Riley Ann Sawyers 1 (Baby Grace)~"Tears in Heaven"

OH HOLY NIGHT - JESSICA SIMPSON

Wishing Yours A Spirtual Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Safety Tips for The Holidays

Safety Tips for The Holidays

Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 10:55AM

Here are some great tips to help you keep safe during the holidays. I also want to take the time to wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and Happy New Year. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read the blog. I will be taking a break and will be providing more great new content after the Start of the New Year.

Here are your tips:
Water, Water, Water your live tree. This time of year Christmas tree fires occur regularly, but they are usually avoidable. Start by trimming the base of the tree a bit and provide plenty of water. Most trees do not get enough, check it several times a day and keep the base filled with water.

Check your lights, especially before placing them onto your live tree. Broken, missing lights and cracked or frayed wires pose an additional fire risk, and a shock hazard. When it doubt, throw them out.

Don't overload your electrical outlets. This time of year we sometimes get caught up in the beauty of all the lights, but too many into one outlet or on the same circuit can be a serious problem.

Reevaluate your escape plan incase of fire. With the added elements of live trees, candles and many other flammable items it is very important everyone knows how to get out and get out safely.

Now is the perfect time to check your fire and Carbon Monoxide alarms.

When using candles keep them away from flammable objects. A good rule of thumb is if it making the object hot, move the object or put the candle somewhere else.

Many candles come in containers that also get very hot and can burn someone if grabbed or even burn through a wood surface. Make sure children can't grab them and place the candle on a surface that will not burn (we use coasters in my home).

Wrapping paper can burn very quickly and cause a quick flash fire. Do not burn the wrapping paper it is not intended for that purpose. Reuse, recycle or just throw it out.

When setting up your tree, keep it at least three feet away from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources. I would even try for five feet if possible.

Keep cords out of the way where someone will not trip over them. Don't use tacks or staples to hang electric cords, and don't place them under carpets.

Have a safe and happy holiday season.

CHICKEN CHALUPA CASSEROLE

CHICKEN CHALUPA CASSEROLE


12 corn tortillas, quartered
4 large chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1 (10 1/2 ounces) can mushroom soup
1 (10 1/2 ounces) can cream of chicken soup
1 (4 ounces) can diced green chilies
1 large onion, chopped
1 pint sour cream
1/2 pound monterey jack cheese, shredded
1/2 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon salt

Combine soups, chilies, sour cream, onion, and salt.
Combine cheeses.
Layer tortilla pieces, chicken sauce, and then cheeses in greased casserole, repeating layers until ingredients are used.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, covered, then uncovered 15 minutes longer at 325 degrees.

Tastes best refrigerated 24 hours, then reheated before serving.

Source : The Cookbook Club

2010 A Year Of Hope - Peace?

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Look Into The Heavens - Peace On Earth

Time Running Out For Mgt. 315 Course - Enhanced Threat & Risk Assessment

To all persons interested in obtaining advanced training in Enhanced Threat and Risk Assessment:


Jasper/Newton/Sabine Counties Emergency Management will host a two day (16 hours) course conducted by the Texas Engineering Extension Service (TEEX). This course is open to Law Enforcement, Fire Services, EMS, Hazardous Materials, Public Health, Public Works, Emergency Management, Private Health, Emergency Communications, Governmental Administrative, and Private Sector Security Managers and Military (if invited by host jurisdiction).

The course will be held on January 20 and 21, 2010. It will be held at the conference room at the Deep East Texas Council of Governments in Jasper. The location is 210 Premier Drive, Jasper. More information will be forthcoming.

It is mandatory that you sign up for the course on http://www.preparingtexas.com If you need further information contact our office at 409-994-2543. It is advised that you sign up for the class within the next two weeks. This course is free to eligible applicants.

This is a real opportunity for our DETCOG area to receive professional training without having to go to Austin or other cities, thus saving your jurisdiction in cost.
Please feel free to pass this course offering on to others.



Billy Ted Smith

Jasper/Newton/Sabine Counties

Emergency Management/Homeland Security
Program Manager/Coordinator

P.O. Box 2030

Buna, Texas 77612

Office: 409-994-2543

Cell: 409-781-2382

Fax: 409-994-9847

ETMA 2009 Award Winners

ETMA 2009 Award Winners

• 
  
  Jeff Kelley (Orange County Emergency Management)
  
  
  
• 
  
  Joey Davis (Jasper/Newton Electric Cooperative)
  
  
  
• 
  
  Jasper County Commissioner's Court
  
  
  

• Rene Kelley
• Jim Love

• 
  
  Joe Wilkinson
  
  
  
• 
  
  Glenda Smith
  
  
  
• 
  
  Robin Wright
  
  
  
• 
  
  Preston Williams
  
  
  
• 
  
  Olen Bean
  
  
  
• 
  
  Beckie Wilkinson
  
  
  
• 
  
  Vicki Williams
  
  
  

NO COST Training Materials: Active Shooter, Mass Shootings, 4th/5th

After the multiple recent active shooter/mass shooting incidents.


NO COST Training Materials:

Active Shooter and 4th/5th Generation Warfare PPT, video materials and
references: http://www.officer.com/posa/index.jsp?siteSection=30

AND

Preparation for and Response to Mass Shooting Events
http://www.ffsupport.org/training.html

Mass shooting events are becoming more common, and the response to them involves
every public safety agency for miles around. This program detailsthe actions
that fire and EMS agencies can take to prepare themselves forthis all-too-likely
event, and the actions they can take when the eventoccurs.

It covers: Multi-agency planning and preparation Creating a prevention
environment Command, command post and crowd control issues for this kind of
event An overview of the tactics that agencies should be familiar with This
program is available in two formats. The 40+ PowerPoint slidepresentation covers
the material thoroughly, while the 45-minute videoprogram is a verbal
presentation of the PowerPoint material.

http://www.ffsupport.org/training.html

Keys to Remember About Fall Severe Weather and Flooding Across Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana:

1. Many times the storms occur at night. NWS meteorologists are constantly monitoring radar, satellite, and other weather data. For the fall season between 1950 and 2008, ten tornadoes produced fatalities across southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana. Ninety percent of these tornadoes occurred between the hours of 7 pm and 5 am. The NWS issues a tornado warning when someone reports a tornado on the ground, or when radar indicates one may be developing. The importance of NOAA Weather Radio can not be understated. These special radios can be programmed to set off a tone alert anytime the NWS issues a tornado, flash flood, or even a severe thunderstorm warning for your area.

2. Tornadoes and flooding are more likely during El Nino episodes. When El Nino (warmer water near the equatorial Pacific Ocean) occurs, a change in the weather pattern sets up across the Gulf Coast. The jet stream tends to become more active, and enhances the potential for heavy rain or severe weather.

3. Tornadoes and flooding can occur simultaneously. Remember the safety rules. In tornadoes, stay on the lowest floor, in an interior section of your home such as a closet or hallway. Stay away from windows. People in mobile homes need to plan ahead and find a more secure, safe location. Sometimes even mobile homes that are tied down have been flipped over and destroyed in tornado and other high wind events. In flash floods, the biggest dangers occur at night, when it is hard to see the depth of water on area roadways. Be especially caution on flood-prone areas such as underpasses and other low water crossings.

Recent Notable Fall Severe Weather and Flooding Events

October 25-27 1996…Around ten inches of rain fell in less than 24 hours, resulting in widespread flooding across Orange and Jefferson counties in southeast Texas. Ten earthen dams failed in Tyler County after they saw ten inches of rain in three hours, shortly after midnight on the 27th. In southwest Louisiana, flooding was reported from the Lake Charles area to Lafayette and New Iberia, after they saw ten inches of rain in less than 24 hours.

October 23-24 1997…Six tornadoes touched down in Beauregard, Acadia, and Evangeline Parishes, as well as Jasper and Tyler Counties, mainly between 6 pm on the 23rd and 1 am on the 24th. One tornado was rated F2 in Beauregard Parish where around five people were injured and ninety homes were damaged in Merryville.

October 28-29 2002…Five tornadoes touched down in Calcasieu, Beauregard, Acadia, St. Landry, and Evangeline Parishes, and Hardin County. Two women were killed and three other people were seriously injured near Chataignier, LA when an F2 tornado flipped a mobile home 100 yards across a field. To compound the weather problems, over five inches of rain fell in less than 3 hours. One woman drowned in Beaumont, TX when she drove into a flooded underpass late at night. Over 600 homes flooded in Orange County, and another 500 homes flooded in Beaumont, TX. Total property loss over this two day period was almost 9 million dollars region-wide. A detailed report on the flooding can be found here.

November 22-23 2004…Fifteen tornadoes ripped across southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana, mainly at nighttime. Three tornadoes were rated as F2. One woman died in Hardin County where several large trees fell on her mobile home. A detailed report on this event can be found here.

October 2006…A series of severe weather and flooding events occurred in response to the developing El Nino in the Pacific Ocean. Between October 15th and 22nd, tornadoes and flooding wreaked havoc across the region. A more detailed report can be viewed here. Later in the month, October 25th-29th brought nine to twelve inches of rain to a region from Sour Lake, TX to Port Barre, LA. Significant flooding was seen across Calcasieu, Beauregard, Allen, Evangeline, and St. Landry Parishes, as well as Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin Counties. A complete report on this can be found here.

For additional information, contact Roger Erickson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at NWS Lake Charles, by email at roger.erickson@noaa.gov or by phone at 337-477-5285 ext.

Resource on Explosives

Resource on Explosives


The Emergency Management and Response--Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) reviewed the "Bombs/Bomb Response/Suicide Bombers" program, which has over 100 PowerPoint slides and additional documents. The information was reviewed by a Technical Review Committee consisting of experts in homeland security, police special operations, and the fire service from across the nation. It includes more than a dozen open-source documents with information on handling all aspects of this kind of event, from communications to hazmat to tactics.

According to the PowerPoint presentation, this resource was developed for law enforcement, fire, and EMS service personnel. The information can assist agencies when constructing a training program for internal and external applications.

Included in the program is the following information:

* Explosives

* Bomb and terrorism

* Stages of a bombing incident

* Pre-attack detection and countermeasures

* Bomb threats

* Post detonation response

* Suicide bombers

* Use of force

* Facility assessment

* Resources


See this link for more information: http://www.firstresponder.gov/Pages/Category.aspx?Category=Explosives.

ETMA October Meeting - Officers Elected

The East Texas Mutual Aid Association held its October 8th meeting in Evadale, hosted by Mead Westvaco.

David Berling of the Texas Transportation Institute presented the final report for the Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study for Jasper County.  This study was done through a grant from the Governor's Division of Emergency Management in cooperation with the Texas Transportation Institute and Jasper County Local Emergency Planning Committee.

President Smith gave a presentation of the new Web EOC program and the new Emergency Response Notification system.

Election of officers were held for the upcoming year.  Those elected were Billy Ted Smith - President; Joe Wilkinson - Vice President; Kirbie Moss - Secretary; Jim Love - Treasurer; Roy Parker - Chaplain and Preston Williams - Sargent at Arms.  The Directors elected were Hon. Joe Folk, Dennis Gifford, Olen Bean, Ryan Knott, Larry McBride and Steve Connor.

The next meeting of the association will be held on Thursday November 12.  This will be our annual Family and Awards night hosted by ETMA.  It will be at the First Baptist Church in Kirbyville.

Trivia - KFDM Band

This picture is the KFDM band in front of the Magnolia Petroleum Refinery (now the site of ExxonMobil Refinery) in Beaumont.  KFDM was at one time owned by the refinery.  ETMA Treasurer Jim Love (KLVI personality) can give you the history, real interesting.  I am unsure what year this picture was taken, way before my time.

Proposition 10 - HJR 85 Regarding Certain ESD's

In an earlier post on this site, I noted that on House Joint Resolution (Proposition 10) maybe we should not consider support of this legislation.  After reviewing the bill and having conversations and emails of those in Harris County ESD's, we probably should support this and urge others to consider it.

This bill will only affect those districts in counties where the commissioners are elected and will allow the term of office to be four years, instead of two.  It will be a cost saving to those counties, and in today's economic environment, all of us need to tighten our spending.

Below are some talking points I received that may help clarify the bill:

HJR 85 Provides for Elected Harris County ESD Boards

1. Emergency Service Districts (“ESDs”) are political subdivisions that provide fire protection and EMS services in their jurisdictions. ESD boards are governed by a board of 5 members who serve staggered two year terms. This Amendment will provide certain elected ESD boards to serve 4 year terms.

2. Single county ESD boards are appointed by commissioners court, except in Harris County. Last session (2007), Harris County ESD boards were changed from appointed boards to elected boards. Therefore, Harris County ESD boards - and the few multi-county ESD boards - are the only elected ESD boards.

3. Currently, these commissioner elections have to be held every year.

4. Changing the term of office to four years will allow elections to be held every two years. This will cut down on the cost, which in Harris County can range from $10,000 - $30,000 per election.

5. There is the added benefit of affording some greater sense of continuity to the ESD boards, so as to allow greater long-range planning and preparation for the future.

6. A constitutional amendment is required because under Section 30, Article XVI of the Texas Constitution, all public terms of office are two years unless otherwise provided in the Constitution.

As to term limits: HJR 85 is not a term limits bill. Under Prop 10, if passed, the Harris County ESD terms of office would become 4 years in length. It is not that 4 years would be the maximum total length of service (although I can understand someone reading the Prop like that). This proposition goes with the bill (HB 2529), which provides that HC ESD commissioners serve terms of office 4 years in length rather than 2 years. There are no term limits in Texas except for some municipal home rule cities. This Prop 10 does not limit the number of terms served just that the terms of office cannot exceed 4 years.

The following is an example of term limits from the Houston City Charter: “No person, who has already served two full terms, shall be eligible to file for that same office.” That would be the language of term limits.

If anyone may need more information on this bill, please contact me and I will lead you to those in the Harris County.  

Roger's Seven Day Forecast

Tonight...Partly cloudy. A slight chance of showers early in the evening. Lows in the mid 70s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday...Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs around 90. South winds 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night...Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the mid 70s. South winds 10 to 15 mph.

Friday...Partly cloudy early in the morning then becoming mostly cloudy. A chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning...then showers and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 80s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent in the morning increasing to 60 percent in the afternoon.

Friday Night...Showers and thunderstorms likely. Cooler. Lows in the lower 60s. North winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.

Saturday...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Not as warm. Highs in the mid 70s.

Saturday Night...Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the lower 60s.

Sunday...Mostly cloudy in the morning then becoming partly cloudy. A chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 70s. Chance of rain 30 percent.

Sunday Night And Columbus Day...Partly cloudy with a 20 percent chance of showers. Lows in the lower 60s. Highs in the upper 70s.

Monday Night And Tuesday...Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 50s. Highs in the mid 70s.

Tuesday Night And Wednesday...Partly cloudy. Lows in the mid 50s. Highs in the upper 70s

Another Reminder Of Tomorrow Night ETMA Meeting

Just a reminder of the monthly meeting of ETMA to be held on Thursday Ovtober 7 at 7 PM. The meeting will be hosted by our Industry partners Mead Westvaco at their plant on FM 105 in Evadale.


Agenda for the meeting will be:

• Presentation of the HazMat Commodity Flow Study Final Report by Texas Transportation Institute
• Demo of the DETCOG WebEOC System
• Demo of the new DETCOG Emergency Notification Systen
• Demo of Texas TranStar Regional Traffic Camera System
• Rollout of ETMA Web Blog
• National Weather Service Report
• Election of Officers for 2010
• Discussion of Family/Awards Night

Please make every effort to attend. Send someone to represenate you if you are unable to attend.

For more information contact us at 409-994-2543.

DPS Announcing New Jobs

If you're looking for a job, we're accepting applications throughout the state! http://bit.ly/DPSjobs
Texas DPS posted this opportunity about 13 hours ago from web.

With Deer Season Coming

Easy Texas Chili

2 pounds lean ground beef (may use venison and pork)
1 large onion, diced
1 large bell pepper, minced
3 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans
2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
4 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
3 jalapeno peppers, minced (optional)
1/2 cup chili powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Cook and stir the beef, onion, and bell pepper in a large pot over medium heat
until the beef is brown and onion and pepper are tender, about 10 minutes. Drain
grease from beef.
Stir in beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, jalapenos (if using), chili powder, red
pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Bring mixture to a slow
boil; cover and reduce heat. Simmer chili at least 30 minutes, stirring
occasionally so that it does not stick. This chili can be simmered for several
hours; the longer you simmer, the more flavor you will get.

Be Prepared in Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Ice Storms, Civil Unrest, Shortages

All of us in Emergency Preparedness know better than anyone the need to really be prepared.

How a Full Pantry Saves Money

Call it obsession or maybe just a legacy from my Depression-era grandparents, who kept their larders full, but I have a well stocked, full to brimming over pantry. I have always shopped ahead and stocked up, but after moving to a larger home last year with incredible storage space in the basement, I have fulfilled my dream of having a full pantry.

With today's unstable economy, having a full pantry is protection against high prices and provisions for tomorrow. My full pantry allows me to avoid unnecessary trips to the supermarket, saving time, money and gas.

It is easy to start stocking a pantry. There are just a few rules that make it simple and even inexpensive.

Rule #1: Buy only what the family will use. Filling a pantry with items that family members may not like or things that may never be used defeats the purpose of building a stockpile of food.

Rule#2: Stock up with sale items. Don't rush out to buy six cans of spaghetti sauce or four boxes of macaroni and cheese. Wait for a sale. Most supermarkets put out a weekly sale ad so watch for favorite products and brands to go on sale. In addition, some markets offer in-store savings on select items so be a savvy shopper and search the shelves for bargains. When the spaghetti sauce is at a low sale price, that is the time to stock up with several to store on the shelf.

Rule #3: Use coupons. Many Sunday newspapers offer coupon inserts and other coupons are in many publications. Online sites like Coupon Cabin, Cool Savings.com, and Coupon Craze can also provide coupons that match products. Often, manufacturers put out coupon savings at about the same time as their products go on sale at the supermarket, providing a chance for even greater savings. Better yet, find a supermarket that offers double coupons or even triple coupon events to increase the savings!

Rule #4: Prepare the space for your pantry. Whether it is an empty kitchen cabinet, a freestanding shelf, a hutch, or basement shelves, utilize any open space for food storage. My basement came equipped with many shelves and bonus kitchen cabinets, installed by a former owner. Remember that any space used as a pantry should be cool and dry. Most garages and outside storage buildings get too hot or cold to serve as safe storage space for food.

Rule #5: Once you have a pantry established, remember to rotate. Put the newest items in the back and use the first one in line. This is easier to do if you organize the food on the pantry shelves, like item with like item. I keep condiments like ketchup, mustard, and salad dressings together with each item in a row of its own.

Rule #6: Don't buy more than you can ever use. Once into the routine of planning and stocking a pantry, it is easy to get carried away, but don't buy more than can be used within a reasonable amount of time. Keep track of use-by dates on products, plan ahead, and if more than three squeeze bottles of mustard won't be used by that time, don't buy more.

With these simple tips and money saving ideas, anyone can stock a pantry, saving money and limiting trips to the market. A plus is that a well-stocked pantry can save the day during weeks when money is short or the weather limits shopping. The key to a well-fed family on a budget is a well-stocked pantry!

REMINDER OF ETNA MEETING

Just a reminder of the monthly meeting of ETMA to be held on Thursday Ovtober 7 at 7 PM.  The meeting will be hosted by our Industry partners Mead Westvaco at their plant on FM 105 in Evadale.

Agenda for the meeting will be:

• Presentation of the HazMat Commodity Flow Study Final Report by Texas Transportation Institute
• Demo of the DETCOG WebEOC System
• Demo of the new DETCOG Emergency Notification Systen
• Demo of Texas TranStar Regional Traffic Camera System
• Rollout of ETMA Web Blog
• National Weather Service Report
• Election of Officers for 2010
• Discussion of Family/Awards Night

Please make every effort to attend.  Send someone to represenate you if you are unable to attend.
For more information contact us at 409-994-2543.

A Little Humor for H1N1

We are all concerned about H1N1 or Swine Flu, but we have to have a little humor.

Heather Ross Promoted To TCEQ Regional Director

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality recently announced that Heather Ross has been selected as the new Regional Director for the Beaumont Region Office. Heather has been with TCEQ for almost thirteen years. Having served as both the Water Section Manager and (for the past three years) the Air Section Manager in the Beaumont Office, she brings varied technical and management experience with her. She will officially assume her new position on October 1. Please join me in congratulating Heather, and supporting her as she transitions into her new role.

New from AHRQ: The Essentials: Planning Guide for Mass Medical Care

HHS’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) today released a condensed version of a 2007 mass medical care planning guide that contains updated resources and new information specific to H1N1. Mass Medical Care With Scarce Resources: The Essentials is a resource for community planners to prepare for public health emergencies, such as pandemic flu, when demand for medical resources outweighs supply. The 70-page guide sets out a framework of basic steps that planners may take to prepare for a mass casualty event. It addresses key questions that each community should ask to properly plan for a well coordinated operational response. The Essentials guide addresses ethical and legal issues and provides tips on preparing for the provision of services to address: pre-hospital, acute hospital care, alternative care sites, and palliative care during disaster conditions. To illustrate how to apply these basic principles, the Essentials guide also includes a special section on influenza pandemic preparedness. This new resource is an abbreviated version of AHRQ’s Mass Medical Care With Scarce Resources: a Community Planning Guide.


Mass Medical Care With Scarce Resources: The Essentials (http://www.ahrq.gov/prep/mmcessentials/) was prepared by Sally J. Phillips, R.N., Ph.D., and Kelly J. Johnson, MPH, of AHRQ and Ann Knebel, R.N., DNSc, of the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. It is available online or can be ordered from the AHRQ Clearinghouse by calling 1-800-358-9295 or e-mailing AHRQPubs@.... Ask for AHRQ Pub. No. 09-0016. For more AHRQ resources on public health emergency preparedness, please visit: http://www.ahrq.gov/prep/.

The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point September edition of CT Message List

The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point is pleased to announce the
release of the September edition of the CTC Sentinel. It may be found
on our website at
http://www.ctc.usma.edu/sentinel/CTCSentinel-Vol2Iss9.pdf.

The contents of this month's CTC Sentinel are:

Are the Afghan Taliban Involved in International Terrorism? By Anne
Stenersen

The Insurgent-Narcotic Nexus in Helmand Province, By Captain Michael
Erwin, U.S. Army

The Expansion Strategy of Al-Qa`ida in the Arabian Peninsula, By Gregory
D. Johnsen

A Profile of Pakistan's Lashkar-i-Jhangvi, By Arif Jamal

The Failure of Salafi-Jihadi Insurgent Movements in the Levant, By Bilal
Y. Saab

The Dangerous Ideas of the Neo-Zarqawist Movement, By Murad Batal
al-Shishani

The July 17 Jkarta Suicide Attacks and the Death of Noordin Top, By
Noor Huda Ismail

Recent Highlights in Terrorist Activity

ARIA To Build Fire Stations

American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA)

Program Overview

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), signed into law by President Obama on Feb. 19, is designed to jumpstart the U.S. economy, create or save millions of jobs and address national needs-while supporting unprecedented levels of transparency, oversight and accountability.

In awarding ARRA funds, DHS prioritizes shovel-ready projects that infuse resources into local economies quickly while meeting critical security needs. DHS grant programs funded under ARRA will further strengthen the nation's ability to protect critical infrastructure facilities and transit systems and assist fire departments in improving their response capability/capacity and strengthening firefighter safety.

ARRA Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)

ARRA Port Security Grant Program (PSGP)

ARRA Fire Station Construction Grants (SCG)

Together, the ARRA TSGP, ARRA PSGP, and ARRA SCG fund a range of preparedness activities centered around capital projects, Operational Packages, equipment acquisition, and new and upgraded fire stations.

Fire Station Construction Grant (SCG) Program
Purpose

The ARRA is an economic stimulus package that was designed to jumpstart the U.S. economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges nationally. Funds received under this Act are intended to support these goals, and unprecedented levels of transparency, oversight, and accountability are required of the expenditure of Act dollars.

The purpose of the FY 2009 ARRA SCG is to create or save jobs in recession-hit areas and achieve other purposes stated in ARRA, and achieve AFG goals of firefighter safety and improved response capability/capacity based on need through the construction, renovation or modification of fire stations.

Eligibility and Funding

Total Funding Available: $210,000,000

Non-Federal Fire Departments and state and local governments that fund/operate fire departments are eligible for SCG.

For more informatiom go to www.fema.gov/

A Chief's Prayer

I am called to many duties Lord and now I've been called home.
I've had to leave the ones I love to stand before your throne.
I'll not complain, it's not my way but there are some things I'll ask.
And please, Lord, grant them to me for the loved ones I hold fast.
I dare to ask because I know you've blessed in the past.
I've learned to trust in your grace, O Lord that's why I've come this far.
So now, O God, I humbly pray, hear this Fire Chief's Prayer.
Bless my wife and family- so often left alone,
They knew where I was going, and trusted you to bring me home.
That one day, someday, we'll be together in this place.
And O dear God, bless my men I trained them as best I could.
I tried to do your will with them and lead them as you would.
I need to know you are with them Lord or how can I stay,
And peacefully enjoy this place of endless day.
This heaven where there is no night, no fire to kill and burn,
I guess that's why it's now my rest, my place, my turn.
And Lord, be with my community and keep it as safe it can be,
For all its folks are special, and very dear to me.
They are all my friends, and by your grace I served them as best I could.
So hear this Fire Chief's Prayer, O Lord,
And grant it please- I already knew you would

Amen.

--Author Unknown

Mead Westvaco Will Host October ETMA Meeting

The next meeting of the East Texas Mutual Aid Association will be held at MeadWestvaco on Hwy. 105 in Evadale, Texas on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. This month’s meeting is hosted by MeadWestvaco.


We encourage all department heads and V.F.D. Chiefs to be in attendance. If you are unable to attend we extend the invitation to anyone representing you or your organization.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact the Jasper County E.M. Billy Ted Smith at (409) 994-2543 or Kirbie Moss at 409-504-9047 .This includes any requests for department head updates or changes/additions to contact information. Hope to see you there.

Biofuel Safety: Is it time for Bio-PSM?

Biofuel Safety: Is it time for Bio-PSM?


February 1st, 2009
by Dr. Saraf

Biofuel production and manufacturing facilities in the United States are increasing rapidly. On August 8, 2005, President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (H.R. 6) into law. The comprehensive energy legislation includes a nationwide renewable fuels standard (RFS) that will double the use of ethanol and biodiesel by 2012.

Biodiesel Incidents

Biodiesel popularity stems from the fact that it is simple to manufacture and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. Biodiesel can be easily mixed with regular diesel and used for running automobiles. Although biodiesel is non-flammable and non-reactive, manufacturing of biodiesel poses processing hazards and careful attention should be paid to manufacture biodiesel safely as indicated by the following accidents.

Feb. 2006: A fire at American Biofuel’s Biodiesel plant in Bakersfield, California resulted destroyed the entire plant. The fire was caused by a methanol spill possibly ignited by static electricity.

2005: A man repairing glycerin storage tank in a biodiesel facility in Staten Island died due to an explosion.

June 2006: Fire destroys a biodiesel plant in Canby

Please note the above list is not comprehensive collection of biodiesel incidents.

Bioethanol Incidents

Over 90 percent of U.S. ethanol is made from corn. Active research is being conducted to manufacture ethanol from cellulose feedstock – agricultural waste, plant residue, municipal solid waste. Below are a few incidents involving bioethanol:

June 15th, 2006, Shively, KY: Two Workers Treated For Burns After Fire At Shively Ethanol Plant

September 22nd, 2005, West Burlington, IA: A grain dryer was the cause of a fire in an ethanol plant.

September 5th, 2005, Brentwood, CA: Two thousand gallons of ethanol spilled onto a roadway and into a storm drain when a tanker truck overturned.

Please note the above list is not comprehensive collection of bio-ethanol incidents.

Safety Considerations

Both biodiesel and bioethanol facilities have flammable hydrocarbons especially highly flammable alcohol.

Methanol, ethanol, isopropanol are classified as Class IB flammable liquids according to OSHA 1910.106. Class IB substances have flash points below 73 F/22.8 C, boiling point higher than 100 F/37.8 C and can readily catch fire at room temperature. Therefore, special care should be taken while handling flammables in a biofuel production unit. In addition, methanol also poses toxic hazards.

The prevailing consensus amongst independent biofuel manufacturers is that process safety can be achieved by common sense and enforcement of prescriptive codes and standards; however, considerable expertise is needed to comprehensively mitigate biofuel manufacturing risks.

It is recommended that the biofuel manufacturers voluntarily adapt PSM in order to increase the safety of biodiesel production. Process Safety Management (PSM) has been successfully adopted by the chemical industries and refineries in the United States.

Note: Biofuel production facilities that use over 10,000 pounds (~1500 gallons) of alcohol or flammable mixtures are covered by the OSHA PSM rule (29 CFR 1910.119).

PSM can not only assist biofuel industry in the prevention of catastrophic events, it can also enhance employee knowledge of operations, improve technical procedures, maintain accurate process safety information, and increase overall facility productivity. In addition, manufacturing industries follow Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEP) to improve safety and reduce incidents. Since most of the current biofuel manufacturers are small operations, set of guidelines encompassing PSM elements but less rigorous can be developed for such facilities. At first glance the documentation requirements of OSHA PSM seem daunting; however, a guideline document to ensure compliance with OSHA PSM without consuming too many resources can be developed.

Final Thought

To maintain a positive image, biofuels manufactures should give a serious thought to plant safety either by implementing “PSM-like” approach or by developing independent safety evaluation protocol.

I would like to share couple of Google Maps (Source: John Astad of Combustible Dust Policy Institute) that graphically display incidents in biodiesel and ethanol plants.Biodiesel Fires and Explosions Map (click to view)

According to the map, there were 8 fires and 6 explosions in biodiesel facilities in the U.S in 3-year period (2006-2009). This translates to approx. 5 incidents per year.Ethanol Fires and Explosions Map (click to view)

Based on the map, there were 22 fires and 11 explosions in biodiesel facilities in the U.S. in 10-year period (1998-2009). This translates to approx. 3 incidents per year.

Diesel Fuel Spill- Jasper County

The State of Texas State Operations Center (SOC) received a report of diesel fuel spill one mile east of State Highway 96 on U.S. Highway 105 in Jasper County. A rail car derailment punctured a fuel tank on a locomotive causing a spill of 1000 gallons of diesel. EPS of Vermont is the contractor scheduled to go out at 1100 on 09/13/2009 for clean up. TCEQ has been notified (ERC)


If you know of a spill or derailment, immediatily call the Office of Emergency.

Large Animal Rescue Class offered in Navasota, Texas -

The Brazos Valley Equine Hospital in Navasota, Texas is pleased to host Dr. Rebecca Giminez and an Awareness level course in Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Training (TLAERT). This opportunity is sponsored in part by MWI Veterinary Supply AND PFIZER. TLAERT teaches emergency response to community members, including firefighters, rescue squads, law enforcement, animal control officers, and large animal veterinarians. Participants learn how to safely prepare for and approach large animal incidents such as trailer/livestock hauler accidents (including overturns), handleing large animals in open areas, mud rescues, and incidents where people might be trapped with the animals. We will also give instruction on the behavior of large animals in rescue situations, using what equipment your emergency department already owns to solve TLAER incidents, and how to interact with other resources that may already exist in your community to find an appropriate solution for large animal issues. This course has been approved for 16 hours of continuing education for Animal Control Officers and Veterinarians in the State of Texas.


To sign up for this educational opportunity, please visit the Brazos Valley Web sight at http://www.bveh.com/.

Deep East Texas Regional Emergency Managers Group Formed

Deep East Texas Regional Emergency Managers Meeting
July 23, 2009, 10 AM
Polk County EOC

This was an organization meeting with ten (10) of DETCOG’s twelve (12) counties represented.

Meeting was opened by Billy Ted Smith and by general consensus the group decided to elect officials to preside over these gatherings; with the following results:
Billy Ted Smith – President
Larry Shine – Vice President
Joe Wilkinson – Secretary

Billy Ted Smith stated the purpose of this group was to network between all counties in the DETCOG area and to operate in the most efficient manner that results would be in the best service possible to the citizens in our region. The Deep East Texas Regional Emergency Managers Group (REM) was established to provide an opportunity for Emergency Management professionals in Deep East Texas to network regularly in order to discuss current issues and hear topical discussions or presentations. To provide an organized format for correspondence with State or Federal contacts on issues important to the Group

The decision was made to hold monthly meetings and that these meeting would be rotated to different locations in the Region. The meetings will be held the 3rd Monday of each month at 10:00 AM. The locations are to be determined at a later date. The following meeting dates have been set:
August 17: Houston County
September 21: Lufkin
October 19: Nacogdoches
November 16: Tyler County
December: OPEN

There was discussion on a website(Web page) for communication between participating members such as North Central Texas Council of Government use. (A) This should be a secure site that requires prior approval for entry. Billy Ted would talk to Walter Diggles to progress this.

Discussion on NIMCAST – ICS Compliance

Discussed need for County Officials and Volunteer Fire Department Member needing more ICS training. Billy Tedand Jeff Baun has just completed the training necessary to teach ICS 300/400.

Larry Shine spoke about ADAPT pens with USB port to download damage assessment; (A) Larry Shine will set up a time for a presentation.

Discussion on RAC ( Regional Assistance Committee – Brenda Anderson Cole – Request that she supply available (current) information on H1N1 to all EMC’s as this information becomes available.
(A) Billy Ted Smith to attend a summit in Austin on August 10, 2009
(B) Several others have attended locally.

Discussion on EMPG – Emergency Management Performance Grant

Larry Shine discussed HB 1831.
During declared disasters when mandatory evacuation is orders by County Judges:
(A) Person can be arrested for not evacuating.
(B) If you did not evacuate, can be fined and charged for Emergency Services

Discussed important of VOAD – Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster
Larry Shine discussed GDEM – Jack Colley’s State Concept of operations Strategy
(A) Presentation on Star Board
(B) Shine will send e-mail attachment to all members
Discussion of States policy on POD – Points of Distribution locations within counties.
The States Recommendation:
(A) One (1) County Staging Area (CSA)
(B) Four (4) PODs (Points of Distribution) as determined by the county. *

Discussion that the DETCOG Emergency Management Coordinator’s have input on the location and number of POD’s provided. The new term CSA has a connotation of a place that all commodities are dropped at a point and the counties have a task of distribution to individual POD’s.

Due to time constraints meeting was adjourned on a motion a second.

Billy Ted Smith
President

Superbowl Security - nims ics (incident command structure)

Star Trek and Star wars don't have anything on this, the future of incident command and control is available now to small departments and agencies

NIMS Training

Preview of training video for those who must become competent in the Incident Command System and the National Incident Management System.

BLEVE Explanation

BLEVE or "boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion". This is a type of explosion that can occur when a vessel containing a pressurized liquid is ruptured. Such explosions can be extremely hazardous.

Job Posting - Mesquite OEM

The Mesquite Office of Emergency Management has posted our job opening for the Emergency Management Specialist position. Attached is the job announcement and requirements for your review.

We work as a team here in Mesquite OEM and collaborate on most projects and duties. However, this position will be the lead on planning and public education which are both major components of this position. This posting is open until filled so we will be interviewing candidates on an ongoing basis until a candidate is selected. The pay range is as follows (hiring range will be below mid-point):

Minimum: $42,456
Mid: $52,008
Max: $61,560

If you have any questions regarding this opportunity please feel free to contact me. Applications must be submitted online at www.cityofmesquite.com

TRRN

Texas Regional Response Network (T.R.R.N.)

Governor's Division of Emergency Management



What do we have?... Where do we have it?...

How do we get it to where we need it?...



About T.R.R.N.

What is T.R.R.N.?

T.R.R.N. is an acronym for the Texas Regional Response Network. It is a web-based application developed by the Texas Forest Service for the Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM).



The Governor's Division of Emergency Management (GDEM) is tasked with administering a program of Comprehensive Emergency Management, designed to reduce the vulnerability of the citizens and communities of this State to damage, to injury, and to loss of life and property by providing a system for the Mitigation of, Preparedness for, Response to and Recovery from natural or man-made disasters. (See http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/index.htm for more information.)



The function of the T.R.R.N. web application is to provide a central, web-based system to organize and coordinate resources in response to such incidents.

We are asking all departments to enter their resources.

Fluffahs

10 Ways to Keep Hope During Your Job Search

10 Ways to Keep Hope During Your Job Search


posted Thursday, September 10, 2009 12:07 PM

by Kenrick Chatman, Corporate Strategy / Business Development Professional





As you may know this is probably the toughest time since the Great Depression to find jobs. There are now 6+ job seekers for every available position. Likewise, several fellow job seekers have asked me this question: “How do I maintain hope during these challenging times?” Below are 10 ways job seekers can stay encouraged during a daunting job hunt.

1. Determine Your Worst Case Scenario: In nearly all cases this outcome is not as bad as you initially thought. Afterwards put together a well thought out plan to overcome all potential obstacles to accomplish your desired outcome (landing your next opportunity). Finally determine the rewards of your desired outcome and strive for them by executing your plan through both the ups and downs.



2. Determine Your Opportunities: Winston Churchill once stated: “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” As current job seekers, you now have time to identify career-related opportunities. These opportunities can include achieving a higher level of satisfaction with your work, joining a company with values compatible with your own, acquiring your ultimate career aspiration, and so on.



3. Maintain or Develop Confidence: If you’re not excited or confident about your ability to produce great results for potential employers, do not expect them to be excited and confident about potentially hiring you. Employers are looking for problem solvers who can help their firms make and/or save money. Determine how you accomplished this in your previous positions and develop your pitch. For example, “I’m a revenue and profit growth expert who helps solve the problems that keep your senior executives up at night.”



4. Diversify Your Job Search Strategy: In addition to applying to job postings, make sure you are also working to create your own job market. Job Radio USA is loaded with resources that provide steps on how to accomplish this. It’s up to you to use this knowledge and execute it.



5. Get Over Your Fears and Take Action: If you are afraid of blowing the few job leads you may have because you do not know what to say to a potential employer, are not confident in your abilities to generate value, and so on… do not use these fears as reasons to do nothing. First, identify 5-10 companies you would never work for and use them to practice creating your own job market, build up your confidence, “perfect” your resume, cover letter, and value proposition, determine what to say to potential employers, and so on.



6. Make Job Search Strategy Adjustments: If you are not generating favorable results from job postings, informational interview requests, and so on; it’s time to adjust your job search strategy. It’s time to develop an alternative resume and cover letter, use my LinkedIn techniques to apply to job postings instead of applying blindly, adjust your informational interview request pitch, and/or incorporate and test a creative, yet professional, job search technique in the marketplace.



7. Remove the Mystery: How many times have you heard someone state: “I wonder what would have happened if I would have done this?” It’s time for you to leave your comfort zone and do what it takes to make the “impossible” possible by landing your dream job during the Great Recession. Likewise, you will not have to look back with regret wondering how life would have been better if you would have taken decisive and bold actions then. Take decisive and bold actions now!



8. Get Away on Occasions: If you are working efficiently and diligently to land your next opportunity and your productivity is declining due to fatigue and other factors, take a break from your job search. Take advantage of your free time to rest, do what you love to do, and energize yourself. Afterwards, return to your job search.



9. Exercise and Give Back: As we all know the current job search can be daunting for even the most optimistic individuals. Likewise, job seekers should exercise to counter stress, bad moods, low energy levels, and potential depression that can result from the job search. Also look to give back by helping others or volunteering. The benefits of volunteering include a reduction in stress, physical pain, and depression. It also increases the endorphin level which helps people literally feel a rush of joy or great inside.



10. Never Give Up: Whatever you do, do not get discouraged and give up. The only individuals who fail in life are the ones who give up trying. Finally, ask yourself this question: “What are the benefits of halting my job search?”

http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1217529182375.shtm

http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1217529182375.shtm


August 16th, 2008 . by Michael Ostrolenk

From DHS

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released today the National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP) to address gaps and determine solutions so that emergency response personnel at all levels of government and across all disciplines can communicate as needed, on demand, and as authorized. The NECP is the nation’s first strategic plan to improve emergency response communications, and complements overarching homeland security and emergency communications legislation, strategies and initiatives.
Full Press Release

http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1217529182375.shtm
1 Comment

OSHA issues revised PPE standard

Source: (USA) Federal Register: September 9, 2009


29 CFR Parts 1910, 1915, 1917, and 1918


Updating OSHA Standards Based on National Consensus Standards;

Personal Protective Equipment

AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),Department of Labor.


ACTION: Final rule.



SUMMARY: OSHA is issuing this final rule to revise the personal

protective equipment (PPE) sections of its general industry, shipyard

employment, longshoring, and marine terminals standards regarding

requirements for eye- and face-protective devices, head protection, and foot

protection. OSHA is updating the references in its regulations to recognize more

recent editions of the applicable national consensus standards, and is deleting

editions of the national consensus standards that PPE must meet if purchased

before a specified date. In addition, OSHA is amending its provision that

requires safety shoes to comply with a specific American National Standards

Institute (ANSI) standard, and a provision that requires filter lenses and

plates in eye-protective equipment to meet a test for transmission of radiant

energy specified by another ANSI standard. In amending these paragraphs, OSHA

will require this safety equipment to comply with the applicable PPE design

provisions. These revisions are a continuation of OSHA's effort to update or

remove references to specific consensus and industry standards located

throughout its standards.


DATES: This final rule will become effective on October 9, 2009.

Proposition 10 - HJR 85

Suggest you vote against this.
Proposition 10


HJR 85

"The constitutional amendment to provide that elected members of the governing boards of emergency services districts may serve terms not to exceed four years."

9/11 Let Us Never Forget

East Texas Mutual Aid Association Meeting

The next meeting of the East Texas Mutual Aid Association will be held at Central Baptist Church in Kirbyville, Texas on Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. This month’s meeting is hosted by Sabine Neches Baptist Area in cooperation with Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief.


At this months meeting there will be disaster relief units for viewing, these will include a feeding unit, chainsaw unit, shower/laundry unit, and a water purification unit. The viewing will start at 6 PM and dinner will be served at 7 PM.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact the Jasper County E.M. Billy Ted Smith at (409) 994-2543 or Kirbie Moss at 409-504-9047 .This includes any requests for department head updates or changes/additions to contact information. Hope to see you there.



Billy Ted Smith - President, ETMA