NREL
 

Technology's Role in Combating Wildfire, Terrorism, School Violence Featured at Workshop and Exhibition

Media may contact:
George Douglas, 303-275-4096
email: George Douglas

Golden, Colo., June 7, 2000 - More than 400 emergency managers, first responders and representatives of the nation's technology sector are expected in Colorado Springs, June 11-15 for the fifth annual Technology Partnerships for Emergency Management Workshop and Exhibition, sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

"The workshop provides an excellent opportunity see the latest technology for improving disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery, and to participate in sessions dealing with some of the most critical issues facing emergency managers today - terrorism, school safety, and wildfires," Kay C. Goss, FEMA associate director for Preparedness, Training and Exercise, said.

Nearly 50 exhibitors will be on hand providing demonstrations on tornado safe room construction, solar energy, communications and other new technologies.

Highlights of the workshop include sessions on:

  • New technologies available for dealing with school violence, using the experience at Columbine High School as an example.

  • Terrorism, featuring "Worldwide Trends and International Terrorism," presented by Neil Livingstone, author and co-chairman and CEO of GlobalOptions.

  • Wildfires, including a keynote address by Colorado Springs Fire Chief Manuel Navarro and a presentation by John Maclean, author of "Fire on the Mountain," an account of the 1994 Storm King Mountain fire near Glenwood Springs, Colo.

Researchers from NREL will demonstrate how solar energy can help emergency managers by providing electricity and hot water when the utility grid is down. "Solar-generated power and energy-efficient buildings can make a huge difference in the safety, comfort and well-being of disaster victims," workshop chair and NREL Principal Engineer John Thornton said.

Other sessions at the conference include discussions of cyber-security and threats from chemical and biological weapons.

The conference will be at the Sheraton Colorado Springs Hotel, 2886 S. Circle Drive, Colorado Springs.

A complete agenda and other information can be found online.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Space at the conference is limited. Please let us know if you plan to cover the event.

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