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CAPSTONE-14 After-Action Report Released by CUSEC and DHS S&T
January 2015 - Following the CAPSTONE-14 exercise in June of this year, CUSEC has completed an exercise "After-Action Report"
(AAR). The report highlights lessons learned and successes from three
years of multi-state planning and preparedness activities coordinated by
CUSEC and our Member States. It also highlights recommendations that
are critical to advancing earthquake preparedness in the central U.S. The report, lessons learned, and recommendations can all be reviewed by downloading the AAR from: http://www.cusec.org/capstone14/documents/CAPSTONE-14_AAR.pdf
In addition to CUSEC's report, the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate has released an After-Action Report. This document summarizes the Federal Governments role in the exercise, lessons learned, as well as several "operational leave-behinds" from the exercise. These leave-behinds were developed during (or for) the CAPSTONE-14 exercise and have been implemented in several CUSEC Member States following the exercise. You can download the DHS S&T AAR from: www.cusec.orgcapstone14/documents/DHS_CAPSTONE_AAR.pdf
As we work to address the recommendations in the AAR, CUSEC would like to thank the many individuals, Local, State, and Federal Government organizations, and private sector partners who participated in the development and implementation of CAPSTONE-14. Their input and active participation in the years leading up to the exercise were the primary factor in making it a success. Please continue to monitor the CUSEC Website and our newsletter for updates on earthquake planning and preparedness initiatives in the central U.S.
Donate to CUSEC on the Combined Federal Campaign
November 2014 - CUSEC is now a registered charitable organization in the Federal Government's "Combined Federal Campaign" (CFC).
CUSEC makes it possible for individuals and communities to prepare for
and recover from damaging earthquakes. You can make it possible, too, by
designating us through the CFC, which is September 1st through December
15th. Donations can be made through your local campaign or in the
Universal Giving program. Our designation number is 55519.
Your
tax deductible donation through the CFC will provide quality training
and resources for public safety officials, first responders, volunteers,
and the general public. Please see your local campaign coordinator
for pledge materials and details.
CFC Designations can be made now through December 15, 2014. Thank you for your support of earthquake and disaster preparedness!
Nearly 5 Million Participate in Regional Earthquake Drill
October 2014 - On October
16 at 10:16 a.m., nearly 4.8 million people across 19 States and the District
of Columbia participated in the Great
Central U.S. and Great SouthEast
ShakeOut Earthquake Drills. The regional
ShakeOut drills are part of a global effort to teach people how to stay safe
during an earthquake.
This
action—known as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On”—is the safest response while the ground is shaking during
an earthquake, and is endorsed by the CUSEC, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), American Red Cross,
and other emergency officials and first responders. ShakeOut participants included K-12 schools,
businesses, neighborhood groups, colleges and universities, government
organizations, and many other groups.
Also, several Governors of participating States issued statements
proclaiming Oct. 16 as “Great ShakeOut Day” in their States. Including
Thursday’s regional drills, more than 20 million people nationwide (and several
other countries) participated in Great
ShakeOut Earthquake Drills.
According
to CUSEC Executive Director Jim Wilkinson, “Everyone everywhere should know how
to protect themselves during an earthquake.
Even if an individual doesn’t live in an area with a high earthquake
hazard, they may one day travel to such an area and need to be prepared. ShakeOut provides a dedicated time for
individuals and communities to take a few minutes out of their day-to-day
activities to practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On—an action that one day may save
their lives.” Wilkinson also adds that
“Involving the ‘whole community’ is a
major focus for us and we sincerely appreciate the dedication our partners have
shown as they’ve worked tirelessly to make the ShakeOut a big success.”
The
ShakeOut occurs annually on the third Thursday of October with the next drill
scheduled for October 15, 2015 at 10:15AM, local time. For more information, visit www.shakeout.org.
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