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First response gearNY counties receive money to prepare for emergencies
The magnitude of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee posed serious communications challenges to the response and recovery efforts among many New York counties; these counties are now receiving $20 million in funding to help localities better respond to emergency situations
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Emergency communicationAtlanta debuts new emergency communications systems
Last week first responders in Atlanta, Georgia gained a valuable new tool in helping to reduce 911 response times and improve communication during a disaster
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Emergency comm.Local towns signing up for Twitter and Facebook for emergency comm.
Following the lead of several other cities and federal agencies, the town of Wilton, Connecticut recently launched a Facebook page and Twitter account to help communicate with residents and share information during a disaster
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Sector Report for Wednesday, 23 November 2011: Disasters & Emergencies
This report contains the following stories.
Plus 1 additional story.
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First response gearTech breakthrough allows first responders to carry mini resuscitators
Thanks to PerSys Medical, first responders operating in rugged terrain are now able to carry a miniaturized version of a critical medical device that helps patients breathe
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Emergency responseBetter hospital responses to terrorist attacks
Terrorist attacks are less likely to occur than other disasters, but they can have greater impact on hospital operations; until the 9/11 and anthrax attacks, hospital emergency preparedness programs had not included provisions for terrorism events; those attacks changed that, but there is still much that should be done
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Sector Report for Wednesday, 9 November 2011: Disasters & Emergencies
This report contains the following stories.
Plus 1 additional story.
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Hazardous materialsDetergent suicides on the rise
The incidence of chemical suicides has been steadily increasing in the United States since its first appearance in 2008; it is believed the statistics are incorrect because of underreporting; most such suicides provide warning of the toxicity of the environment they will be found in, but not all do, making responding to these calls a hazard for all concerned
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Emergency communicationDHS completes Multi-Band Radio testing
Last week DHS completed testing on a sophisticated new multi-band radio that will allow first responders to communicate with multiple agencies and jurisdictions operating on different radio bands; beginning in May 2012, first responders will have the opportunity to purchase the Harris XG-100 Unity radio system; the Unity radios can replace up to five different radios, roughly the equivalent cost of just one high-end portable radio
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First responders"The Dragon" makes life difficult for first responders
For emergency personnel in Tennessee, responding to calls on “The Dragon,” an unforgiving 11.1 mile stretch of highway, is no easy task; the Dragon consists of 318 sharp curves through hilly terrain making it treacherous for drivers and a nightmare for first responders; each year there are several fatal crashes and since 2005 the desolate road has been the scene of at least forty injury crashes a year
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Sector Report for Wednesday, 26 October 2011: Disasters & Emergencies
This report contains the following stories.
Plus 1 additional story.
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Turkey tremorTurkish PM criticizes builders for unsafe practices
Sunday’s 7.2 tremor in Turkey killed at least 460 people, injured 1,350, destroyed more than 2,000 buildings, and displaced thousands; Turkish prime minister harshly criticizes Turkish builders, saying negligence amounts to murder
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Animal rescueJersey first responders learn to rescue large animals
Last weekend first responders from Green Village, New Jersey and nearby New Vernon and Madison gained a unique set of skills — rescuing large animals
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Search and rescueSandia's rescue robot wins technology prize
The remote-control robot contains color video cameras, a thermal imaging camera, microphones, and sensors that act as eyes and ears for rescue crews and provide air-quality information; two-way audio enables survivors to communicate with rescuers
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Emergency communicationDC officials receive priority disaster phone access
During major disasters or a terrorist attack, phone lines quickly become inundated with traffic which makes it nearly impossible for residents to make calls or send texts; to ensure that local officials have the ability to communicate during disasters, DHS recently issued special calling cards to members of the Washington, D.C. City Council that allow their calls to take priority during moments of heavy phone traffic
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