Brought to you by our Partner in Preparedness and our Corporate Partner in the Effort
STATE FARM Insurance
West Tennessee Earthquake Awareness Week 2009 is a mutual effort between the Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) and several state, federal, and non-governmental agencies with support from Mid-South Association of Contingency Planners, West TN Seismic Safety Commission, Partners in Disaster Preparedness and major funding from our corporate partner in the effort, State Farm Insurance. The goal of these activities is to increase awareness of the earthquake hazard and to promote planning among public, professional, and business communities to that will result in more disaster resistant communities in West Tennessee. Activities included an earthquake preparedness poster contest for grades 4-6 across west Tennessee; a series of TV Public Service Announcements; Earthquake Town Meetings in several high-risk urban areas in west Tennessee; and professional workshops to promote disaster preparedness among key public and private sector interests.
Activities for Earthquake Awareness Week Included
Public Service Announcements
Presentations by Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, Center for Earthquake Research and Information, Union University, West Tennessee Seismic Safety Commission, The University of Memphis, Central United States Consortium, MLG&W, Mid-South Association of Contingency Planners and many others.
Poster Contest and Award Ceremony
Applied Technology Training for Post Earthquake Safety Evaluation of Buildings.
University District Preparedness Meeting
and much more!
Congratulations to this year's Earthquake Awareness Poster Contest Winners! A special thanks to everyone who participated!
First Place Winners Kenndy Miller (4th Grade, left) and Kennedi Hubbard (5th Grade, Right) with their teacher Christy Lott (Center) from Highland Oaks Elementary School.
Congratulations to Second Place Winner Charlie Ogg (middle-left 5th Grade) and Third Place Winner Megan Williams (middle right 5th Grade) of Mt Pisgah Middle School shown with Principal John Gilmer (right) and State Farm Representative David Ross (left) and teacher Dr. Linda Lane (center).
Earthquake Awareness Week 2009 was an incredible success!
The WTSSC and CERI would like to thank everyone who participated and look forward to next years as being even better!
Earthquake Awareness Week officially began on Thursday, January 29, 2009 at the Tennessee Air National Guard Base. EAW 2009 began with the briefing on the new Catastrophic Planning Annex from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. The meeting began with a welcome from and introduction of the West Tennessee Seismic Safety Commission.The master of ceremonies was WTSSC Chair Barry Moore.Commissioner Moore gave a brief overview of the purpose and direction of the WTSSC and stressed the importance of catastrophic planning with respect to large earthquakes from the New Madrid seismic zone.In partnership with State and local emergency management, theWTSSC in engages in direct discussions with communities across west Tennessee to better understand specific needs and concerns. The WTSSC is proud to announce funding from the Assisi Foundation of Memphis to better understand post earthquake mass shelter capabilities for the Greater Memphis area based on social and structural vulnerability.
Commissioner Moore emphasized that education and awareness were key preparing individuals for potentially devastating earthquakes.As an example of how to be ready, Commissioner Moore overviewed the "I'm Ready" campaign."I'm Ready" is a collaboration of the municipal Mayors of Shelby County who believe emergency preparedness is a critical focus for the community and its citizens. They wanted to do something to help residents of the County protect and equip themselves for emergency situations and natural disasters.For more information on "I'm Ready," please visit .
The WTSSC is supported financially by the State of Tennessee but the University of Memphis plays a critical role by providing an administrative backbone and a resource for related research. This led Commissioner Moore to introduce Dr. Ralph Faudree, Provost for the University of Memphis, to discuss the importance of establishing effective partnerships.
Dr. Faudree explained The University of Memphis is keenly aware of the social and structural vulnerabilities that can amplify earthquake losses in the diverse communities of west Tennessee.The University of Memphis supports partnerships with State and local emergency planners, and the West TN Seismic Safety Commission to increase the awareness of the public and to better quantify potential losses and mitigation strategies. The University has made a significant commitment to provide an organizational framework for the commission through its Office of Government Affairs and the Center for Earthquake Research and Information.The U of M is proud to partner in these efforts and look forward to the benefits these relationships will bring to the community.Dr. Faudree stated that internal evaluations have led the U of M to submit official mitigation plans and become the first and only FEMA-designated Disaster Resistant University in the state.As a result, the U of M created the position of Emergency Planning Coordinator and had the great luck of being able to hire the former Emergency Management Director for the City of Detroit, Shelby Slater.We look forward to working and learning more from state and local emergency managers and the West Tennessee Seismic Safety Commission and to continue to provide objective insight through multidisciplinary research and community programs.
Commissioner Moore then introduced General James Bassham, Director of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.Gen. Bassham, as a representative of the State of Tennessee, presented the Center for Earthquake Research and Information, West Tennessee Seismic Safety Commission, State Farm and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency with the State of Tennessee Governor's Proclamation of Earthquake Awareness Week.The proclamation states that Tennessee is subject to earthquakes from the New Madrid seismic zone and that proper preparedness and awareness by the public may help to mitigate loss of life in a catastrophic earthquake and that all Tennesseans should join this effort to promote Earthquake Awareness Week.After the proclamation was received, Commissioner Moore and General Bassham announced the winners of EAW 2009 poster contest.A special thanks to Michelle Dry for organizing the poster contest.
Next, General James Bassham of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency gave a brief discussion of the new State Catastrophic Planning Annex for Earthquakes followed by Director Nations of the Shelby County Office of Homeland Security and the Memphis/Shelby County Emergency Management Agency.Director Nations spoke briefly on potential concerns and unexpected issues that may arise in post catastrophic events.
After a brief break, Charlie Bryant of TEMA spoke with a little more detail on the Catastrophic Planning Annex.Afterward, Tennessee Highway Patrol's Tim Dover spoke about THP Strike Teams.
The meeting concluded with question and answer session and a tour of the TNANG facilities.
Tennessee EQAWARE 09 would not be possible without the support of State Farm Insurance Companies
*A special thanks to the 164 Airlift Wing and Lt. Col. Spencer for hosting and helping to make the meeting a success.*
Gen. Bassham of TEMA addressing the WTSSC
Bob Nations, Director of Shelby County Office of Preparedness.
Charlie Bryant of TEMA presenting at Earthquake Awareness Week 2009.
THP Bivens presented during EAW 2009.
Commissioner Horton and Dr. Withers learning to fly C-5
UNIVERSITY DISTRICT COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS MEETING
February 12th, 2009
On Thursday, February 12th 2009, The University of Memphis, hosted an University District Preparedness Meeting. The meeting was held at the FedEx Institute of Technology in The Zone. Over 50 people from the University District representing the neighborhoods, local businesses, churches, nursing homes, residential communities, community action programs, and many more were involved. The University District Preparedness Meeting, not only brought together the community, but allowed for the opportunity to establish and cultivate relationships between the University of Memphis and the surrounding community. The agenda below shows the list of speakers.
We would like to thank everyone who participated, presented and attended and we look forward to working with you in the future.
Opening remarks from Dr. Zettergren-University of Memphis
Dr. Thornbury from Union University describes the impact of February 2008 tornado impact and challenges involved.
Dr. Langston from CERI updating the University Community about the earthquake hazard in Mid-America.
Director Bob Nations of Memphis/Shelby EMA and OEP explains that the EMA is a resource to the commnunity.
Shelby Slater Emergency Prepreparedness Coordinator for The University of Memphis describes the U of M's Tiger Text and alert systems.
Bruce Harber, Director of Police Servies for The University of Memphis, explains how the U of M Police responds to the University District through established agreements with Memphis Police Deparmtents.
Mr. Richard Bowker of MLG&W and the Mid-South Association of Continuity Planners describes how MLG&W responds to major events like wind storm of 2003 that impacted much of Memphis.
University Community members explore preparedness information. Information provided by our Partners in Preparedness.
Community members establishing networks with each other. Lunch provided by State Farm and our Partners in the Effort.
UNIVERSITY DISTRICT PREPAREDNESS MEETING
The Center for Earthquake Research and Information partnered with the University
of Memphis' Office of the President, Crisis Management Team, Communications,
Emergency Coordinator, Business and Finance, and the Mid-South Assn of
Contingency Planners to host a meeting as part of Earthquake Awareness Week
2009.
The goal of the meeting was to bring
together the University community, local business owners, and University staff,
faculty, and students to understand how the U of M has prepared for disasters and
security and how these efforts benefit businesses and residents in the
immediate area. The overarching theme is a more disaster resilient and
safe University means a more stable and safe University community.
Agenda
10:00
AM Welcome and introductions
David
Zettergren, Vice President of Business and Finance
10:15 AM From Rubble to Renewal: Union
University's Response to the Feb. 5 Tornado Dr. Kim Thornbury Union
University, Dean of Students
11:15 AM Earthquake Hazard Update for the University Community Dr. Charles Langston,
CERI Director
11:35 AM Memphis/Shelby County Office of
Emergency Management
Bob
Nations
12:00
Lunch
Provided by State Farm and other Partners in
the Effort
1:00 PM
Disaster Planning for the
University of Memphis, Shelby Slater, U of M
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
1:30 PM
Disaster Response and Security
for the U of Community. Bruce Harber, U of M
Director of Police Services
1:55
PM Hurricane Elvis, Earthquakes and Small
Business Continuity Planning Rick Bowker, President,
Mid-South Association Continuity Planners
2:25 PM
Closing statements and Adjourn
ATC 20 Post Earthquake Safety Evaluations-Memphis, TN February 13, 2009
Following an earthquake or a catastrophic disaster, there is an immediate need for damaged building inspections. Citizens must be kept from using unsafe buildings. Likewise, safe shelter must be provided for those left homeless. It is essential that qualified inspectors quickly identify safe and unsafe structures. A city’s building inspection staff may become overloaded and need more help. The process of inspecting these buildings is known as ATC20, or Post Earthquake Safety Evaluation of Buildings.
Who Should Attend - Architects, professional engineers, building inspectors or skilled construction industry personnel with at least 5 years of verifiable general building design, construction, or inspection experience that are willing to volunteer as building inspectors after a disaster.
The Central U.S. Earthquake Consortium and its sponsoring partners are pleased to invite you to a FREE, one day training on the basic principles of building evaluations for earthquakes. This training will will provide potential inspectors and new trainers material needed to comprehend –
Earthquake Hazard Overview Structural Basics Building Behavior ATC20: Post-Earthquake Safety Evaluation of Structures Field Safety & More
This training is being jointly sponsored by the following organizations: Center for Earthquake Research & Information, Central US Earthquake Consortium, Memphis Light, Gas, and Water, State Farm Insurance, and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.
WORKSHOP RELATED INFORMATION
- Click to Download
Workshop has been filled. Thank you for your interest.
Registration Fee: Free, This workshop is being provided under a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Date & Time February 13, 2009 8:30AM - 4:00PM
Location MLGW
Joyce M. Blackmon Training Center
4949
Raleigh-LaGrange Road
Memphis, Tennessee
Local Hotels for a list of local hotels in and near Memphis,TN
Who May EnterThe contest is open to students in 4th, 5th and 6th grades in the following counties:Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Fayette, Hardeman, Haywood, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison,Obion, Shelby, Tipton and Weakley. Participation by all public and private schools is encouraged.
PrizesOf the entries submitted to CERI, posters will be judged and prizes will be awarded to the top three winning poster entries for each grade. Prizes will also be awarded to the teachers and schools for the 1st prize poster for each grade.Prizes will include emergency preparedness items, such as hand crank TV/radios, hand crank and solar flashlights, and first aid kits. The teachers for the top three winners of each grade will be notified by telephone, mail or email.Poster ContentEntries must be related to the theme of earthquake preparedness and will be judged on originality, effort and technical correctness.Each poster must cover one of the following categories: how to be ready before an earthquake happens, what to do during an earthquake to be safe, or what to do after an earthquake to be safe. Earthquake Awareness WeekPoster Contest for Grades 4 through 6Instructions and RulesDeadline: December 12, 2008
TeachersThe Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has several publications for teachers and schools on earthquake preparedness, including standards-based classroom activities, “Tremor Troops” for K-6 and “Seismic Sleuths” for 7-12.·These publications are available online at: . To receive a copy of these programs on CD, please contact Michelle Dry at 901-678-1723 or mdry@memphis.edu.Another standards-based program, “Masters of Disaster,” is available from the American Red Cross on CD. For more information, check online athttp://www.redcross.org/disaster/masters/ or contact your local American RedCross office.
Poster SpecificationsAll entries must be on an 11” x 14” sheet of white paper.All artwork must be original work by the student.Any medium may be used (crayon, paint, markers, colored pencils, etc., or a combination of these) with the exception of pencil, chalk, charcoal, glitter, coloredglue, tape, mosaics, or anything else that can chip, smear, snag, fall off, etc.Stenciled, traced, computer-generated or commercially manufactured stick-on lettering or graphics are prohibited.Posters may be drawn vertically or horizontally.Slogans or messages about earthquake preparedness and safety may be included. Only one entry is allowed per pupil and no joint entries (posters by more than one person).
Local Winners and Submission to CERIParticipating schools should select one winner for each grade: 4th, 5th and 6th.Teachers are encouraged to contact their local Emergency Management Agency,American Red Cross and State Farm Insurance offices to assist in the selection ofthe winning entries from their school.Only the 4th, 5th and 6th grade winners from each school should be submitted for final judging.Entries may be submitted in person or by mail to:University of Memphis, CERI,Attention: POSTER CONTEST,3890 Central Ave.,Memphis, TN 38152.
Memphis City School entries may be submitted to
Gregg A. Coats, Visual Art & Theatre Coordinator, Academic Operations, Technology and Innovation, Teaching and Learning Academy, 2485 Union Avenue-Annex, Memphis, TN 38112.
Entries may be submitted via “the pony.”
Shelby County School entries may be submitted to
Amanda Galbraith,
Ellendale Elementary School, via “the pony.”
Entries must be received no later than December 12, 2008.
Teachers may print out certificates for their participating and winning students. The forms may be found online .
IdentificationEach entry must include the student’s name, grade, school name, school mailing address, teacher’s name, teacher’s email address and school phone number. A blankform for this information is included and should be attached to the back of eachwinning poster before submitting it.When submitting the winning entries, do not fold the posters. Mail in a flat envelope and mark the outside of the envelope with “DO NOT FOLD OR BEND” or mail in a mailing tube.
Earthquake Preparedness Information Web SitesFederal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)• http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/earthquake/schools.shtm• http://www.fema.gov/kids/quake.htm• http://www.fema.gov/hazard/earthquake/index.shtmAmerican Red Cross• http://www.redcross.org/pubs/dspubs/cde.htmlMemphis Emergency Management Agency• http://www.memphisema.com/PDF_files.htmlCentral United States Earthquake Consortium (CUSEC)• http://www.cusec.org/Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC)• http://www.earthquakecountry.info/dropcoverholdon/•
For More InformationInformation about earthquake preparedness is available to your school from your local emergency management agency, the American Red Cross, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and CERI.Any questions regarding the 2009 Earthquake Preparedness Poster Contest should be directed to Michelle Dry at CERI, 901-678-1723 or mdry@memphis.edu.EARTHQUAKE AWARENESS WEEKEARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS POSTERCONTEST ENTRY FORM(Place on back of poster before mailing to CERI)Please print all information in blue or black ink. Thank you.STUDENT’S NAME_______________________________________________GRADE LEVEL_____SCHOOL_______________________________________________________SCHOOL’S MAILING ADDRESS_____________________________________TEACHER’S NAME_______________________________________________SCHOOL PHONE NUMBER________________________________________TEACHER’S E-MAIL ADDRESS_____________________________________NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IN GRADE____________Winning entries should be submitted in a flat envelope marked “DO NOT FOLD OR BEND”or in a mailing tube and submitted to one of the following: Memphis City School entries may be submitted to Gregg A. Coats, Visual Art & Theatre Coordinator, Academic Operations, Technology and Innovation, Teachingand Learning Academy, 2485 Union Avenue-Annex, Memphis, TN 38112. Entriesmay be submitted via “the pony.” Shelby County School entries may be submitted to Amanda Galbraith, Ellendale Elementary School, via “the pony.”All other entries should be submitted to The University of Memphis, CERI, Attn: POSTER CONTEST, 3890 Central Ave., Memphis, TN 38152.Entries must be received by December 12, 2008.All entries into the Earthquake Awareness Week Poster Contest become the property ofthe Center for Earthquake Research and Information. Partners: CERI,Tennessee Dept. of Education, American Red Cross, and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Contact: Michelle Dry, 901-678-1723 or mdry@memphis.edu
Make a poster that is related to earthquake preparations, earthquake readiness, or earthquake safety!
