Discussion: View Thread

  • 1.  Disaster Recovery Assistance

    Posted 08-20-2020 04:57 PM
    With earthquakes in North Carolina and Nevada, the annual US western wildfire season starting now, and the annual hurricane season out east, I'm reminded of the role civil engineers routinely play in assisting with disaster recovery.  I recall there being some sort of certification process available through FEMA or ASCE.  This provides some type of credential which shows the holder has been through safety, administrative, and technical training, and has understanding of what to do.  There was some on-line course offered once or twice a year, in fact.  Does anyone know what this might be called and how to get more information about it?  I'm not asking about helping out financially, but rather, through my experience and knowledge.

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    Dudley McFadden P.E., D.WRE, M.ASCE
    Principal Civil Engineer
    Sacramento Municipal Utility District
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  • 2.  RE: Disaster Recovery Assistance

    Posted 08-20-2020 08:42 PM
    Hi Dudley,
    Perhaps these sites can move you along.

    https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/find-assistance

     https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/frameworks/recovery

    https://www.fema.gov/


    Stay Healthy!
    Cheers,
    Bill

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    William M. Hayden Jr., Ph.D., P.E., CMQ/OE, F.ASCE
    Buffalo, N.Y.

    "It is never too late to be what you might have been." -- George Eliot 1819 - 1880
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  • 3.  RE: Disaster Recovery Assistance

    Posted 08-21-2020 10:53 AM
    Hello Dudley,

    I think you're referencing the Cal OES SAP (Safety Assessment Program) training. The training is typically a day class (or these days likely an online training). This training allows you to help out by assessing structures after an event/disaster. These websites will provide you with more information about the program, and how to register:

    https://www.caloes.ca.gov/cal-oes-divisions/recovery/disaster-mitigation-technical-support/technical-assistance/safety-assessment-program

    https://csti-ca.csod.com/catalog/CustomPage.aspx?id=20000676&tab_page_id=20000676

    Note with the second link you will likely be prompted to create an account.

    You also mentioned FEMA. If you're interested in taking it once step further, you could investigate becoming part of a local or state USAR task force as a structures specialist (StS). The StS assists the task force in rescues and recoveries after a disaster has occurred, and sometimes while the disaster is still in progress.

    http://disasterengineer.org/

    I hope this is what you're looking for!

    Thanks,
    Cherylyn

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    Cherylyn Henry, P.E., F.SEI, M.ASCE
    Structural Engineer | Project Manager
    ZAPATA, Inc.
    Charlotte, NC
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  • 4.  RE: Disaster Recovery Assistance

    Posted 09-03-2020 11:30 AM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 09-03-2020 11:29 AM
    These are all great tips!  Thanks. While obtaining information is straightforward, knowing what to look for isn't.  I hope other states see the value in developing programs like the California safety assessment program.

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    Dudley McFadden P.E., D.WRE, M.ASCE
    Principal Civil Engineer
    Sacramento Municipal Utility District
    Roseville CA
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  • 5.  RE: Disaster Recovery Assistance

    Posted 10-21-2020 12:16 PM
    Hi @Dudley McFadden,

    Thank you for bringing up this important topic. We will be discussing this topic at length during this week's Thursday @ 3 - Overcoming Disasters Thru Relief and Recovery Efforts. ​​We have a really well-rounded panel. I hope you can join us!

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    Tirza Austin
    Manager, Online Community
    American Society of Civil Engineers
    1801 Alexander Bell Drive
    Reston, VA 20191
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