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present, and prepare for the future. EERI and the SSA are
<br />joining with Disaster Resistant California to focus on how
<br />communities can manage their risk through science, public
<br />policy, emergency response, and business continuity. For
<br />more information, e-mail alethea @1906egconf. org; http: //
<br />www.1906eqconf.org/.
<br />Postgraduate Training Course in Study and Manage-
<br />ment of Geological Risks, CERG 2006. Sponsor: Uni-
<br />versite de Geneve, Centre d'Etude des Risques G6olo
<br />giques. Geneva, Switzerland: April 24 -June 16, 2006.
<br />The objective of this course is for students to develop ex-
<br />pertise in the field of natural risk mitigation by integrating
<br />it into the planning of sustainable development. It offers a
<br />multidisciplinary approach in the search for solutions for a
<br />society confronted with natural risks and aims to develop
<br />experts who can advise the public and private sectors to
<br />take preventive measures to reduce the impact of natural
<br />disasters. The training is intended for geologists, geogra-
<br />phers, geotechnicians, civil engineers, and land planners
<br />with an interest in humanitarian relief. For more informa-
<br />tion, contact Franfoise Grondahl, Universal de Geneve,
<br />CERG - Secretariat, departement de Mineralogie, 13 rue
<br />des Maraichers, CH -1205 Geneve, Suisse; 004122 379 66
<br />02; e -mail: cerg @unige. ch; http: / /www. unige. ch /hazards/.
<br />Statement by IAEM President on the Hurricanes
<br />The following statement was made by the president of the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM),
<br />Dewayne West, in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
<br />As I write this, my heart is heavy watching the events and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the approaching
<br />Hurricane Rita. I know you all share my concerns. We are in the midst of responding to and recovering from the larg-
<br />est natural catastrophe to strike the United States in our lifetime. Our prayers go out to the victims and our counter-
<br />parts in the affected areas. Recovery will be long and difficult.
<br />The events that continue to unfold underscore the critical need for strong emergency management programs
<br />throughout the world. Any doubt regarding the value of the "all- hazards" approach to what we do or should be doing,
<br />has surely been erased. Historically, adequate funding and staffing has not been provided to the extent needed to ad-
<br />dress the various phases of emergency preparedness. Added to this have been guidelines and restrictions that hamper or
<br />prevent real preparedness and mitigation. This has to change if we are to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
<br />As our populations increase and hazards become more complex and challenging, it is crucial that officials recog-
<br />nize the need and their responsibility for adequate funding and support at all levels of government. No longer can we
<br />have the "spare tire" syndrome applied to emergency management and expect it to perform flawlessly when disasters
<br />occur.
<br />Without question, there will be much finger- pointing by self -made experts and Monday morning quarterbacking in
<br />days to come. Unfortunately, it has already started. However, I believe it is our responsibility as emergency manage-
<br />ment professionals to stay focused and unified in our approach and efforts to highlight the needs and value of our pro-
<br />fession. This includes public education, training, professional standards, code enforcement, public policy, funding,
<br />mitigation, and legislation. The message is nothing new.
<br />Our efforts must continue to include individuals, families, and communities. Public education programs must be
<br />expanded and enhanced, and citizens must be educated regarding their role and responsibility when confronted with a
<br />potential disaster. They must be trained in self -help procedures to look after themselves and their neighbors. Then gov-
<br />ernment can concentrate its resources on those citizens and areas not capable of self -help.
<br />We are also responsible for ensuring that we as emergency management professionals are trained and prepared to
<br />do our jobs. This includes training and education, professional development, and program standards. If you are not
<br />consistently upgrading your knowledge base and capabilities, if you are not proactive in your role and program devel-
<br />opment, then you need to consider another vocation. Apathy is no longer acceptable regardless of the source. Our role
<br />and responsibility is much too serious to be taken lightly.
<br />There must be a renewed effort at all levels to accomplish these goals. If this event doesn't serve as a wake -up call
<br />to everyone, then I don't know what it will take. The word must go forth from IAEM members, our partner organiza-
<br />tions, and anyone else who can lend support, to convince officials and policy makers that change must come. After all,
<br />is that not what we have been saying for some time now? I hope you will join me in this effort —our citizens deserve no
<br />less.
<br />For more information about IAEM, contact IAEM, 201 Park Washington Court, Falls Church, VA, 22046,• (703)
<br />538 -1795; e -mail: info @iaem. com; http: / /www. iaem. coml.
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