FLIR Systems Inc. announced that the United States Army and Navy have ordered in total more than 160 of the company’s Centaur™ unmanned ground vehicles, plus related spares and accessories. Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams will use the FLIR Centaur to assist in disarming improvised explosive devices, unexploded ordnance, and similar hazardous tasks. Operators can quickly attach different sensors and payloads to the robot to support other functions, including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) missions.
In an emergency response, timing is everything. To address critical needs that arise and help save lives, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) emPOWER Program leveraged the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and mobile device applications to create emPOWER AI, a free, voice-activated tool available on Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant mobile device applications. emPOWER AI instantly puts HHS emPOWER Map data into the hands of every emergency responder in every community.
FLIR Systems Inc. announced it has installed its EST™ screening system at the Pentagon Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. The company’s integrated EST screening solution features the FLIR A700 thermal imaging camera. The system is being used to screen visitors for elevated or higher than expected skin temperatures, which can help guard against the spread of COVID-19.
The Coast Guard reminds the public and mariners to prepare for the 2020 hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak occurring between mid-August and late October. A hurricane survival kit with items like batteries, flashlights, radios, and water is highly recommended and should be prepared ahead of time.
The Center for Domestic Preparedness is making more of its course material for responders available at a distance. They are providing a virtual instructor-led option for their well-known resident Evening Lecture Series. Responders can participate in these events from work, home, or any other location using a computer or compatible mobile device.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) posted four new coronavirus (COVID-19) training videos. The first video provides an overview of COVID-19, to include information about its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The second video includes information about about barrier precautions and controls for the virus. The third provides information about the movement and transport of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients. The final video is about treating patients in non-healthcare settings. All four COVID-19 training videos are available on YouTube.
The Team Awareness Kit (TAK) is a digital tool that greatly enhances coordination and collaboration among response teams. This innovative solution enables tactical data to be generated, visualized, and securely shared. The tool facilitates daily operations for public safety organizations and allows different organizations that do not regularly communicate to seamlessly come together and maintain shared tactical awareness during a disaster or special event.
Testing is critical to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and mitigate its threat to public health. Under President Trump’s Guidelines for Opening America Up Again, states should meet at least five metrics before proceeding to a phased reopening. The Administration’s Opening Up America Again Testing Overview and Testing Blueprint are designed to facilitate state development and implementation of the robust testing plans and rapid response programs described in the guidelines.
This operational toolkit has been developed to help business owners who are considering reopening or expanding their operations to determine their establishments’ risk of transmission of COVID-19 and how to reduce it. The Operational Toolkit consists of 3 parts: an instruction manual; a business risk worksheet; and an assessment calculator.
A multi-institutional team of researchers led by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) scientist Francesco Fornasiero has developed a smart, breathable fabric designed to protect the wearer against biological and chemical warfare agents. Material of this type could be used in clinical and medical settings as well.
