Natural Hazards Observer
| July 2005 | Volume XXIX | Number 6 |
Below are the most recent conference announcements received by the Natural Hazards Center. A comprehensive list of hazards/disaster meetings is posted on our Web site: http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/conf.html.
Coastal Zone 05: Balancing on the Edge. Organizer: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coastal Services Center. New Orleans, Louisiana: July 17-21, 2005. The 14th installment of the biennial coastal resource management conference series will focus on balancing the issues and interests of land and sea. With over 1,000 participants expected from all over the world, this conference promises to provide valuable tools, lessons learned, and new ideas to help address the coastal management issues faced around the world. For more information, contact Gale Peek; (843) 740-1231; e-mail: Gale.Peek@noaa.gov or Lynn Sellers; (843) 740-1284; e-mail: Lynn.Sellers@noaa.gov; http://www.csc.noaa.gov/cz/.
America’s Fire Expo. Organizers: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), ROC Exhibitions, NFPA Journal Latinamericano. Miami, Florida: July 19-21, 2005. This expo, which offers educational and networking opportunities as well as a showcase of products and services, is designed for leaders and decision makers from the fire safety and security industries in Latin America, the Caribbean Basin, and the southeastern United States. For more information, contact ROC Exhibitions, 1963 University Lane, Lisle, IL 60532; (630) 271-8210; e-mail: info@rocexhibitions.com; http://www.americasfireandsecurity.com/.
Emergency Readiness Conference and Expo 2005. Organizers: University of Texas at Dallas School of Management, CyberSecurity and Emergency Preparedness Institute. Richardson, Texas: August 10-12, 2005. This year’s plenary sessions’ themes will be interoperability of information systems and preparedness. Sessions, tracks, and workshops will focus on interoperability in emergency management information management systems, school officials preparedness, and an all-hazards approach to disaster medicine. For more information, visit http://som.utdallas.edu/erc2005/.
Summer Institute for Public Health Practice. Sponsor: American Public Health Association (APHA). Seattle, Washington: August 22-26, 2005. The institute provides public health professionals with training that is immediately relevant and applicable with track objectives mapped to emergency preparedness competencies. This year’s institute is organized around the theme “Public Health Preparedness: Tools for the Frontline.” Case-based studies in public health law, financial accountability, leadership in emergencies, epidemic investigation, study design, and geospatial analysis will be generally applicable to public health practice. Participants will take part in one of five concurrent tracks: Introduction to Epidemiologic Methods, Intermediate Epidemiologic Methods, Public Health Management: A Case-Based Approach, Leadership Challenges During Public Health Emergencies, or Geographic Information Systems. For more information, contact Nedra Pautler, APHA, 800 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20001; (206) 616-9245; e-mail: pautler@u.washington.edu; http://healthlinks.washington.edu/nwcphp/niphp/.
2005 NEMA Annual Conference. Organizer: National Emergency Management Association (NEMA). Anchorage, Alaska: August 28-31, 2005. This conference provides an opportunity for emergency managers to come together to discuss the many challenges that face the community today, share solutions, grow professionally, and network with peers. Attendees will hear from those involved in shaping the future of homeland security and emergency management, strengthen relationships with partner organizations, and discuss NEMA’s views on all-hazards emergency preparedness. For more information, contact NEMA, PO Box 11910, Lexington, KY 40578; (859) 244-8000; e-mail: nemaadmin@csg.org; http://www.nemaweb.org/?1331.
2005 Conference of the Floodplain Management Association. Sacramento, California: September 6-9, 2005. The technical component of this year’s conference, “Flood Risk Management: Structural and Non-Structural Solutions. How Much Is Enough?” will include floodplain management issues, floodplain mapping, coastal issues, postdisaster recovery, mitigation planning, public education and outreach, and more. For more information, visit http://www.floodplain.org/.
RSPSoc 2005: Measuring, Mapping, and Managing a Hazardous World. Organizer: The Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society (RSPSoc). Portsmouth, United Kingdom: September 6-9, 2005. This conference will cover the use of photogrammetry and remote sensing in measuring, mapping, and managing today’s wide range of hazards. Day one of the conference will be held as a joint event with the National Environment Research Council (NERC) and includes the NERC Earth Observation Conference 2005. Sessions are planned on global-scale hazards and climate change, ocean-atmosphere changes, meteorological hazards, flood hazards, the coastal zone, disaster relief, slope instability, soil erosion, wildfires, and more. For more information, contact Richard Teeuw; e-mail: richard.teeuw@port.ac.uk; http://www.rspsoc.org/.
2005 WSSPC Annual Conference. Sponsors: Western States Seismic Policy Council (WSSPC), U.S. Geological Survey, Federal Emergency Management Agency. Boise, Idaho: September 11-14, 2005. The objective of this conference is to revisit the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program goals and what the goals support—reduced exposure to loss of life, infrastructure, economies, and resources—in light of national realities: western earthquakes, rural earthquakes, and earthquakes in cash-strapped states and communities. For more information, visit http://www.wsspc.org/Events/ac2005/.
APWA International Congress and Expo/The Best Show in Public Works. Sponsor: American Public Works Association (APWA). Minneapolis, Minnesota: September 11-14, 2005. This annual public works event will feature education sessions on emergency management, stormwater/flood control, engineering/construction management, snow and ice, and more. For more information, contact Dana Priddy or Diana Forbes at the APWA, 2345 Grand Boulevard, Suite 500, Kansas City, MO 64108; (800) 848-2792; e-mail: congress@apwa.net; http://www.apwa.net/meetings/congress/2005/.
ESRI Homeland Security GIS Summit. Denver, Colorado: September 12–14, 2005. This summit will focus on geographic information systems (GIS) tools, datasets, and partnerships that can support organizations in the areas of emergency preparedness and public safety. It will feature current efforts and initiatives and future requirements for operational best practices. Anyone with responsibilities in safety, budget planning/funding, policy development, partnerships, GIS data, imagery, as well as other government, nongovernmental, or private sector knowledge experts, are encouraged to attend. For more information, e-mail hssummit@esri.com; http://www.esri.com/events/homeland/.
National Floodproofing Conference III. Sponsors: Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Nonstructural Flood Proofing Committee, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FloodMaster Barriers, Inc. Charleston, West Virginia: September 12-16, 2005. This triennial conference will build upon its predecessors with a focus on floodproofing techniques, materials, floodproofing and elevation contractors, current issues and programs, new federal tax implications, and the various means of funding floodproofing projects. For more information, contact the ASFPM, 2809 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison, WI 53713; (608) 274-0123; e-mail: asfpm@floods.org; http://www.floods.org/Conferences,%20Calendar/nfpc3.asp.
Technical Conference on the Federal Building and Fire Safety Investigation of the World Trade Center (WTC) Disaster. Sponsor: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Gaithersburg, Maryland: September 13-15, 2005. The objective of this conference, which is open to the general public and technical experts from industry and academia, is to present the technical foundation for the NIST recommendations for improving building and fire codes, standards, and practices and to solicit feedback on the Draft NIST Investigation Report from the technical community outside of the investigation team, with an emphasis on spurring action on recommendations. For more information, contact Teresa Vicente; (301) 975-3883; e-mail: teresa.vicente@nist.gov; http://wtc.nist.gov/media/Sept13ConferenceAnnouncement.htm.
Integrated Planning Against Risk: Exploring Interfaces Between Disasters and Development. Organizer: Centre for Development Studies, University of Wales–Swansea. Bangkok, Thailand: September 17-18, 2005. This seminar about “The Management of Risk and Vulnerability After the Trauma of Relocation” will focus on South and Southeast Asia. It will examine comparative experience in the design of management and relief measures for the rehabilitation of communities and population after their displacement by natural disasters such as tsunamis, super-cyclones, and earthquakes and the rehabilitation of households and communities after their displacement by major infrastructure projects such as reservoir development and urban transport improvements. For more information, visit http://www.swansea.ac.uk/cds/research/ESRCseminarprog6.htm.
8th Symposium of the International Association for Fire Safety Science. Organizer: China Fire Protection Association (CFPA). Beijing, China: September 18-23, 2005. This scientific conference for the global fire safety science community will feature everything from fundamental breakthroughs to new best practices. Papers and posters will be presented in all areas of fire safety science. For more information, contact CFPA, 5th Floor, No. 19A, Huawei Xili, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100021, P.R. China; +86 10 8778 9259; e-mail: iafss2005@126.com; http://2005.china-fire.com/en/home.htm.
Oceans 2005 MTS/IEEE. Sponsors: Marine Technology Society (MTS), IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society. Washington, DC: September 19-23, 2005. This annual technical and professional conference is a forum for ocean scientists, engineers, industry end users and suppliers, technologists, educators and researchers, policy makers, and other interested parties to present their latest research results, technologies, future concepts, and innovative ideas as they pertain to the future of the oceans. Plenary themes are homeland maritime security; global observation and exploration; emerging ocean science, technology, and engineering; ocean education and outreach; and proactive global cooperation and engagement. For more information, visit http://www.oceans2005.org/.
Association of Engineering Geologists Annual Conference. Las Vegas, Nevada: September 19-24, 2005. The technical program for this event features landslides and slope stability, engineering geology of problem soils, earthquake/seismic hazards, environmental site assessments (regulatory aspects), hydrogeology, and environmental risk management and remediation. Field trips, short courses, symposia, and a teachers’ workshop round out the event. For more information, contact Jim Werle; e-mail: jwerle@converseconsultants.com; http://www.aegweb.org/.
2005 General Conference of the International Risk Governance Council (IRGC): Implementing a Global Approach to Risk Governance. Beijing, China: September 20-21, 2005. The intent of this conference is to provide specific ideas for implementing improved governance strategies for major transboundary risks. Risk areas of discussion will include critical infrastructures, emerging technologies, natural disasters, and changes in the environment. For more information, contact the IRGC, 7-9 Chemin de Balexert, Châtelaine, CH-1219 Geneva, Switzerland; +41 (0)22 795 1730; http://www.irgc.org/.
Eighth Annual Conference on Innovations in Disaster Mental Health. Rapid City, South Dakota: September 22-24, 2005. This conference will examine research strategies and methodology in disaster psychology in an effort to promote innovative approaches and collaborative agreements that will yield more definitive results. Its goal is to assemble experts in the field of disaster and trauma research to discuss ways in which they have successfully implemented their research protocols. Poster abstracts are due August 19, 2005. For more information, contact the Disaster Mental Health Institute, University of South Dakota, SDU 114, 414 East Clark Street, Vermillion, SD 57069; (605) 677-6575, (800) 522-9684; e-mail: dmhi@usd.edu; http://www.usd.edu/dmhi/conference.cfm.
Dam Safety 2005. Organizer: Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO). New Orleans, Louisiana: September 25-29, 2005. This annual conference offers attendees professional development, a trade show, issue forums, networking, and technology transfer opportunities. Session topics at this year’s event will include seismic issues, dam failures and incidents, emergency preparedness, and more. For more information, contact the ASDSO, 450 Old Vine Street, Floor 2, Lexington, KY 40507; (859) 257-5140; e-mail: info@damsafety.org; http://www.damsafety.org/.
18th Emergency Preparedness Conference: Community Resilience; A Future for All. Sponsors: City of Burnaby, City of Vancouver, Insurance Bureau of Canada, Justice Institute of British Columbia, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada, Ministry of Health Services, Emergency Social Services, Provincial Emergency Program, University of British Columbia, Royal Canadian Mounted Police “E” Division. Vancouver, British Columbia: October 4-7, 2005. This conference will emphasize community resiliency in the face of disasters through community involvement and planning by building on the action plan from last year’s conference. The goal of the action plan was to provide tools to help communities become disaster resilient. The program will include six workshops: Public Awareness and Education, Psychosocial Impact on Responders, Volunteer Management, Community Health Care Resources, Critical Infrastructure, and Community Emergency Programs. For more information, contact the Emergency Preparedness Conference, 900 Heatley Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 3S7, Canada; (604) 665-6097; e-mail: info@epconference.ca; http://www.epconference.ca/.
The Sixth Open Meeting of the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Research Community. Organizer: International Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change. Bonn, Germany: October 9-13, 2005. The theme of this meeting is “Global Environmental Change, Globalization, and International Security: New Challenges for the 21st Century.” It aims to promote a better understanding of global transformations, to identify the resulting opportunities and challenges, and to develop appropriate responses. This entails a critical assessment of what the community has achieved to date as well as the development of a forward-looking action plan that links human dimensions research into contemporary policy debates on future actions of the global community. For more information, visit http://openmeeting.homelinux.org/.
Geological Society of America Annual Meeting. Salt Lake City, Utah: October 16-19, 2005. At this annual meeting, geoscientists, educators, and policy makers from around the world will come together to share the latest advances and discoveries and work to improve the understanding and application of science in society. This year’s program features 20+ sessions focused on education-related topics and a plethora of sessions addressing geologic hazards, resource utilization, and environmental policy. Abstracts are due July 12, 2005. For more information, contact Adolph Yonkee; e-mail: ayonkee@weber.edu; http://www.geosociety.org/meetings/2005/.
Tall Timbers 23rd Fire Ecology Conference: Fire in Grassland and Shrubland Ecosystems. Host: Tall Timbers Research Station. Bartelsville, Oklahoma: October 17-20, 2005. The purpose of this conference is to provide an international forum for discussion of research and research needs in the area of fire ecology. It will present the current state-of-the art research and management efforts and bring to light areas where new research and management information is needed in grassland, shrubland, and grassland-woodland ecosystems. For more information, contact Kaye Gainey, Tall Timbers Research Station, 13093 Henry Beadel Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32312; (850) 893-4153; e-mail: kaye@ttrs.org; http://www.ttrs.org/23FEconference/.
2005 IBHS Annual Conference on Property Loss Reduction. Organizer: Institute of Business & Home Safety (IBHS). Lake Buena Vista, Florida: October 20-21, 2005. This annual congress on property loss reduction brings together professionals in the insurance industry, emergency management, government agencies, and academic institutions to discuss the latest developments in natural hazards mitigation. For more information, contact IBHS, 4775 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617; (813) 286-3400; e-mail: info@ibhs.org; http://www.ibhs.org/congress/.
Extreme Natural Hazards. Organizer: Royal Society. London, United Kingdom: October 26-27, 2005. This meeting will focus on extreme geophysical and astrophysical hazards, including earthquakes, supervolcanic eruptions, tsunamis, near Earth objects, and giant landslides. Speakers will discuss the frontiers and challenges in the science of extreme natural hazards as well as related topics, such as prediction, forecasting, monitoring, and technological innovations. The meeting will assess the role of the international scientific community and how these efforts can be better coordinated, integrated, and funded to improve the ability to anticipate and mitigate the effects of extreme events. Issues of the accessibility of relevant science to poor nations with limited scientific infrastructure and expertise will also be discussed. For more information, contact Hannah Jemmett; +44 (0) 207 451 2575; e-mail: discussion.meetings@royalsoc.ac.uk; http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/event.asp?id=3177&month=10,2005.
International Technical Rescue Symposium 2005. Sponsor: Mountain Rescue Association. Fort Collins, Colorado: November 3-6, 2005. This event will bring together representatives from across the spectrum of rescue disciplines, including mountain rescue, park services, water rescue, outdoor recreation, fire service, and rescue teams to share news and views on advances in equipment and techniques, technical problems, and other issues of mutual concern. For more information, download a brochure at http://www.mra.org/ITRS_Brochure2005.pdf.
IAEM 2005 Annual Conference and EMEX. Sponsor: International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). Phoenix, Arizona: November 12-16, 2005. The purpose of this conference is to provide a forum to discuss current trends, topics, and the latest tools and technology in emergency management and homeland security, and to advance IAEM committee work. Sessions encourage stakeholders at all levels of government, the private sector, public health, and related professions to exchange ideas on collaborating to protect lives and property from disaster. Members of IAEM, disaster professionals, and other officials with a role in homeland security and emergency management are invited to attend. For more information, contact the IAEM, 201 Park Washington Court, Falls Church, VA 22046; (703) 538-1795; e-mail: info@iaem.com; http://www.iaem.com/events/annual/intro.htm.
Greenhouse 2005: Action on Climate Change. Organizer: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Melbourne, Australia: November 13-17, 2005. There is a clear need for industry, scientists, and government at all levels to work closely together to tackle climate change. Demand is strong for the latest information on the science, the likely impacts of climate change, adaptation strategies, and approaches to reducing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. This conference will cover these themes as well as international issues, policy development, communication, and education. Abstracts are due August 15, 2005. For more information, e-mail info@greenhouse2005.com; http://www.greenhouse2005.com/.
World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR): Focus on Corporate Sector Role and Responsibility. Organizer: Global Forum for Disaster Reduction (GFDR). Mumbai, India: November 16-18, 2005. The objective of this conference is to connect government agencies, relief organizations, and the corporate world to better mitigate the human suffering caused by disasters. It is a follow up to the WCDR conference held in Kobe, Japan, in January, where the need to involve all stakeholders in the disaster mitigation process was identified and enforced. This conference aims to identify sectors’ strengths and highlight the areas where they can make a difference. For more information, contact the GFDR Secretariat, B-302, Twin Arcade, Military Road, Marol, Andheri (East), Mumbai-400 059, India; +91 22 28516690; http://www.wcdr.gfdr.org/.
2005 Society for Risk Analysis (SRA) Annual Meeting. Orlando, Florida: December 4-7, 2005. There are three supporting goals for this year’s annual meeting: (1) take advantage of the meeting location in Florida to touch upon “local” topics that have broad implications or analogies, (2) continue the internationalization of the SRA, and (3) encourage a more interdisciplinary orientation in the technical program. The 25th anniversary of the SRA also presents an opportunity to examine the changing role of risk analysis in societal and private decision making. For more information, contact the SRA, 1313 Dolley Madison Boulevard, Suite 402, McLean, VA 22101; (703) 790-1745; e-mail: sra@burkinc.com; http://www.sra.org/events_2005_meeting.php.
Cities on Volcanoes 4. Hosts: The Geophysical Institute of the Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Cities on Volcanoes Commission of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior, Distrito Metropolitano de Quito, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement of France. Quito, Ecuador: January 23-27, 2006. This meeting provides a forum where volcanologists, urban planners, civil defenders, community authorities, and business and health specialists can meet to discuss ways to mitigate the effects of volcanic eruptions and minimize their impact upon humanity through better science, technology, communication, and education. Symposia include new computational techniques for mitigating volcanic hazards, volcano studies and monitoring, risk management, emergency management, and human health impacts of volcanism. Workshops, field trips, and other scientific activities will also be offered. Abstracts are due August 1, 2005. For more information, e-mail citiesonvolcanoes4@igepn.edu.ec; http://www.citiesonvolcanoes4.com/.