Amy Sebring: Welcome to the EIIP Virtual Forum! Amy Sebring: If you were with us last year, we devoted two sessions to introducing Project Impact, a FEMA initiative focusing on encouraging communities to become disaster resistant. Amy Sebring: Today, we are revisiting Project Impact one year later, to see what kind of progress has been made over the course of the year. The background page for today's session is located at http://www.emforum.org/vforum/990217.htm Amy Sebring: We are very pleased to have three individuals, honored by FEMA at its recent Project Impact Summit meeting. Amy Sebring: Returning to be with us again is Larry Deetjen, City Manager of Deerfield Beach, Florida and recipient of a Project Impact Person of the Year award. Amy Sebring: Congratulations Larry and welcome back. Amy Sebring: Next we have Renee Domingo, Asst. Emergency Services Manager for the City of Oakland, California and Project Impact Outstanding Public Sector Employee (we hope). Amy Sebring: "Last but not least" we are pleased to have Dave Jones, Meteorologist for NBC4 WRC-TV in the Washington, D.C. area, and winner of the award for Outstanding Media Individual. Dave is also Principal Investigator for WeatherNet4, with an excellent Web site. Amy Sebring: Congratulations Dave and welcome to the Virtual Forum. Dave Jones: Thanks for inviting me to participate, it is a pleasure. Amy Sebring: We are going to continue with a series of questions for our panelists to address, for the first part of our program today, and then we will open it up for questions/comments from our audience. Amy Sebring: I will review the procedure for the Q&A portion when we get to it, but at this time we will start our round of questions. Amy Sebring: We will come back to Renee for the questions as she is able to join us. Amy Sebring: First, Larry, will you please remind our audience, how did Deerfield Beach become involved in Project Impact? Amy Sebring: Larry? Larry Deetjen: Deerfield Beach was designated a Showcase Community by the State of Florida Dept. of Community Affairs... Larry Deetjen: Based on this designation the state of Florida, which has an excellent relationship with FEMA... Larry Deetjen: put us in contact with Federal Officials and our Congressman and the rest is history Amy Sebring: Dave, how did you become involved in Project Impact? Dave Jones: I first heard James Lee Witt speak at the American Meteorological Society meeting for Broadcast Meteorologists in St. Louis, MO last June. He invited the media to participate... Dave Jones: I was the only broadcast meteorologist to "corner" him after his talk and ask if a TV station could be a partner...he immediately said "YOU CAN!"... Dave Jones: After talking with James Lee and his Project Impact Public Relations chief, Kim Fuller, it was obvious to me that we were on the same wavelength... Dave Jones: Just two weeks later, I was sitting with James Lee in his office discussing the possibilities. We determined that NBC4 in Washington, DC, my station, would be the Project Impact Pilot TV station... Dave Jones: I was invited to Deerfield Beach, FL on August 7, 1998 to attend a Hurricane Roundtable with Vice President Gore and James Lee Witt. While there, I discussed NBC4's participation in Project Impact. It was an exciting day... Dave Jones: I then reported LIVE via satellite back to Washington, DC during our news at 4p, 5p and 6pm to tell the public what we would be doing... Dave Jones: It has been an very interesting and enjoyable 6 months...I am a bit impatient and want results right away, so it is not going as fast as I would like, but this project is right on- target and we are breaking new ground... Dave Jones: My goal is to establish a model that can be implemented by TV stations nationwide. This model will invite community participation and corporate sponsorship to work toward creating more disaster-resistant communities. This will help America! Amy Sebring: Larry, what impact has your involvement with the Project had on your community? Can you give an example please. Larry Deetjen: Dave Jones will be pleased to learn that next week, February 24th, state, federal, county and local officials... Larry Deetjen: will join State Farm Insurance Company of Bloomington, Illinois... Larry Deetjen: in dedicating a model mitigation home that broke ground on construction in September, 1998... Larry Deetjen: This home features over 100 mitigation products from the building construction industry... Larry Deetjen: and will be open to the public for tours and educational seminars. Amy Sebring: Larry, you had a storm this past season didn't you? How did your efforts pay off? Larry Deetjen: The City of Deerfield Beach has also retrofitted 44 single family residential homes... Renee Domingo: Hello..Sorry I am late. I thought the session started 10: 00 a.m. my time....I' ready to go!! Larry Deetjen: three City facilities, and has on the docket plans and specifications to retrofit our hurricane shelter and upgraded shutter protection for City Hall... Larry Deetjen: Deerfield Beach was spared by the potential threat by Hurricane Georges and Mitch... Amy Sebring: Let's go back and pick up with Renee ... Larry Deetjen: Preparation by the private sector and the community was significantly better than prior storms. Public attention to Project Impact should be given credit for such improvement... Amy Sebring: Renee, how did Oakland become involved in Project Impact? Renee Domingo: The City of Oakland, California was selected as one of seven pilot communities nationwide to participate in Project Impact....We have been involved with the Project since Jan. 1998. It has been an exciting an endeavor and learning experience. Amy Sebring: Renee, please tell us about how your involvement with the Project has impacted your community, and please give an example. Renee Domingo: Project Impact has had a very positive effect on the community..... Renee Domingo: It has brought businesses, government and community together. Renee Domingo: An example was our non-structural retrofit program which involved youths... Amy Sebring: Dave, how has your involvement impacted your community from the perspective of the media? Dave Jones: So far, my involvement has been with FEMA and planning community involvement. Because of this, the community has yet to see any benefits, other than seeing our announcement about Project Impact and reading about it on our web site. We are in the process of "adopting" a community around Washington, DC that we can take them from beginning to end in our disaster resistant efforts... Dave Jones: I have developed a new service with Project Impact in mind. This service sends severe weather information such as watches, warnings and advisories to any pager or cell phone or wireless device as soon as it is issued from the NWS. All advisories are also viewable on my "Storm Display" web site 24 hours each day (http://stormdisplay.com). It is a fully automated service and one I hope will be used by many people across the nation. Amy Sebring: (sorry please continue Renee) Renee Domingo: Amy, the youth project was able to do over 100 retrofits within a week for Seniors and persons with disabilities Amy Sebring: Larry, what were your impressions of the Project Impact Summit that was held at FEMA in December? Larry Deetjen: The event was very well organized and the enthusiasm was remarkable. Next year's event I predict will be demonstratively better because many of the Project Impact initiatives in communities were only started at the time of the first summit and results will now become available for the second summit. Amy Sebring: Renee, what were your impressions of the Summit from the Emergency Manager perspective? Renee Domingo: It was an excellent venue for information sharing, networking and learning about the various communities' projects and programs. Amy Sebring: Dave, can you give us your impressions of the Summit please? Dave Jones: I enjoyed the Summit but wished I could have attended more. I had to be on-air that week for our Chief Meteorologist, Bob Ryan, while he was on vacation. I did participate in a workshop entitled "Engaging the media" which included Don LaBrecht from National Association of Broadcasters, Bill Poole, Owner WFLS & WYSK Radio in Fredericksburg, VA and myself... Dave Jones: We discussed ways to get the media "engaged" as a partner. Amy Sebring: Larry, your award cites mentoring colleagues around the nation. Have you received inquiries from other communities about your involvement? Larry Deetjen: Absolutely! Not only inquiries, but we have hosted other communities, such as Tulsa, Oklahoma and Tokyo, Japan Amy Sebring: Renee, have you also received inquiries from other communities? Renee Domingo: We have received numerous inquiries from all over the United States about our involvement and requesting information, guidance and samples of our work products. Amy Sebring: Dave, your award also cites that you are building a pilot disaster-resistance program for use by broadcasters across the country. Have you also received inquiries about Project Impact from other media? Dave Jones: I have been contacted by several other emergency management people about how to begin discussions with their local media about becoming a PARTNER and not just getting Project Impact mentioned in their local newscast. Amy Sebring: For our last question -- Larry, what is a lesson learned from this experience that you can share with others interested in this approach? Larry Deetjen: Deerfield Beach approached Project Impact like other critical issues as economic development and crime prevention. YOU GET WHAT YOU PUT IN TO IT! The effort should involve all sectors of the community. Amy Sebring: Renee, can you share a lesson learned from this experience with us? Renee Domingo: Project Impact is an excellent opportunity to enhance the safety of your community and bring people together. Amy Sebring: Dave, what have you learned from this experience that you can share with other media? Dave Jones: So far, I have learned that many people don't think of the media as a potential partner. I have had to do alot of "educating" in my own station about how we can contribute to our local communities disaster preparedness efforts. That the station can actually be the catalyst in this effort. Dave Jones: I have also learned just how enthusiastic and helpful the emergency management community is. I am looking forward to working with them to put together this model and getting it out to the nation. Amy Sebring: Thank you very much panelists. We are now ready to turn you over to our audience but first a reminder as to the procedure ... Amy Sebring: audience, if you have a question or comment, please enter a question mark (?) to so indicate, then go ahead and compose your question (type it in the message area) ... Amy Sebring: but hold it until recognized. When you are recognized just click on Send or use the Enter Key ... Amy Sebring: Since we have three panelists with us today, please indicate to whom your question or comment is addressed. Amy Sebring: Ok, I think we are ready to begin with the first question please. Kellye Junchaya: ? Ryc Lyden: ? Amy Sebring: Kellye please. Kellye Junchaya: I commend all of you. I am very interested in Project Impact and it seems to be making a real difference. Dave, can you send me your email I have some questions for you personally. Amy Sebring: (It always takes a moment to get the first one ready!) cindy rice: ? Dave Jones: My e-mail is dave.jones@nbc.com Amy Sebring: Ryc is next please. Ryc Lyden: To anyone. Have any of the DRC's had any 'disaster' impacts? And if so, what was the impact ? Dave Jones: Remember, I am a meteorologist...what is a DRC? Ryc Lyden: Disaster Resistant Community Amy Sebring: Larry, do you have a comment for Ryc? Larry Deetjen: No, we have had no disaster impact. If designated a project impact community, you are protected from natural disaster..Ha! Ha ! Amy Sebring: Renee do you wish to address Ryc's question. Renee Domingo: We have in Oakland....Last year with the El Nino storms...A grass roots, Adopt a Drain program helped reduce the flooding potential. Dave Jones: We will be adopting a community and we have not gotten to that point yet. Amy Sebring: Cindy is next please. cindy rice: Renee, about the youth project was this one group say Boy Scouts or was it Scouts, church groups, etc? Renee Domingo: Americorp and youths from local high schools cindy rice: ? Amy Sebring: Cindy, follow up? cindy rice: Are there retirees or senior citizens which might work in the same way? Amy Sebring: ? Renee Domingo: Excellent idea....We have used Corporate volunteers...But that is an excellent idea. Larry Deetjen: Same as in Deerfield Beach. Volunteers from the local high school and the Americorp Program. In fact, we began the employment of two VISTA volunteers just yesterday. Avagene Moore: ? Amy Sebring: Larry already answered my question ... Amy Sebring: Avagene please. Avagene Moore: What type of publicity on lessons learned are done in your communities? Amy Sebring: ? Renee Domingo: We are also working with two VISTA volunteers via the American Red Cross and are attempting to make the youth program a regular project. Russell Coile: ? cindy rice: ? Amy Sebring: Dave would you like to address Avagene's question? Dave Jones: As soon as we adopt a community, we plan to follow them through the procedure. We have already aired several pieces on Project Impact in D.C. David Crews: ? Amy Sebring: Larry, Renee any comments re publicity? Larry Deetjen: In Deerfield Beach, a weekly television show featured on our local cable channel about hazard mitigation ran from April, 1998 - September, 1998 Amy Sebring: Did being a Project Impact assist in getting attention from the public for your existing programs? Larry Deetjen: In addition, Hurricane Preparedness and Exposition, which will again take place in May. Renee Domingo: Oakland can be considered a foster child and we would love to be adopted by a media organization...We are attempting to work with local media more closely. Larry Deetjen: Absolutely! Amy Sebring: Russell next please. Dave Jones: FEMA participated in our 4-Your Health & Fitness Expo in January... Dave Jones: They set up a "Healthy Home" showing retrofitting, etc. Russell Coile: Larry and Renee - Would you give us web sites where we can learn more. Renee Domingo: radomingo@oaklandnet.com Amy Sebring: Does Deerfield Beach have a Website with some Project Impact info Larry? Amy Sebring: We have the link to Dave's Project Impact info on our background page. Dave Jones: WeatherNet4's address is: http://wxnet4.nbc4.com, We have a section on Project Impact at: wxnet4.nbc4.com/chap4/impact.html Amy Sebring: Thanks Dave. Cindy next please. cindy rice: Renee, is this also a possible work program like community service that troubled youths could benefit from through the court system? (Sometimes the community service ends up being a walk the highway and pick up if you see any litter.) cindy rice: ? Renee Domingo: Yes.....We have also looked at involving welfare to work candidates Amy Sebring: We seem to have lost Larry for the moment, hope he makes it back ... Amy Sebring: David Crews please. David Crews: For anyone on the Panel: Have any of you been involved in Community Emergency Response Team (CERTS) in relationship with Project Impact? babsims: ? Dave Jones: I have not, however, I am working on language issues in conjunction with severe weather and public response. Amy Sebring: Renee do you have a CERT program? Dave Jones: I have also received interest in our Storm Pager. Renee Domingo: Yes....Oakland has a CERT program that is very active and we anticipate having 10 model disaster resistant neighborhoods as a result of the CERT program neighborhoods Amy Sebring: Barbara please. babsims: How do you get local managers interested in participating in these programs...everyone wants to reinvent the wheel. Larry Deetjen: in Deerfield Beach, the wed address is www.deerfieldbch.com. Make sure you reference the Hazard Mitigation Amy Sebring: Glad you made it back Larry ... Renee Domingo: Dave, we currently use our Amateur Radio Groups for severe weather alerting and warning. They do patrols in the winter, during high fire season, etc. Amy Sebring: Barbara is asking about how to get other communities and local managers interested in this approach. Renee Domingo: They are our eyes and ears...not to mention one source of back up communications. Dave Jones: We monitor ham radio as well, but the public, if they are away from their TV, do not get warned of potential dangerous weather. Larry Deetjen: Yes! In Deerfield Beach, we have graduated 3 classes, totaling 70 people. Currently, 30 citizens are enrolled in the 4th class. Renee Domingo: Which approach? Amy Sebring: The Project Impact/Disaster Resistant community efforts. babsims: ? Amy Sebring: Larry, can you tell us a little more about the class you are giving? Renee Domingo: Dave we use the ham operators to notify emergency personnel of dangerous or hazardous conditions...which we in turn convey to the public via our local public access and radio station. Amy Sebring: Barbara please. babsims: Project Impact and CERT both depend upon the cooperation of local government agencies who have or want to create their own model programs. Those willing to participate in CERT or IMPACT at the neighborhood level are prevented from participating Renee Domingo: The best way to get people involved is to be able to illustrate the overall benefits to the community. cindy rice: ? dwolfe: ? Are the selected (volunteer) citizens either notified a/o asked to participate in scheduled exercises?? Amy Sebring: Renee in answer to Barbara's comment ... Amy Sebring: you are involving your community on the neighborhood level ... Amy Sebring: how far along is that? Larry Deetjen: In Deerfield Beach, the CERT program is a 7 week course devoted to first aid, small fire suppression, search and rescue and hazard mitigation preparedness. Renee Domingo: YES...Definitely...Our program was developed by the community which includes Renee Domingo: neighborhoods, businesses, non-profits Amy Sebring: Cindy is next and then we will come back to dwolfe. cindy rice: Dave, have you thought about journalism majors or broadcasting majors at colleges and universities to work on sections or parts of what you're doing to gain experience? Amy Sebring: Cindy please. Dave Jones: That is an excellent idea. I would be interested in learning more about how to integrate this into their programs. Dave Jones: I also hire interns here over the summer. Amy Sebring: Ok, we had a question about involving the community in exercises? Amy Sebring: Do any of you have any plans in that regard? cindy rice: ? Dave Jones: We are now developing our plan for our "adopted: community and that is a possibility. I feel an essential one. Renee Domingo: Yes...Each year we conduct a functional exercise with our CERT neighborhood groups. This year we will focus on Y2K. Amy Sebring: Larry? Community exercise? Amy Sebring: Cindy, last question please quickly. Amy Sebring: Dave must leave us for a meeting ... Renee Domingo: In the past, we have tested communications capabilities between neighborhoods and the City should a major disaster occur. Larry Deetjen: Pardon me, but, I have to meet with a City Commissioner about a very important matter. As such, I must be going now! I appreciate the opportunity to "chat" with you all! cindy rice: Larry, being in Florida there might be a larger percentage of older adults and some of them may be able to provide insight on how to help where handicapped or elderly homes/neighborhoods need special considerations and what they might be. your opinion? Amy Sebring: Ok, let's let it go there since our guests must leave... cindy rice: Renee instead? Amy Sebring: thank you so much for sharing with us ... Amy Sebring: continued success with your efforts ... Amy Sebring: it was great to have you back with us Larry and to meet our new awardees. Amy Sebring: Before we shut down ... Renee Domingo: We are designing a residential grant program to assist these special needs populations. Dave Jones: I am open to e-mail discussions...if you are patient, I do answer them. Amy Sebring: Ava, can you give us highlights of upcoming? Avagene Moore: Thanks, Amy. Next week, the Round Table will be led by Tricia Wachtendorf and Gary Webb, University of Deleware, EIIP Partner. The discussion will be a follow-up to an Oct 21 dialogue about the Pop Culture of Disasters. ... Avagene Moore: This group now has a Mail List and a web site http://kfs009.soziologie.uni-kiel.de/~discult/ ... Avagene Moore: You are encouraged to check out the site and the Oct 21 transcript before this informative session on Tuesday, Feb 23, 1: 00 PM Eastern. ... Dave Jones: Thanks for allowing me to participate. Avagene Moore: Next Wednesday ... Renee Domingo: Dave, I will be available next week, my phone number is (510) 238-6353...Perhaps we can meet. Avagene Moore: Feb 24, 12: 00 Noon EST, the EIIP Tech Arena will host Edward Addy, North American Center for Emergency Communications (NACEC), also an EIIP Partner. ... Avagene Moore: Ed will present a demonstration of DVIS: Disaster Victim Information Exchange System. Good topics and presenters are lined up for next week. ... Avagene Moore: Make plans to participate with us in the Virtual Forum. Back to you, Amy. Amy Sebring: Thank you Avagene. Again, thanks to our panelists and please join us back in the Virtual Forum room now if you can stay a little longer for some follow up discussion.