01:01:48 PM Avagene Moore:Welcome to the EIIP Virtual Forum Round Table! ... 01:02:02 PM Avagene Moore:David T. Crews, CEM, is with us to lead our Round Table discussion about FEMA?s 01:02:13 PM Avagene Moore:Disaster Assistance Employee (DAE) program. ... 01:02:23 PM Nigel Bell:Oooops... Excuse me while I log off... cu next week? 01:02:24 PM Avagene Moore:David is an experienced DAE in Information & Planning, Emergency Support Function (ESF) 5. ... 01:02:36 PM Avagene Moore:(yes next week) .. 01:03:06 PM Avagene Moore:David has been deployed several times this year ... 01:03:17 PM Avagene Moore:California, Georgia, Kansas, and Iowa. ... 01:03:29 PM Avagene Moore:David?s background prior to working as a DAE includes Major Command Staff Duty with the USAF, electronics, maintenance, photomapping and plans. ... 01:03:44 PM Avagene Moore:David has been very active in the EIIP from its beginning and we appreciate him for his continued support of our efforts. ... 01:03:54 PM Avagene Moore:After David tells us about the DAE program and the various ways one can be involved in national disasters as a DAE, we will open the floor to Q&A from the audience. ... 01:04:03 PM Avagene Moore:David, I now turn the floor to you --- thanks for being here today. 01:04:18 PM David Crews:Thanks Avagene. 01:05:02 PM David Crews:I will start with several antedotes about DAEs so you can get a feel for what I do. 01:05:24 PM David Crews:DAEs have dry cleaning waiting in 17 States. 01:05:50 PM David Crews:DAEs think working half a day is 12 hours. 01:06:30 PM David Crews:DAEs are offered 40 hour work weeks and they then ask for a full time position. 01:06:58 PM David Crews:Your spouse has a picture by the front door to make sure its you! 01:07:53 PM David Crews:Anyway, DAEs are also known as FEMA reservists. We go to disasters all over the US and its territories. 01:08:09 PM David Crews:Yes, the Carribean and the Pacific! 01:08:54 PM David Crews:The regular FEMA staff is about 2600 employess augmented by about 4000-6000 DAEs. 01:10:02 PM David Crews:The current trend is to downsize the number of DAEs and provide more training and employment opportunities to a highly experienced cadre. 01:10:39 PM David Crews:DAEs are hired on through the Regions by Cadre Managers for two year periods. 01:11:00 PM David Crews:Most cadre members are retirees from all walks of life. 01:11:46 PM David Crews:There are about 15 major categories of postions in the Disaster Field Offices where DAEs work. 01:13:07 PM David Crews:DAEs have a grade structure that runs from Grade A through Grade E. Grade E is Executive, Grade D management, Grade C Technician, etc. 01:13:36 PM David Crews:Within each grade there are three levels for pay purposes. 01:14:16 PM David Crews:Certification of DAEs runs from trainee to Expert. 01:14:56 PM David Crews:You can tell from the antedotes that we put in long hours and have family separation. 01:15:40 PM David Crews:When I first respond we work seven days a week and can work as much as 14 to 16 hours a day. 01:16:24 PM David Crews:Most of the DAEs that are in the DFO are very computer literate. 01:17:37 PM David Crews:Some of the areas that are available are in Human Services, Information and Planning, Hazard Mitigation, Infrastructure, Public Affairs, Logistics, Safety and Community Relations. 01:18:01 PM David Crews:I will open the floor for questions now. 01:18:25 PM Avagene Moore:Since we have a small group today... 01:18:39 PM Avagene Moore:we will forego inputting a question and waiting for recognition before commenting or forwarding your question ... 01:18:48 PM Avagene Moore:However, let courtesy be the rule of the day. ... 01:18:58 PM Avagene Moore:First question please. 01:19:20 PM Avagene Moore:I have one, David... 01:19:35 PM Avagene Moore:How does one go about becoming a DAE if interested? 01:19:41 PM Darryl E Parker TFT:David, can you give me e-mail and telephone numbers for further discussion? 01:20:49 PM cindy rice:How do DAEs keep up with the information that they need for each site they work at ? I sthere a specific database that they pull their info from? 01:21:01 PM David Crews:Glad you asked. The FEMA website has a URL: http://www.fema.gov/career/daeinq.htm 01:21:24 PM Avagene Moore:(Let's hold questions for a moment and let David catch up, please.) 01:22:09 PM David Crews:In information & plans we use multiple sources. FEMA has an Intranet, a bulletin board and other information such as weather is gained from WWW. 01:22:47 PM David Crews:My email address is dtcrewscem@aol.com 01:23:52 PM Avagene Moore:How does FEMA place prospective DAEs in the various sectors you mentioned? Does the DAE have a choice? 01:23:53 PM David Crews:One advantage of being a DAE is that you get actual disaster recovery experience and FEMA send DAEs to EMI at Emmitsburg for training. 01:24:54 PM David Crews:Basically the DAE cadre manager in each region bases the need against your experience and background. 01:25:22 PM Avagene Moore:How much time is required as a minimum for each DAE deployment as a rule? 01:25:32 PM David Crews:Many people without EM backgrounds get their start as Local Hires in disasters near there homes. 01:26:25 PM David Crews:I usually get between 80 and 90 hours of work every two weeks. 01:26:57 PM Isabel McCurdy:How many non- Americans are in the DAE? 01:26:59 PM Avagene Moore:How long is deployment as a rule? 01:27:03 PM Amy Sebring:Do they pay you by the hour David? 01:27:49 PM David Crews:I have not run into anyone who is not a citizen but understand they have hired interreptors out of country. 01:28:27 PM David Crews:DAEs get paid by the hour. Most of my deployments are between 30-60 days. 01:28:31 PM Amy Sebring:Are you still taking your own laptop to work with? 01:29:04 PM David Crews:I have my own laptop and quite a bit of my own professional gear. 01:29:07 PM cindy rice:Are there any side or fringe benefits (like insurance, retirement, etc.)?Do you get issued equipment? If so, by who? 01:30:03 PM David Crews:Equipment and supplies are furnished but in my area I go as part of the Emergency Support Team and find that the support is lacking initially. 01:30:58 PM David Crews:You get travel expenses and per diem and are covered for work comp. No retirement or vacation benefits. 01:31:50 PM Amy Sebring:I imagine you usually get pretty short notice on a deployment? 01:32:33 PM David Crews:Thats one of the drawbacks. No planning. However, you can control it by making yourself available or not available. 01:32:41 PM cindy rice:Do you run into problems with identification of who you are and why you may in the area you're in? Do you have problems money wise, becuase of lack of bank access or longer term deployment than expecte? 01:33:27 PM David Crews:FEMA issues id badges and we use American Express Government cards. We can draw advance per diem expenses from ATMs. 01:33:39 PM Avagene Moore:David, every job has its pluses and minuses --- in your opinion, what are the pluses and minuses in being a DAE? Is it for everyone? 01:34:43 PM David Crews:Pluses include valuable experience in actual disaster response and recovery, job satisfaction and the DAE cadres are close knit professional acquaintences. 01:35:37 PM cindy rice:What are some of the information that you look for when you go into a site and who and what are your initial contacts that you look for to expdediate your job functions? 01:35:50 PM David Crews:The minus is family separation, long hours and you suffer somewhat from the distinction of being somewhat in a lesser position than full time FEMA staff. 01:36:56 PM Beth Moore:David your experience is in Information & planning and Emergency support could you explain? 01:37:20 PM David Crews:I use the internet, FEMA BBS and the NEMIS intranet as well as team inputs from Community Relations, Infrastructure and Human Services. Also the State holds critical info. 01:38:58 PM Phyllis Mann:sorry I am late 01:38:58 PM David Crews:Information and Planning is called ESF-5 in the DFO. 01:39:32 PM David Crews:ESF-5 is the emergency support function -5 found in the Federal Response Plan. 01:39:53 PM Avagene Moore:I know Public Affairs and Community Relations DAEs are provided FEMA shirts, caps, and coats when working a disaster. Are these types of things provided for all DAEs or just those who go out in the field? 01:40:08 PM David Crews:There is ESF-5 training given at EMI for DAEs and regular FEMA Staff. 01:41:11 PM David Crews:Information & Planning provides weather data, program analysis, technical services (computer graphics) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) services. 01:41:44 PM David Crews:It also does planning, and provides decision input to the Federal Coordinating Officer. 01:42:40 PM David Crews:The FEMA marked clothing is alway contriversial. It depends on the Regiona and the FCO. 01:43:07 PM Avagene Moore:Why controversial? 01:43:15 PM Isabel McCurdy:FCO? 01:43:16 PM Phyllis Mann:I have seen and have a coy of the new planning and infor manual for esf 5 happen to be at emi when introduced great document 01:44:02 PM David Crews:Some do not trust proper use or wear of the distinctive clothing. Also some think only external use is needed. 01:44:46 PM Avagene Moore:"Proper use" or "wear". That strikes me as humorous. 01:44:58 PM David Crews:ESF-5 training.has improved greatly over the past two years, but still has a way to go. 01:45:12 PM Avagene Moore:Explain FCO for Isabel, please. 01:45:35 PM Avagene Moore:Federal Coordinating Officer? Right? 01:45:46 PM Amy Sebring:I already did. 01:45:58 PM David Crews:Frankly, some of the senior managers are afraid of the image that is projected if someone in FEMA clothing goes into a bar or casino. 01:46:34 PM Amy Sebring:David, what kinds of things from your experience could enhance DFO operations? 01:47:06 PM David Crews:FCO= Federal Coordinating Officer appointed by the President of the US to head up disaster recovery operations for a specific event. 01:48:03 PM David Crews:Computer literacy, professional training and credentialling. 01:48:52 PM Avagene Moore:Other questions for David? 01:49:23 PM cindy rice:What appears to be the length of time a DAE commits for before burn-out? 01:50:16 PM David Crews:It depends. I have another antedote (groan)_ You walk into a DFO and realize you know everyone there! 01:51:01 PM cindy rice:I assume that DAEs go through periodic reviews/reevaluations and possibly strees counseling , are these provided by FEMA or state or both or ??? 01:51:04 PM David Crews:I have worked with many of the same folks for over three years. Most are retirees and already have a retirement income. 01:52:10 PM David Crews:FEMA provides stress managers at the DFOs. DAEs get evaluated before leaving each disaster. You are rate either Satisfactory or Unsat. 01:52:56 PM Avagene Moore:David, our time is about up for today.... 01:53:12 PM Avagene Moore:Thank you, David --- very interesting! And thank you, audience. ... 01:53:26 PM Avagene Moore:Would like to remind everyone to be here tomorrow.... 01:53:28 PM Isabel McCurdy:Who rates you? Your team? 01:53:54 PM Avagene Moore:Wednesday 9/09, 12:00 Noon Eastern time, we present a special guest, Dr Mary Ann Rollans, Arkansas University. Dr Rollans will tell us about their emergency management degree program and distance learning opportunities. ... 01:53:57 PM David Crews:The manager of your section. I am usually rated by the FCO. 01:54:09 PM cindy rice:In unstat. is ther a recourse or a policy for bringing to satisfactory? 01:54:14 PM Avagene Moore:Thursday evening ... 01:54:26 PM Avagene Moore:the Mutual Aid session at 8:00 PM EDT, will be a continuation of our planning for WEBEX, a hazmat online exercise during the VFRE November 5. 01:54:39 PM David Crews:Yes DFO are getting an appeal authority. 01:55:04 PM Amy Sebring:Thanks David. Hope you get some R&R. 01:55:15 PM Amy Sebring:Gotta go. 01:55:19 PM David Crews:Thanks. 01:55:24 PM Isabel McCurdy:clap,clap,David. 01:55:30 PM Avagene Moore:If you want to continue discussion with David, please do. Thanks to everyone today. I have to get on the road for a meeting in Chattanooga, TN, and must head out. 01:55:44 PM Isabel McCurdy:SAfe trip Avagene. 01:55:45 PM Avagene Moore:Good job, David. Enjoyed it! 01:55:55 PM David Crews:Bye Avagene good trip! 01:56:01 PM Avagene Moore:Thank you, Isabel. So glad you are back online with us this week. 01:56:07 PM Beth Moore:Thank you David. I'm glad there are people like you who do this. 01:56:10 PM Isabel McCurdy:Me too. 01:56:16 PM Avagene Moore:Thanks, David. Good luck with that new computer. 01:56:29 PM David Crews:Thanks I hope to have it running soon. 01:56:37 PM Avagene Moore:Bye, now. 01:56:39 PM cindy rice:Ava, wathc the weather, and take warm and cool clothes ;-> Great job David. 01:57:34 PM cindy rice:David, is ther a list of skills or a mnaul that DAEs are given? 01:57:53 PM David Crews:Yes, each cadre has a requirement. 01:58:10 PM Isabel McCurdy:How did you get started? 01:58:27 PM David Crews:The FEMA IS-7 is one of the first readings given most DAEs. 01:58:51 PM David Crews:I was recruited by a FEMA staff member of Region VII 01:59:33 PM Isabel McCurdy:Region Vll? 01:59:42 PM David Crews:Yes, Kansas City. 02:00:17 PM David Crews:Region VII covers Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri. 02:01:02 PM David Crews:However I have been to California, Georgia, Kansas and Iowa already this year. I have been in Nevada and Colorado as well 02:01:58 PM Isabel McCurdy:How many DAE's go to a disaster? 02:02:31 PM David Crews:It depends on the size of the DFO operation any where from 30 to over 200. 02:03:42 PM Isabel McCurdy:Is there one lesson that you learned that you can share? 02:03:44 PM David Crews:The size depends on Preliminary Damage Assessment estimates that are made during the Disaster Declaration process. 02:04:37 PM David Crews:Many lessons, however, each disaster offers a new experience and opportunity to broaden your skills. 02:06:11 PM David Crews:Its better than just learning it from a book! 02:07:00 PM Isabel McCurdy:I bet. 02:08:20 PM Isabel McCurdy:What debriefing is offered ? 02:08:51 PM David Crews:One of our jobs in Information and Planning is to manage the After Actions Reporting. 02:09:34 PM David Crews:We collect AARs from all over the DFO. They basically contain lessons learned that have National implications. 02:11:38 PM Isabel McCurdy:Are you finding the lessons learned are the same no matter which disaster ? 02:12:08 PM David Crews:Some are common. Others provide new information. 02:13:10 PM Isabel McCurdy:Can you provide examples of each? 02:14:36 PM David Crews:Each disaster produces unique responses. Most problems center around communications and information. Logistics problems are also common. Not enough of the right equipment or supplies reach the staff in a timely manner during response. 02:15:25 PM David Crews:Staff coordination problems also arise that need policy and guidance from FEMA Headquarters. 02:16:30 PM David Crews:There are also State and Federal policy decisions that need clarification. 02:17:35 PM Isabel McCurdy:Thanks David. 02:17:45 PM Isabel McCurdy:Cindy, any questions? 02:17:48 PM David Crews:You're welcome. 02:19:06 PM cindy rice:I'm about ?ed out. There are so many different tangents that you can follow on this that I'm stumped at the moment. 02:19:13 PM Isabel McCurdy:This has been fascinating info, David. Wish Canada had something like this. 02:19:25 PM David Crews:If there are no more question, I need to log off this old system a start on bringing the new one on line. 02:19:46 PM cindy rice:bye David thanks for the information.