NEEDA - National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association

HARRISBURG, Pa., A record $666,553 will be awarded to help Pennsylvania's rural communities guard against the threat of fires in forests and undeveloped areas, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary John Quigley announced July 30, 2010.

Quigley: "These funds will be awarded to 172 volunteer fire companies serving rural areas and communities where forest and brush fires are common. One only has to look back to this past spring—when dry, windy conditions spawned smaller fires in every county and several larger forest fires—to appreciate the value of these well-equipped and highly trained men and women."

Local firefighting forces in rural areas or communities with fewer than 10,000 residents qualify for the aid.

Last year, the grant program awarded $604,710 to 162 fire companies across the state.

Quigley: "The readiness of these volunteers is demonstrated even further every spring when they answer assistance calls coming from Western states. These federal grants allow firefighters from smaller companies to concentrate more on public safety and training rather than having to concern themselves with fundraising and fiscal constraints."

Grant recipients were named following review of fire company applications that met a May 2010 deadline. Grants and other assistance are provided through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Bureau of Forestry, with funding supplied by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service through the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978.

The key objective is to better equip and train volunteers to save lives and protect property in unprotected or inadequately protected rural areas. Grant recipients are selected based on vulnerability and adequacy of existing fire protection.

In reviewing applications, the bureau placed priority on applications seeking funds for projects that included purchasing wildfire-suppression equipment and protective clothing.

Grants were also awarded for mobile or portable radios, dry hydrant installations, wildfire prevention and mitigation, wildfire fighting training, and to convert and maintain federal excess vehicles received the bureau receives and uses for fire suppression.

Grants for any project during a fiscal year cannot exceed 50 percent of the actual expenditures. The maximum grant awarded was $7,500.

Aid is granted on a cost-share basis, with recipients supplying matching funds. The Pennsylvania bureau will begin accepting 2011 applications next spring.

To expedite the application and decision-making processes, the bureau is accepting only online applications.

MORE INFO? www.dcnr.state.pa.us and click on "Apply for Grants," then "Online Grant Applications" and "DCNR Volunteer Fire Assistance."
or www.dcnr.state.pa.us and click on "State Forests."
Media contact: Terry Brady, 717-772-9101

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE REPORT: JULY 30, 2010
Originally Posted: July 30, 2010 5:59 PM
Last Updated: July 30, 2010 5:59 PM

McDonald Fire (CA-NOD) 9,000 acres, 50% cont. - IC Swartzlander -
Crown Fire (CA-LAC-169211) 8,000 acres, 5% contained.
Briggs Fire (CA-ANF-3201) 561 acres, 52% contained.
West Fire (CA-KRN-021461) 1,658 acres, 46% contained.
Bull Fire (CA-SQF-2701) 16,460 acres, 55% percent contained.
Constantia Incident, NV-CCD, is 100 percent contained at 1369 acres.
Russel Complex, CA-LMU, is 100 percent contained at 100 acres. Fire under local command.
Birthday Incident, CA-MDF, is 100 % contained at 147 acres.

Northern California Area (PL 3)
New fires: 19
New large fires: 0
Uncontained large fires: 1
Type 2 IMTs committed: 1
McDonald (W-23), Northern California District, BLM. IMT 2 (Swartzlander). Three miles northeast of Termo, CA. Juniper, brush and grass. Active fire behavior. Residences threatened.

Southern California Area (PL 2)
New fires: 10
New large fires: 2
Uncontained large fires: 4
Type 1 IMTs committed: 2
Crown, Los Angeles County FD. Seven miles northwest of Acton, CA. Chaparral. Numerous structures
threatened. Evacuations in effect. No further information received.
West, Kern County FD. Cal Fire IMT 1 (Zambro). Five miles south of Tehachapi, CA. Grass. Moderate fire activity
with occasional torching. Residences threatened. Evacuations in effect.
Bull, Sequoia NF. IMT 1 (Opliger). Eight miles north of Kernville, CA. Brush and grass. Creeping and smoldering. Numerous residences threatened.

National Fire Activity
Initial attack activity: Moderate (227 new fires)
New large fires: 3 (*)
Large fires contained: 7
Uncontained large fires: ** 11
Area Command Teams committed: 0
NIMOs committed: 0
Type 1 IMTs committed: 2
Type 2 IMTs committed: 2
Nationally, there are 54 large fires being managed to achieve multiple objectives.
** Uncontained large fires include only fires being managed under a full suppression
strategy. **-
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Posted by California Fire news at 7/30/2010 11:20:00 AM

WILDFIRES STRIKE THREATENING POWER TO LA AREA
Originally Posted: July 30, 2010 5:54 PM
Last Updated: July 30, 2010 5:54 PM

With wildfires near Palmdale, California threatening power lines: the Los Angeles, CA Department of Water and Power asked residents Friday, July 30, 2010 to reduce their energy usage.

Brooks Baker, a spokesman for the agency, told the LA Times: “We’re asking people to help care for our infrastructure while this fire is burning, as we wait for the potential threat to diminish.”

A transmission line that passes through the Leona Valley -- where the Crown fire is burning -- began generating power at to deliver energy to the city.

Baker: “At this time, the power system is functioning normally, and there are no fire-related outages."

Customers are without power since about 4:20 PM Thursday, July 29, 2010 and it was unclear when service would be restored.

The California Independent System Operator, which manages the state's electrical grid, has brought additional generation resources on line in case Edison loses transmission lines.

Deputy Chief Michael Bryant of the L.A. County Fire Department: Both DWP and Edison power lines are threatened, and protecting this “critical infrastructure” is a priority for firefighters battling the blaze.

Bryant: “These power lines provide the infrastructure for power throughout the state of California.”

Bryant: The Crown fire -- driven by dense fuel, steep slopes and wind -- consumed around 8,000 acres. Four dwellings and at least half a dozen outbuildings had been destroyed, Bryant said.

MORE INFO? Ann M. Simmons, Los Angeles Times

VIDEO ADVOCATES SUPPORT FOR ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS AND STAFFING FOR ADEQUATE FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE GRANT PROGRAMS: DEALERS & FIRE SERVICE URGED TO SHARE VIDEO WITH THEIR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND OTHER OFFICIALS
Originally Posted: July 30, 2010 5:18 PM
Last Updated: July 30, 2010 5:18 PM

The Congressional Fire Services Institute'S (CFSI) new educational video will increase awareness about the importance of the Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Programs. Both grants are administered by the Department of Homeland Security and go diretly to local fire departments.

To get a grant, a fire department must submit an application.

Featuring prominent fire service leaders and a cadre of firefighters from various fire service fields, the video highlights the many benefits of the two grant programs - from enhancing the response capabilities for all types of emergencies to stimulating local economies through the manufacturing of equipment and apparatus.

The video can be watched on the CFSI website.

Fire service officials are encouraged to share the video with their members of Congress - and for that matter, their state and local officials.

Our elected leaders need to understand the many roles of today's firefighters and the training, equipment and personnel they need to protect our homelands. While firefighters continue to perform their mission of fire suppression, EMS, rescue and prevention, so much has changed within the service that our elected officials need to understand.

The fire service will remain a local responsibility but because of the added homeland security responsibilities the fire service has assumed in a post 9-11 world: therefore our elected leaders have obligations to all levels of government and must train, equip and staff our nation's fire and emergency services.

The video is succinct. Lasting six minutes, it highlights some of the key benefits of both AFG and SAFER as communicated by actual firefighters.

It can be played during meetings with elected officials and their staff or mailed to congressional offices. A letter should accompany the video explaining from a local perspective why your legislator should support AFG and SAFER.

Congress is in the process of approving funding for both AFG and SAFER for Fiscal Year 2011. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security approved $420 million for both programs. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved $420 million for SAFER and $390 for AFG. The two programs are equally important as they both address critical needs for departments in rural and urban communities. In your communications with your members, urge them to support $420 million for both programs for Fiscal Year 2011.

In your communications, include the key points enumerated in the video. Remind legislators that the American fire and emergency services responds to 22 million emergency calls annually. In your own words: how are AFG and SAFER having a positive impact at the local level? As the late former Speaker of the House Thomas "Tip" O'Neill once said, "Politics is local."

To receive a copy of the video, send an email request to CFSI at update@cfsi.org. Include your name and mailing address.

Established in 1989, the Congressional Fire Services Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy institute designed to educate Congress about the needs and challenges of our nation's one million firefighters and emergency services personnel.

Since AFG was established in 2000, CFSI has led efforts to unite the various voices of the national fire and emergency services organizations into one voice in support for both AFG and SAFER. While the Institute has not benefited directly from either program, it continues to be the strongest advocate for the programs.

CFSI recognizes that both AFG and SAFER continue to have significant impact on keeping our communities safe, which is why they continue to encourage greater support for both programs.

MORE INFO? www.cfsi.org

BRONTO SKYLIFT TRUCK ORDERS DOWN IN SECOND QUARTER AT FEDERAL SIGNAL
Originally Posted: July 30, 2010 11:41 AM
Last Updated: July 30, 2010 11:41 AM

Federal Signal (Oak Brook, Illinois) says second quarter 2010 orders increased 23% but net sales were flat.

Net sales were $198.7 million. For the same period of 2009, the company reported net sales of $198.5 million.

William H. Osborne, president and chief executive officer: "Our near-term expectations have been tempered by economic conditions in Europe. We saw a 23% increase in total company orders versus last year, including a 16% increase in orders for our existing businesses. We achieved order growth rates in excess of 15% in many of our key businesses. Second quarter orders for our Bronto Skylift business were 37% below first quarter orders."

Orders from abroad were up $5.2 million driven by strong demand in non-U.S. orders for industrial products as well as a large European police order partially offset by lower U.S. municipal spending.

Net sales of $57.2 million for the quarter were down slightly from the prior year quarter as a result of soft municipal demand for fire and police products, the absence of a large order placed in 2009 and unfavorable currency impacts of $1.0 million.

The Federal Signal Fire Rescue Group's operating results for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2010 show orders for the second quarter decreased 6.1% from the second quarter of 2009 with a drop in the European fire-lift market and an unfavorable currency impact of $1.6 million.

Year to date orders were up 22.8% to $51.6 million primarily as result of strong demand for the fire-lift product in Asia. Demand for the industrial market continues to lag as a result of the global economic recession.

CRUISE SHIP SAFETY LAW SIGNED BY PRESIDENT OBAMA; DEATH AT SEA LEGISLATION GETS UNEXPECTED BOOST FROM GULF OIL SPILL RIG WORKER DEATHS
Originally Posted: July 30, 2010 11:12 AM
Last Updated: July 30, 2010 11:15 AM

Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 became law July 27, 2010. It had been introduced by US Senator John Kerry (D-MA) and US Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) two years ago and has now been signed into law by President Obama.

Congressional hearings on the subject began 2005-06 at the request of the Cruise Victims Association, Inc. (ICV).

The law says ships carrying Americans must meet the same safety standards as are required of a US hotel.

The new law requires cruise vessels to develop policies to restrict crew member access to passenger cabins. There have been many rapes and assults on passengers by crew members who have easy access to cabins.

The new law requires security peepholes for passengers to use on their cabin doors, security cameras, and new time sensitive locks and latches.

The new law also requires cruise ships to have 42 inch high guard rails and to distribute a safety guide on how to contact the authorities and American consulates where the ship sails.

Because cruise crimes are unreported to law enforcement authorities, the new law requires cruise ships to report to the FBI and keep a record of all serious crimes and thefts of over $1,000 and then to make this record available to the FBI, the Coast Guard, and other law enforcement officials.

Serious crimes and thefts of over $10,000 must be reported immediately to the FBI if they involve an American national. The FBI is required to prepare a statistical summary of the crime data, broken down by cruise line, and post it on the Internet. Each cruise line must report crime stats on its own web site.

The new law requires the on-board medical personnel on cruise vessels to meet qualifications, undergo sexual assault response training, and carry anti-retroviral medications. The cruise medical staff must conduct a forensic medical examination of sexual assault victims and prepare documentation for the victim and the authorities.

Ships must provide victims with private telephone and Internet access to law enforcement authorities, counsel, third-party services, and the National Sexual Assault Hotline program.

The new law provides for civil and criminal penalties to be assessed against cruise vessels, including denial of entry into American waters.

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has reopened congressional consideration of Death on High Seas Act (DOSHA) reform.

June 9, 2010, survivors of the 11 rig workers lost in the casualty called for DOSHA reform in Washington, D.C. And on July 1, 2010, the House of Representatives passed the measure now in the Senate Commerce Committee.

Since House passage, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has objected to the proposed DOSHA reform. Maritime trade groups do not oppose reform limited only to hazardous deepwater drilling operations.

Congress may act on DOSHA before the November, 2010 election recess.

MORE INFO? lkiern@winston.com

FEDERAL SIGNAL TO PAY SHAREHOLDERS OCTOBER 4, 2010
Originally Posted: July 29, 2010 5:43 AM
Last Updated: July 29, 2010 5:43 AM

Federal Signal Corporation (Oak Brook, Illinois) will pay a quarterly cash dividend of six cents per share to shareholders on its common stock. The dividend is payable October 4, 2010 to holders of record at the close of business on September 14, 2010. This is the 250th consecutive quarterly cash dividend paid by the company to holders of its common stock.

Federal Signal Corporation operates four groups: Safety and Security Systems, Environmental Solutions, Federal Signal Technologies, and Fire Rescue.

MORE INFO? www.federalsignal.com.

CONGRESSMAN: DRILL US COAST FOR OIL BUT NOT NEW JERSEY
Originally Posted: July 27, 2010 4:15 PM
Last Updated: July 27, 2010 4:15 PM

by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association

At breakfast yesterday, I asked a New Jersey US Represenatative about the future of drilling oil off the US Coast. I said "Many Members of Congress have campaigned on the theme 'we should quit being dependent on Middle East Oil. But now that you have seen the demage done by the Gulf Oil spill, do you still support drilling on the US shore instead of the Middle East?" He answered "yes!" So I asked him if he supports drilling off his state's Atlantic Ocean shore. He answered "No!" Others at the table laughed. He explained with a grin that "There is not enough oil off the New Jersey shore."

A new organization composed of Louisiana businesses, organizations and individuals -- Gulf Citizens United (GCU) -- has been formed to raise a unified voice against the oil drilling moratorium on the Gulf Coast. Specifically, GCU has been created “for the purpose of furthering the common good and general welfare of the gulf coast community as a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing attention to the economic hardships associated with the oil and gas drilling moratorium and working toward its cessation.”

GCU has mounted an advertising campaign on Capitol Hill aimed at lawmakers to underscore the severe economic consequences of the drilling ban proposed by the Obama Administration. Running several half-page ads in Capitol Hill publications the week of July 26, 2010 the GCU ad headline says, “The Ban on Offshore Drilling is a Ban on American Jobs!” It notes a recent Bloomberg national poll that found 75% of Americans are opposed to the ban. (see ad attached)

Dan Juneau, GCU Secretary-Treasurer and President of the Louisiana Association of Business & Industry: “In just one act, the Obama Administration has signed the pink slips of tens of thousands of Louisiana and Gulf Coast citizens. The financial consequences from the moratorium will eventually create an economic ripple effect that will negatively impact every citizen of the United States and consumers will bare the brunt by paying more everywhere from the pump to the grocery store.”

The group also joined forces with other local groups for a “Rally for Economic Survival,” on July 21, 2010 in Lafayette, Louisiana at the Cajundome that drew thousands.

LOCKHEED MARTIN AMONG LEADING DEFENSE CONTRACTORS WHO SUPPORT COST SAVINGS AND PRODUCTIVITY INCREASES
Originally Posted: July 26, 2010 6:12 PM
Last Updated: July 26, 2010 6:12 PM

by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)

I recently attended a two day technical event in Suffolk, VA
to work on improving the nation's emergency response and recovery efforts.

Our host was Lockheed Martin, a large US defense contractor. I was pleased to see this week that the top defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, are recommending careful reductions in Defense spending to make way for impending domestic needs and to relieve pressure on the US national budget.

The CEOs of the top three U.S. defense companies — Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Northrop Grumman — have all recently announced new approaches.

Lockheed CEO Robert Stevens talked to the media last month about the company’s plans: “The new reality is characterized by an escalating set of demands and increasing constraints on resources.”

“And those increased demands and constraints on resources are simply bringing to our attention the need to redouble our emphasis on setting priorities and being very, very good stewards of the scarce resources that will be available.”

Early this month, Lockheed followed up that rhetoric with plans to reduce by half the company’s presence at the Farnborough International Airshow and to institute a buyout program for senior executives.

“Our customers are facing increasing demands with constrained resources, and they’re relying on us to give them the very best value within these constraints,” Stevens said at the time. “This was clearly expressed by our top U.S. Department of Defense leadership in the recent announcement of major cost savings and productivity initiatives.”

NEEDA HELPS PLAN DISASTER RESPONSE AND RECOVERY PROGRAMS
Originally Posted: July 26, 2010 5:43 PM
Last Updated: July 26, 2010 5:43 PM

Two weeks ago in Suffolk, Virginia, the U.S. Chamber's BCLC convened 5 experts to look at how disaster response leaders hand off their tasks to community recovery leaders. NEEDA's Executive Director Kenton Pattie was one of the participants. Pattie has been participating as a BCLC member for several years.

Most states and the federal government have 15 to 18 emergency support functions. These emergency support functions are represented at FEMA’s field headquarters or the state’s headquarters in order to improve coordination. For example, when someone has an issue getting emergency medical aid somewhere because the roads are down, they can report the issue to their health care coordinator in headquarters who can then relay the message to the transportation emergency support function to fix it.

But there is no standard system for what the support functions should be.

The current Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) at the federal level are as follows:

ESF1: Transportation
ESF2: Communications
ESF3: Public Works and Engineering
ESF4: Firefighting
ESF5: Emergency Management
ESF 6: Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing, and Human Services
ESF 7: Logistics Management and Resource Support
ESF 8: Public Health and Medical Services
ESF 9: Search and Rescue
ESF 10: Oil and Hazardous Materials Response
ESF 11: Agriculture and Natural Resources
ESF 12: Energy
ESF 13: Public Safety and Security
ESF 14: Long-Term Community Recovery
ESF 15: External Affairs

By way of comparison, the current Long-Term Recovery Framework identifies six recovery support functions:

RSF 1: Community planning & capacity building
RSF 2: Economic development
RSF 3: Health, social and community
RSF 4: Housing
RSF 5: Infrastructure systems
RSF 6: Nature and Culture

The United Nations has a different system. Different states have different systems. Deciding who to plug into to solve a particular problem is complex — and very frustrating when you are in the middle of a catastrophe. This is why we thought it would be a good idea to test how it works.

Deciding who to plug into to solve a particular problem is complex — and very frustrating.

In our Suffolk workshop scenario of a hurricane hitting Virginia, we learned that FEMA would help identify emergency shelters. The Small Business Administration and HUD would both provide housing loans, but we were still not clear about who would take the lead from transitioning people from “blue roofs” (i.e. short-term emergency housing fixes) to laying out the long-term housing solutions, nor were we clear about what success would look like.

If 100,000 houses are damaged in a storm, is a recovery successful if 100,000 houses are rebuilt? Would you want to rebuild houses in areas where they clearly might be death traps? What about housing the construction workers and the new people who might come to the region? What about the cities who take in evacuees? Where do companies put employees up? And what about volunteers who want to come help out with the recovery? And how do non-profit and private sector groups like Habitat for Humanity or companies interested in housing issues gain a better understanding of the overall goals and processes, including how they might fit in?

The exercise showed that much more needs to be done to work out the hand-offs and transitions. The sheer number of actors involved adds a whole layer of complexity that needs to be sorted out, too. That being said, we now have a better understanding of the issues, and more trust between some of the key players. Step by step we continue to improve these relationships and trust with each other.

Fast forward to Wednesday, last week, when we held a resilience workshop in Los Angeles, courtesy of Deloitte and the California Endowment. We realized that the idea of emergency support functions and recovery support functions might be incomplete. After all, what’s the best way to ensure that a school or hospital recovers after a disaster? To be sure that it is strong and resourceful before a disaster, right? Why not organize community support functions on an ongoing basis? If so, what would these look like?

What’s the best way to ensure that a school or hospital recovers after a disaster? To be sure that it is strong and resourceful before a disaster.

We came up with the following community support functions (CSFs):

CSF 1: Education and Youth Services
CSF 2: Health and Wellness, Sanitation and Hygiene Services
CSF 3: Jobs, Economic Development, and Livelihood Services
CSF 4: Housing (Homeless Shelters, Housing Transitions)
CSF 5: Food & Water (Access & Improvement)
CSF 6: Environmental Remediation and Animal/Wildlife Issues
CSF 7: Vulnerable Populations
CSF 8: Arts, Parks, Culture, and Historic Heritage
CSF 9: Awareness, Practice, Training, Fire Drills, Community Relations and External Affairs
CSF 10: Communication, Coordination, Collaboration (Cross-Sector Issues)
CSF 11: Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Governance

Critical Infrastructure Functions (CIF)

CIF 1: Transportation
CIF 2: Energy
CIF 3: Communications and Information Technology
CIF 4: Public Works and Engineering
CIF 5: Finance and Capital
CIF 6: Business Continuity

As Peter Ohtaki, the head of the California Resiliency Alliance put it, we need to create a “network of networks” linking business continuity, critical infrastructure, community resiliency, and community development. There is a continuum of issues that illustrates the interdependence between company and community sustainability, and we need to figure out useful ways to connect them.

We need to create a “network of networks” linking business continuity, critical infrastructure, community resiliency, and community development.

This clarifies an emerging consensus about the importance of the corporate citizenship community to business continuity and sustainability. What we are increasingly realizing is that education, health care, housing, etc. can directly impact the ability of a business to survive, and that the corporate citizenship managers are at the front lines of dealing with these issues. They have to work hand-in-hand with operations and continuity managers to keep “externalities” from derailing the sustainability of their companies.

No company has the competencies or the resources to be involved in all of them, but we know that often, individual systems break down because of their dependence on other systems. Business recovery may depend on debris removal, school repairs, and health care. Health care in turn, may depend on electricity and logistics.

This is why the development of community support functions linking to each other may be like the development of a sports team. Just as a point guard has the role to bring the ball up the court, forwards might focus on rebounding and the shooting guard on shooting, but they all know how to pass the ball to each other when they need to.

We can start to envision how the various community support functions might interact with each other. We are already seeing companies segmenting their community support. Some companies focus on the arts and culture. Northrop Grumman has done significant work supporting the southern California arts scene. Others, like Toyota, are focusing on education. Still others, like Da Vita, are creating communities of care to improve public health and help under-served communities get access to more health resources.

I can envision networks of networks or joint coordinating systems functioning under the auspices of regional grantmakers associations, chambers of commerce, United Ways, and other umbrella groups to promote enhanced resilience and sustainability. The non-profits working on schools would coordinate with interested parties in the private sector, while the environmental groups would do the same with their counterparts on a regular basis, the health and wellness folks would all know each other, and so on, in order to work out issues within their community support function and identify bottlenecks that might be dependent on the other support functions. Then each group would refer their interdependent issues to the joint coordinating group. This system would enhance the focus of all of the individual players, but also increase their effectiveness in dealing with cross-system issues, too.

California disaster response managers estimate that a 7.8 earthquake in the San Andreas fault could reasonably cause $200 billion in damages, but this isn’t even the worst case scenario. The region has storms of such violent magnitude every 300 years that they significantly alter the physical topography of the state. Called ARk storms (for 1,000-year Atmospheric River events), experts believe that the next one could cost over $400 billion in damages.

But these catastrophic events aren’t the only things bringing regional and national leaders to the table. California is currently in the midst of a financial crisis, housing crisis and unemployment crisis. Its school systems are beleaguered. The divides between its affluent classes and under classes have never been starker.

But the state is not sitting still. Karen Baker, California’s state secretary for service and volunteerism, outlined a great new program called Disaster Corps designed to provide reserve assistance to first responders. Companies like Bank of America, Target, Deloitte, KPMG, Disney, and NBC Universal are building up their relationships with multiple emergency and community service providers. At the resilience workshop, the U.S. Chamber BCLC committed to supporting these efforts on an ongoing basis. We have to reward prudential behavior.

The logic is inexorable. In order to respond to disasters well, we have to improve the way we manage disaster recovery. In order to manage disaster recovery better, we need to make communities more resilient and prepared in the first place. In order to justify making them resilient, we need to improve their sustainability. In order to make them more sustainable, they need to be more diversified and stable and their weaknesses need to be shored up.

This isn’t something governments can do in a vacuum. Businesses and non-profits have to be part of the solution. It only makes sense to make it as easy as possible for them to do so. We need to do a better job of figuring out how the pieces of community development and disaster recovery work, and how they fit together. The last few weeks may have been a step forward in this direction.

FEMA CONSIDERS CHANGES IN FEDERAL FIRE GRANTS TO STATE AND LOCAL GOVENRMENTS
Originally Posted: July 26, 2010 12:57 PM
Last Updated: July 26, 2010 12:57 PM

The Federal Grant Programs Directorate in FEMA is currently how to change the way the US Government issues grants to state and local governments.

The goals if the assessment is "to improve the effectiveness of grants to build emergency management capabilities, maximize efficiencies, and increase customer service."

FEMA extended the deadline to Tuesday, July 27 to gather information from grantees. FEMA seeks feedback from grantees about what currently works and what needs improvement.

This information will help drive decision making for the future Regional Implementation of Grants. Your response is optional and will be anonymous.

There will be additional opportunities to provide feedback for those attending the GPD After Action Conference Washington, D.C. July 29-30, 2010.

FEMA’s Grant Programs Directorate has recently transferred some financial and programmatic functions to the FEMA Regions. Programs managed in the Regions are:

Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program
Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG)
Driver’s License Security Grant (DLSGP)
Metropolitan Medical Response Grants (MMRS)
Citizen Corps Program (CCP)
The majority of GPD’s grant programs are still managed at FEMA Headquarters.

Examples of programs managed at Headquarters are:

Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program
Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG)
Driver’s License Security Grant (DLSGP)
Metropolitan Medical Response Grants (MMRS)
Citizen Corps Program (CCP)
The majority of GPD’s grant programs are still managed at FEMA Headquarters. Examples of programs managed at Headquarters are:

Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program (AFG)
Citizen Corps Program (CCP)
Freight Rail Security Grant Program (FRSGP)
Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)
Port Security Grant Program (PSGP)
Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)
Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI)

In your customer service experience with FEMA Regions:
What works well?
What could be improved?
In your customer service experience with FEMA Headquarters:
What works well?
What could be improved?
What types of assistance do you typically seek from FEMA Headquarters?
Why?
What types of assistance do you typically seek from FEMA Regions?
Why?
Please list the type of grant programs you receive from FEMA:

Please FAX to 1-866-274-0942 or send responses in a word document to katie.kusha@fema.gov katie.kusha@fema.gov by COB Tuesday, July 27th.

SPARTAN HAS SECOND QUARTER LOSS: STILL LOOKING FOR BUYER FOR ROAD RESCUE
Originally Posted: July 26, 2010 12:31 PM
Last Updated: July 26, 2010 12:31 PM

(For other NEEDA Newsletter stories about Spartan Motors, use the "Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.)

Spartan Motors, Inc. (Charlottte, Michigan) has 2010 second quarter net loss of $2.6 million. The company had net sales of $115.7 million.

John Sztykiel, President and CEO of Spartan Motors: "In the second quarter, we focused our efforts on three key areas: exiting the Road Rescue business to focus on our more profitable markets, aligning our cost structure with our current and near term sales volumes and investing in promising and profitable growth opportunities. While we have a lot of complexity in our financial reports this quarter, when you peel back the results you will see that we made solid progress in our key financial metrics and also continued to invest in our strategic growth initiatives."

As reported in NEEDA Newsletter Spartan is seeking buyers for Road Rescue (Marion, South Carolina).

All Road Rescue results are now classified as discontinued operations and presented below income from continuing operations, net of tax. Net loss from Road Rescue for the second quarter was $2.4 million.

Adjusted gross profit reached $17.5 million; adjusted gross margin increased to 15.1 percent – an improvement from first-quarter adjusted gross profit of $16.9 million, or 14.3 percent.

A prototype of the NGCV, a product of Spartan's alliance with Isuzu, rolled off the line at Utilimaster this past week; production still on track to begin in mid-2011.

Assembly relationship with Isuzu on the N-series chassis is proceeding according to plan, with production expected to begin in mid-2011.

Crimson Fire's new product, the "Transformer," is complete and is being well received in the marketplace having achieved its first sale in Texas.

Joe Nowicki, Chief Financial Officer: "Despite the loss for the quarter, we are very pleased with the pace of progress in implementing cost management and balance sheet initiatives across the organization. We began last fall realigning our cost structure to current and near-term demand and focusing on areas of our business that generate profitable market share. The actions we are taking are difficult, but improvements in our operating results, excluding the one-time charges, demonstrate that we are gaining ground toward achieving our interim financial goal of mid single-digit operating income. In addition, we are making substantial progress on continuing to strengthen our balance sheet – improvements in receivables and inventories, both dollars and turns, enabled us to further pay down debt and grow our cash balances, providing enhanced financial stability and future opportunity."

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE 2010-2011 SEASON: EL NINO FADES AS LA NINA EMERGES
Originally Posted: July 26, 2010 12:12 PM
Last Updated: July 26, 2010 12:12 PM

Northern California is gradually edging into increased fire activity and large fire potential in the second half of 2010.

Some high elevation areas will see their activity pick up two to three weeks later than average (but still within the normal range), due to late additions to the snowpack well into May.

Total acres burned is most likely to fall into the middle third of the historical record of burned acres per year.

Factors that will play a role in the 2010 fire season include:

• Winter rains and showers well into the spring boosted lower elevation annual grass crops to generally above average height and continuity. A lot of this annual grass is now cured below 2000-2500 feet, fueling the initial pickup in fire activity. After a typical mid summer lull in general winds, the return of wind patterns at lower elevations by late summer could lead to a secondary maximum in the potential for fast-spreading fires in lighter fuels.

• Across the higher foothills, in the coastal ranges, and over the Cascade/Sierra west of the crest, fire season is expected to progress in a typical way. The Mediterranean climate of California's interior will dry the larger dead fuels, while helping cure the live fuels, both of which should contribute to increased timber fire potential from late July through late August. Periods with significantly above normal temperatures or low humidity will tend to accelerate this process.

• For all areas, any widespread and/or drier type lightning activity that might occur (particularly if there is a drawdown on resources) will be especially critical. These events remain very difficult to predict on seasonal time scales.

• At most elevations the grasses and herbaceous fuels have grown exceptionally well, with brush species putting on good leader growth, contributing to substantial fuel continuity.

July through October Weather and Climate forecasts:

The El Nino event has ended, and there is an increasing chance that we could see a strengthening La Nina pattern over the next few months. Meanwhile, there are some signs that the long-lasting cool to mild temperatures of spring 2010 will quickly give way to normal (i.e. significantly warmer) weather in July.

Wind: Larger-scale gradient winds become lighter in summer as the jet stream retreats well northward. Thus the main winds seen in a given area are often local winds caused by differential heating, such as daytime upvalley winds and/or sea and lake breezes. Foehn winds (downhill winds warmed by compression) typically return to the Sacramento and similar drainages after Labor Day, becoming more frequent by late September and even more so during October. This is expected to be the case this year, too.

Lightning: The most widespread and/or critical dry lightning events normally occur in the second half of July or in August.

DIABETIC TRUCK DRIVER HAS COMA AND KILLS WOMAN AT RED LIGHT
Originally Posted: July 26, 2010 11:53 AM
Last Updated: July 26, 2010 11:53 AM

What if a first responder who is diabetic falls into a hypoglycemic coma while responding to a fire or emergency? Coma's are caused by a severe deficiency in glucose levels found in the blood which causes the brain to seek other energy sources at the same time shutting down other important body functions.

If treatment is delayed or neglected by the diabetic person, such a coma can cause not only loss of consciousness but also irreversible brain damage and death.

A diabetic falls into a hypoglycemic coma while driving, loses consciousness and kills an innocent bystander: Such a scenario happened when a driver of a PG&E truck fell into a hypoglycemic coma, kept on driving instead of stopping and came off a freeway exit ramp at such an excessive speed that his truck became airborne. He struck the vehicle of a 20-year old woman who had stopped for a red light. The victim's vehicle caught fire and the woman and her friend burned to death.

The driver of the truck was a Type 2 diabetic with a long history of failing to manage his diabetes properly. Just prior to the accident, the driver twice injected himself with insulin.

Then he drove off in his truck without testing his sugar level. The incredibly high insulin dose caused his glucose level to drop precipitously. It was a disaster waiting to happen and it happened.

O'Reilly Collins, the law firm that represented the woman's family, won a substantial judgment.

PG&E only required a valid driver's license and proof of insurance — the company made no DMV check and there was no inquiry into the driver's medical history. No one at PG&E knew that the driver had a severe diabetic condition or that he was badly mismanaging his disease.

This person, like other diabetics, not only had to take insulin, but just as importantly, also had to closely monitor his glucose levels and insulin intake.

A coma can happen as part of insulin shock, when a large amount of insulin medication is injected compared with the actual dose required. When the ensuing blood sugar levels drop quickly, cells can absorb all available glucose leaving none for the brain, resulting in brain cell starvation and then a quickly oncoming coma.

Diabetes affects many people in the United States with over 1.6 million new cases reported every year. It is the seventh leading cause of death. Events such as this tragic car accident are not isolated occurrences.

NEW FIRE SAFETY PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE FROM INTERNATIONAL BOARD FOR CERTIFICATION OF SAFETY MANAGERS IN ALABAMA
Originally Posted: July 26, 2010 11:32 AM
Last Updated: July 26, 2010 11:32 AM

The International Board for Certification of Safety Managers is launching a Fire Safety Management (FSM) endorsement to the current Certified Healthcare Safety Professional designation. The Board is located in Helena, Alabama.

Those earning the Fire Safety Management credential must hold the CHSP, submit a short application and pass a 100-question exam. Those earning the credential will be authorized to use the designation CHSP-FSM.

The International Board for Certification of Safety Managers has issued 3,000 credentials to professionals from safety, security, infection control, employee health, nursing, quality, senior administration, risk management, facility management, engineering, hazardous materials management, emergency management, fire safety, biomedical services, and environmental services.

Tewksbury Hospital (Massachusetts) is seeking a Director of Environmental Health and Safety who has the CHSP designation. Send a cover letter with two copies of your resume to: Health Office of Human Resources/Northeast Area, Tewksbury Hospital, 365 East Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876. Phone: 978-851-7321, extension 2155. Fax 978-851-0133.

MORE INFO RE JOB IN MASS? jobs.hrd.state.ma.us/recruit/public/3111/job/job_view.do?postingId=J22066
and www.chcm-chsp.org, jim@certsafenow.com
205-664-8412Fax: 205-663-9541

MORE INFO ON THE BOARD: James T. Tweedy, M.S., Executive Director. International Board for Certification of Safety Managers (BCHCM), 173 Tucker Road, Suite 202, P.O. Box 515, Helena, Alabama 35080, Phone: 205-664-8412. Fax: 205-663-9541
information@chcm-chsp.org
www.chcm-chsp.org

DON'T READ THIS IF YOU ARE NOT WORRIED ABOUT STATE AND LOCAL FUNDING FOR VITAL GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONS SUCH AS FIRE, RESCUE
Originally Posted: July 23, 2010 6:32 PM
Last Updated: July 23, 2010 6:32 PM

No US state has defaulted on its debt since Arkansas did so in 1933. But state debt is not a trivial issue. David Wyss, chief economist for Standard & Poor's: "Greece scared everyone." Investors rank the probability of default in California, Illinois, Michigan and New York as roughly equivalent to that of default by European economies such as Portugal and Ireland.

Many states have an urgent need to pay their bills. Except for Vermont, states are legally required to balance their budgets, and they have done so with spending cuts, borrowing, tax increases, and some modest tinkering with pensions.

States have increased their federal share of Medicaid.

Twenty-eight states assumed the formula would continue when they drew up their 2011 budgets but only $24 billion is available through the end of 2010.

The states had reason to believe the money would be forthcoming. Bills extending the more generous formula passed both houses of Congress as part of an add-on stimulus package.

Then Senate Republicans became agitated over the debt issue. President Obama appointed a deficit reduction commission and Democratic congressional leaders began a step-by-step dismantling of a package that also included an extension of unemployment insurance and continuation of various tax credits.

The Senate, on its fourth try, voted to extend unemployment insurance in a stand-alone measure (US HB 4213). Even the Republicans who voted against it claimed they favored it. . . but wanted to pay for it out of existing stimulus funds.

The proposal to maintain extra federal Medicaid aid for the states — known by the mind-numbing title of Federal Medical Assistance Percentages or FMAP — is relatively obscure to the public even though it would save jobs and in so doing increase consumer purchasing power.

States and cities have laid off 400,000, with teachers bearing the heaviest brunt.

Unless the Medicaid formula is extended, that number will soar in 2011.

In Pennsylvania, Gov. Ed Rendell (D) anticipates an $850 million shortfall and 1,000 more layoffs. Rendell, like many governors, has signed a budget that has largely been balanced by spending cuts and the prospect of an FMAP extension.

In addition to the layoffs, states are cutting back on medical services: Virginia will no longer pay for eyeglasses for the poor, Florida reduced reimbursements to nursing homes, Idaho stopped paying Medicaid providers.

Scott Pattison, executive director of the National Association of Budget Officers, ". . . most states are cutting into bone."

David Wyss: "I'm not in favor of cutting the states off cold turkey." Expressing the kind of balanced view that once made President Truman so wary of economists, Wyss added: "We need a little more stimulus right now and a lot of debt reduction soon after. In the long run, you have to pay back the money you've borrowed."

AMERILERT OFFERS FIRST RESPONDER TO FIRE DEPARTMENTS AT BALTIMORE'S FIRE EXPO
Originally Posted: July 23, 2010 4:09 PM
Last Updated: July 23, 2010 4:12 PM

Amerilert, which exhibited at Firehouse Exo, Baltimore this month now connects to CAD systems via the SNPP protocol for reliable automated alerts to first responders.

Omnilert® LLC, maker of Amerilert® First Responder, a dispatch and paging system for fire departments and rescue squads, says their service now connects to Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems via the SNPP protocol.

The company's 3,000 clients include the U.S. Army, Boeing, sanofi-aventis, Harvard University, Penn State, American Red Cross, UNICEF, and the National Institutes of Health. Omnilert solutions are sold under the brand names e2Campus, Amerilert, and RainedOut.

Fire Stations, Rescue Squads, and EMS can configure Amerilert First Responder to automatically dispatch pages from the 911 center or dispatch center directly to standard cell phones and pagers of first responders.

Previously, a fire station or EMS would receive a dispatch from the 911 center and turn around and dispatch their own message from the Amerilert interface to the desired groups.

Amerilert First Responder's CAD Pack now automates this connection, so no human intervention is required from the Fire Station or EMS. The system can be configured for everyone to receive an alert or it can go to specific groups or individuals.

John Wood is the Chief at Griffin Fire District in Washington "We use Amerilert First Responder as a secondary alert system, but it is used simultaneously with the primary alert system. The Amerilert CAD Pack ensures the dispatch from the 911 center goes out over the tone radio as a voice alert and over Amerilert as a text message to standard cell phones. We're mostly a volunteer fire department, so some of our people don't always take their primary alert, so they still have that secondary Amerilert that they can then respond to."

Wood: "The tone pager broadcasts the primary call only one time, and you don't always hear what's said on the radio, but the Amerilerts give you updates in text -- they give you the address, the contact information, what's going on, and a whole lot more information."

Wood: "Amerilert also gives us the ability, when we're on the scene, to alert a support group of volunteers who are not fire fighters but support us on bigger incidents. I also like how Amerilert nails down the ability to communicate with the department members on a daily basis about non-emergency things such as drills and assignments."

Wood: "Before Amerilert, we used the traditional alphanumeric pagers, but they did not get very good coverage. Sometimes you could be sitting in the fire station and not get the alpha page. We switched to Amerilert and it gives us a lot better service -- the alerts come within 10 seconds -- and it's a lot more flexible. The young fire fighters have their cell phones on 24/7, so we're really able to communicate a lot better because of it and they don't have to carry around a third device."

Wood: "I would recommend to fire chiefs to keep your tone pagers as your primary for initial dispatches, but use Amerilert for out-of-district primary alerts, for secondary dispatches that include additional info, for inter-department communications, and for other outreach efforts. It is much more reliable, flexible and user-friendly than alpha pagers."

Jim Dinsch, Information Systems Coordinator at Countryside Fire Protection District in Illinois: "There is huge value in being able to simultaneously dispatch an alert to on-duty personnel and also text alert to off-duty personnel being called back for additional manpower or specialty personnel for HAZMAT, technical rescue or water rescue type situations."

Dinsch: "Amerilert offers an additional means of alerting your personnel and it's a great backup system. I also work at a volunteer fire department and I quite often get my text message to my phone before my radio page goes off."

Amerilert is a redundant, geographically-dispersed, hosted communication system operating with 99.999% uptime. This extreme reliability meets or exceeds the performance of radio-based dedicated public safety alerting systems used by fire departments and rescue squads today.

Amerilert First Responder's CAD Pack costs $495 per year and includes training, support and software updates. Amerilert First Responder pricing starts at $5 per person per month for a station of 50 people.

Amerilert is used by the U.S. Army, Defense Logistics Agency, U.S. Attorney's Office, Boeing, Goodrich, Schering-Plough, Philadelphia Zoo, and fire departments across America

MORE INFO? info@Amerilert.com or call 800-600-3911.
Amerilert is used by the U.S. Army, Defense Logistics Agency, U.S. Attorney's Office, Boeing, Goodrich, Schering-Plough, Philadelphia Zoo, and fire departments across America. There is no software to install, no hardware to buy, and no additional phone lines needed.

MORE INFO? Twww.Amerilert.com or www.omnilert.com

SPARTAN MOTORS EARNS ISO 9001:2008 TO SUPPORT EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING FOR DEFENSE AND FIRE INDUSTRIES
Originally Posted: July 23, 2010 3:51 PM
Last Updated: July 23, 2010 3:51 PM

(For other stories about Spartan and ohn Sztykiel, President and CEO of Spartan Motors use the "Search" application in the upper right corner of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.)

Spartan Motors Chassis Inc. (Charlotte, Michigan) says its Defense and Defense Aftermarket business has earned ISO 9001:2008 -- the fourth and latest edition of the ISO standard first published in 1987.

ISO registration demonstrates that a company is operating at peak performance and sets it apart from competitors offering similar services. In the defense industry, ISO registration is often a required quality standard for contracts, so this registration will help enhance Spartan's position in defense marketing.

Spartan Motors has recently been awarded multiple subcontract orders to support the production of advanced tactical vehicles under the Medium Mine Protected Vehicle (MMPV) and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) programs. Spartan also continues its ongoing support of MRAP prime contractors and the U.S. Government by providing spare/replacement parts for many of the MRAP vehicles built at Spartan since 2005.

John Sztykiel, President and CEO of Spartan Motors. "Everyone at Spartan Motors takes great pride in our reputation for speed and agility with high quality. The achievement of this registration serves as validation of the dedicated team of Spartan's employees and serves as a powerful demonstration of our commitment to excellence."

MORE INFO? www.spartanchassis.com

KANSAS BUS COMPANY MAKES AMBULANCES AND FIRE VEHICLES THAT USE ALTERNATIVES FUELS
Originally Posted: July 23, 2010 3:36 PM
Last Updated: July 23, 2010 3:36 PM

Collins Bus Corporation (South Hutchison, Kansas) has a new NexBus Propane school bus in production with the brand names of Collins, Mid Bus, and Corbeil. The engine, developed in partnership with CleanFUEL USA, has obtained certification from both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Propane provides fuel cost savings compared to gasoline and diesel and produces 20 percent fewer green house gases, and has lower overall emissions.

The company makes ambulances (including medical attack vehicles, rescue vehicles and fire emergency vehicles), and terminal trucks, and industrial sweepers.

Founded in 1993, CleanFUEL USA is certified and approved for alternative fuel dispensing equipment for propane and E85. The company distributes OEM and aftermarket engine fuel systems, fleet management network services, and associated technical support, training and fuel contract services.

Headquartered in Georgetown, Texas, CleanFUEL USA has sales, engineering, and operations facilities in Michigan, California, Kansas and Florida plus New Delhi, India and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

MORE INFO?www.collinsbuscorp.com or www.cleanfuelusa.com

DOES NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN MEET NEEDS OF FIRST RESPONDERS
Originally Posted: July 23, 2010 3:17 PM
Last Updated: July 23, 2010 3:17 PM

The US House Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response Hearing is holding a hearing in 311 Cannon House Office building on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 on “Interoperable Emergency Communications: Does the National Broadband Plan Meet the Needs of First Responders?”

Witnesses include:
*Greg Schaffer, Assistant Secretary, Office of Cyber Security and Communications, Department of Homeland Security
*Chief Jeff Johnson, President and Chairman of the Board, International Association of Fire Chiefs
*Eric Graham, Rural Cellular Association, Vice President for Strategic and Government Relations, Cellular South, Inc.

The fpurpose of this hearing is for the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as the first responder community to discuss the public safety aspects of the Federal Communication Commission’s National Broadband Plan (NBP), including the proposal to auction the 10 megahertz (MHz) of spectrum, known as the “D-Block,” in the 700 MHz band.

SHOULD LA CONTRACT WITH PRIVATE FIRM TO HANDLE EMS CHARGES?
Originally Posted: July 22, 2010 6:27 AM
Last Updated: July 22, 2010 6:27 AM

A proposal to contract out billing and collections for the Los Angeles Fire Department's emergency medical services has run into opposition, according to the LA Times (by Abby Sewell).

The city wants to adopt electronic collection of medical data by the Fire Department's emergency medical services unit.

The proposal would give paramedics hand-held tablet computers on which they would input patient medical information at the scene of an emergency, eliminating the current system of hand-printed forms that department staff called cumbersome and prone to transcription errors.

The computers would allow Fire Department personnel to check hospital bed availability and transmit information about a patient's condition to hospital staff electronically, as well as store billing information.

The new system would be included in a $10-million, six-year contract with Scanhealth Inc., (Sansio) Advanced Data Processing Inc. handling billing and collections

FEDERAL RESPONSE TO TERRORIST ATTACKS AND OTHER HAZARDS: $1.8 BILLION IN GRANTS
Originally Posted: July 21, 2010 6:51 AM
Last Updated: July 21, 2010 6:51 AM

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano says $1.8 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) preparedness grants designed to help states, urban areas, tribal governments and non-profit organizations enhance their protection, prevention, response and recovery capabilities for risks associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards.

Napolitano: “The grants being announced today (July 15, 2010) will help our partners in state, local and tribal governments and non-profit organizations across the country better prepare for, respond to and recover from all threats and hazards. This funding pays for training for fire fighters, medics and police officers, supports the purchase of equipment that is essential to our first responders, and improves our ability to communicate during disasters. These investments have a direct impact on communities across our country as we work together to build, sustain and improve the resilience of our families, businesses and neighborhoods.”

The Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) is the Department’s primary funding mechanism for building and sustaining national preparedness capabilities to help strengthen the nation against the risks associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards.

80 percent of Operation Stonegarden funding – intended to support state and local law enforcement along the border– will go to Southwest border states.

DHS also increased tribal funding from $1.8 million in FY 2009 to $10 million in FY 2010.

Preparedness Grant Program Allocations for Fiscal Year 2010 Include:

Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)—$1.78 billion total:

State Homeland Security Program (SHSP)—$842 million will support the implementation of state homeland security strategies to build and strengthen preparedness capabilities at all levels through planning, equipment and readiness activities.

Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI)—$832.5 million will enhance regional preparedness capabilities in 64 high-threat, high-density areas. The 10 highest risk areas (Tier 1) were eligible for more than $524.4 million, while the remaining 54 urban areas, designated Tier II were eligible for more than $308 million.

Operation Stonegarden (OPSG)—$60 million will enhance cooperation and coordination among federal, state, territorial, tribal and local law enforcement agencies to secure the United States land and water borders.

Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) Program—$39.3 million, divided evenly among 124 MMRS jurisdictions, will improve regional mass casualty incident preparedness and response capabilities in metropolitan areas across the country.

Citizen Corps Program (CCP)—$12.4 million to engage citizens in community preparedness, response and recovery activities.

Tribal Homeland Security Grant Program (THSGP)—$10 million will be provided directly to select eligible tribal applicants to implement preparedness initiatives to guard against risks associated with potential terrorist attacks and other hazards.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)—$19 million will support target-hardening activities at non-profit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack and are located within one of the UASI-eligible urban areas.
Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program (RCPGP)—more than $33.6 million will enhance catastrophic incident preparedness in selected high-risk urban areas and their surrounding regions. RCPGP supports coordination of regional all-hazards planning, including the development of protocols and procedures to manage regional planning for catastrophic events.

MORE INFO? www.dhs.gov and www.fema.gov/grants.

TO RESOLVE AN 09 RECALL BY THE US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION: CARDIAC SCIENCE CORP WILL REPLACE 24,000 AEDS USED BY FIRST RESPONDERS
Originally Posted: July 21, 2010 6:26 AM
Last Updated: July 21, 2010 6:26 AM

Cardiac Science Corporation (Bothwell, Washington), is responding to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to correct AED problems announced on November 13, 2009.

Under the recall plan, Cardiac Science will replace 24,000 AEDs used by first responders and medical facilities in the United States. Customers who own the AEDs include police, fire, and ambulance services. Medical provider customers of Cardiac Science include hospitals, medical clinics, dialysis centers and assisted living facilities.

Dave Marver, Cardiac Science president and chief executive officer: "We have worked constructively with the FDA to address their concerns and are pleased to bring this matter to a close. We are now focused on executing the updated recall quickly and effectively."

The Company estimates this plan will add between $10 and $15 million to the $18.5 million expense previously accrued for the November, 2009 recall.

The Company has executed an updated agreement with Silicon Valley Bank, increasing its line of credit from $5 million to $15 million and will use borrowings from this line, in combination with existing cash resources, to carry out this updated recall plan.

Cardiac Science will repair or replace 24,000 AEDs used by first responders and medical facilities in the U.S.

Cardiac Science urges all users, including those who will receive replacements, to install the software update for their affected AED(s) as soon as possible.

MORE INFO? www.cardiacscience.com/aed175.

GULF OIL SPILL CONTINUES AS SERIOUS ISSUE THREATENING THE GULF
Originally Posted: July 21, 2010 5:56 AM
Last Updated: July 21, 2010 5:56 AM

The latest estimate for oil leaking into the Gulf of Mexico is between 50.7 million and 145.0 million gallons from the Macondo well into the Gulf.

BP's tab: $3.95 billion, includes $207 million paid in claims to individuals affected by the spill.

Oiled Shoreline: 615 miles (Does not include a cumulative impact to date or shoreline already cleared). Louisana: 352 mi, Mississippi: 112 mi, Florida: 82 mi, Alabama: 69 mi
Fishing Closures: 83,927 sq. mi. of the Gulf of Mexico are closed to fishing; 65% remains open.

Wildlife Collected Dead: Birds 2,283, Sea Turtles 472 , Mammals (includes dolphins) 62

A seep has been detected a distance from the well & methane was detected over the well.

The federal science team met with BP to ensure BP's continued commitment to meet their monitoring and notification obligations.

Admiral Thad Allen authorized BP to continue integrity tests as long as they continue to monitor for any signs that this test could make the situation worse.

NOAA ships are using sonar to monitor changes in the sea floor.

Admiral Thad Allen also directed BP to provide a written procedure for opening the choke valve as quickly as possible without damaging the well, should hydrocarbon seepage near the well be detected.

Most recent well pressure: ~ 6,800 psi & continues to rise slowly
1st relief well: 17,864 ft
2nd relief well: 15,874 ft

BILL SAVAGE, PRESIDENT OF E-ONE NEW YORK, OPENS HAMBURG FACTORY JULY 14, 2010: GOAL IS TO MAKE STAINLESS STEEL FIREFIGHTING APPARATUS
Originally Posted: July 20, 2010 6:16 PM
Last Updated: July 20, 2010 6:16 PM

Fire apparatus manufacturer, E-ONE, Inc., has opened a new 75,000 square foot facility in Hamburg, New York the company said July 14, 2010. The facility will specialize in manufacturing stainless steel apparatus, refurbishment, technical service and support.

E-ONE has appointed Bill Savage, a 30-year industry veteran and expert in stainless steel fire apparatus design and manufacturing, as president of the New York facility.

Savage has assembled a highly-experienced team to support new and existing E-ONE customers.

Bill Savage, president of E-ONE New York: “The New York based team is proud to be joining the E-ONE family and we are looking forward to complementing E-ONE’s existing products by providing the industry’s best stainless steel apparatus to customers throughout the nation. We have been manufacturing and refurbishing stainless steel apparatus for more than 20 years and are excited about working closely with E-ONE dealers and customers.”

E-One announced the Water Master™ vacuum tanker product acquisition a year ago.

NEW YORK HARBOUR GETS TWO NEW TUG BOATS HONORING TWIN TOWERS FIREFIGHTERS WHO PERISHED
Originally Posted: July 20, 2010 5:34 PM
Last Updated: July 20, 2010 5:35 PM

The second of two fireghting tugboats is being delivered to New York Harbour this Summer.

In April, 2010, the first Ranger 4200 Class fireboat "Three Forty-Three" completed trials and was delivered to the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) for the voyage home to New York City.

The Three Forty-Three is named in honour of the firefighters of New York City who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, and all the name boards on the ship are cut from steel salvaged from the Twin Tower buildings.

The "Three Forty-Three" is the first of the two fireboats to this design to be built at Eastern Shipbuilding Inc. of Panama City, Florida. The first was delivered in the Spring of 2010.

These fireboats are designed by Robert Allan Ltd. of Vancouver, B.C., under the direction of Ken Harford, P. Eng. as the Principal-in-Charge, and Derek Noon, Project Manager. The scope of work awarded to Robert Allan Ltd. as the result of an international design competition included complete engineering and design of the new boats from initial concept through detailed engineering design and included a comprehensive value engineering process.

The company's scope also included the support of FDNY through every stage of major component procurement and the shipbuilding contract award.

These new fast response fireboats are designed to specifically address the fire-fighting and rescue needs of the greater New York harbour, including the New Jersey shore.

This includes the capability within the vessel to respond to any CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) incident.

These new RAnger 4200 Class fireboats have the following particulars:

· Length Overall - 42.67 m (140'-0")
· Beam, Moulded - 10.97 m ( 36'-0")
· Depth, Moulded - 4.87 m ( 16'-0")
· Maximum Draft (overall) - 2.74 m ( 9'-0")

Tank capacities are as follows:

· Fuel - 35.3 m3 (9,350 gallons)
· Potable Water- 3.9 m3 (1,050 gallons)
· Fi-Fi foam - 12.5 m3 (3,300 gallons)

The fireboats are designed for a response speed of 17.4 knots, with a low-wake, 12 knot cruising/patrol speed, and a total pumping capacity in excess of 50,000 GPM at 150 psi. The powering, seakeeping, and wake generation characteristics of the semi-displacement hull form were all verified in an extensive model-testing program. The total installed propulsion power is 4 x 1,492 kW (4 x 2,000 hp).

The fire-fighting equipment for the new fireboats was supplied by Fire-Fighting Systems (FFS) of Norway.

The main response level for the fireboats includes:

* a large water level rescue platform for casualty recovery and dive support operations
* fast rescue boat, arranged for rapid deployment
* crane fitted with telescoping ladder for high level water stream and access
* large working deck areas with generous access along house sides
* multiple hydrant outlets in deck "corners" incorporating large hose connection outlets for water supply to shore systems
* the main deckhouse at this level incorporates:
* fire equipment room: outfitted to store hoses, fittings, rescue equipment, etc., accessed by an 8'-0" wide, stainless-steel roll up door
* de-contamination shower/Hazmat assessment space, with multiple head shower for decontamination of crew/casualties
* triage room: the primary treatment area for any casualties
* transport room: a comfortable seating area forward for treated casualties or for transport of land based fire-fighting companies with SCBA air packs and tank banks in the aft end of room
*CBRN filter/fan room with high performance fans and Navy grade air filtration system
* CBRN air lock chamber allowing for egress from Citadel space without contaminating it.

The "Three Forty Three" and its sister, to be christened "Firefighter 2" will replace the John D. McKean (built in 1954), and the Firefighter (built in 1938) respectively.

Robert Allan Ltd. is the leading designer of major fireboats worldwide, having designed, in addition to the FDNY vessels, new fireboats for the ports of Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Shenzhen (China), Dongguan (China), and Portland, Maine. Currently under construction are further new fireboats to our designs for Kuwait, Dongguan, Massport (Boston) and Chicago.

(For other NEEDA Newsletter stories about fire fighting boats use the "Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA newsletter screen.)

NEW TUG BOATS MADE IN LOUISIANA HAVE EMERGENCY RESCUE AND ABS Fi-Fi 1 FIRFIGHTING CAPABILITY
Originally Posted: July 20, 2010 5:02 PM
Last Updated: July 20, 2010 5:03 PM

Crowley Maritime Corporation has received an order for two high-bollard-pull Ocean Class tugboats from Bollinger Shipyards. They will be constructed at Bollinger Marine Fabricators LLC in Amelia, Louisiana. with all four vessel scheduled for delivery in 2011 and 2012.

These Ocean Class tugs will be outfitted for ocean towing and emergency response and firefighting.

The latest contract brings the number of new 10,880-horsepower tugs being constructed for Crowley to four, and makes the total $1 billion the company is investing in new tugs, high-capacity barges and articulated tug barge tank vessels (ATBs).

The new tugs, Ocean Sun and Ocean Sky, will launch in the two-and-a-half years.

The tugs work with Crowley's new barges, which measure 400 feet by 105 feet (121.92 meters by 32 meters) and offer increased stability for loads up to 4,200 pounds per square foot (1,905 kilograms per 0.09 meter).

These vessels will be outfitted with twin-screw, controllable-pitch propellers in nozzles and high lift rudders. The tugs also feature dynamic positioning technology (DP-1), which allows the vessel to maintain its positioning and heading automatically using a centralized manual control that continuously calculates environmental conditions and adjusts to the dynamics.

The Caterpillar-supplied main engines and generators are all EPA Tier II compliant, and have the ability to be upgraded to meet future environmental standards, for cleaner emissions and a lower environmental impact.The tugs' double-hulls, are designed to prevent any overboard discharges of fuel or fluids. All tanks containing liquids are inboard.

Tom Crowley Jr., chairman, president and CEO. "These new boats will be workhorses for ocean towing and emergency response support."

The boats hold Green Passports, which inventory materials present in a vessel's structure, systems and equipment that may be hazardous to health or the environment.

The tugs will meet all SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and ABS criteria, and including ABS Fi-Fi 1 firefighting standards.

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS BIG ANNUAL EVENT BEGINS IN CHICAGO AUGUST 27, 2010
Originally Posted: July 20, 2010 2:09 PM
Last Updated: July 20, 2010 6:03 PM

The International Association of Fire Chiefs trade show and convention will take place in Chicago, Illinois:
Start: 8/27/2010 12:00 AM - End: 8/28/2010 12:00 AM

FIRE-REsCuE IntERnAtIonAl (FRI) Is
in ChICAgo this year!!

It’s been a tough year for leaders like you.
selves and departments around the country. But IAFC is confident that the education at FRI will strengthen your ability to tackle the tough decisions we are all facing.
Take a close look at the program to see the new additions
and opportunities that have been added. Look for details on:
• Chief officer leadership symposium - These courses focus on the unique struggles facing today’s Battalion Chiefs and will prepare them for future leadership positions.
• Company officer leadership symposium - Three levels of education provide company officers in all stages of their career with the targeted training for their specialized needs.
• FRI Workshops - New sessions address the hottest topics in the fire service including: how to use social media, lessons learned from the Haiti response, the successes from the Fort Hood response and more.

Beyond the classroom, FRI brings together the best in fire and emergency service leadership from around the globe for unparalleled networking opportunities and one of the largest expo floors in the industry. Be sure to take advantage of this chance to connect with colleagues and speak with na-
tional representatives from leading fire service companies.
See new innovations on display and amazed at how some inexpensive technologies could help increase efficiencies in your department.

Chief Jeffrey D. Johnson, EFO, CFO, MIFireE
IAFC President and Chairman of the Board

Only FRI brings leaders from around the globe
together for comprehensive education at all
levels. The industry’s top experts will address the
critical issues facing fire and emergency service
personnel and share ideas and solutions that
will make a lasting impact in fire and rescue.

TEN -8 FIRE EQUIPMENT OF BRADENTON SELLS PIERCE WILDLAND FIRE FIGHTING TRUCK TO FLORIDA COMMUNITY OF 80,000: TARGET IS WETLANDS THAT DON'T STAY WET
Originally Posted: July 20, 2010 2:02 PM
Last Updated: July 20, 2010 2:02 PM

The Villages Florida Fire Department has bought a Pierce Contender wildland firefighting vehicle. The community is located 30 miles south of Ocala, Florida and serves a retirement community of 80,000.

The local Pierce dealer providing sales and support is Ten-8 Fire Equipment of Bradenton, Florida. Chief Mike Tucker. “The people at Ten-8 are far more than a vendor; they’ve been a partner and very involved in this entire process. It’s great to have them serve our business needs.”

Jim Johnson, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Fire & Emergency: "We’re excited and pleased to have the Florida’s Villages Fire Department as a Pierce Contender customer. Pierce wildland vehicles come in a wide range of configurations. We look forward to serving and supporting the firefighting challenges of this unique and impressive community.”

Michael Tucker, Fire Chief for the Villages, Florida Fire Department since 2001: "As our population has grown, it has come into closer proximity to several wetlands areas that don’t always stay wet. This has increased the frequency of wildland fire incidents. In the past, we’ve had to rely on mutual aid from neighboring fire departments. This new Pierce vehicle will make our department more self sufficient and responsive to our community. Pierce is a quality builder, and that’s extremely important to our department. We’re looking forward to incorporating this vehicle’s capabilities into our firefighting operations.”

The Pierce apparatus features all-wheel drive, seating for four firefighters, a 320-amp alternator and an LED lighting package. The firefighting system includes a 500-gallon water tank, two booster hose reels, a 20-gallon foam cell, bumper turret and a single stage pump system engineered with pump-and-roll capability to attack fast moving wildland fires.

The Villages Fire Department was formed in 2000, and in ten years has grown to include six fire stations and a force of 67 career firefighters. The department’s protection area includes 38 square miles, 80,000 residents and 2 million square feet of retail space.

Pierce, an Oshkosh Corporation company makes custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, minipumpers, elliptical tankers, and homeland security apparatus. Pierce designs foam systems and was the first company to introduce frontal airbags and the Side Roll Protection system to fire apparatus.

MORE INFO? www.piercemfg.com

UN GETS LOCKHEED MARTIN GPS EXHIBIT AT VIENNA, AUSTRIA CENTER
Originally Posted: July 20, 2010 1:38 PM
Last Updated: July 20, 2010 1:38 PM

Lockheed Martin has opened a Global Positioning System (GPS) exhibit at the Permanent Space Exhibit of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Austria.

Focus of the exhibit is to show how satellite navigation technology serves millions of citizens around the globe including fire and ambulance first responders.

The GPS constellation works in concert with ground receivers to provide position, navigation and timing information to military and civilian users anywhere in the world.

GPS technology supports civil, scientific and commercial functions. The system is enhancing public safety by reducing response times for ambulances, firefighters and other emergency services.

Lockheed Martin's Pennsylvania plant and the International Committee on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are exposing GPS systems in the developing world. The exhibit shows the benefits of GNSS and GPS infrastructure to 50,000 visitors annually to the United Nations Vienna International Center.

Rick Ambrose, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of Surveillance and Navigation Systems line of business: "This exhibit represents our enduring dedication to GPS technology that continues to improve not only our world today, but also the world of tomorrow."

Mr. Prunariu, Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space: "GPS III is the first GPS satellite designed to be interoperable with other GNSS systems. It is therefore fitting that it flies above our heads, a true testament to international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space."

Mr. Robert Wood, the State Department's Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Vienna: "Lockheed Martin's exhibit demonstrates how space technology can become meaningful in our daily lives and have significant uses beyond the realm of outer space. This amazing technology clearly merits a place in the permanent space exhibit at the UN."

Lockheed Martin Space Systems designed and built 21 GPS IIR satellites and later modernized eight spacecraft to provide enhanced capabilities and performance.

In 2008, the team was awarded a $3 billion Development and Production contract to produce up to 12 GPS IIIA satellites, with first launch projected for 2014.

The team is progressing in the GPS IIIA Critical Design Review (CDR) phase of the program and will have CDR in August, 2010 two months ahead of the planned schedule. This successful completion of the space vehicle CDR will allow the team to enter the production phase of the program.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs 136,000 people worldwide and is engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation had 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.

NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie was guest of Lockheed Martin for two days in Suffolk, VA in July, 2010.
The meeting focused on response and recovery to a future
hurricane striking the Hampton Roads area of coastal Virginia.

MORE INFO? 303-971-7255 or michael.1.friedman@lmco.com

ARIZONA CITY CUTS FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET AND SKIPS APPLYING FOR A FIRE INSURANCE PREMIUM TAX DISTRIBUTION OF $50,000
Originally Posted: July 20, 2010 1:04 PM
Last Updated: July 20, 2010 1:04 PM

When El Mirage, Arizona skipped applying for a $50,000 tax reimbursement, the Northwest Valley Fighters Association said the missing $50,000 would have made up for some previous budget and personnel cuts.

El Mirage City Manager, BJ Cornwall says the city is in a fiscal crisis and failed to apply for the Fire Insurance Premium Tax Distribution that would have compensated the city $50,000 to help fund various needs.

Fourty other Arizona cities have successfully applied for the tax reimbursement including fire districts serving Peoria and Sun City.

Julie Moore, president of the Northwest Valley Firefighters Association Local 4361: "The failure by El Mirage city officials to apply for the tax reimbursement is more than a city economic issue, it is a public safety issue." Monies from that grant would help negate many of the cuts currently being proposed by the City Council and the City Manager,

According to the City Manager, the declaration of a "financial crisis" is a legal maneuver allows him to renegotiate contracts held by firefighters. Proposed cuts to fire and police departments would balance the city's $1.2 million deficit. Cornwall wants a 17 percent cut in salary and benefits for firefighters.

The El Mirage Fire Department has 24 uniform personnel who staff the station 24-hours a day, seven days a week

FAIRFAX COUNTY (VA) AND LOS ANGELES (CA) URBAN RESCUE AND SEARCH TEAMS TRAINS VOLUNTEER FIRST RESPONDERS IN HAITI
Originally Posted: July 19, 2010 12:36 PM
Last Updated: July 19, 2010 12:37 PM

With help from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) training by twenty-five volunteer first responders in Haiti helps Haitian local capacity for disaster response.

USAR experts from Fairfax County (VA) and Los Angeles County (CA) trained first responders from fire departments throughout the Haiti's West Department from July 12-18, 2010.

(NEEDA HQ is located in Fairfax County and we cheer on the firefighters who volunteer for this elite international response of highly motivated responders. Kenton Pattie, Executive Director)

Those selected to attend the specialized training – nine from Cap-Haitien, eight from Carrefour, six from Limbe, two from St. Marc, and one from Delmas – are all volunteer firefighters.

The USAID-sponsored training will build the skills needed to locate and extricate trapped victims, focusing on the proper use of the search and rescue equipment donated by the USAR teams from Los Angeles and Fairfax counties to the Haitian Volunteer Firefighters Association in February 2010.

The equipment, worth an estimated $500,000, was used by the USAR teams deployed by USAID to help rescue 47 Haitians trapped under rubble after the major earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010.

Carleene Dei, USAID Mission Director: "Search and rescue teams played a critical role in the aftermath of the earthquake, saving 136 people from the rubble. With this specialized training, Haitians will be better equipped to respond to hurricanes and other disasters."

Chief Ardouin Zephirin of the Haitian Volunteer Firefighters Association: "The things we learned this week will help us save lives and enables us to train other first responders throughout Haiti."

Highlights of the USAR training include: instruction regarding safety, engineering, resource management, and rescue operations; training in lifting and moving portions of collapsed structures; proper shoring of portions of collapsed structures; and the construction and use of a rope rescue system used to lower a load under control.

USAID has been working to strengthen USAR capacities in Haiti since the November 2008 collapse of a primary school in Port-au-Prince that resulted in the deaths of 100 people, mostly children.

In the aftermath of the school collapse, USAID deployed the Fairfax County USAR team to assist Haitian firefighters and other rescue workers. In 2009, USAID deployed an assessment team composed of USAID disaster response professionals and USAR specialists from Fairfax County to Haiti for 10 days to help develop a USAR program support strategy. The team met with local authorities and technical specialists, as well as visiting fire services in five cities. With that visit, the Government of Haiti agreed to create a working group to develop a national USAR strategy and policy directions.

Since the January 12, 2010 earthquake struck Haiti, the United States has invested more than $1.1 billion in ongoing emergency response and recovery efforts, which includes $689 million from USAID and $453 million from the Department of Defense.

MORE INFO? 202-712-4810 or www.usaid.go

TYCO OPENS DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN LITHIA SPRINGS, GEORGIA GIVING COMPANY US MARKET PENETRATION FROM ATLANTA
Originally Posted: July 19, 2010 12:22 PM
Last Updated: July 19, 2010 12:22 PM

(For other NEEDA Newsletter coverage of "Tyco" use the "Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.)

Tyco International Ltd.has opened a new distribution facility in Lithia Springs, Georgia, USA.

The 205,000 square foot facility employs 125 people and serves as a hub for distributing the company's fire detection, fire suppression and electronic security products to customers across the United States.

George Oliver, President of Tyco Safety Products, a Tyco business unit: "In today's 24/7, hyper-competitive global economy, Tyco's customers expect on-time delivery of the highest quality products. Our new facility's advanced logistics technology and dedicated team of employees enhances our ability to serve our global customers."

Heidi Green, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development: "We are honored that Tyco has chosen to expand its presence in Georgia with this new facility. Georgia's comprehensive logistics system is one of our key selling assets because it gives companies like Tyco easy, efficient access to their markets."

The new facility located at 2600 West Point Drive provides Tyco access from the Atlanta, GA area.

Tyco employs 900 people at 16 locations in Georgia.

Tyco products and services include fire protection and detection products and services, valves and controls, and other industrial products.

Tyco had 2009 revenue of $17 billion and has more than 100,000 employees worldwide.

MORE INFO? www.tyco.com

LN CURTIS IS DRAEGER SAFETY DEALER IN THIRTEEN WESTERN STATES
Originally Posted: July 16, 2010 5:51 PM
Last Updated: July 16, 2010 5:54 PM

(For other NEEDA Newsletter stories about Draeger, use the "Search" application in the upper right corner of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.)

Draeger Safety Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA) says L. N. Curtis & sons (San Francisco, CA) is a new distributor of Draeger emergency responder equipment in thirteen western states in the United States.

As a non-exclusive primary distributor, L. N. Curtis & sons will handle sales, delivery and service for all Draeger products sold to state and local municipal fire departments and law enforcement responders, and to U.S. Federal Forest Services in the Western United States.

L. N. Curtis & sons has sales, distribution and service centers located in Oakland, California; Salt Lake City, Utah; Seattle, Washington; Los Angeles, California; and Phoenix, Arizona.

Formed in 1929, L. N. Curtis & sons has a history and an outstanding reputation as a distributor of emergency responder and firefighting equipment.

Scott Miller, Western Division Sales Manager, Draeger Safety Inc.: "Known for their professional people and excellent customer service, L. N. Curtis is a distinguished leader in its field. Priding ourselves on the highest quality products and service, this distributorship provides important benefits for our customers and will offer significant opportunities for both companies."

Draeger offers fire and emergency services for personal safety and hazard management and is an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology.

Draeger products protect, support and save lives. Founded in 1889, in 2009 Draeger generated revenues of EUR 1.9 billion. The Draeger Group is currently present in 190 countries and has 11,000 employees worldwide.

MORE INFO? www.draeger.com

FEDERAL SIGNAL REVEALS SECOND QUARTER RESULTS FRIDAY, JULY 30, 2010
Originally Posted: July 16, 2010 5:41 PM
Last Updated: July 16, 2010 5:41 PM

Federal Signal Corporation (Oak Brook, Illinois), will announce second quarter 2010 earnings Friday, July 30, 2010. The company will also host an investor conference call at 10 AM. Eastern time the same day with William H. Osborne, president and CEO, and William Barker, senior vice president and CFO.

Federal Signal offers a webcast at www.federalsignal.com.
Founded in 1901, Federal Signal sells to municipal, governmental, industrial and institutional customers. The company operates four groups: Safety and Security Systems, Environmental Solutions, Federal Signal Technologies, and Fire Rescue.

MORE INFO? www.federalsignal.com.

NEEDA RECOMMENDS PRESIDENT IMMEDIATELY CONVENE A WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE ON OIL SPILL CRISIS FACING THE US; EXPRESS SKEPTICISM THAT TEN GROUPS STUDYING THE DISASTER WILL COMBINE THEIR IDEAS AND SOLUTIONS WITHOUT A NATIONAL FORUM
Originally Posted: July 13, 2010 11:18 AM
Last Updated: July 13, 2010 11:18 AM

by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association

There are at least ten major groups studying the Gulf Oil spill of April 20, 2010. This major disaster certainly deserves the attention of all these experts and decision makers.

But, I am concerned that there are so many different players working independently. There should be more unity, more cooperation, and more publicity about these individual efforts.

Just as I have recommended to President Obama that he convene a White House Conference on Wildfires -- bringing all experts together in one event to share ideas and combine their recommendations -- I recommend that the President convene a White House Conference on "April 22, 2010 Oil Spill and All Off Shore Drilling." First responders and oil experts, communities and Federal agencies would all
share an agenda that the White House and Congress should pursue.

Here are some of the organizations already conducting independent studies or are making individual recommendations.

Too many? Lack of national coordination? Can they all agree on the next steps without being called together at a White House Conference?

1. National Commisson on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling.

2. Marine Board of Investigation.

3. US House Energy and Commerce Committee.

4. US House Natural Resources Committee.

5. US House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

6. Interior Department Outer Continental Shelf Safety Oversight Board.

7. Internal BP Investigation.

8. National Academy of Engineering.

9. White House Council of Environmental Quality and the Interior Department.

10. US Senate Energy and Naural Resources Committee.

11. US Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

All these groups are well-meaning and have good intentions. All are bringing together experts and gathering data which will be helpful in the future.

But, is there any way these groups can get together and combine their expertise and ideas and work out the pathway to a solution?

The only single entity that can convene everyone is the
White House. There have been numerous previous White House conferences on various topics -- but none on this topic. White House conferences are not for the President to have his or her way, but to gather a national concensus,
to combine all the data, and orchestrate a reasonable national pathway to a long run solution.

Without some determination to combine forces and experts, I don't see the problem being solved to the satisfaction of the American people.

I have participated in two White House Conferences and can report that this idea will work. All that need happen is for the President to issue the invitations and await the results.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND RECOVERY SIMULATION
Originally Posted: July 13, 2010 10:49 AM
Last Updated: July 13, 2010 10:49 AM

NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie, on behalf of the association, will attend an emergency preparedness and response conference hosted by Lockheed Martin July 13-15, 2010. The event will be staged at the Center for Innovation, 8000 Harbour View Boulevard, Suffolk, VA 23435.

The event is cosponsored by the US Chamber of Commerce.

CALIFORNIA FIRE SAFE COUNCIL SPONSORS JULY 7 DISASTER PREP 7 HOUR PROGRAM ON FIRE PREVENTION AND PREPAREDNESS -- FIRE ORGANIZATIONS COULD DO THIS IN YOUR AREA!
Originally Posted: July 3, 2010 8:56 PM
Last Updated: July 3, 2010 8:57 PM

The California Fire Safe Council, Farmers Insurance, the California Earthquake Authority, Cal Fire are sponsoring Wednesday, July 7, 2010 the "Disaster Prep: What's Next" fire prevention/preparedness workshop.

The free event is planned for 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Redding (California) Holiday Inn (1900 Hilltop Drive).

Homeowners who live anywhere in the Wildland Urban Interface areas -- in, close to or near forest and fire dangers -- are welcome to attend.

Margaret Grayson, Executive Director of the California Fire Safe Council: "We are offering a lot of good information to help homeowners safeguard their homes from fire and earthquakes. Homeowners will learn more about new fire-resistant building materials, how to prepare for disasters, and learn what emergency services agencies do to prepare. Plus, get to know some amazing local Fire Safe Council folks from communities around Redding; and find out ways to improve your community's insurability."

Speakers at the workshop :
Nationally Known Wildland Fire Specialist, Pat Durland, who will provide information on the latest wildfire mitigation strategies.

A multi-hazard panel will discuss how their agencies prepare and respond to disasters. They will also offer preparation techniques for homeowners.

The panel:
The California Emergency Management Agency
Dan Dyce, California Earthquake Authority and
The American Red Cross of Northeastern California

Farmers State Executive Director Kirk Tweedy: "During lunch, a panel of Farmers Insurance Group agents will discuss how to make sure your home is insurable. They'll discuss what items to take with you during an evacuation, how to file an insurance claim after a disaster and what you need to know about home inventory."

The afternoon session will feature speakers from local Fire Safe Councils, and from Cal FIRE, to share the results of their community safety and disaster response projects.

MORE INFO? www.firesafecouncil.org or 888-320-1158.
www.farmers.com or www.Facebook.com/FarmersInsurance or margaretgrayson@verizon.net or jerry.davies@farmersinsurance.com

FIRE FIGHTING FORCE OF 655 VEHICLES PROTECTS PROPERTY AND CITIZENS IN NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA
Originally Posted: July 3, 2010 3:22 PM
Last Updated: July 3, 2010 3:22 PM

The 15 state-of-the-art trucks, including bush fire tankers, urban fire fighting and rescue vehicles, boost the New South Wales (Australia) Fire Brigades’ fleet to more than 655 fire-fighting vehicles.

The new fire engines were part of the largest roll-out of new and upgraded fire engines in the Brigades’ history.

Since 1995, the Government has allocated more than $243 million to provide almost 550 new and refurbished fire engines for communities around the State.

The State Government’s record $903 million 2009-10 emergency services budget includes $589 million for the Fire Brigades, providing $18 million to continue updating its fleet.

NSWFB Commissioner Greg Mullins: “Fleet upgrades such as these ensure our frontline firefighters are backed by the best equipment and latest technology to support fire crews in their vital work of saving lives and protecting property.”

Kiama

$344, 000 muti-purpose vehicle - the tankers are predominantly used for bush and grass fire fighting but can also be used and rural structural fire fighting and to support hazardous materials and rescue incidents

Features four-wheel drive capabilities making it suitable for off-road fire fighting

Pumping capacity of 1900 litres depending on equipment carried.

Fire engine

Ingleburn
Woolgoolga
Nambucca Heads
Windsor
Eden
Richmond

$350, 000 fire engine

Features a high pressure pump capable of delivering 3000 litres of water a minute for fire fighting and a foam system to fight chemical, petrol and bush fires.

The cabin of the vehicle has been increased in size to make it more comfortable for firefighters.

Large fire engine

Northmead
Matraville
Burwood
Woollahra
The Rocks
Redfern

$528,000 fire engine

Features a water pump that supplies up to 4000 litres of water per minute for fire fighting operations and a foam system to fight chemical, petrol and bush fires.

Carries state-of-the art rescue equipment and GPS unit, with an electronic message board on the back to warn motorists of emergency operations.

TWENTY FIRE TRUCKS NEEDED TO CONFRONT DANGEROUS CHEMICAL FIRE NEAR SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Originally Posted: July 3, 2010 3:10 PM
Last Updated: July 3, 2010 3:10 PM

(NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie visited Ausralia including Sydney and Canberra and has written previous articles about fire service and wildfires in Australia. For other stories about the fire service in Australia use the
"Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen."

Residents and workers in west Sydney (Australia) are advised to stay indoors due to a major fire at a chemical factory in Smithfield, Australia. But they are not sure what chemicals are involved.

Twenty fire trucks responded to a blaze at the chemical factory west of Sydney.

This large factory is totally encapsulated by the blaze and will burn throughout the night.

People with health or respiratory problems near the industrial building in Britton Street are being asked to stay inside until further notice due to a large amount of smoke and other fumes.

A passer-by called emergency services after noticing the blaze about 6:30 PM July 3, 2010.

No one is reported injured, killed or in the chemical factory.

FUNDING FROM US CONGRESS ON ICE; STATES FEAR LOSS OF HUGE AMOUNTS OF FEDERAL MONEY
Originally Posted: July 3, 2010 8:40 AM
Last Updated: July 3, 2010 8:44 AM

The $28 billion budget bill awaiting Gov. Ed Rendell's signature in Pennsylvania relies on hundreds of millions of dollars in federal Medicaid funding that has yet to be approved by the US Congress.

What does this mean for fire departments in every state: if they are relying on state and local funding, unless Congress acts to resolve the stalled Medicare funding state fire money will be cut.

Pennsylvania is one of 22 states that have passed FY 2011 budgets that count on an extension of the Federal $87 billion in Medicaid funding included in the 2009 federal economic stimulus bill and set to expire in December.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R): "I support restraining federal spending, but cutting the only funding designed to help states maintain the very safety-net programs Congress mandates us to preserve will have devastating consequences." He is one of 42 governors urging Congress to approve the funding which has bogged down in the US Senate.

But by not passing the extension by July 1, 2010 when most states begin their fiscal year, Congress is leaving states in a panic.

Alabama for example passed a $1.6 billion budget that included $197 million in Medicaid funding, but lawmakers may have to cut medical care unless Congress straightens out the funding deadlock.

Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell warned last month that the if PA doesn't get $850 million in Medicaid funding 20,000 state workers will get laid off.

Maine plans to cut $100 million across-the-board without the Federal funds.

New York lawmakers passed their FY 2010-2011 budget to last week with $420 million more in education spending than the governor wanted. But NY Gov. Paterson will veto 6,900 appropriations in the plan, because legislators failed to create a contingency fund in case the Medicaid extension isn't approved by Congress.

North Carolina will hold back a scheduled $139 million contribution to the state employee retirement account to respond to the crisis.

Massachusetts passed two versions of the state budget, one that includes $687 million in federal funding (now doubtful) and one that doesn't.

INDIANA's legislature approved a bill that has no Federal funds, having already cut back on programs in their state which are supported with Federal dollars.

KATRINA TRAILERS LEAKING FORMALDEHYDE GAS BEING USED FOR GULF OIL TEMPORARY RECOVERY RESPONDERS
Originally Posted: July 2, 2010 11:43 AM
Last Updated: July 2, 2010 11:43 AM

by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)

An issue that doesn't go away!! The New York Times broke this story in its June 30, 2010 issue. The House Homeland Security Committee has promptly written to GSA Administrator Martha N. Johnson and FEMA Admnistrator W. Craig Fugate pointing out that buyers of the FEMA trailers should all have promised they would not sell the units for human habitation.

Apparently, FEMA is using the Hurricane Katrina trailers to house temporary workers assigned to the Gulf oil spill in Louisiana. The Federal government had bought thousands of trailers to provide housing for people who lost their property to flooding in Katrina.

The US House is going to hold a public hearing on this subject asking FEMA about the formaldehyde gas that was detected in these trailers in the aftermath of Katrina.

Obviously, emergency temporary housing is a key issue in
most emergency response efforts. The Federal government is offering the housing as part of local emergency recovery.
But, the potential seepage of gas from epoxys used to make the trailers has caused professionals to warn of health risks.

For future disaster recovery the US needs an answer to this
because some form of temporary housing is often going to be necessary after all disasters. In the case of the Gulf Spill there will be temporary workers attending to the oil reaching landfall for months ahead. The Gulf Spill is being
characterized as our biggest national disaster. But whatever its ultimate size, there needs to be an acceptable answer to the question, for the dislodged or disabled or the workers responding, how will we provide adequate safe housing?

KIM BRAY JOINS MIDWEST FIRE AS SALES CONSULTANT
Originally Posted: July 2, 2010 8:41 AM
Last Updated: July 2, 2010 8:42 AM

On June 25, 2010 Midwest Fire announced Kim Bray is their new Sales Consultant.

Kim has worked as a direct liaison between manufacturer and customer.

Kim: “I am excited for this great opportunity to work with Midwest Fire, an excellent manufacturer in the Fire Apparatus Industry. Buying a new fire truck can be an overwhelming experience and I enjoy being able help the department through the entire process; from the time of order, through production, to the big day of delivery! Being a trusted fire apparatus professional is important to me.”

Midwest Fire produces tankers and tanker-pumpers. They released the new FRX Rescue Pumper with an over-sized equipment storage system.

MORE INFO? 1-800-344-2059, Midwest Fire Equipment, P.O. Box 524, Luverne, MN 56156

July 1, 2010: WILDFIRES BURNING IN ALASKA, ARIZONA, COLORADO, FLORIDA, IDAHO, NEW MEXICO AND NEVADA
Originally Posted: July 2, 2010 7:56 AM
Last Updated: July 2, 2010 8:08 AM

So far in 2010, as of July 1 there have been 286 large fires which have been contained. The newsmedia are carrying stories about a fire north of Las Vegas.

Currently there are wildfires burning in these states:
Alaska (3)
Arizona (1)
Colorado (2)
Florida (1)
Idaho (2)
New Mexico (2)
Nevada (1)

The Associated Press on July 2, 2010 at 2:50 AM reported two wildfires in the Las Vegas area: 15 buildings burned, 680 acres.

One hundred firefighters with aerial tankers and a helicopter are fighting the blaze.

Fires broke out on Mount Charleston, 40 miles northwest of Las Vegas on a 13- 15-acresteep terrain off State Route 157.

Road are closed around Mount Charleston.

JULY 4, 2010: STATE LEADERS URGE CITIZENS TO LEAVE FIREWORKS DISPLAYS TO PROFESSIONALS
Originally Posted: July 1, 2010 1:51 PM
Last Updated: July 1, 2010 1:51 PM

State safety and law enforcement officials today reminded residents about laws governing their use and offered tips on how to stay safe.

Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann: "Fireworks displays are best left to the professionals. Anyone who wants to celebrate the holiday with small novelty fireworks should take some simple safety steps to protect themselves and their loved ones."

Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding: "Fireworks are a highlight of any Independence Day celebration and, when purchased and used legally, can provide great entertainment. Keep yourself and your family safe by buying fireworks only from reputable in-state dealers."

Pennsylvania law allows consumers to use small "novelty" fireworks, which are ground-based and include sparklers and trick noise makers. These fireworks can be sold by retail establishments with valid permits.

Consumer fireworks, including firecrackers, roman candles and mortars, are prohibited by state law. These aerial-based fireworks are sold at facilities licensed by the state Department of Agriculture and may be purchased only by out-of-state residents with identification or in-state residents with a municipal permit.

All display fireworks that are shot into the air and burst into a large, colorful display—such as those seen at organized celebrations and sporting events—are prohibited for use by consumers.

Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Frank E. Pawlowski: "Being smart, aware and safe this July Fourth holiday weekend includes paying particular attention to how you celebrate. Not only is the use of many types of fireworks illegal, doing so by anyone other than professionals can be extremely dangerous. Enjoy the fireworks displays sponsored by your local communities."

National Council on Fireworks Safety:

Fireworks should only be used outdoors.

Always have water handy.

Only use fireworks as intended. Do not try to alter or combine them.

Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water prior to disposal.

Use common sense. Spectators should stay a safe distance from the igniter and the igniter should wear safety glasses.

Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

Never use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives – illegal fireworks should be reported to local law enforcement.

Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type. Sparklers should only be used under close adult supervision.

Always remain standing and at least six feet from others while using sparklers.

Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.

Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person.

Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.

Sparkler wires and sticks remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparkler directly into a bucket of water.

For more information on Pennsylvania laws regarding fireworks, please visit the Pennsylvania State Police web site at www.psp.state.pa.us, and click on "FAQs about Fireworks."

MORE INFO? Ruth A. Miller, Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner 717-651-2009