nebraska · he eac march 2018 page 2 a message from nema assistant director bryan tuma we envision...

The Beacon – March 2018

May 2017August 2017March 2018

First PlaceClayton ButlerBox Butte County

Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week Poster Contest

Story and Posters Pages 8-21 Second

PlaceErin GeggJefferson County

Third PlaceCaydence FeldmanSherman County

FourthPlaceKinsey LaubyPhelps County


A Message from NEMA Assistant Director

Bryan Tuma

We envision safer, less vulnerable communities in Nebraska made possible through effective collaborative partnerships committed to saving lives and reducing the impact of disasters.

Our mission is to coordinate, support and serve Nebraska through an effective and relevant emergency management agency.

During the week of March 19-23, I, along with Nebraska Emergency Management Agency managers, Donny Christensen, Earl Imler and Nikki Weber, attended the National Emergency Management Association Mid-Year Forum in Alexandria, Va. Each year, the association hosts two national forums to provide opportunities to discuss national and regional emergency management strategies with other emergency management professionals from around the country and with experts in the field.

The conference focused on policy development, emergency management concerns, legislative issues and federal relations. It gave attendees an opportunity to hear, first-hand, the latest on issues that impact their agencies’ programs. State agency directors also held executive sessions to share pertinent information from across the country.

We had an opportunity to hear from FEMA Administrator Brock Long, who spent an entire day at the conference interacting with state emergency management directors. Long said he is working to reduce disaster costs and discussed increasing administration costs for states in order to reduce the size and cost of joint field offices. He spoke about increasing mitigation investments since every dollar spent in mitigation reduces future disaster costs by $4 to $6. He emphasized that the disaster process should be federally funded, state managed and locally executed.

Administrator Long also discussed FEMA’s 2018-22 Strategic Plan which creates a shared vision for the field of emergency management and sets an ambitious yet achievable path forward to unify and further professionalize emergency management across the country.

“The strategic plan sets out three over arching strategic goals: ■ Build a Culture of Preparedness — Every segment of our society, from individual to government,

industry to philanthropy, must be encouraged and empowered with the information it needs to prepare for the inevitable impacts of future disasters.

■ Ready the Nation for Catastrophic Disasters — FEMA will work with its partners across all levels of government to strengthen partnerships and access new sources of scalable capabilities to quickly meet the needs of overwhelming incidents.

■ Reduce the Complexity of FEMA — FEMA must continue to be responsible stewards of the re-sources we are entrusted to administer. We must also do everything that we can to leverage data to drive decision-making, and reduce the administrative and bureaucratic burdens that impede impacted individuals and communities from quickly receiving the assistance they need.”

We were able to hear about some of the best practices from other states and presented a white paper on the Nebraska State Watch Center implementation as a best practice.

We received reports that FEMA is looking at improving the Emergency Management Performance Grant process; however, grant guidance has not yet been released. We have identified the issues that are important to Nebraska through our investment justification process and I believe are ahead in our planning. If changes come in the grant guidance, we will adapt our plans as needed. While we learned the Homeland Security Grant did get funded, we did not receive any updates on this grant.

Sincerely,

Bryan Tuma NEMA Assistant Director


Scenes from the National Emergency Management Association Mid-Year Forum


NAEMConferenceMarch 21-23 Grand Island

NEBRASKA ASSOCIATION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

NAEM DAY ONE Training-- Todd Manns of The Blue Cell, top right, suggests that emergency managers “create opportunities with planned events” during a day-long training session on using the Incident Commend System for events like county fairs and festivals. Among the items discussed were best practices, how to used the “planning P” for incidents within an incident and contengency planning.

2017 NAEM Officers -- From left, Tim Newman, Dawna Whitcomb, Tim Hofbauer, Shannon McVaney, Brandon Myers, Pam Reichert, Chip Volcek, Laura Hintz and Doug Fox.

2018 NAEM Officers -- From left, Nic Kemnitz, Dawna Whitcomb, Tim Newman, Shannon McVaney, Brandon Myers, Pam Reichert, Chip Volcek, Jon Rosenlund and Doug Fox.

AWARDS

Passing the Gavel -- Brandon Myers of Region 51 accepts the NAEM presidency from outgoing president Laura Hintz of Knox County.

Bill McPherson, Thayer County director, accepts the Lifetime Member Award from Laura Hintz for his years of service.

Dan Patterson, Sherman County Director, accepts the Outstanding new Emergency Manage-ment Director Award.

NAEM DAY Three — Account-ability Exercise Mark Hosking of Lancaster County Emergency Management (standing at left in the top photo) and Shannon McVaney, of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Emergency Management Office (top right). NEMA staff Sean Runge, standing in red in the picture at top left, Larry Fichtner and Dave Reisen (both pointing in the bottom left), and Roger Conrad (standing at right in the picture below) assisted in the Salamander exercise.

NAEM DAY TWO SPEAKERS -- 1. Earl Imler of NEMA’s Operations Section, 2. Mark Roberson of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Emergency Management, 3. Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac, director of NEMA, 4. Grand Island Mayor Jeremy Jensen, 5. Lloyd “Eddie” Jensen of Nebraska Task Force One, 6. Ryan Lowry of Nebraska Citizen Corps, 7. Capt Dean Elliott of Grand island Police Department, 8. Bob Wilhelm of the Office of the Chief Information Officer, 9. John Mato-vich of First Net Solutions, 10. Molly Bargmann of NEMA’s Recover Section, 11. Mike Foster of FEMA and 12. Dale Moushon of the Department of Homeand Security’s Office of Emergency Communications’ Priority Telecommunications Services.

1

2 3 4 65 7

8

910

11 12

NAEM DAY Three -- National Weather Service staff updated NAEM participants on products and information from the state’s six weather service offices. Participat-ing from left were: Shawn Jacobs, a type 1 incident meteorologist from North Platte, Mike Moritz, warning coordination meteorologist in Hastings and Brian Smith, warn-ing coordination meteorologist at the Valley office.

Mark Hosking of Lan-caster County Emer-gency Management was named Emergen-cy Management Pro-fessional of the year.

Nick Elledge director of Nuckolls County Emergency Manage-ment, won the off hours trap shoot award.

Jon Rosenlund of Grand Island/Hall County Emergency Management re-ceived a President’s Award along with Deanna Hagberg of Dakota County and Kevin Garvin of Ce-dar County who are not pictured.

Laura Hintz presents Evie Flessner of Region 21 was named Emergency Support Professional of the Year.

Brian Smith of the Nation-al Weather Service was recognized for 20 years with NAEM.

Loren Uden of Clay Coun-ty was recog-nized for 15 years as a member of NAEM.


In March, NEMA technical haz-ards unit staff traveled to Albion and Central City to provide radio-logical monitoring and surveying training to members of area volun-teer fire departments.

In the first session, Radiation Basics, responders gained the knowledge and understanding they need to safely respond to an inci-dent or accident involving radiologi-cal materials. They learned about the forms of ionizing radiation and their associated hazards, protec-tive actions and PPE or personal protective equipment, and were introduced to monitoring and sur-veying equipment, which are used to conduct different operations and their respective scales for reading and recording either exposure or contamination.

In the second session, Radio-logical Monitoring and Surveying I, responders got an opportunity to apply what they had learned with “hands-on” opportunities to use the equipment. Responders prac-tice their contamination monitor-ing techniques on suits that have small radiation sources hidden inside them. This ensures that the responders develop the skillsets needed to properly detect and record levels of contamination that could be potentially found on a vic-

tim. They also learned techniques related to doing an area survey which is used to determine levels of exposure and is used to establish a boundary line to restrict access to an area if radiological material was involved.

In Radiological Monitoring II, responders learned how to apply the use of their knowledge, equip-ment, resources and problem-solving techniques to evaluate various radiological sources. They must demonstrate they possess

Volunteer firefighters from Albion and other area VFDs participate in the Radiation Basics portion of the training.

an understanding of the concepts, principles, and proper use of meters and probes to identify the radiologi-cal source material.

The course also included knowl-edge checks and a performance practicum where the responders practiced monitoring on each other with the use of simulators. The simulators can vary the simulated levels of contamination through radio frequency controls giving re-sponders a real sense of using the equipment without risk of exposure.

Students try their hand at monitoring for radiological contamination during a recent training. The goal is to pinpoint the exact location of the contamination so decontamination can be administered.

Volunteer firefighters from Albion and other area VFDs learn to monitor for radiological contamination.

Radiological monitoring and surveying training held


2018 Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness WeekPromotes Preparedness in Nebraska

A variety of activities from a statewide tornado drill to storm spotter talks, social media cam-pains and weather festivals were held across Nebraska to promote Nebraska Severe Weather Aware-ness Week the last week of March.

Activities were scheduled to encourage all Nebraskans to get ready for the hazardous weather conditions that can occur during the spring and summer months in Nebraska.

A proclamation by Gov. Pete Ricketts signed March 5, and reminded Nebraskans that commu-nity preparedness can minimize the dangers, which the annual severe weather season presents, to the lives and property of Nebraskans.

Many communities participated in the annual statewide tornado drill on Wednesday, March 28 at 10 a.m.

“We wanted all Nebraskans to take some time during Severe Weather Awareness Week to pre-pare for spring and summer severe weather,” said NEMA Assistant Di-rector Bryan Tuma. “The devastat-ing impacts of extreme events can be reduced through improved readi-

ness. Make a safety plan, create a preparedness kit and review proper safety precautions. It’s just a good practice for those of us who live in areas affected by tornadoes, floods and severe thunderstorms.”

Resources for staying prepared are available on the NEMA Website at nema.nebraska.gov. Scroll to the bottom of the front page and select the hazard you want to learn about including: floods, thunderstorms/tornadoes and fire/drought.

You can also download pre-paredness resources including a preparedness kit list and a family preparedness guide.

“We want to encourage everyone to listen carefully to instructions from local officials and take the recommended protective measures to safeguard life and property when a disaster or severe weather event occurs,” Tuma said. “Stay informed about approaching severe weather. Monitor weather radios, phone apps, local news outlets and the National Weather Service. Also, make sure you have a preparedness kit that includes items like a battery-powered radio, flashlight, food,

water and medicine -- enough for everyone, including pets, for at least three days.”

Poster Contest Winners NamedAnother way Severe Weather

Awareness Week is promoted is throught the annual poster contest.

The top four students who sub-mitted preparedness posters in the 2018 Severe Weather Awareness contest were recognized March 5 at the Proclamation Signing Ceremony for Severe Weather Awareness Week at the Capitol.

Clayton Butler, 10, a fourth grader at Hemingford Public Schools (Box Butte County), earned first place in the contest. More than 900 fourth graders submitted preparedness posters in the 2018 Severe Weather Awareness Contest sponsored by the Nebraska As-sociation of Emergency Manage-ment (NAEM), the National Weather Service (NWS), the Nebraska Mili-tary Department and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Continued on page 8

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and Nebraska Military Department staff gather in the State Emergency Operations Center during the statewide tornado drill. the SEOC is the saferoom for all staff at the Joint Forces Headquarters and was built to withstand and EF4 tornado.

nema.nebraska.gov.


Poster Contest Continued

Butler’s poster features Blue Lightning, a super hero who teaches about safety as well as a comic strip about Opposite Cooper, a guy who doesn’t care about safety and keeps getting struck by lightning be-cause he doesn’t follow safe prac-tices during lightning storms. Blue Lightning says: “Safety is super, so don’t be like Cooper!”

Lt. Gov. Mike Foley proclaimed March 25-31 as Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Week. The week is observed to increase aware-ness of, and response to spring and summer severe weather hazards. As part of the week’s observance a statewide tornado drill is scheduled at 10 a.m. on March 28.

“We want all Nebraskans to take some time to during Severe Weath-er Awareness Week to prepare for spring and summer severe weather,” said Bryan Tuma, NEMA assistant director. “The devastating impacts of extreme events can be reduced through improved readiness. Make a safety plan, create a preparedness kit and review proper safety precau-tions. It is a good practice for those of us who live in areas affected by tornadoes, floods and severe thun-derstorms.”

The annual contest was open to all fourth grade students in Ne-braska. Lt. Gov. Foley presented the students with certificates signed by Gov. Pete Ricketts. County emer-gency managers submitted their top three posters from their counties for judging at the state level.

Severe weather can result in tragic losses that preparation and planning can prevent. Through the poster contest, fourth graders from across the state encourage Ne-braskans to follow weather safety precautions.

Second Place went to Erin Gegg, 10, of Odell Elementary School in Diller (Jefferson County), whose

poster recommends that people “Take Cover from the Elements: Lightning, Flooding and Tornadoes.”

Caydence Feldman, 9, of Litch-field Public Schools in Sherman County, submitted a poster that fea-tured a variety of weather events. It reminded people that the weather events are coming fast and are unexpected. Caydence says: “Don’t delay and be protected.”

Fourth place by Kinsey Lauby, 10, of Loomis Public School in Phelps County reminds Nebraskans to “Stop taking pictures of tornadoes and get inside.” It features three photographers being swept away by a tornado.

Posters were judged on original-ity, effort and accuracy. The top prize is a $125 gift card, second is $100 and third $75, all provided by NAEM. NWS provides a $50 gift card for fourth place.

NEMA provides certificates for all the students and the Nebraska Military Department mats the post-ers as a remembrance for students.

Pictures from the proclamation ceremony are on the NEMA Flickr account at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nemapics/.

The top four posters and all the honorable mention posters are fea-tured on the following pages.

Emergency managers and weather service staff and winning students with their posters follow-ing the recognition ceremony March 5 at the Capitol. First place finisher Clayton Butler was sick and unable to attend ceremony

Bryan Tuma, assistant director of NEMA (at the podium), speaks at the Severe Weather Aware-ness Proclamation Ceremony. Also pictured, from left, John McKee, Jefferson County Emer-gency Management, Erin Geeg, second place poster, Brian Smith of the Valley National Weather Service Office, Lt. Gov. Mike Foley and Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac, director of NEMA.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nemapics/



Clayton ButlerHemingford

Box Butte CountyHemingford Public Schools

I like the use of the comic super hero to illustrate the importance of lightning safety. I was once on a boat and got caught in a lightning storm on a lake in Colorado. It was one of the most frightening times of my life. Ever since then, I try to be aware of weather conditions.~Patrick Rooney, NEMA Planning Specialist

JUDGE’S COMMENTFirst Place


Erin GeggBeatrice

Diller-Odell Elementary SchoolJefferson County

Schools

“In addition to the awe-some artwork, this one really grabbed my atten-tion because of the play on the periodic table. These ‘elements’ cause a reaction from all of us when severe weather hits. Great job, Erin. Stay safe my friend.”

~Brian Folts NEMA Technical Hazards Unit Supervisor

JUDGE’S COMMENT

Second Place


Caydence Feldman

LitchfieldSherman County

Litchfield Public Schools

“Coming from a haz-ard mitigation planning point of view, we are directed to consider all hazards that may affect life and property. This poster addresses all Nebraska spring hazards as well as some you may encounter when you travel.”

~Nicholas WalshNEMA RecoveryPlanning Specialist

JUDGE’S COMMENT

Third Place


Kinsey LaubyLoomis Phelps

Loomis Public Schools

“As a photographer, this one definitely caught my eye. Kinsey shows real insight in her message. As Nebraskans, we tend to head to the back porch to check out the weather rather than do what’s right and go inside to our safe place. Don’t be like the photographer on the left asking ‘why did I decide to do this?’ Be safe and take cover!” ~Jodie Fawl, NEMA Public Information Officer

JUDGE’S COMMENT

FOURTH PLACE


Ryder Anderson-RayButler

West PointCuming County

Guardian Angels School

As a Mom, I really identified with this message as it’s important for all kiddos to keep in mind. My kids have a few toys and books stashed in the basement along with our preparedness kit to help keep their minds off the dangerous weather and keep them occupied during a tornado warning.

~Nikki Weber, NEMA Preparedness Manager

JUDGE’S COMMENTHONORABLE MENTION


Hannah HendricksHershey

Lincoln CountyHershey Public Schools

Okay, I love lions. I’m a Leo and have always been drawn to things with lions on them. When I saw the poster it really spoke to me since thunder can be as scary and as

impressive as a lion’s roar. It reminded me of a time when I was a kid and making popcorn on my grandma’s stove. An extremely bright bolt of lightning tore through the sky followed by a deafening roar of thunder. I quickly fell to the floor on my knees when the thunder roared through the air. Always a good reminder to stay indoors during a thun-derstorm – before you hear the roar. The lightning (the bite) is much worse than the clap (roar) of thunder.

~Mary Schmidt-Rodriguez, Nebraska Military Department Graphic Artist



“I love the colors and the fact the artist knows to take shelter in a saferoom during a tornado and not go outdoors and watch it go by.”

~Mary Baker NEMA Mitigation Officer

JUDGE’S COMMENTHONORABLE MENTION Mylee KamminLincoln

Lancaster CountyRuth Hill Elementary School


Payten NielsenNiobrara

Knox CountyNiobrara Public Schools

Including the lyrics from this AC/DC song was a clever way to stress the danger of lightning. This also was a very colorful poster. We had so many good entries this year, it was difficult to choose just a few winner.

~Laura Hintz, Director Knox County Emergency Management



Haley RaySpalding

Greeley CountyRiverside Public Schools

“Well obviously the ‘Go Big Red’ in this poster caught my atten-tion. Anytime you can use something you love like the Huskers and incorporate it into your safety message, that’s a great idea.”

~Shannon McVaney, Emergency Management Specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

JUDGE’S COMMENT

HONORABLE MENTION


Reese RethwischWayne

Wayne CountyWayne Elementary School

As an emergency medical technician (EMT) with a volunteer fire de-partment, I have witnessed the effects of lightning strikes, and I wouldn’t recommend it. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to a storm to be struck by lightning. If safe shelter is not available, find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles.

~Larry Fichtner, NEMA, Exercise Training Officer

JUDGE’S COMMENT

HONORABLE MENTION


Jacob RiceOxford

Furnas CountySouthern Valley Schools

Outdoor warning sirens are a great cue to head inside and the alerts from your NOAA weather radio or your smart phone app are great ways to get the warning when you’re inside. Always follow the direction of the warnngs, head to the lowest level of your house and have your preparedness kit with you.

~Patrick Conway, NEMA Planning Specialist



Anna Kate Verdoni

PapillionSarpy County

St. Columbkille School

My family and I vacation in Florida frequently and some of the best lightning storms I have ever seen happen out over open water. The idea for this poster with SAFETY letters vacationing on the beach was original and well executed.

~Logan Lueking, NEMA Program Specialist



I’m from Kansas like Dorothy and the F4 Tornado that hit Topeka on my fifth birthday is a scary memory. We got under the stairs in the basement. This poster really hit home.

~Annette Martin NEMA Staff Assistant

JUDGE’S COMMENT

HONORABLE MENTION

Kendal Wineteer

AuroraHamilton County

Aurora Elementary School


(402) 471-7421Toll Free: (877) 297-2368

Fax: (402) 471-7433

Governor Pete RickettsState Homeland Security Director

Lt. Governor Mike FoleyNEMA Director

Major General Daryl BohacAssistant Director

Bryan Tuma

NEMA is charged by Nebraska statute to reduce the vulnerabilities of the people and communities of Nebraska in terms of injury, loss of life and property damage resulting from natural, technological or man-made disas-ters and emergencies.

NEMA is responsible for coordinating the state response in any major emer-gency or disaster including the support of local governments as needed or requested, and coordinating assistance with the Federal Emergency Man-agement Agency (FEMA) and other federal partners.

The Beacon includes emergency management news and activities from across the state. Please forward story ideas or photos for inclusion to: Jodie Fawl, Public Information Officer, 2433 N.W. 24th St., Lincoln NE 68524; 402-471-7428, [email protected].

www.nema.nebraska.gov

Rapid Needs Assessment Course Held in WayneNEMA’s Larry Fichtner and Molly Bargmann taught the G557 in Wayne on March 26. The course is designed to help emergency managers assess the life safety needs in the first hours following an incident. More than 21 attendees participated in the one-day course.

Dry Conditions and High Winds Contribute to Grass Fire in McCook A wildfire sent a person to the hospital with burns, destroyed a $1.5 million home and prompted the evacuation of northern McCook, on March 6 and serves as reminder that wildfire season is upon the state. Sparks from a damaged power line caused the fire, according to Alan Kotschwar, the sheriff and emergency management director for Red Willow County. With winds gusting between 40 and 50 mph, it flared up quickly and evacua-tions began. By evening, the fire was under control, and the community spared. Volunteer firefighters remained on the scene overnight, Kotschwar said.

mailto:jodie.fawl%40nebraska.gov?subject=Beacon%20Suggestion

https://nema.nebraska.gov

https://www.facebook.com/nema.page/


https://twitter.com/NEMAtweets

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNEMAtube

nebraska · he eac march 2018 page 2 a message from nema assistant director bryan tuma we envision...

Documents