Do you use Web 2.0 Technologies?

We are continuously looking into new ways to catalyze the relationships and networks that already exist in Johnson County. One such process we are considering is how and when to use the so called "Web 2.0" technologies such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter. These are all user-driven applications, but would they work in spreading the word about emergency preparedness in Johnson County? I would love to know if you use these types of services already or would be interested in trying to use them to learn more about what we do.

As always, you can respond to this post on the blog or if you are reading this via email just hit reply and drop me a line.

Holiday Wish List

As we pass through the season of thanksgiving and move into an annual period of exchanging gifts, Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security (JCEMHS) would like to take an opportunity to share our holiday wish list with you.  Moreover, because they are just too hard to wrap, we thought we’d tell you what we got you for the holiday!

GIFTS TO YOU:

1)      Daily information about what Johnson County is doing to stay prepared for all disasters that may impact this area (see www.jocoprepared.blogspot.com).

2)  2)     Dedicated preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation for all hazards in Johnson County (www.jocoprepared.org/what_joco_has_done/past_projects.aspx)

3)  3)    Highly trained and courteous staff dedicated to making Johnson County – A Community Prepared! (see www.jocoprepared.org)

 OUR WISH LIST:

1)       For you to consider being prepared for all hazards that may impact Johnson County (see www.jocoem.org for a full list).

2)  2)     For you to make an emergency communication plan with your family so you can stay in-touch during an emergency (see www.preparemetrokc.org/myplan) for an easy way to do this.

3)  3)    For you to stay informed how about to be prepared for disasters as well as what Johnson County is doing for you (see www.jocoprepared.org for details).

Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security would like to wish everyone a safe and warm holiday season.  

 

Med-Act Captain Assumes National Leadership Role

Captain Connie Meyer of Johnson County's Med-Act was installed as the President-Elect for 2008-2009 of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) during its recent general memebership meeting in Las Vegas. Over the next several years she will serve as President-Elect, President, then Past President.

Johnson County's emergency preparedness partners continue to not only shine locally, but nationally as well. This is quite the honor and we should all give Connie a virtual "pat on the back".

IAEM Conference (The Rest of the Story)

Johnson County Emergency Management staff and dozens of local professionals continued to attend the IAEM Conference last week. Topics continued to range from communication issues to organizational approaches. Adam Crowe, Assistant Director of Community Preparedness for Johnson County Emergency Management and Homeland Security, presented to approximately 100 attendees on issues facing emergency management now and into the future. The attendees and staff were all very pleased with the Overland Park Convention Center and the treatment they got in Johnson County and Kansas City as a whole.

IAEM Conference: Day 1

As Johnson County hosts the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Annual Conference, I thought it would be appropriate to give you an update from the first day.  At least 35 emergency management and preparedness personnel from the Greater Kansas City area (including at least 6 from Johnson County or related cities).  

Chairman Annabeth Surbaugh welcomed the nearly 1500 attendees to Johnson County, KDEM Deputy Director Angee Morgan provided oversight about the status of emergency preparedness in Kansas, and Dan Robeson welcomed representatives from 14 countries who were in attendance.  Nick Crossley was also recognized as the local host emergency manager.

Speakers today included FEMA Administrator David Paulison, General Honore (coordinated the Hurricane Katrina response), as well as many specific outbreaks sessions on topics including disaster informatics (use of alternate communications like Facebook), EOC Construction, the power of storytelling for emergency managers, and many many others.

Day 2 should be packed as well!

International Conference Hosted by Johnson County

Johnson County is hosting the 56th annual International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Annual Conference starting today and running through November 19th. An estimated 1,500 people will come to Johnson County to attend the conference. All activities will be hosted at the Overland Park Convention Center. For more information, visit www.iaem.com.

Help us welcome these visitors!

Testing of the Outdoor Warning Siren System

In Johnson County, the outdoor warning siren system is tested on the first Wednesday of every month at 11 pm. In the event of any severe weather threat, the system test is postponed by one week (2nd Wednesday at 11 pm). We realize this may be confusing to some people, but we do our best to be consistent with our testing procedures.

For more information about the Johnson County Outdoor Warning Siren System including a historical record of times it has been activiated, please visit http://www.jocoem.org/outdoor_warning.htm.

New Ready vBlog!

The Ready Campaign is launching a new tool to encourage Americans to take steps to prepare. The Campaign is hosting a video blog and is looking for Americans who have recently experienced an emergency situation to help us tell Americans why it is important to take steps in advance to prepare.

This new video blog will be hosted on Ready’s Web site http://www.ready.gov/vblog/index.html.