Develop a disaster-trained workforce (DTWF) through an education center at UH involving internships between the partner universities, the private companies, and the Houston-Galveston Area Council (UH and Rice).

The need for a workforce that is better educated and trained to deal with disasters, such as hurricanes Rita and Katrina, has never been more apparent. The SSPEED Center will establish a severe storm and hurricane education center (SSHEC) to fill this gap. The primary mission of SSHEC will be to serve as a bridge between the technical experts, emergency managers and the public. In particular, SSHEC will conduct on-line and conference seminars to educate emergency responders including those at Independent School Districts on the use of available resources and information technologies. Additionally, the educational center will develop innovative educational programs to increase awareness among a targeted public and high school audience.

To begin to develop a capable workforce as a major outcome of this Center, students at the participating universities will be trained in severe storm modeling, flood warning systems, risk analysis and disaster mitigation and planning. SSHEC will support a summer student exchange program to exchange students to the other campuses for immersion in the multidisciplinary areas encompassed within the Center Universities. Additionally, internship opportunities will be developed with the private sector, including HGAC and the Texas Medical Center (TMC).

Finally, SSHEC will establish an annual severe storm and hurricane workshop (prior to hurricane season) open to students, emergency responders, and the public to promote awareness and readiness. For more information, please contact Dr. Rifai.