EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACADEMY GRADUATES 35 STUDENTS

The Florida Division of Emergency Management awarded certificates to 35 graduating students from the Emergency Management Academy, or EM-01. The training began on February 13 and ran for two weeks at Pat Thomas Police Academy in Gadsden County. It covers more than 80 hours of classroom instruction and graduates leave with their Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Professional Development Series (PDS) certification and other courses which count toward completion of Advanced Professional Series certification.

The students endured 12-14 hour days simulating real life emergency response. The students, from dozens of county and state emergency management agencies and emergency support functions, also participated in a surprise exercise, and bomb squad and haz-mat team demonstrations, as well as “How to eat an MRE” (meal ready to eat).

UNDERSTAND PANDEMIC INFLUENZA AND AVIAN FLU

Understanding the basic facts on potential threats promotes a culture of preparedness. Get to know what bird flu is, why it's important to be prepared, and how you can educate your family and community.

• Avian influenza - commonly called "bird flu" - is an infection caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally in birds. Wild birds can carry the viruses, but usually do not get sick from them. However, some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, can become infected, often fatally.
  
  
• One strain of avian influenza, the H5N1 virus, is endemic in much of Asia and has recently spread into Europe . Avian H5N1 infections have recently killed poultry and other birds in a number of countries.
  
  
• Currently, close contact with infected poultry has been the primary source for human infection. Though rare, there have been isolated reports of human-to-human transmission of the virus.

U.S. Pandemic Flu website | Florida Department of Health

STATE OFFICIALS PARTICIPATE IN ANNUAL HOMELAND SECURITY EXERCISE

Governor Jeb Bush today joined Florida's Cabinet officers, state agency heads and law enforcement and emergency management officials to conduct the fourth annual homeland security “tabletop” exercise at the State Emergency Operations Center. The exercise is an annual drill where the Governor and top state officials respond to mock terrorism and homeland security threats.

See Full Release (PDF)

Governor Bush Announces 2006-2007 Executive Budget

Fiscal stewardship grows budget, increasing opportunity and security for Floridians

TALLAHASSEE - Governor Jeb Bush and Lt. Governor Toni Jennings today unveiled the Bush/Jennings Executive Budget Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2006-2007 (FY 06-07). The budget recommendations build on the conservative fiscal management policies that have spurred economic growth and increased revenues for state government.

Full Release (PDF)

Hurricane Preparedness, Response and Recovery

Bush/Jennings Budget Recommendations for Fiscal Year 2006-2007 to the Florida Legislature

Florida has experienced unprecedented back-to-back hurricane seasons. In 2005, Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, Rita and Wilma hit Florida . In 2004, Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne slammed into our state. Hurricanes are a fact of life in Florida . Florida will continue experiencing hurricanes like we have been for the past couple of years. For the long-term vitality of our state, hurricane preparedness, response and recovery needs to be as high a priority as any other public policy area.

Full Report (PDF) | Power Point Presentation (PDF)

GOVERNOR BUSH AND LT. GOVERNOR JENNINGS ANNOUNCE NEW FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE AND RECOVERY

Governor Jeb Bush and Lt. Governor Toni Jennings today outlined a $565 million budget recommendation of state and federal funding for emergency management. Establishing a “Culture of Preparedness” for hurricanes is a top priority for Governor Bush. These new efforts will significantly enhance Florida’s ability to prepare for hurricanes, respond quickly in the aftermath of a storm, recover from the damage and impacts to the economy, and mitigate future threats to public safety and infrastructure.

See Full Release (PDF)

FY 2006 application cycle for the CERT and Citizen Corps Grant Programs.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) hereby gives advanced notice of its intent to open the FY 2006 application cycle for the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and Citizen Corps Council Grant Programs. The anticipated official Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) will be announced in the January 13, 2006 edition of the Florida Administrative Weekly, with anticipated application submission deadline of February 21,2006. It is anticipated that the grant application will be available on this website approximately January 17,2006. A copy of the anticipate NOFA is posted on the FDEM CERT and Citizen Corps websites.

NOFA Funding Availability (PDF)