Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication - Colorado Dept of Public Health and Environment

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is hosting a workshop on crisis and emergency risk communication for pandemic influenza. This is a unique opportunity to participate in CDC's acclaimed crisis and emergency risk communication training here in Colorado. Emergency Management PIOs are invited but space is limited, so register early at www.co.train.org and search for the 20 Jul 09 class or for course *1018194*.

Colorado Fire Ban Info

Following what seems like the never-ending cycle of morning dryness shattered by afternoon boomers and finger-tornadoes and with successive days of the Rocky Mountain Area awash in the "very low risk," cool, comforting green... it is hard to think about fire bans or restrictions. But, I wanted to help circulate the word about some very good work being done by Chris Sorensen and Forrest Frazee of Kiowa County on keeping us informed on fire bans, restrictions and updates across Colorado. In particular, as we all look forward to the upcoming July 4 holiday that seems to rotate around, not only our love for independence, but our collective celebration of fire - be it fireworks, campfires or BBQ-based - it might be handy to have a one-stop shop to find out what the latest on what is allowed or not allowed in the particular part of Colorado you are going to be spending the holiday. If you have a question or would like to pitch in to help keep the effort up-to-date, please visit www.cofireban.info.... and to keep with my theme of twitter-focused articles of late, I'll throw in, too, that CO Fire Ban also maintains a Twitter feed at @cofireban.

...and you thought I might let a week slip without mentioning Twitter. C'mon folks... "fire bans", "Colorado" and "Twitter" all mentioned in one sentence? How could I pass on that? That string of now-linked terms has to show that age of new media is upon us.

NIMS ICS Position-Specific "Train the Trainer" Trainings

NIMS ICS Position Specific training is designed to provide all-hazards competencies and behaviors for the eight Command and General Staff positions and select unit leader positions.  The competencies in the training are focused around the ability of the student to assume the position responsibilities, lead assigned personnel, communicate effectively, and to ensure the completion of assigned tasks to meet identified objectives for the position. NIMS ICS Position Specific training should be completed by personnel who desire to eventually be certified as a member of a Type III Incident Management Team (IMT) or who desire to seek credentials/certification in an ICS Command and General Staff or Unit Leader position.

For more information and for the application documents, contact Robyn.Knappe@state.co.us

CO Emergency Managers Receive IAEM Certified Emergency Manager Credentials

In a press release from the International Association of Emergency Managers, it appears that a couple of our own Colorado emergency management family made the cut to join the latest class of Certified Emergency Managers: David Holm, with the Colorado Division of Emergency Management, and Joel Cochran, Summit County Sheriff's Office. The Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) designation is the highest honor of professional achievement available from the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). To become certified, the credential requirements include experience, references, specific education and training and demonstrated contributions to the profession. After completing the core package requirements, both a management essay and written examination must also be passed. For more info on the requirements or how to become a Certified Emergency Manager, visit www.iaem.com.

Congrats to David Holm, CEM, and Joel Cochran, CEM, from the Division!!!

Any comments, additions, or other suggestions you have for this report or on the DEM site? Don't hesitate to contact me at (303) 472-4087 or at brandon.williams@state.co.us