I am sad to say that writing memorial tributes to colleagues in the emergency management field has been a much too frequent activity. I mourn the loss of Dennis, a long-time friend and colleague. Please see the full article and space for tributes at this website.
From the Guardian: Why countries with ‘loose’, rule-breaking cultures have been hit harder by Covid. “Our research shows how ‘tighter’ societies do better – and how the rest must learn to adapt in order to defeat the pandemic.”
This site is now 11 years old! Hard to believe the Diva has been at it that long. I hope readers value the information provided, and I welcome notes about what you like to see included. The Diva maintains the site on her own time and at her own expense.
If you value the information provided, please support the effort via the Donate Now button in the right hand margin. Donations are used to hire technical assistance when needed.
GAO just issued a press release and a new report: Vaccine Distribution, Supply Chain Issues, Testing, Still Present Challenges in Federal Pandemic Response. Here is the direct link to the summary and full reports.
Here is an additional commentary on the report from HSToday.
From the DHS a new Terrorism Advisory Bulletin, in effect until the end of April. Apparently this is an unusual bulletin in that it deals with domestic terrorism. A first for DHS.
From the U.S. Resiliency Council: “Improving Community Resilience, One Building at a Time.”
Upcoming series of seminars. Next one is Feb. 17th. On 2/17 from 11a-12:30p PST, Webinar #4 Community Benefits of Resilient Design premieres, sponsored by Optimum Seismic. Here is the description: Making communities more resilient benefits all of us. Hear experts discuss why resilient buildings are essential to safeguarding the social and economic ties that bind us. Learn how the public, private and philanthropic sectors are working together to be better prepared for natural disasters, including equitably protecting all residents, preserving jobs and trade, and more.
From the WashPost: Meet the book club that’s helping to quickly vaccinate its town
From the concluding paragraph: “Liz Smith, a sales operations manager who came to Ruidoso from Silicon Valley, noted how he effort reflected the benefits of small-town life. “One of the endearing things about this community is that you can work to effect change pretty immediately.” The experience reminded her of one of her favorite book club books, “The Day the World Came to Town,” a true story about how the town of Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed airline passengers diverted there on 9/11 that was the basis for the Broadway musical “Come From Away.” “What that town did, it kind of reminds me of what our town would do if the same thing happened.” Some might say that it already has.
Recovery Diva 