Sent to EMAT Members every FIRST Friday OF THE MONTH
Not getting the emails? Contact us at ematinfotx@gmail.com.
December 4
We have an announcement regarding out COVID-19 resource emails. Moving forward, we will be changing the frequency of update emails from weekly, to monthly. Expect a COVID-19 resource email the first Friday of the month moving forward with December as the first month, picking back up in 2021.
We are still going to be posting to the COVID-19 resource page on the emat site as well, where the archive of email resources are being stored.
For the content this week, we are sharing the COVID resource page from the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Here, you can find relevant news slips and original resources that will help aid communities.
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
November 27
Happy Thanksgiving weekend everyone. EMAT is still committed to providing useful COVID-19 resources for emergency managers and their residents. This week we are sharing content from TexasLawHelp.org. Here, they have a great non-legal archive that has information containing topics from food & groceries, family resources, transportation resources, rent, housing and utilities, mortgage, car and homeowners, including much more!
Additionally, they have statewide and regional resources divided up too for a more localized point of focus. Follow the link below to access these helpful resources!
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
November 20
Throughout COVID-19. Many Texas residents have been concerned about their housing situations. Luckily for us, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs has a webpage dedicated to housing resources and information.
On this page, you can find and share with your community information for homeowners and renters on a wide range of topics varying from bill payment help, utility bills, tips on moving/apartment hunting during the pandemic, preparedness toolkits and so much more! Follow the link below for access.
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
November 13
The Baylor College of Medicine has been thinking forward to the holiday season and you and your community should be as well. In the links below, you can find a “Holiday Bubble Checklist” as well as information on how to safely navigate the holiday season with COVID-19. Dr. James T McDeavitt writes an article here that discusses efficient ways that we can still enjoy the holiday season but continue to stay safely by minimizing risks and building your “Holiday Bubble.”
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
November 6
This Friday for our COVID-19 update we are sharing the resource hub provided by the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). This page is being updated as new information becomes available with resources for residents, as well as emergency managers. Additionally there is a Q&A section that provides answers with credible links to the source that would be great to share with your community.
Follow the link below to access this archive with themes that include disaster declarations, volunteers, public assistance, SBA disaster assistance loan information and much more!
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
OCTOBER 30
Today, we are directing you back to the CDC for their Featured Resources on the Emergency Preparedness and Response page. Here, you can find informational calls and webinars on topics that vary from how to handle people with substance problems during COVID, best practices in health equity, recommendations on influenza treatment and prevention in children, and even a video Q&A recording!
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
OCTOBER 23
Welcome once again to the EMAT weekly COVID-19 resources email. In this edition we are sharing some content from the US. Food & Drug Administration. Specifically, access to videos and podcasts that you can listen to as well as share with the residents in your area. This page linked below is still being updated and has interesting and helpful content related to COVID-19 and keeping residents and first responders safe.
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
OCTOBER 16
It is that time of the week again, the EMAT COVID-19 update. In this edition we are sharing a page from UTHealth! Here, you will find general and institutional information on the virus, which will be updated regularly. Feel free to check here frequently as the situation evolves.
Topics include holiday travel, Halloween safety, antibody trials, hospital adaptations and much more!
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
OCTOBER 9
In this COVID-19 weekly email update, we would like to focus on the abundance of resources that the International Association of Emergency Managers has put together. On their webpage found below, there are webinars, scholarly articles, finance and recovery resources, public and legal issues and much more!
Referencing the CDC and WHO, there are also resiliency materials that are applicable to COVID-19 and the expanding topic of Resiliency in the emergency management field. Be sure to stay up to date and informed!
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
OCTOBER 2
We are back for another COVID-19 EMAT email! This week we wanted to share a resource for the rural areas of Texas! The Rural Health Information Hub has provided an archive of COVID-19 emergency management resources that can be used to be better informed and prepared!
When emergencies happen in rural communities, especially disasters that are severe or prolonged, the demands on local response agencies and healthcare facilities can quickly consume available resources. Disasters have complex effects, whether they are natural or man-made, and can occur without warning.
These resources below can assist you in preparation to mitigate risks in your rural communities, click the link below to learn more!
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:SEPTEMBER 25
For the EMAT email edition this week, we will be sharing the COVID-19 page from usa.gov. On this page, you can find numerous categories and links related to COVID-19 recourses. These range from health and safety topics, travel, money and taxes, education, scams and fraud, benefits and grants, housing, national parks businesses and much more.
On this page, there are multiple links that you can follow that will direct you to other “.gov” resources and news releases.
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
SEPTEMBER 18
This week on the EMAT COVID-19 Update we are sharing resources from the Texas Association of Counties (TAC).
Through TAC, counties join together to respond to the needs of Texans by finding solutions to challenges faced by all counties. Through TAC, county government’s leaders offer a variety of services that support county officials' work to provide vital services to local residents as efficiently as possible.
TAC has compiled the following information and resources for county government to aid in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
SEPTEMBER 11
Another week, another EMAT COVID-19 resource email! For this week’s installment, we are distributing a page from the Infections Disease Society of America (IDSA). They have a “COVID-19 Resource Center” that houses featured resources, research articles & journals, emerging clinical issues and even some videos/webinars.
IDSA leads the way in detecting, preventing, treating and curing infectious diseases worldwide. They update this curated resource center daily to reflect rapidly emerging literature. It provides must-have information to clinicians and decision-makers. Click the link below to access the archive!
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
SEPTEMBER 4
As COVID-19 continues to affect our lives, it is important to continue to stay safe, take care of yourself and take care of others.
This week for the COVID-19 resources, it is important to think about the diverse populations that our communities have. COVID-19 affects everyone. By clicking the link below, you can find Multilingual Resources provided by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration with links to CDC resources as well.
These resources range from a variety of topics such as educational resources, response techniques and an FAQ section. Access these resources below:
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
August 21
With some schools back open, it is important so stay informed and up to date on the best practices and safety precautions regarding in-person learning. Healthychildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics has a resource titled “Return to School During COVID-19.”
This page provides answers to the biggest question parents have right now, how can students can go back to school safely during the COVID-19 pandemic? This question is addressed as well as others in the article. Additionally, they outline why students should go back to school-safely, as well as precautions for buses, hallways and playgrounds.
All of this information can be found in the link here: Return to School During COVID-19
More information on children/schools and COVID-19 can be found below, provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Pediatricians, Educators and Superintendents Urge a Safe Return to School This Fall
- Can children get COVID-19?
- Cloth Face Coverings for Children During COVID-19
- Mask Mythbusters: 5 Common Misconceptions About Kids & Cloth Face Coverings
- Is it OK to see my pediatrician during COVID-19?
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
August 14
This week for the COVID-19 email we would like to share a resource from the American Red Cross. This resource focuses on virtual care for families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19. Whether this can benefit your family, colleagues, or community members, consider taking a look at the virtual care the Red Cross offers and share this resource with others.
This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone, but especially for those who have lost a loved one due to COVID-19. The Red Cross, in collaboration with our partners, is here to provide compassion and support as they grieve.
20200814_RedCross_VirtualCare.pdf
If anyone else has informative documents that they feel would be beneficial to Emergency Managers across Texas, feel free to respond to this email and they can be reviewed for potential distribution.
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
August 7
Last month, we sent out a survey to EMAT members that includes questions on how we can better support members during COVID-19. This survey also included questions regarding the 2021 EMAT Annual Symposium which will help us plan how we should move forward. Please consider taking the time to complete this brief survey if you have not done so yet.
Additionally, the CDC has released “COVID-19 One-Stop Shop Toolkits.” These include videos, social media, PSAs, print resources, checklists, FAQs, and web resources that can be used and shared in your communities. Access them by following the link below.
COVID-19 One-Stop Shop Toolkits
Thank you for your continued support of EMAT and please, stay safe. We will do our part in supplying timely and relevant resources so you can be better prepared and informed during these unprecedented times.
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
JULY 24
This week for out COVID-19 Email update, we will be sharing some resources from the American Red Cross. These resources come from an NGO view and can really help Emergency Managers see how they plan to respond with Congregate and non-Congregate sheltering during the pandemic and see if they apply to your region and if you can implement any of these methods into your own operations.
In order to access the documents provided by the American Red Cross, please open the zip folder below:
Red Cross COVID-19 Resources.zip
If anyone else has informative documents that they feel would be beneficial to Emergency Managers across Texas, feel free to respond to this email and they can be reviewed for potential distribution.
Thank you for your continued support of EMAT and please, stay safe. We will do our part in supplying timely and relevant resources so you can be better prepared and informed during these unprecedented times.
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
JULY 17
COVID-19 continues to affect us all in many different ways. In order to continually fight this virus, we need to know what tools we have at our disposal. The Texas Department of State Health Services has a page dedicated to “Information for First Responders.” With content geared to emergency medical services personnel, first responders, and local jurisdictions there are helpful resources for everyone.
First responders, EMS systems, and law enforcement personnel can also find guidance for the COVID 19 response from the CDC, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Interagency Board for Emergency Preparedness and Response.
Click the link below to access this archive:
Information for First Responders
Thank you for your continued support of EMAT and please, stay safe. We will do our part in supplying timely and relevant resources so you can be better prepared and informed during these unprecedented times.
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
JULY 10
COVID-19 is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. FEMA has compiled the best practices and lessons learned that communities have already faced fighting COVID-19. This collection is not exhaustive, but they will continue to add content and highlight key areas where communities can benefit from learning.
Please follow the link here on Coronavirus Emergency Management Best Practices to see their latest COVID-19 fact sheet, community innovations, economic support & recovery resources and much more!
Additionally, we have sent out a survey to EMAT members that includes questions on how we can better support members during COVID-19. Please consider taking the time to complete this brief survey if you have not done so yet.
Thank you for your continued support of EMAT and please, stay safe. We will do our part in supplying timely and relevant resources so you can be better prepared and informed during these unprecedented times.
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
JULY 3, 2020
COVID-19 is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. FEMA has compiled the best practices and lessons learned that communities have already faced fighting COVID-19. This collection is not exhaustive, but they will continue to add content and highlight key areas where communities can benefit from learning.
Please follow the link here on Coronavirus Emergency Management Best Practices to see their latest COVID-19 fact sheet, community innovations, economic support & recovery resources and much more!
Additionally, we have sent out a survey to EMAT members that includes questions on how we can better support members during COVID-19. Please consider taking the time to complete this brief survey if you have not done so yet.
Thank you for your continued support of EMAT and please, stay safe. We will do our part in supplying timely and relevant resources so you can be better prepared and informed during these unprecedented times.
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
JUNE 26, 2020
We would like to share with you this week, the most recent letter from FEMA Administrator Gaynor. This letter was distributed as we approached the three-month mark of the Nation’s COVID-19 response. He discusses that even in the midst of this pandemic, we must be prepared for all other disasters we are at risk of facing. Find the link to his letter below.
Administrator Gaynor's letter to Emergency Managers
Additionally, the CDC has released a resource in the form of a webinar titled “Applying COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Strategies in Nursing Homes.” During this call, presenters used case-based scenarios to discuss how to apply infection prevention and control guidance for nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that are preparing for and responding to COVID-19.
Thank you for your continued support of EMAT and please, stay safe. We will do our part in supplying timely and relevant resources so you can be better prepared and informed during these unprecedented times.
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
JUNE 19, 2020
Today, we would like to share with you a webinar from the CDC on Crisis & Emergency Risk Communication. Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) training can help responders and public health professionals prepare to communicate in an emergency. CERC trainings are based on lessons learned during public health emergencies, evidence-based practices from the fields of risk and crisis communication, and psychology. The CERC program offers training in online, webinar, and in-person formats.
This webinar titled, “CERC Overview for COVID-19” explains how vital it is for health communication professionals, public officials, and other partners to share information during the novel coronavirus outbreak. The Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) principles outlined in the webinar are designed to help effectively develop and share COVID-19 messages to the public.
Thank you for your continued support of EMAT and please, stay safe. We will do our part in supplying timely and relevant resources so you can be better prepared and informed during these unprecedented times.
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
JUNE 12, 2020
As we continue to navigate through the everyday challenges of COVID-19, a particular question continues to be asked. Could the Coronavirus be weakening as it spreads? Hospital leaders in Milan and Genoa, cities in two regions of northern Italy that have been hit hard by Covid-19, say that the coronavirus is losing potency, Markaham Hide writes in Medium. Reuters also published an article on the topic.
Additionally, during this pandemic, supply chains continue to be a matter of importance. Homeland Security News Wire provides a piece titled, “During Global Crises, Strategic Redundancy Can Prevent Collapse of Supply Chains.” When the novel coronavirus began spreading during the early months of 2020, it put kinks in multinational production chains — first in China and then around the globe. But it didn’t have to happen that way. Experts suggest companies use redundancy as a way to fortify their operations against unforeseeable events such as pandemics.
Thank you for your continued support of EMAT and please, stay safe. We will do our part in supplying timely and relevant resources so you can be better prepared and informed during these unprecedented times.
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
JUNE 5, 2020
Homeland Security News Wire has offered a thought provoking take on the relationship of Game Theory and the COVID-19 Outbreak. Taking a look at this and being mindful can aid people in leadership roles as we navigate these waters.
Game Theory and the COVID-19 Outbreak: Coordinating Our Interests at Individual to National Levels
Additionally, the Center for Homeland Defense and Security has provided access to a webinar featuring Dr. Sheri Fink with Glen Woodbury as moderator, the Director of the CHDS. Throughout the pandemic, government leaders, health care professionals, and communities around the globe have confronted extraordinary resource allocation questions as the number of critically ill patients grew daily amidst severe shortages of equipment, supplies, staffing and hospital beds. Click this link to learn about her recent experiences as a New York Times medical correspondent in hospitals during the COVID-19 response and discuss ethical dilemmas facing leaders during the crisis.
Ethics in Crisis: Observations from the Frontlines of COVID-19
Thank you for your continued support of EMAT and please, stay safe. We will do our part in supplying timely and relevant resources so you can be better prepared and informed during these unprecedented times.
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
May 29, 2020
Information Sharing is essential as we navigate through the effects of COVID-19. We have sent out information from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) in the past that we have found incredibly useful. The CHDS Alumni Network has compiled an archive of updates dating back to April 10th that is still being updated weekly. This is a weekly resource summary of COVID-19 information, policies, and emerging smart practices shared amongst the CHDS Community.
To access this archive follow this link: https://www.chds.us/ed/items/20709
Additionally, Homeland Security News Wire has some interesting pieces on COVID-19 Testing. You can find them in the links below!
Coronavirus Antigen Tests: Quick and Cheap, but Too Often Wrong?
CDC Test Counting Error Leaves Epidemiologists “Really Baffled”
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
MAY 22, 2020
For this week’s email, we are providing a “reading clips” edition. Below are a couple updates published by the Disaster Information Management Research Center. These articles focus on topics of stress, cleanliness, symptoms and concerns on animal safety.
Psychological Stress Associated with the COVID-19 Crisis
Cleaning and Disinfection of Environmental Surfaces in the Context of COVID-19
Questions and Answers on the COVID-19 (World Organization for Animal Health)
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children and Adolescents with COVID-19
Additionally, Homeland Security News Wire has an interesting assortment of content related to COVID-19. The Homeland Security News Wire is the homeland security industry’s largest online daily news publication, authoritative, in-depth analysis and coverage of the day’s most important homeland security stories. Click on a link below for an update!
Further Evidence Does Not Support Hydroxychloroquine for Patients with COVID-19
“A lot of hope”: Experimental Seattle Coronavirus Vaccine Study Shows Promise
New AI Diagnostic Can Predict COVID-19 without Testing
BGU Scientists Develop Anti-Coronavirus Surface Coating Based on Nanomaterials
How “Truth Decay” Is Harming America’s Coronavirus Recovery
Thank you for your continued support of EMAT and please, stay safe. We will do our part in supplying timely and relevant resources so you can be better prepared and informed during these unprecedented times.
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
MAY 15, 2020
As the nation and the world continues to fight against COVID-19, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) continues to work on products and other resources intended to help critical infrastructure stakeholders improve their resilience and reduce their exposure to COVID-19 related risks.
This PDF document below provides COVID-19 Disinformation insight that can be taken to reduce the risk of sharing inaccurate information with your friends and family.
CISA Insights_COVID_19 Disinformation Activity.pdf
Thank you for your continued support of EMAT and please, stay safe. We will do our part in supplying timely and relevant resources so you can be better prepared and informed during these unprecedented times.
Keep up to date with these consistent resources for the most accurate and up to date information:
MAY 8, 2020
As ordered by Governor Abbott, cosmetology salons, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons and shops, and other establishments where licensed cosmetologists or barbers practice their trade, may open, but all such salons, shops, and establishments must ensure at least six feet of social distancing between operating work stations. Tanning salons may also reopen under the same limitation. Also starting May 8, swimming pools may open subject to certain limitations, including on their occupancy or operating levels.
Additionally, beginning May 18, office buildings may open with the greater of five or less individuals or 25% of the total office workforce. These individuals must maintain appropriate social distancing. Gyms, exercise facilities, and exercise classes may also open on May 18, but must operate at 25% occupancy. Locker rooms and shower facilities will remain closed, but restrooms may open. Non-essential manufacturing services may also open on May 18 but facilities must limit their occupancy to 25%. For more information visit: https://gov.texas.gov/.
Another important resource to be aware of is that Governor Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received $5.8 million in federal funding to provide crisis counseling services to Texans who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding is provided by FEMA’s Immediate Services Crisis Counseling and Training Program. For additional resources visit the Mental Health & Substance Use Resources web page!
MAY 1, 2020
Today marks Phase One to open Texas. As laid out in Executive Order No. GA-18 (HERE), all retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and malls are permitted to reopen on Friday, May 1. These services must limit their capacity to 25% of their listed occupancy. Within shopping malls, the food-court dining areas, play areas, and interactive displays and settings must remain closed.
There is also a minimum standard for health protocols that must be followed strictly when planning to open Texas. You can find the Press release from April 27, 2020 HERE.
For those interested in what the minimum standard health protocols are for all individuals, all employers and employees, as well as industry-specific protocols recommended by the DSHS, you can click this LINK to the Governor’s report “Texans Helping Texans: The Governor’s Report to Open Texas” and search for page 20.
APRIL 24, 2020
For this week, we want to push out to you, a “Disaster Financial Management Guide” from FEMA. On Thursday, April 16, FEMA released the “Disaster Financial Management Guide” to support jurisdictions in establishing and implementing sound disaster financial management practices, which are critical for successful response and recovery. The guide takes an all-hazards approach and addresses a broad range of issues and contains concepts, principles and resources applicable to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic response environment.
The guide can be found here: COVID-19-and-Disaster-Financial-Management-Guide.pdf
Additionally, as we get further into pandemic response, it may be worth your while to look at resources regarding face coverings. The CDC recommends utilizing cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19. CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. For more information on how to properly wear, and even create your own face covering, click the link HERE to be taken to the official CDC page.
APRIL 17, 2020
This week’s message includes updates from FEMA on the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program, information from CISA on strategies for addressing PPE shortage and a letter from FEMA Administrator Gaynor which can be accessed through the link supplied HERE.
To begin with, April 13th FEMA announced $100 million in funding for the coronavirus (COVID-19) supplemental of the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program. This grant assists state, local, tribal and territorial governments with their public health and emergency management activities supporting the prevention of, preparation for and response to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.
This funding is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and is separate and distinct from any funding that will be awarded under the Notice of Funding Opportunity published on Feb. 14. FEMA is employing a streamlined application process to expedite the issuance of awards and make the funds available to recipients as quickly as possible.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity is available on the FEMA website. Eligible applicants must apply for funding through Grants.gov. Completed final applications must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. ET, April 28.
In addition, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released an advisory regarding strategies for addressing personal protective equipment (PPE) shortage. This effort is mainly relying on three pillars of practice: reduce, reuse and repurpose. For more information follow the link HERE.