Coronado's Multi-Layered Approach to Emergency Preparedness The City of Coronado takes a proactive, community-centered stance on emergency and disaster readiness—emphasizing planning, training, and public engagement. 1. Emergency Operations & Hazard Planning Coronado maintains a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) that aligns with state and federal emergency management standards. The city also develops personalized hazard assessments, focusing on high-threat risks like earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, and wildfires, using data from hazard mapping and community loss estimates. 2. Coordinated Emergency Management At the core of Coronado’s response capabilities is the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)—a central hub activated during emergencies to coordinate citywide efforts in real time. Residents are encouraged to be self-sufficient by preparing 72-hour emergency kits and enrolling in local emergency notification systems. 3. Storm & Flood Mitigation Efforts With Coronado's low-lying topography, stormwater management is critical. The city operates stormwater pump stations, backup pumps, and sandbag distribution programs to mitigate flooding during heavy rains. Residents are encouraged to clear debris from drains and manage runoff to reduce localized flooding. 4. Community Education & Volunteers Public safety extends beyond infrastructure. Coronado promotes involvement through programs like Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, which equips residents to assist during emergencies. Additional community programs focus on active shooter preparedness and first-aid awareness, empowering residents to act confidently when it matters most. How North Star Group Can Help At North Star Group, we support municipalities, organizations, and communities with expert safety and security consulting. As state-registered consultants, we assist with safety and security audits, Emergency Operations Plans, and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessments. Whether it’s refining preparedness strategies, training staff, or evaluating facilities for security gaps, we help bridge the gap between planning and practical, real-world implementation. #EmergencyPreparedness #PublicSafety #SecurityConsulting #CPTED #RiskAssessment #EOP #CommunitySafety #DisasterPlanning #SecurityAudits #NorthStarGroup #SafetyCulture https://lnkd.in/gYTtcnrJ

Balfour Beatty plc set to protect homes, businesses and farmland through £47 million flood defence contract Balfour Beatty today announces that it has been awarded a contract by the Waveney, Lower Yare & Lothingland Internal Drainage Board to deliver new flood and coastal defences near Benacre, south of Kessingland in Suffolk. The contract, valued at £47 million, has been awarded through the SCAPE framework and on completion, will provide sustainable flood risk protection to the A12 road, Parkdean Holiday Park, 35 homes, 46 businesses and 600 hectares of valuable farmland. The project will see Balfour Beatty replace the existing Benacre #Pumping Station, which was originally built in 1955, but has now exceeded its lifespan and is at significant risk of coastal erosion. In addition, the company will construct a new embankment across the Lothingland Valley to manage tidal flooding as well as build an additional, smaller pumping station along the embankment to manage fluvial flooding. An intertidal channel will also be created between the new #embankment and the #coastline, forming a new intertidal habitat area. This will help deliver 82 hectares of valuable habitat to support migratory and breeding farmland birds, waterfowl, and seabirds. Balfour Beatty will utilise modular #construction techniques to build the pumping station structures offsite in a controlled factory environment, so that the existing pumping station can continue to operate before being decommissioned and removed. This technique will also significantly reduce carbon emissions by minimising the number of lorry movements and material deliveries to and from site. As part of its commitment to leaving a lasting, positive legacy in the communities in which it operates, the company has committed to hiring two local, ex-armed forces employees through Balfour Beatty’s Military Talent Pathway. The Pathway launched in 2022 to provide structured support for career changers with transferable skills, helping them transition into key roles within the company. Peter Mumford, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s Regional Civils business, said: “We are proud to be delivering this vital flood defence scheme which once complete will safeguard critical infrastructure, local communities, and the environment. “Drawing on our extensive experience and expertise, we will deliver this scheme to the highest standard, providing long-term protection for the Suffolk coastline and the people who depend on it.” Enabling works commenced in Spring 2025, with main construction due to begin later in the year and completion is planned for 2030. https://lnkd.in/dgjQv_rS Image: Aerial view showing proposed layouts of embankments, new river and breach

Over the past month, I’ve had the privilege to participate in several exceptional events dedicated to advancing emergency management and disaster response. At the 2025 Disaster & Emergency Management Conference on the Gold Coast, the theme focused on adapting to a changing world and preparing for future disasters. The event provided valuable insights into innovative approaches and challenged me to ensure my work aligns with industry expectations. Networking with peers from Australia and New Zealand enabled meaningful discussions on practical and efficient ways for the industry to continue growing in service of our communities. Shortly after, I attended the Emergency Management Conference in Melbourne, marking twenty-five years of professional support in the sector. The conference facilitated reflective discussions on lessons learned and fostered consideration of where the industry may head in the next twenty-five years. A significant observation from both conferences was the importance of including traditional owners within incident management teams. It became apparent that New Zealand has made considerable progress in this area, demonstrating the benefits of inclusive community-building in emergency management. This emphasized for me the critical need for Australia to better embrace and incorporate Indigenous knowledge and guidance, recognizing its value for preserving culture and strengthening disaster resilience. As Jerry Reed’s words remind us, “We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there.” Failing to engage traditional custodians risks losing vital cultural insight and undermining the heritage upon which our communities are built. To conclude my month, I attended the Life Saving Victoria Awards of Excellence. The dedication and passion displayed by volunteers—ranging from youth members to seasoned lifesavers—continually inspire me. Their commitment to preventing drowning deaths and fostering safer communities exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and collective responsibility essential for effective emergency management.

Anticipatory Actions as a Critical Strategy to Minimize Flood Losses Floods are among the most frequent and destructive hydrometeorological hazards, resulting in substantial socio-economic and environmental impacts. While reactive response mechanisms are essential, anticipatory actions, proactive interventions informed by early warning systems and risk assessments—have been shown to significantly mitigate human casualties, infrastructure damage, and economic losses. Defining Anticipatory Actions: Anticipatory actions are pre-emptive measures undertaken prior to the onset of a disaster, leveraging hydrological forecasts, flood modeling and vulnerability mapping. These actions aim to reduce exposure and enhance adaptive capacity in at-risk communities. Key components include: Hydrometeorological Forecasting and Early Warning Systems (EWS): Utilizing satellite data, river flow models and rainfall predictions to trigger timely alerts. Evacuation and Contingency Planning: Developing location-specific evacuation routes, temporary shelters and population prioritization strategies based on demographic vulnerability. Resource Prepositioning: Strategically placing food, potable water, medical supplies and emergency equipment to enable rapid deployment. Infrastructure Reinforcement: Strengthening levees, embankments, drainage networks and flood-resilient public structures to limit structural damage. Community-Centric Implementation: Effectiveness of anticipatory actions is enhanced through community engagement and capacity building. Participatory hazard mapping, awareness campaigns, and disaster preparedness training empower local populations to implement adaptive strategies, reducing casualties and protecting livelihoods. Policy, Institutional and Donor Integration: Government agencies, humanitarian organizations, and donors play a pivotal role in operationalizing anticipatory actions. Evidence-based policy frameworks, technical support, and financing for pre-disaster interventions facilitate risk-informed decision-making and optimize resource allocation. Integration of anticipatory measures into national disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies enhances systemic resilience.

🏗 Emergency Evacuation Isn’t Optional. It’s a Job Site Standard. Construction sites face fires, floods, structural hazards, and weather threats—often with zero warning. When disaster strikes, seconds matter. That’s why OSHA requires every site to have a written Emergency Action Plan (EAP). But paper alone won’t protect your crew or your timeline. In our latest guide, we cover: ✅ What your EAP must legally include (per OSHA 1910.38 + 1926.35) ✅ The difference between evacuation and shelter-in-place ✅ How to run effective, realistic drills ✅ The role of site supervisors, signage, and medics ✅ Why updating your plan every 6 months matters And when the unexpected happens? Recovery Pros is the team you call. We handle fire, water, and hazardous damage on construction sites—fast, professionally, and with minimal disruption. 🔗 Read the full guide: https://lnkd.in/eefxKvFp #ConstructionSafety #OSHACompliance #EmergencyPreparedness #NYCConstruction #RecoveryPros #FireDamage #FloodResponse #GeneralContractors

Strengthening Disaster Resilience Through Early Warning Systems ⚡🌊 Disasters rarely strike without warning. Yet, too often, communities face devastating impacts from floods, storms, and droughts not because we lack data, but because we lack systems to translate information into timely, actionable decisions. In my 11 years as a Civil Engineer managing irrigation and flood control infrastructure, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to move from a reactive mindset to a proactive, preparedness-driven approach. Whether managing stormwater networks during monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka, or designing flood mitigation strategies under the World Bank-funded Climate Resilience Improvement Project (CRIP), the lesson has been clear: early warning saves lives, protects assets, and reduces recovery costs. Now, as part of my Master’s research at the University of Tokyo, I’m focusing on how early warning systems can be better integrated into disaster management frameworks. A few insights stand out: ✅ Technology is advancing rapidly – With real-time hydrological models, satellite data, and IoT-based monitoring, we can forecast rainfall and river flows with increasing accuracy. But technology alone is not enough. ✅ Communication is the weakest link – The most advanced forecast has little value if warnings don’t reach the right people in time. Building multi-channel communication from SMS alerts to community radio ensures messages are delivered effectively. ✅ Community trust is essential – In Sri Lanka, I’ve witnessed cases where warnings were ignored due to a lack of confidence in official systems. Involving local leaders, farmers, and households in both the design and testing of early warning systems builds credibility and uptake. ✅ Integration with infrastructure planning – Early warning should not exist in isolation. When tied to drainage, reservoir, and irrigation operations, it enables engineers to make smarter decisions, releasing water before peak floods or reallocating resources during drought. Looking ahead, I believe the future of disaster resilience lies in the fusion of engineering, data science, and community engagement. As civil engineers, we are not only infrastructure builders, but we are also guardians of community safety. 💭 I’d love to hear your thoughts: How are early warning systems being integrated into local government and infrastructure planning where you work? What innovations, technical or social, have you seen that make these systems more effective? Let’s share knowledge. Because in the face of rising climate risks, a timely warning can be as valuable as a strong dam or a well-built levee.

🌊 Building confidence in flood resilience: How CIWEM is professionalising property flood resilience The devastating impacts of flooding on people and property are well known, yet the implementation Property Flood Resilience (PFR) measures – reducing the amount of flood water entering properties and using construction approaches to reduce the subsequent damage and recovery time – remains fragmented, inconsistent and can lack public confidence. To address this, CIWEM is playing a pivotal role in embedding standards and professional competence by developing CIWEM BeFloodReady, an inclusive ‘Community of Practice’ for PFR. In this recent news article, CIWEM director of projects Paul Shaffer details how BeFloodReady acts as a platform for knowledge sharing, including around PFR, formal industry training, and a specialist register for PFR professionals. 🔗 Read it here: https://lnkd.in/ey9KfSFX You can stay in touch with the BeFloodReady by subscribing to the Community of Practice's newsletter here: https://bit.ly/BFRFC. -- This article is featured in our monthly 'The Environment' newsletter. Sign-up to receive the latest news and insights from the water and environmental sector: 📩 https://lnkd.in/eMwU67tV -- #CIWEM #TheEnvironment #CIWEMBFR #BeFloodReady #News #PropertyFloodResilience #PFR #SkillsRegister https://lnkd.in/ey9KfSFX

Remote regions throughout #QLD are set to benefit from an $88 million dollar boost to disaster resilience efforts. A range of airstrip, port, and ferry landing upgrades have been given the go ahead under the state’s Crucial Access Links Program. With the extreme weather season fast approaching, these upgrades provide a much-needed boost to emergency infrastructure throughout the state. Designed to ensure continued access to food, fuel and emergency services, the Minister for Emergency ManagementKristy McBain MP said the program aims to reduce the challenges associated with being isolated during these events. The Crucial Access Links Program includes major works across 15 council areas with the QLD Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy stating, "this investment will help safeguard communities and keep them connected in a disaster”. The Northern Peninsula Airport is set to receive the biggest funding injection with a upgrade project totalling $18.16 million. The joint funding between state and Commonwealth governments is continuing to target vital access points that continue to fail under extreme weather pressures. To read more about the Crucial Access Links Program, click here https://lnkd.in/gsK_DJPV

🧰𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗯𝗼𝘅 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀: 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱.   From winter’s ice storms to summer’s heavy rains, flooding can leave more than just visible damage behind. Water — whether from storms, burst pipes or firefighting efforts — can turn electrical systems into silent, lethal hazards.   That’s why our latest issue of Toolbox Talks dives into flood safety. It is a one-page resource for Ontario’s licence holder community that is designed to inform, without overwhelming. Based on feedback from licence holders, it delivers clear, practical guidance they can apply on the job.   The latest issue covers: ✅ Critical precautions before entering a flooded space ✅ How to assess equipment for repair or replacement ✅ A real-world example where a hidden hazard nearly turned deadly ✅ An at-a-glance checklist from ESA’s flood safety guidelines   𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘅, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿. Knowing how to identify and address these hazards is essential to keeping people safe and ensuring electrical systems are restored without added risk.   📥𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗯𝗼𝘅 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗸𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://lnkd.in/gxsCs6VJ

New Funding Opportunities 📣 FEMA recently posted several new emergency management funding opportunities for state and local governments. All opportunities close at 5 pm EST on August 11, 2025. Applicants should submit applications for all of the below funding opportunities through FEMA Grants Outcomes (GO) at https://go.fema.gov/ Additional opportunities ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eHETE-9n 1. FY25 Emergency Management Performance Grant  The Emergency Management Performance Grant Program focuses on all-hazards emergency preparedness. The primary objective is to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency management agencies to implement the National Preparedness System and to support the National Preparedness Goal of a secure and resilient nation.  https://lnkd.in/grcUDZkP 2. FY25 National Incident Management System (NIMS) The nation’s ability to address emergent threats is rooted in the strength of its emergency management workforce, partnership and interconnectivity. This interconnectivity includes the necessity to better integrate across federal agencies and with non-federal partners to quickly assess, adapt, surge, and respond to a wide range of threats and hazards.  https://lnkd.in/gfbKRs2h 3. FY25 National Urban Search And Rescue Response System Readiness Cooperative Agreement The National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Response System provides funding to ensure adequate management, training, exercise, procurement (vehicle and equipment) and storage and maintenance for the 28 national task forces staffed and equipped to assist State and local governments, tribes, and territories to conduct around-the-clock search-and-rescue operations following a Presidentially declared major disaster or emergency under the Stafford Act. https://lnkd.in/e7_jrq2U 4. Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Community Assistance Program–State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE)  The Community Assistance Program - State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) program provides funding to states to provide technical assistance to communities in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and to evaluate community performance in implementing NFIP floodplain management activities. CAP-SSSE helps to; ensure that the flood loss reduction goals of the NFIP are met, build state and community floodplain management expertise and capability, and leverage state knowledge and expertise in working with their communities. https://lnkd.in/e_ZVcZAA