
and soul of all communities. Its rapid return to productivity is the
answer to more rapid recovery from any disaster, either from Mother
Nature or man-caused. 80% of all Industry in the United States is
privately owned. Industry IS the Community’s driving power. It needs to
be a vital part of SOFT POWER and included in the planning, training
and exercising ot the SMART POWER training of our future.
With regard to a way ahead: Future
events like this should be used as forcing functions to help promote
SMART POWER with interoperability, collaboration and trust built BEFORE
the Disaster. Solve the C2 data problems and save lives. Regional
baselines are needed of each entity's capabilities and limitations.
Adherence to standards should be forced - withhold funding from
non-compliant systems. Leverage DHS services like DMIS, EDXL, and
OPEN. Train, Train, Train! Exercises alone are not enough! Units need
to be training together between exercises. Provide feedback
from units into info sharing plans and equipment buys. Liaison Officers
operating jointly before an event have proven to be incredibly useful
when the Disaster strikes. Communicate, Cooperate, Build Coalitions
and Save the Willing.
Well done to the NIUSR TEAM! Let us Press on Together
|
Welcome!
IT'S TIME TO TALK
ABOUT FIRE AGAIN
California is burning.
Yes, again. Today as we write in Santa Barbara,
Sylmar and Diamond bar in L.A. County, OrangeCounty and perhaps in
additional
places as the winds blow.
The good news is that we here in the Fire State are getting better at putting them out.
The bad news is that there are other states under siege as well.
The really bad news is that Mother Nature is the cause of so much of the danger. We all know that fighting Mother Nature will cost you and maybe kill you.
Tea Fire photo looking east on Thursday Nov. 13th, (first night) taken from the Nova Lab at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Winds blowing at 71 miles per hour toward the west. Helicopters from Santa Barbara and Los Angeles County Sheriffs Dept. flying water drops that night. At risk, City of 100,000 people and University of 30,000 students. 1death, 93 year old man expired after being evacuated from fire area, natural causes, 22 admitted to hospital for smoke inhalation, 3 burns in hospital serious but all will recover. Other minor burns treated in emergency rooms as out patients. Huge property loss and wonderful Recovery efforts underway by Community, Volunteers and all levels of Government. Free Symphony Concert scheduled Saturday night to honor heroic stand of firefighters and multi agency, multi-jurisdiction emergency personnel.
How close, Lois? 3 miles from the Santa Barbara Mission which is 4 blocks from me. This below from our NIUSR Chief of Staff, Dan Lemon
Firefighting has to be one of the toughest activities anywhere... heavy duty physical and mental work, facing danger and fatigue, battling wind... heat... dry, dealing with every uncooperative element of society and government, assessing and enduring risks, seeing suffering and death up close, losing some, always facing resource limitations, having to live with human errors.
Firefighting has to be one of the most rewarding activities anywhere... conquering danger, being heroes, often saving lives and property, surviving, "snatching victory from the jaws of defeat," knowing a bunch, making a vital difference, conquering fear, getting hugs and other genuine appreciation, trusting in higher powers, leading up, down and sideways better than most.
Hurray for the difference they make!,
Added Note:
This week before the Tea Fire (don't you love the names?) in Montecito, a suburb of Santa Barbara, NIUSR who is based there, had issued a directive to its cadres, to not only prepare for the California state-wide Earthquake SHAKE OUT this November, but also to use that day to put together a simple, basic Evacuation Kit and to keep it ready.
Never let your car gas tank get below half full.
SUGGESTED EVACUATION READY KIT
Change of dry clothes; hat with brim, sunglasses, extra reading glasses
Electronic communications, cell, Blackberry, car charger
Down sweater or jacket; Extra Wool sweater or vest
Rain poncho with hood
Aluminum square "blanket"
Wool blanket
Medicines as needed
Passport; Social Security Card
Other valuable papers, Mortgage? heh,heh
Priority Telephone Access Card (if available)
A Real Knife, with a sharpened blade and sheath
Screwdriver /large, Phillip head screwdriver/small, pliers, wrench
FLASHLIGHT , Extra Batteries
Carrying Case (We suggested a Tool box, waterproof ,(shaped like a LARGE #10 envelope, about 18 inches long and about 6 plus inches deep,) with a handle on top. See what your local hardware store has to offer. DO NOT buy one of those tin boxes that the stational store sells to keep papers "safe". Have you ever seen a square legal paper?
Remember you may have to leave your vehicle. Consider weight.
WATER
IN AN EXTRA WATERPROOF BOX
The bulkier clothing that won't fit in the above tool box
MORE WATER
Battery Operated Lamp, FLASHING?
Radio, battery Operated
Lots of extra Batteries
You may want to add?'
Small Hack Saw
Small Axe
Light Weight Mall
Red Cross First Aid 2 day Pack
Consider carefully photo albums, wedding albums, jewelry (wear it) etc. When you are evacuating the object is STAY ALIVE
THINK - MEMORIES REMAIN, LIFE IS FRAGILE
If you have time and you probably won't. dress for survival. Boots, a HAT. layers for warmth or to shed if it turns hot. You know the drill.
Having self-evacuated 5 times in the last 6 months this is getting to be an old song for me. Each time I discover one thing I wish I had as well as something I will not bother with nest time. If you are not "lucky" enough to have all these dry runs, NIUSR suggests you make a family "game" of it for a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Pack together and talk it over.
NIUSR is glad our advice to our cadre has proven useful. One member was ordered to evacuate from the TEA Fire this week. GO from the fire area three days ago. He and his early teen-age son had decided before school started this fall, to take a 5 day Mountain Survival course in Kings Canyon National Park.
Roger was downtown at work late and cut off from home when the sudden evacuation order came. The order was quickly spread by fire, police , radio, and TV. His son at home was a great help to his mother and younger siblings as they got out QUICK and in good order and drove immediately to their pre-determined location pre-decided "IF". We do not know if the family home has survived the fire as yet.
How about that? True story. Not making any of this up. You just NEVER know. Take a little advice and improve upon it. Your common sense will be a better guide than this list, we are sure. But these suggestions WILL work in a pinch. We may have forgotten something obvious on this list. Be Prepared and remember YOUR BEST SURVIVAL TOOL that you always carry with you IS YOUR BRAIN.
Best of Luck.
|
|
