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Newletters From October, 2008
DEVELOPMENTS IN MILITARY EQUIPMENT MAY HELP EQUIPMENT IN THE FIRE INDUSTRY
Originally Posted: October 31, 2008 10:26 PM
Last Updated: October 31, 2008 10:27 PM
by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
KentonP1@aol.com
One of the advances made during the Afghanistan-Iraq
war has been the use of unmanned vehicles. Unique unmanned
flying objects have been needed to keep a close eye on rough
terraine, spotting fighters, locating trails in the mountains,
and identifying targets.
These often did not require pressurization as there is no crew to aircondition, but they do need cooling for highly sensitive electronics,
Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance are being pressed
to process data while in the air rather than beam images back to base
camp. So, the more electronics processing on-board information, the more likely that the on-board computers will need air conditioning.
Normally, they would have turned to commercially available cooling systems. But the war environment is so harsh experts are avo*iding using commercial-grade electronics because they are not suited for severe environmental requirements.
This military reality is also a condition when using such vehicles in
monitoring and fighting wild fires and dealing with other emergencies
in remote areas with harsh climate conditions.
One concept that has helped the new military equipment has been the use of sealed, air-conditioned or pressurized compartments. The problem has
been finding the space in these small unmanned units for any air-cooling
systems to protect the on-board computers.
One solution has been to put the cooling unit on the outside of the vehicle,
such as was done with the UH-Blackhawk helicopter. This enabled the radar detection system to benefit from the cooling system.
Engineers have also developed an atomizer which sprays fluid on heat generating components.
These military applications may result in useful firefighting unmanned craft.
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WHAT TO DO ABOUT THE $5 BILLION DEFICIT . . . IT'S NOW OVER $10 BILLION! CALIFORNIA BUDGET DELAYED UNTIL NEXT WEEK
Originally Posted: October 31, 2008 6:40 PM
Last Updated: October 31, 2008 6:40 PM
By Steve Wiegand
swiegand@sacbee.com
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration has decided to postpone formally releasing the latest bad news in the ongoing state budget mess until it can pair it with a proposal to clean it up.
Administration officials had been set to release their formal estimate on the current size of the budget's gap between revenues and spending Friday, October 31, 2008.
But H.D. Palmer, a spokesman for the governor's Department of Finance, said the release would be postponed until November 5, to coincide with Schwarzenegger calling the Legislature into special session to deal with the deficit - and the governor's unveiling of his proposals to close the gap.
Palmer: "We decided we wanted to do it in one unified package. The size of the problem and the scope of the solution."
The problem's size has been variously put at anywhere from $10 billion to $12.5 billion by various officials, including Schwarzenegger. That's triple the size of the deficit estimated by the administration a few weeks ago, when the state was issuing $5 billion in short-term borrowing notes.
In meetings with different interest groups this week, Schwarzenegger has indicated his proposed solution will be deep cuts in virtually every state-financed endeavor, from schools to prisons to health care, along with an increase in the sales tax rate.
Schwarzenegger has said he wants a special legislative session because the deficit is likely to grow larger the longer it takes to deal with it. But more than a quarter of the current Legislature's members will be termed out at the end of November, 2008 meaning that any solution determined by these lawmakers will have to be found by then. Assuming they don't work weekends or holidays, that gives the California legislators 12 business days to work on it.
For previous info in NEEDA Newsletter on the California budget, use the
"Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.
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NON-WEATHER RELATED FIRES UP 7 PERCENT IN TEXAS
Originally Posted: October 31, 2008 5:52 PM
Last Updated: October 31, 2008 5:52 PM
Unattended cooking is the number one most preventable cause of house fires in Texas, according to a survey of 50 fire departments across the state. The study, conducted by Allstate Insurance Company, asked Texas fire chiefs and marshals for the most common everyday activities leading to house fires and simple steps
people can do to make their homes more fire-safe.
According to the survey, the top three home fire-starters in Texas are:
1. Leaving cooking food and burning candles unattended
2. Overloading electrical outlets and misusing extension cords
3. Discarding cigarettes improperly
The Allstate survey also revealed incorrect light bulb wattage in
lamps, dirty lint filters in dryers and keeping matches and lighters in
reach of children as forgotten fire dangers.
The number of Allstate insured Texas homes damaged by non-weather
related fires have jumped 7 percent so far this year when compared with the
same period last year.
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08 AMERICAN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION TRADE SHOW IN LV DEC 1-3
Originally Posted: October 31, 2008 11:04 AM
Last Updated: October 31, 2008 11:08 AM
The 2008 American Ambulance Association trade show and exhibition will be held at the Las Vegas Hilton, December 1-3, 2008. NEEDA wishes the AAA, its staff and board a very successful 2008 convention.
Board & Leadership
2008 Officers
Jim McPartlon, President-at-Large (2008)
Mohawk Ambulance Service
357 Kings Road
Schenectady , NY 12304
Phone (o): (518) 346-5060
Fax: (518) 388-9229
e-mail: jpmcpartlon@mohawkambulance.com
James A. Finger, Secretary-at-Large (2008)
Regional Ambulance Services
275 Stratton Road
Rutland , VT 05701-4647
Phone (o): (802) 773-1746
Fax: (802) 773-1717
E-mail: JIMATRAS@aol.com
Bob Garner , Immediate Past President (2008)
AMR-Florida
7255 NW 19 th Street
Miami , FL 33126
Phone (o): (305) 718-6401
Fax: (305) 718-9518
e-mail: Robert.Garner@amr.net
Stephen Williamson, President-Elect-at-Large (2008)
EMSA
1417 North Lansing Avenue
Tulsa , OK 74106
Phone (o): (918) 596-3135
Fax: (918) 596-3177
e-mail: stephenw@emsa.net
Dale Berry , Treasurer-at-Large (200)
Huron Valley Ambulance, Inc.
2215 Hogback Road
Ann Arbor , MI 48105
Phone (o): (734) 477-6262
Fax: (734) 971-4385
E-mail: dberry@hva.org
2008 Board of Directors
DIRECTORS, REGION I
Kevin Lyons (2009)
Lyons Ambulance Service LLC
135 Maple Street
Danvers, MA 01923
Phone (o): (978) 774-9119
Fax: (978) 774-1844
E-mail: lyonsamb@aol.com
Fred DellaValle (2008)
AMR-East Region
55 Church Street , 6 th Floor
New Haven , CT 06510
Phone (o): (203) 781-1005
Fax: (203) 781-1329
E-mail: fred_dellavalle@amr-ems.com
Alternate:
Bill Hathaway
Town of Bennington Rescue Squad, Inc.
120 McKinley Street
Bennington, VT 05201
Phone (o): (802) 442-5812
Fax: (802) 447-1993
E-mail: brsdirector@comcast.net
DIRECTORS, REGION II
Larry Wiersch (2009)
Cetronia Ambulance Corps, Inc.
7355 William Ave., Suite 700
Allentown , PA 18106
Phone (o): (610) 530-5502
Fax: (610) 395-2465
E-mail: wierschl@cetronia.org
Greg Shore (2008)
Med Shore Ambulance Service
1009 N. Fant St
Anderson , SC 29621
Phone (o): (864) 260-4578
Fax: (864) 260-4577
E-mail: gshore@medshore.com
Alternate:
Joe Penner
Medic-Mecklenburg EMS Agency
4525 Statesville Road
Charlotte, NC 28269
Phone (o): (704) 943- 6050
Fax: (704) 943- 6001
E-mail: jpenner@medic911.com
DIRECTORS, REGION III
Charles Kelley (2009)
MedStar Ambulance, Inc.
P.O. Box 296
705 Bradbury Lane
Sparta , IL 62286
Phone (618) 443-5061* 2223
Fax: 618-443-6200
E-mail: chkelley@medstarems.net
Mark Meijer (2008)
Life E.M.S. Inc.
1275 Cedar St., N.E.
Grand Rapids , MI 49503
Phone (o): (616) 458-0042
Fax: (616) 242-8825
E-mail: mmeijer@lifeems.com
Alternate:
Julie Rose
Community Care Ambulance Network
115 E. 24 th St .
Ashtabula , OH 44004
Phone (o): (440) 992-7302
Fax: (440) 992-1315
E-mail: jarose@ccan.org
DIRECTORS, REGION IV
Gary Wingrove (2009)
Gold Cross/ Mayo Clinic Medical Transport
1312 Lakeside Circle
Buffalo, MN 55313
Phone (o): (612) 366-3532
Phone (f): (206) 337- 0925
E-mail: wingrove.gary@mayo.edu
Jimmy Johnson (2008)
Life Emergency Medical Services
302 W. Maple Street
Enid , OK 73702
Phone (o): (580) 233-2245
Fax: (580) 242-6250
E-mail: jjohnson@lifeemsinc.com
Alternate:
Rachel Harracksingh
Life Ambulance
PO Box 26486
El Paso, TX 79925
Phone (o): 915 772 1642
Fax: 915 877 2234
E-mail: rachelbh@sbcglobal.net
DIRECTORS, REGION V
J.D. Fuiten (2009)
Metro West Ambulance
PO Box 1635
Hillsboro , OR 97123
Phone (o): (503)648-6658
Fax: (503) 693-3207
E-mail: jdfuiten@metrowest.fm
Brenda Staffan (2008)
Rural/Metro Corp.
3236 Old Coach Way
Reno, NV 89511
Phone (o): (775)851-5781
Fax: (775)851-5782
E-mail: brenda_staffan@rmetro.com
Alternate:
Lou Meyer
AMR-Northern California
7575 Southfront Road
Livermore, CA 94550
Phone (o): (925)454-6020
Fax: (925)454-6008
E-mail: lou_meyer@amr-ems.com
MORE INFO? www.the-aaa.org
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FIREFIGHTER INJURIES: SUBJECT OF SURVEY BY INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS
Originally Posted: October 31, 2008 10:49 AM
Last Updated: October 31, 2008 10:50 AM
To improve caring for the needs of firefighters who have been critically injured in the line of duty, the International Association of Fire Chiefs Safety, Health and Survival Section (www.IAFCSafety.org) is conducting a short survey to collect more information. The survey will assist the IAFC in gathering resources for fire departments to use in the event of a critical firefighter injury.
MORE INFO? www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228D3JXPZZ4 ir www.IAFCSafety.org
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$5 BILLION DROP IN STATE FUNDS IS EMERGENCY IN CALIFORNIA: GOVERNOR WANTS EVERY PROGRAM WILL NEED TO GET A HAIRCUT
Originally Posted: October 30, 2008 5:40 AM
Last Updated: October 30, 2008 5:40 AM
What has been unfolding in California in the wake of this year's wildfires gives us a look at what will happen in all 50 states in 2009: state funding will shrink and every Governor will need to do what California has already begun.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger characterized the state's projected multibillion-dollar budget deficit as a "state of emergency," reflecting money woes worldwide, and he warned that major public services will be cut.
Schwarzenegger: "Since everyone has to take a haircut here, it's natural that education gets hit, law enforcement gets hit, prisons are going to get hit, and also health care is going to get hit. So, it's just the math, it's not me, it's mathematics that tell you that you have to make cuts in those kind of different areas."
Schwarzenegger was responding to reporters' questions at a news conference featuring a handful of former legislators touting passage of Proposition 11, which would alter the state's process of drawing political districts.
Earlier this week, the governor had announced that he will declare a special legislative session to wrestle with state budget and economic issues stemming largely from a faltering U.S. and world economy.
California's revenues have dropped at least $5 billion more than anticipated -- thus about $8 billion total -- and "that number can even be greater," Schwarzenegger told reporters Wednesday.
Asked about potential multibillion-dollar cuts to schools, Schwarzenegger said he informed education leaders this week that "we're going to do everything that we can to protect education."
"Let us be creative and find a way that even though we have to make cuts, how do we keep the most amount of dollars in the classroom so it doesn't affect our children, because we've got to take care of our children," he said.
Asked to comment on reports that he will renew his bid for a sales tax increase, Schwarzenegger did not confirm or deny.
"I have great faith in the legislators that they will see that we are in a state of emergency" in California, nationwide and worldwide, Schwarzenegger said, adding "I think that after the election it will be easier for the legislators to make certain decisions that maybe it was hard for them to make before."
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NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD URGES FAA TO PROMPTLY INCREASE HELICOPTER EVACUATION SAFETY RULES
Originally Posted: October 29, 2008 9:26 PM
Last Updated: October 30, 2008 5:25 AM
The Natioonal Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) this week made medevac flight operations a top priority following a rising number of accidents.
The new NTSB rules will first need to be approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The new rules:
Require states to perform risk evaluations before each flight.
Require states to draft fixed policies for gauging inclement weather.
Require states to install terrain awreness systems that warn of danger
of crashing into the ground, mountains, and tall buildings.
The NTSB has been critical of the FAA for not responding faster to the sharp rise in helicopter crashes.
The average accident rate increased from 3.53 accidents per 100,000 flight hours between 1992 and 2001 to 4.56 accidents per 100,000 flight hours between 1997 and 2001.
Between January 2002 and January 2005, there were 55 crashes. This was the most crashes since the 1980s.
As reported by NEEDA Newsletter, four people died when a helicopter crashed September 29, 08 in Prince George's County, MD. The helicopter had been responding to a two-car accident. Questions have been raised as to whether or not the medevac helicopter run by the police department should have attempted the rescue in light of the bad weather.
In 2008, nine medevac helicopters have crashed producing a death toll of 35, the Associated Press reported.
For other NEEDA Newsletter stories about helicopter rescue issues, use the "Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.
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MSA REPORTS SALES INCREASE OF 15 PERCENT; SCBA MILITARY SALES UP $15.3 MILLION
Originally Posted: October 27, 2008 9:14 PM
Last Updated: October 27, 2008 9:14 PM
MSA (Pittsburgh, PA) announced net sales for the third quarter of 08: $285.9 million compared with $247.7 million for the third quarter of 2007, an increase of $38.2 million, or 15 percent.
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) sales were up $15.3 million in the current quarter. This increase was primarily due to $13.2 million in shipments of SCBAs to the U.S. Air Force during the third quarter of 2008. Sales of Advanced Combat Helmets to the U.S. military and CG634 helmets to Canadian Forces were up $2.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively. Shipments of gas masks and communication devices were down $4.1 million and $2.5 million,
respectively, reflecting the completion of certain military orders.
Net income for the third quarter of 2008 was $17.9 million, an increase of $1.2 million, or 7 percent, compared with $16.7 million, or 47 cents per basic share, for the same quarter last year.
William M. Lambert, MSA President and CEO: "I am pleased to report the strongest third quarter sales in MSA history. This performance
is especially satisfying in the current economic environment and is the
result of our continuing focus on our core business and our ongoing efforts
to expand our geographic market reach, particularly in the European and
International segments. I believe that by focusing on the strengths in our
core products and markets, we will continue to make significant progress
during the remainder of 2008 and in future years."
Sales in MSA's International segment improved by $13.2 million, or 22
percent, in the current quarter. The sales increase was primarily in South
Africa and Latin America, where local currency sales were up $4.8 million
and $4.1 million, respectively.
Lambert: "Our third quarter performance reflects the broad balance of our
business, both in terms of diverse product lines and markets. We continue
to see strength in our core business, but this outlook is certainly subject
to global economic conditions," Mr. Lambert concluded.
Established in 1914, MSA is a global
manufacturer and supplier of safety products that protect people's health and
safety. MSA's safety products typically integrate any combination of
electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users
against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company's
comprehensive line of products is used by workers around the world in the
fire service, homeland security, construction and other industries, as well
as the military. Principal products include self-contained breathing
apparatus, gas masks, gas detection instruments, head protection,
respirators and thermal imaging cameras. The company also provides a broad
range of consumer and contractor safety products through retail channels.
These products are marketed and sold under the MSA Safety Works brand. MSA
has annual sales of approximately $1 billion, manufacturing operations
throughout the United States and Europe, and 42 international locations.
MORE INFO? www.msanet.com
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MICHAEL POWER, OSHKOSH, IS 2008 MARINE CORPS MARATHON FINISHER
Originally Posted: October 27, 2008 12:24 PM
Last Updated: October 27, 2008 12:31 PM
Congratulations to Mike Power, Director, Government and Homeland Security Business Development Oshkosh Corporation for finishing the 2008 Marine
Corps Marathon, Washington DC.
He finished in 4:39:50 and was 6502 in one of the nation's biggest marathons with over 20,000 participants.
NEEDA: "Mike's performance was excellent and in an industry where physical fitness is critical to saving lives and property, he has set a terrific example for all of us: stay lean and strong and run fast."
Mike says about this 26.2 mile run from the Iowa Jima Memorial through the famous buildings of Washington DC and back over the Potomac River: "Beautiful day and great course, although the course was more crowded than I expected throughout. Having friend and strangers cheer us on was definitely a big help. We finished strong and felt like we still had energy left."
MORE INFO? OSHKOSH CORPORATION, 1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1040, Arlington, VA 22209 or 703 525 8416 or mpower@oshkoshcorp.com
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US LEVEL OF PREPAREDNESS IS INADEQUATE: CHERTOFF, HOMELAND SECURITY CHIEF
Originally Posted: October 27, 2008 5:23 AM
Last Updated: October 27, 2008 5:23 AM
Secretary Mike Chertoff (US Department of Homeland Security) says the US must manage the risks of another terrorist attack or catastrophic disaster more proactively than it has in the past. He was speaking in his fourth speech about his department’s mission at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.
The secretary’s four speeches have focused on different aspects of the department’s mission throughout the year in recognition of his department’s Fifth Anniversary.
He said that it is impossible to eliminate all risks facing the nation, but it is essential to reduce the country’s vulnerability to these risks by preparing in advance and having a strategy to respond.
He cited three instances in which the level of preparation was inadequate: the 9/11 attacks in 2001, the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the recent financial crisis. In each case, the risks of these events occurring was not properly managed and, as a result, the cost of responding to them has been much higher, the secretary observed.
The lesson that can be learned from each event is that government involvement is sometimes necessary before the event occurs, the secretary said.
He then discussed three examples in which government involvement is justified: in requiring disaster mitigation measures, such as levee repair and elevating homes, in areas prone to flooding by hurricanes; in requiring that local businesses, such as gas stations, purchase back-up generators for use when the power fails; and in protecting consumers from tainted products.
While government intervention in all these cases has proven effective, the secretary cautioned against government overreaching and trying to eliminate all risks and all vulnerabilities.
Achieving the right balance of regulation and the operation of markets is needed, he said and expressed confidence that this could be done. Chertoff: “From homeland security to economic security, I’m confident that we can and must improve our management of risk with a judicious partnership between government as regulator in a disciplined and focused way and a public that is willing to embrace that regulation as enabling it to proceed with its free market prerogative to make decisions in an intelligent and informed fashion."
MORE INFO? //www.dhs.gov/xnews/speeches/sp_1224524493787.shtm
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FEDERAL SIGNAL SAFETY AND SECURITY SYSTEMS PROVIDE INTEROPERABILITY TO COALITION OF EMS PROVIDERS
Originally Posted: October 25, 2008 6:51 AM
Last Updated: October 25, 2008 6:51 AM
When Michigan's District 1 Regional Medical Response Coalition (University Park, IL) is using the Federal Signal SmartMSG critical communications system in Ingham Regional Medical Center in Lansing, Michigan. Ingham us one of a dozen hospitals, EMS agencies and other first responder teams within
the District 1 Coalition that gets interoperability through Federal Signal.
The Federal Signal SmartMSG critical communications system sends
web-based alerts to over mobile and smart phones, e-mail,
computers, pagers and other communications devices. SmartMSG system tracks staff response times. If response time is too long,
other groups will be alerted to assist. The District 1 Coalition covers 2,500 medical first responders.
Byron Callies, environment care manager for Ingham Regional Medical
Center: "The ease of use and intuitiveness are amazing. Everyone is
able to use it, and wants to use it when they understand the capabilities.
I come across communication problems everyday, and I'm now in the mindset
of 'how can Federal Signal help with this.' Much of the time, I'm able to
find a solution."
John Waters of Livingston County EMS: "What attracted me to Federal Signal is that it allowed for me to utilize the existing communication assets of the
various organizations, and simply tie them together."
Alerting and notification systems from Federal Signal enable secure,
reliable and redundant mission-critical communications for leading
public-safety focused organizations, including Crittenden Regional Hospital
in West Memphis, Ark., the Omaha, Neb., Tri-County Urban Area Security
Initiative (UASI) Region and Wayne County, Mich.
Federal Signal Corporation is headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., operates three groups: Safety and Security Systems, Environmental Solutions and Fire Rescue.
MORE INFO? www.federalsignal.com or http://federalsignal.com/publicsafety
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AS FINANCIAL MARKET TAKES A PLUNGE, SHOULD COMPANIES LOOK AT BIG FEDERAL DEFENSE AND HOMELAND SECURITY SPENDERS?
Originally Posted: October 24, 2008 3:56 PM
Last Updated: October 24, 2008 3:56 PM
By Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)
PO Box 220
Annandale VA 22003
703 850 8552
KentonP1@aol.com
Approximately 80% of the US Department of Defense spending goes to 10 firms. DOD is the biggest Federal spender. But the concentration of Federal spending among 10 major companies gives little encouragement to small manufacturers and dealers.
Currently, because the US has been at war most years of this decade, the military has a high incidence of vehicles wearing out in extreme conditions and the need for better protection on existing vehicles. This has opened a market for some fire truck manufacturers who won contracts to produce vehicles for DOD.
But, if there were no war, replacement orders would dwindle.
Some have asked me: Will a Congressional “stimulus” program to be passed in November 08 generate new sales opportunities to the Defense market? Answer: Stimulus spending will be focused on stimulating the domestic market and probably won’t have a substantial Defense component.
Some companies are looking at the current spending surge going on
with special forces, border protection, DARPA research and development,
Coast Guard, law enforcement, and unmanned vehicles.
Of these, the fire industry could benefit from the technology surrounding
unmanned vehicles for various ground, air and naval problems. For example, unmanned flying vehicles could be used along with satellite images and GPS
in fighting wildfires. Unmanned ground vehicles could be used to get closer to flaming structures than firefighters. But, these civilian applications would need the financing from private sources . . . don’t expect the government to pay for transferring military technology to the fire industry.
What about the US Department of Homeland Security as a source of new civilian opportunities? The US Government Accountability Office, an arm of the US Congress, says the Department of Homeland Security has been on its list of worst agencies – the GAO High Risk List – since DHS was created four years ago. GAO says DHS is not successfully performing. This GAO rating will be reviewed in a January 09 GAO High Risk List report card and there may be some progress in 180 areas where DHS has been weak.
One of the areas GAO has been critical: failure to achieve interoperable communications. This is one that FEMA has made a critical goal. And FEMA, as a part of DHS, is making some progress on this topic. But, as far as generating new business opportunities, just a handful of companies stand to gain from the results. Most state and local governments have had to go it on their own to build interoperable communications systems to get all first responders talking to each other.
Cathy Berrick, Director of the General Accountability Office has pointed out that very few first responders have the equipment they need. The Federal Fire Act grants are a response to this problem but more than 90% of all state and local equipment comes from non-Federal sources.
Currently Congress has 86 committees that are responsible for some phase of the work at the Department of Homeland Security! It is time for Congress to streamline its Congressional oversight. In recent years, Congress has been very critical of DHS making many more demands for improvement than DHS has time to respond to. In 2009, the DHS will have 15% less money to spend than it had in 2008. I’m hoping that the atmosphere between Congress and DHS will improve as the tension between the two has made it difficult for associations and companies trying to communicate with both.
I think the new Congress (2009-2010) will spend some time deciding which direction Homeland Security should go. Currently, and this may surprise you,
the big spender in DHS is the US Coast Guard. Second biggest: border control, third is airport security. At the bottom is FEMA with only 2.2 percent of the money but the one agency closest to first responders and most likely to respond first to any major national disaster including a terrorist attack.
Many who know the US emergency response capability say the place where funds should be spent is with state and local governments. One analyst said this week that “state and local agencies are stake holders” but only a small amount of Federal funds gets down to that level.
The Chief of Commercialization in Homeland Security, Thomas Cellucci,
says his office is developing detailed requirements and then asking industry for solutions. Many companies send in “solutions” without citing the particular Federal requirement that the solution meets, he complained. He is a volunteer EMT who says industry has sold “a lot of crap to state, tribal and local governments.” His office is issuing requirements and seeks to establish partnerships. He feels partnerships will help smaller companies.
When I talked to Cellucci I said dealers working at the local level are not being consulted and yet the dealers know better than most what the needs are and what is being provided to local fire departments. He agreed that the DHS must get out to the local level and talk to dealers and first responders.
He said companies should contact Kathy Ferrell 202 447 576 as to the process of sending a full response package answering: Why are you different? How is what you offer better? But, at this time neither DOD nor DHS are set up to talk to dealers.
Jacob Goodwin, GSA Publisher points out that DHS does not provide free market research. But Cellucci said his office is interested in performance-price ratios. “We’ll never be as big as the Defense Department.”
In conclusion, I think the political pressure on DHS and the key agencies in this big Federal Department, such as FEMA, should be on providing more support for local first responders. I think they must include dealers in their approach – companies who serve local first responders with products, service, and training. Leaving the dealers out is a big mistake.
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SPARTAN HAS SALES AND BACKLOG INCREASE FOR FIRE TRUCKS AND AMBULANCES
Originally Posted: October 24, 2008 11:49 AM
Last Updated: October 24, 2008 11:49 AM
Spartan Motors, Inc. (Charlotte, MI) reported a 60 percent year-over-year increase in revenues and a five-fold increase in net earnings. Net sales of $237.5 million, up 59.5% compared to third quarter 2007.
Net earnings were up 462.5% year-over-year and return on invested capital was 35.3%, up 315.3% year-over-year.
Spartan Motors’ brand names include Spartan(TM), Crimson Fire(TM), Crimson Fire Aerials(TM), and Road Rescue(TM) Spartan reported sales of $681.9 million in 2007.
Sales of fire truck chassis in the quarter increased 20.9 percent compared to the same period in 2007, and backlog for fire truck chassis at the end of the
2008 third quarter was $70.8 million, a 5.6 percent year-over-year
increase.
Spartan's EVTeam operating unit, consisting of its Crimson Fire,
Crimson Fire Aerials and Road Rescue subsidiaries, reported a 13.7 percent
year-over-year increase in sales for the 2008 third quarter, and represented 5.6 percent of total company-wide sales in the quarter. Though the unit posted a net loss for the quarter, the EVTeam reported a 60.6
percent improvement in segment bottom-line compared to the third quarter of 2007, driven by higher volumes and improved operating efficiencies.
John Sztykiel, President and CEO: "The ambulance business is especially exciting today, as industry forecasts indicate a 17 percent year-over-year increase in shipments in 2009. For emergency-rescue in general, every 1.4 seconds there is a call for help in the U.S., regardless of conditions in the
economy."
Spartan reported record third quarter net earnings of $14.7 million, or
$0.45 per diluted share, on net sales of $237.5 million for the quarter
ended Sep. 30, 2008, compared with net earnings of $2.6 million, or $0.08
per diluted share, on net sales of $148.9 million in the same quarter of
2007.
Through the first nine months of 2008, Spartan's sales increased 57.1
percent and net earnings grew 144.6 percent compared to the nine-month
period in 2007. The company posted net earnings of $1.22 per diluted share
for the first nine months of 2008, compared with net earnings per diluted
share of $0.50 in the same period of 2007. Spartan's results for the first
nine months of 2008 already exceed its best annual results ever.
Sztykiel: "This was an excellent quarter for Spartan, especially given the tumultuous national economic environment. Our market diversification and flexible manufacturing model continue to allow us to grow and profitably compete in difficult times. During the quarter, we ramped up production rapidly and efficiently to complete a sizable military order.”
Sztykiel: "Emergency-rescue continues to be a great foundation with tremendous opportunity, and we are focused on growing our success via new product launches, conquering the emissions change in 2010, and capitalizing on the continued disarray among some of our competitors in the industry.”
Spartan reported gross margin of 18.1 percent in the third quarter of
2008, a 53.4 percent increase over the same period in 2007. Spartan
attributed the year-over-year increase in gross profit to improved product
mix, higher absorption of overhead due to increased sales and better
production efficiencies for its specialty vehicle operations.
Spartan Motors reported consolidated backlog of approximately $183.8
million as of Sept. 30, 2008 and the company anticipates fulfilling its
current backlog orders by July 2009
Sztykiel: "For our emergency-rescue business, we expect stable and consistent growth. We are also seeing increased interest in several of our new product introductions aimed at this market. Municipal spending is always a concern in difficult economic times, but we are pleased the Federal government is increasing spending for fire-rescue. The Federal government renewed funding for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, increasing it modestly to $565 million for 2009. In the past, these grants have driven 10 to 15 percent of industry fire trucks sales, and we expect this funding will help many municipalities purchase new vehicles.”
FOR OTHER NEEDA NEWSLETTER STORIES ABOUT SPARTAN MOTORS, USE THE SEARCH APPLICATION IN THE UPPER RIGHT OF YOUR NEWSLETTER SCREEN
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SMALL BUSINESSES: HOW TO RESPOND TO BAD ECONOMIC TIMES
Originally Posted: October 22, 2008 7:14 PM
Last Updated: October 22, 2008 7:14 PM
By Susan Schreter
During the past few weeks I've received an increasing amount of mail that reflects the uneasiness business owners have with the economy. They are worried that "things are really going to get bad" but they don't exactly know how or when.
One dealer asked, "Is it better to try to prepare for some worst case scenario or just wait until it happens and deal with it then?"
The current market climate reminds me in many ways of the early 1980s. The economy had stalled, interest rates were high, and gas and oil prices were dropping. I remember reading an expansion business plan written by a gas drilling rig equipment owner. When I asked him why he believed his business could survive, let alone succeed during a time when U.S. drilling was sharply curtailed, he said something like this:
"My advantage is my attitude. All of my competitors are complaining about the market and waiting for it to turn around. In the meantime, there are still opportunities out there, and I will be the only one pursuing them. If you think the market is dead then soon your business will be dead."
I agree. It is dangerous for dealers to adopt a turtlelike "wake me when it's over" mentality. Here are some recommendations:
Seek more customers. In the spirit of the rig operator, now is the best time to go out and pitch new customers. So what if the sales cycle (the time it takes to solicit and receive a first order) may be longer than in years past. Also, nothing can inspire employee confidence more than seeing an owner resist defeat and take positive steps forward. Owners should spend at least one day a week pursuing new customers. All other employees can contribute too.
Evaluate business weaknesses. Here's an exercise that can focus business owners and their employees in a productive way. Owners should ask every employee or manager the following question: What sudden single event would be heart-stopping bad news for your department? It could be the loss of the top sales rep to the competition, loss of a big account, loss of a production source, loss of a bank credit line, etc.
Once the owner has identified the top areas of vulnerability throughout the company, then the entire staff can work together to come up with action steps to lessen the impact on the business, should any of these events occur. Not only will the business benefit from the proactive steps taken, but employees will feel more productive addressing problems than worrying about them.
Watch customer payment patterns closely. If commercial banks increase borrowing costs to small-business owners or cut off their credit entirely, then owners can expect a nasty slowdown in bill paying around the country. Owners should also watch out for customer over-ordering with no intention to pay on a timely basis. Near-bankrupt companies are prone to do this to unsuspecting small-business owners.
Crisis payments. For business owners in extreme cash flow distress, it's worthwhile to establish bill-paying priorities. Salaries and payroll taxes should always come first. If owners don't make timely payroll tax payments, interest and penalties can mount up quickly. Plus, owners are personally responsible for these payments even if their business is structured as a corporation or limited liability company. Next, owners should pay obligations that are backed by a personal guarantee, such as credit cards.
Yes, attitude and actions do matter. If small-business owners pause too long, they make it easy for their competitors to pass them by.
Susan Schreter writes about startup planning and small-business financing for the Seattle P-I. She has an investment banking and buyout background and serves as a coach to entrepreneurs and consultant to corporations. Find more Inside Entrepreneurship columns at seattlepi.com/venture.
Send questions about small-business management or raising money for your business to susan@insideentrepreneurship.com or by mail to Inside Entrepreneurship, c/o Seattle P-I Business Section, 101 Elliott Ave. W., Seattle, WA 98119.
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WILDFIRES EAST OF LA DRIVING FIRES INTO SUBURBAN AREAS: EVACUATIONS UNDERWAY AS HUGH SMOKE CLOUDS LOOM OVER CITY . . . FIREBOATS RESPOND AS ANGEL ISLAND BURNS
Originally Posted: October 14, 2008 10:49 AM
Last Updated: October 14, 2008 10:58 AM
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles, CA and Ventura, CA counties as wildfires there have already claimed at least two lives and charred thousands of acres.
"As fires burn across California, I want to commend all of the firefighters who are bravely battling these aggressive flames and the first responders who are helping their communities and fellow neighbors."
More than half of San Francisco Bay's Angel Island went up in smoke, and at least two people died as thousands of Los Angeles County foothills residents fled exploding flames Monday.
It was a ferocious reminder that fire season in drought-stricken California doesn't end with the onset of autumn's chill.
Schwarzenegger: "Winds are causing fire conditions to change by the hour, which is why it is so important that residents in the areas surrounding these wildfires heed warnings from public safety officials to evacuate." At least 10,000 acres had burned by Monday, October 13, 1008.
Dangerous fires were burning in six coastal counties Monday.
At least three dozen homes and commercial buildings were reported destroyed by the Southern California fires by Monday night, according to state fire officials who had deployed at least 1,000 firefighters and nearly a dozen aircraft in the region.
Schwarzenegger: "It's critical that everyone in the warning areas continue to be prepared. Know what you're going to take, and be ready to move very quickly if the evacuation order comes in your area."
Winds are expected to diminish to 15 to 20 mph Tuesday in the SF Bay Area and in the Sacramento Valley and Sierra foothills, said Cesar Partida, Northern California operations chief for the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.
Partida said the fire activity in coastal California is typical for October, despite the chilly weather recently.
Partida: "With the coolness in the air, people are starting to breathe a sigh of relief, but the reality is that it's still very dry. We still need a really good storm to dump a few inches of rain before we can start to breathe easier. Right now there is no rain in the forecast in the next seven days."
Another 1,500 acres burned at Camp Pendleton (US Marine Base) in northern San Diego County, forcing the evacuation of more than 1,100 homes at the Marine base and nearby Oceanside.
In the foothills of the Santa Susana Mountains in Los Angeles County, panicked residents of gated ranchettes and mobile home parks alike jumped into their vehicles as wildfire driven by the fabled Santa Ana winds – some clocked at 65 mph – blowtorched the chaparral terrain.
Many of those fleeing ended up gridlocked on the Foothill Freeway after flames jumped all eight lanes during the morning rush hour. The Highway Patrol then had traffic moving opposite its normal direction.
Ambulances moved six newborns on ventilators from Olive View-UCLA Medical Center to other hospitals as a precaution after a separate fire erupted Monday in the nearby Angeles National Forest.
The wildfire shut down a second freeway farther north, in Simi Valley. One driver was killed in a fiery head-on collision while trying to use an onramp to exit the closed highway. Another man was discovered dead Monday. He was described by area residents as a homeless man living in a makeshift shelter.
The blaze on Angel Island in San Francisco Bay, which started around 9 p.m. Sunday, had spread to 400 acres Monday night, but was 75 percent contained, state park officials said. By then, more than half the island had burned. Historic buildings were spared, however, including a newly renovated early-1900s immigration station.
Fireboats from Tiburon and Sausalito shot water onto the island and helicopters dumped bucket loads from overhead. Firefighters and equipment arrived by ferry and barge to cut firebreaks against strong winds. About 30 campers were evacuated from the island.
The high winds driving Monday's fires were from the north and east, carrying little moisture compared with breezes from the Pacific. These winds, known as the Santa Anas in Southern California and the Diablo breezes in the Bay Area, create havoc because they arrive while coast vegetation is at its driest.
Such was the case on Oct. 20, 1991, when the Oakland Hills fire quickly destroyed 2,900 homes and other structures, killing 25 people.
Cal Fire Chief Ruben Grijalva: "Historically, late September and October are when we see the worst fires."
"Even though we have seen cooler temperatures and a little moisture, it only takes one day of dry winds to bring fire danger back to the extreme."
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STATE LEGISLATION ON BUYING FROM GSA OR FROM OTHER STATES
Originally Posted: October 13, 2008 5:16 PM
Last Updated: October 13, 2008 5:16 PM
I was asked if I knew of any state legislation related to allowing
state or local governments to buy through the US General Services
Administration or through the cooperative purchasing plans of other
states. Here is what I turned up. Thanks for asking questions.
If you have information you want to share with other dealers or questions
you want NEEDA to investigate, please let me know.
by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
PO Box 220
Annandale VA 22003
703 850 8552 cell
State Legislation Allowing States to Buy
Through US GSA or Through Procurement
Plans in Other State
Page 1
118 records found.
Doc Score Hits Document Date
1 100% 18 HI 2007-2008 SB 2172 Details 1/19/08
Relating to the Hawaii public procurement code. Repeals requirement that county cooperative purchases adhere to administrative rules adopted by the state procurement policy board. ...
2 100% 18 HI 2007-2008 HB 2219 Details 1/19/08
Relating to the Hawaii public procurement code. Repeals requirement that county cooperative purchases adhere to administrative rules adopted by the state procurement policy board. ...
3 87% 26 HI 2007-2008 SB 3035 Details 1/24/08
Relating to the procurement code. Expedites the purchase of equipment and services by allowing state and county agencies to participate in government cooperative purchasing programs outside of Hawaii when using federal homeland security grants. ...
4 87% 26 HI 2007-2008 HB 3113 Details 1/25/08
Relating to the procurement code. Expedites the purchase of equipment and services by allowing state and county agencies to participate in government cooperative purchasing programs outside of Hawaii when using federal homeland security grants. ...
5 61% 2 MN 2007-2008 HB 1486 Summary Details 3/22/07
Cooperative purchasing provisions modified relating to state procurement. ...
6 51% 2 MN 2007-2008 SB 1755 Summary Details 3/27/07
Charitable organizations joint or cooperative purchasing agreements participation authorization. ...
7 51% 2 MA 2007-2008 HD 2430 Summary Details 1/19/07
An Act relative to cooperative purchasing agreements. ...
8 48% 2 MA 2007-2008 HB 3198 Summary Details 4/2/07
Petition of William C. Galvin and others relative to cooperative purchasing agreements outside of the Commonwealth by political subdivisions. ...
9 47% 2 HI 2007-2008 SB 2172 Summary Details 1/18/08
Relating to the Hawaii public procurement code. Repeals requirement that county cooperative purchases adhere to administrative rules adopted by the state procurement policy board. ...
10 47% 2 HI 2007-2008 HB 2219 Summary Details 1/16/08
Relating to the Hawaii public procurement code. Repeals requirement that county cooperative purchases adhere to administrative rules adopted by the state procurement policy board. ...
12 41% 2 TN 2007-2008 SB 229 Summary Details 2/1/07
Purchasing - Creates additional exception to competitive bidding for purchases made on established catalogue price; authorizes participation in multi-state cooperative purchasing arrangements; authorizes utilization of certain techniques in the procurement of state services. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 12, Chapter 4 and Title 12, Chapter 3. ...
13 41% 2 TN 2007-2008 HB 135 Summary Details 1/31/07
Purchasing - Creates additional exception to competitive bidding for purchases made on established catalogue price; authorizes participation in multi-state cooperative purchasing arrangements; authorizes utilization of certain techniques in the procurement of state services. - Amends TCA Title 4; Title 12, Chapter 4 and Title 12, Chapter 3. ...
14 39% 2 HI 2007-2008 SB 3035 Summary Details 1/23/08
Relating to the procurement code. Expedites the purchase of equipment and services by allowing state and county agencies to participate in government cooperative purchasing programs outside of Hawaii when using federal homeland security grants. ...
15 39% 2 HI 2007-2008 HB 3113 Summary Details 1/23/08
Relating to the procurement code. Expedites the purchase of equipment and services by allowing state and county agencies to participate in government cooperative purchasing programs outside of Hawaii when using federal homeland security grants. ...
16 31% 16 MN 2007-2008 HB 1486 Details 4/21/07
Cooperative purchasing provisions modified relating to state procurement. ...
17 31% 4 NY 2007-2008 SB 7658 Summary Details 4/23/08
Amd S103, Gen Muni L Increases the thresholds to $50,000 for public works contracts and to $20,000 for purchase contracts, for which a locality must advertise and award to the lowest responsible bidder; authorizes the awarding of service contracts based on the basis of best value; authorizes cooperative purchasing of information technology and telecommunications hardware, software and professional services; authorizes cooperative purchases of goods. ...
18 26% 2 MA 2007-2008 HB 4810 Details 6/5/08
Bill relative to out-o-state collective purchasing by Massachusetts education collaberatives formed pususant to M.G.L.C. 40, Section 4E. ...
19 23% 14 MN 2007-2008 SB 1755 Details 4/18/07
Charitable organizations joint or cooperative purchasing agreements participation authorization. ...
20 19% 8 NY 2007-2008 AB 3994 Details 1/24/08
Add Art 11 S360 - 364, RP L Requires applications to purchase condominiums or cooperatives to be acted upon within sixty days, failure to do so results in automatic approval. ...
21 17% 8 NY 2007-2008 SB 5404 Details 6/14/08
Add Art 11 S360 - 364, RP L Requires applications to purchase condominiums or cooperatives to be acted upon within sixty days, failure to do so results in automatic approval. ...
22 13% 6 MN 2007-2008 SB 184 Details 5/23/07
Family planning clinics oral contraceptive dispensing by registered nurses. ...
23 11% 4 MA 2007-2008 HB 3198 Details 4/4/07
Petition of William C. Galvin and others relative to cooperative purchasing agreements outside of the Commonwealth by political subdivisions. ...
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OFF SHORE TYCO PROMISES PUBLIC FINANCIAL REPORT ON NOVEMBER 11, 2008
Originally Posted: October 13, 2008 11:56 AM
Last Updated: October 13, 2008 12:11 PM
Tyco International Ltd. (Bermuda) will report on fiscal 08 Tuesday, November 11, 2008 with an 8:30 AM. EDT. teleconference.
You can "listen-only" or take part in the question-and-answer portion of the call.
An audio replay of the conference call will be available beginning at
11:00 a.m. on November 11, 2008 and ending at 10:59 p.m. on
November 18, 2008. The dial-in number for participants in the United
States is (866) 465-1306. For participants outside the United States,
the replay dial-in number is (203) 369-1423.
Tyco International (NYSE: TYC) is a diversified, global company that
provides vital products and services to customers in more than 60
countries. Tyco is a leading provider of security products and services,
fire protection and detection products and services, valves and controls,
and other industrial products. Tyco had 2007 revenue of more than $18
billion and has 110,000 employees worldwide.
MORE INFO? http://investors.tyco.com or www.tyco.com. The telephone dial-in number in the United States is (888) 455-5685. The passcode for the call is
TYCO.
There are seventeen news stories about TYCO on the NEEDA NEWSWLETTER. To access them, go to the search appliacation in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.
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US SENATE LEGISLATION EXPERT WINS ASSISTANT SECRETARY POSITION AT THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Originally Posted: October 13, 2008 11:29 AM
Last Updated: October 13, 2008 11:29 AM
Lee Morris has been named Assistant Secretary for legislative affairs at the US Department of Homeland Security, moving up from the post of deputy assistant secretary for legislative affairs in the wake of the departure of Donald Kent Jr. from the assistant secretary spot. Before joining DHS, Morris was legislative director for former Oklahoma senator Don Nickles. For the past 18 months, as deputy assistant secretary, Morris has represented DHS's interests before members of the U.S. Senate, according to a DHS statement.
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SPARTAN MOTORS MAKES FINANCIAL RESULTS PUBLIC THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2008
Originally Posted: October 12, 2008 9:57 PM
Last Updated: October 12, 2008 9:57 PM
Spartan Motors, Inc. (Michigan) will announce third quarter 2008 results prior to the stock market opening at Thursday, October 23, 2008 and at 10 AM discuss financial results.
The call will be archived at www.spartanmotors.com
Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures custom chassis and vehicles for the recreational vehicle, fire truck, ambulance, emergency-rescue and specialty vehicle markets.
The company's brands include -- Spartan(TM), Crimson Fire(TM), Crimson Fire
Aerials(TM), and Road Rescue(TM) The Company employs 1,300 at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and South Dakota.
Spartan reported sales of $681.9 million in 2007.
MORE INFO? www.spartanmotors.com click on "Shareholders" then "Webcasts
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NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR GOING FOR STIMULUS IN RESPONSE TO BAD ECONOMY; OTHER STATES TO FOLLOW . . . CONGRESS ALSO IS ON THE STIMULUS HUNT IN NOVEMBER 2008
Originally Posted: October 11, 2008 4:10 PM
Last Updated: October 11, 2008 4:10 PM
New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) will propose a broad plan to stimulate the Garden State economy. The plan includes incentives for businesses, public works projects and programs to help homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure or cannot afford to heat their homes.
Corzine said the package will be a “New Jersey-specific” effort designed to “bridge troubled waters”in the short term and “lay a foundation” for growth when the ecession ends.
Details of the plan were still being developed last week, but Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D), chairman of the Senate Economic Growth Committee, said the governor wants to redirect money in some current state programs for housing and clean energy toward more immediate needs, like growing a program to help lowincome
residents pay their heating bills this winter.
Watch for other governors to take similar state specific action. Meanwhile, a panel of experts in Washington said Congress will consider a stimulus packate in November, 2008 getting ahead of the New Administration of the new US President.
Some on the panel said they home Congress does not do this in November because it undermines the new Administration's opportunity to take a more comprehensive approach. Further, in November the plan would be to spend more and more Federal money
on public works and not on the more important goal of cutting Federal spending and closing in on commitments which are hurting the financial stability of the US Congress.
Kenton Pattie, NEEDA Executive Director, participated in the panel event which was televised by C-SPAN at the National Press Club.
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2009 WILL SEE MORE EFFORT IN CONGRESS AND STATE LEGISLATURES TO PASS IMMIGRATION REFORM LEGISLATION
Originally Posted: October 11, 2008 3:58 PM
Last Updated: October 11, 2008 3:58 PM
State Net Capitol Journal says there will be a new try for immigration reform legislation in 2009. In 2006
AZ Senator and current Republican presidential candidate John McCain and Democratic MA Sen. Ted Kennedy — offered a bill that ultimately died over a proposed “pathway to citizenship” for the estimated 12 to 15 million illegal immigrants now living in this country.
“That idea was ridiculous,” says Ira Mehlman of the Washington D.C.-based Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), which supports stronger
immigration controls. “How are you going to do legitimate background checks on 15 million people?”
Both presidential candidates, however, have vowed to make wholesale immigration policy changes.
Those include a greater federal crackdown on employers who hire illegal workers and an increase in the number of H-1B (high-skill) and H-2A (agricultural) visas the government issues each year. Both also want to see reauthorization of the federal Electronic Employment Verification (E-Verify) System, which requires employers to check an applicant’s Social Security number with a federal database in order to weed out potentially illegal hires. Each vows to secure the nation’s borders as well. McCain’s position, in fact, has gradually evolved into making the balance of his proposals contingent on that effort.
Shannon O’Neil, a fellow with the nonpartisan Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in Washington DC, believes the majority of Congress and the American public still supports such comprehensive reform.
“Any reform coming out of Washington must clearly be a bipartisan effort,” she says, noting that voters will assuredly be wary of any proposal that is viewed as too
partisan. “The hard part is selling it to the American public. The devil is going to be in the details.”
In recent years, states have grown weary of waiting for the US government to sort out those details and have instead started to act on their own, particularly in
regard to businesses that hire undocumented workers.
Since the beginning of 2007, several states, including OKLAHOMA, ARIZONA, GEORGIA, MISSISSIPPI, COLORADO and SOUTH CAROLINA, have enacted laws that fine or suspend the business license of companies that hire illegal workers. Others, including INDIANA
and IOWA, considered and rejected similar proposals this year, but supporters are expected to try again in 2009. There have been 3000 bills considred in state legislatures so expect a new slew of bills, old and new, introduced in 2009.
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ONE IN SIX FIRES OCCURS ON A HIGHWAY: 84% OCCUR IN PASSENGER VEHICLES
Originally Posted: October 9, 2008 8:33 PM
Last Updated: October 9, 2008 8:33 PM
U.S. Fire Administration National Fire Data Center (Emmitsburg, Maryland)
has issued a new report on highway vehicle fires.
Approximately one in six fires is a highway vehicle fire. This does not include the tens of thousands of fire department responses to highway vehicle accident sites.
Unintentionally started fires and the failure of equipment are the leading causes of highway vehicle fires.
Eighty-four percent of highway vehicle fires occur in passenger vehicles.
Sixty-two percent of highway vehicle fires and 34 percent of fatal highway vehicle fires originate in the engine area of the vehicle.
Where a contributing factor is noted, the leading factor contributing to the ignition of highway vehicle fires is mechanical failures (47 percent).
Insulation around electrical wiring (28 percent) and flammable liquids in the engine area (21 percent) are the items first ignited in highway vehicle fires.
Fifty-seven percent of fatal vehicle fires are the result of a collision.
From 2004 to 2006, an estimated 258,500 highway
vehicle (automobiles, vans, trucks) fires occurred each
year. These highway vehicle fires account for 16 percent of
fires responded to by fire departments across the Nation.
This report addresses the characteristics of high-
way vehicle fires reported to the National Fire Incident
Reporting System (NFIRS) between 2004 and 2006.
Highway vehicle fires represent approximately 90 percent of
all vehicle fires and resulted in an average of approximately
490 deaths, 1,275 injuries, and $1 billion in property loss
each year.
One of the challenges in the analysis of NFIRS vehicle fire
data is the large number of unknown, undetermined, or
unavailable entries reported.
For example, in the following analysis of the heat source and items first ignited in highway vehicle fires, the undetermined entries comprise 50 percent
and 57 percent of the data respectively, making it difficult to establish any concrete conclusions.
The majority of highway vehicle fires, 84 percent, occur
in nontransport passenger vehicles; 68 percent of highway
vehicle fires occur in standard passenger vehicles, another
16 percent occur in some other type of passenger vehicle,
and less than 1 percent occur in buses. Only 7 percent of
highway vehicle fires occur in nonpassenger vehicles: 6
percent of highway vehicle fires occur in transport vehicles,
with freight transport vehicles accounting for the majority
of these fires, and less than 1 percent occur in other types
of vehicles. In the remaining 9 percent of highway vehicle
fires, the type of vehicle was not reported.
The failure of equipment or the heat source is the cause
of 28 percent of vehicular fires. These fires are generally a
result of mechanical problems, ranging from a faulty design
in the vehicle to an improperly installed device.
Determining the cause of vehicle fires is often challenging.
As a result, in 23 percent of the vehicle fires no cause was
determined after investigation.
An overwhelming majority (94 percent) of highway vehicle fires originate within the vehicle itself. In fact, 62 percent of highway vehicle fires
originate in the engine, running gear, or wheel areas of the
vehicle.
The second most common area of origin is in the
passenger area of the vehicle (16 percent).
Sixty-two percent of highway vehicle fires derive their heat
source from powered equipment. Fittingly, the
subcomponents of this category comprise four of the top
five leading sources of heat in all highway vehicle fires—heat
from powered equipment (21 percent); radiated or con-
ducted heat from operating equipment (16 percent); electri-
cal arcing (16 percent); and spark, ember, or flame from
operating equipment (9 percent).
The next leading category of heat sources in highway vehicle
fires is from hot or smoldering objects (12 percent). This
includes fires igniting from hot embers or ashes, sparks that
result from friction, and other hot materials.
As shown in Figure 3, an additional 10 percent of high-
way vehicle fires derive their heat source from other open
flames or smoldering objects. This includes backfire from
the engine and heat from cigarettes, cigars, matches, torches,
and the like.
Forty-one percent of the items first ignited in highway
vehicle fires fall under the category of general materials. This
category includes materials such as tires, insulation around
electric wire and cables, trash, and fabric. The insulation
around electrical wiring or other cables is the most common
item to be ignited initially not only within this category, but
in all highway vehicle fires (28 percent). Interestingly, while
it is often assumed that vehicle fires commonly originate
with the tires of the vehicle, tires are the item first ignited in
only 3 percent of highway vehicle fires.
The second leading category of items first ignited is liquids,
piping, and filters (31 percent). This category primarily
includes fuel in various locations in the vehicle. Not unex-
pectedly, fuel from the engine area is the leading item first
ignited within this category, and is the second most com-
mon item first ignited in highway vehicle fires overall (21
percent) due to its combustibility. Flammable liquids and
gases in general account for 28 percent of items first ignited
Mechanical failures can include a leak or break in
a component of the vehicle, automatic or manual control
failures, or the use of an improper type of fuel. Within this
category, unspecified mechanical failures (29 percent) are
the leading factors contributing to the ignition of highway
vehicle fires, followed by a leak or break in a component of
the vehicle (11 percent).
Electrical failures such as short circuits are the next leading
factors at approximately 23 percent. The misuse of a mate-
rial, such as spilling flammable liquid or gas too close to
the vehicle, is the next leading factor at approximately 12
percent.
Where the information on the area of fire origin is available,
94 percent of fatal highway fires originate in the vehicle
area, and result in 94 percent of highway vehicle fire deaths.
Of these fatal fires, the leading area of origin in both fatal
highway fires and highway fires in general is the engine area,
at 34 percent and 62 percent, respectively. Fires that origi-
nate here are by far the deadliest, accounting for 34 percent
of all deaths. Fires that originate in the fuel tank account for
2 percent of highway vehicle fires, but 16 percent of fatal
fires and 18 percent of deaths.
The heat source in 53 percent of fatal fires with a known
origin comes from powered equipment and also accounts
for 53 percent of highway vehicle fire deaths. Within this
category, sparks, embers, or flames from operating equip-
ment account for 9 percent of highway vehicle fires, but are
the leading source of fatal fires at 21 percent.
Where the necessary data are available, liquids (most notably
gasoline), piping, and filters were the items first ignited in
68 percent of fatal highway vehicle fires, causing 71 percent
of deaths. Of these fires, those involving gasoline from the
engine were by far the most deadly (41 percent of deaths).
Within the liquids, piping, and filters category, fuel in or
from the engine area is the second leading item first ignited
in highway vehicle fires in general (21 percent), but is by far
the leading item in both fatal fires (39 percent) and deaths
(41 percent).
Additionally, insulation from electrical wiring
or cable is responsible for 28 percent of all highway vehicle
fires, but only 1 percent of fatal fires and 1 percent of deaths.
Gasoline alone is the leading type of material first ignited in
highway vehicle fires in general (23 percent) as well as fatal
highway vehicle fires (52 percent).
Gasoline is responsible for 56 percent of deaths in fatal fires. Flammable liquids in general account for 33 percent of all highway vehicle fires,
67 percent of fatal highway vehicle fires, and 70 percent of
deaths. While plastic is the second leading type of mate-
rial first ignited, at 21 percent of all highway vehicle fires,
it accounts for less than 1 percent of the fatal fires, and less
than 1 percent of deaths.
Collisions, as a factor contributing to ignition, result in 3
percent of all highway vehicle fires, but are responsible for
57 percent of fatal fires. Fatal fires resulting from collisions
also account for 57 percent of highway vehicle fire deaths.
Determining the cause of death following a collision,
however, often is difficult. Was the death the direct result
of the collision or the fire that ensued? A fire fatality should
be counted only if a person was trapped and killed by the
fire, rather than killed on impact and subsequently exposed
to the fire. Unspecified mechanical failures contribute to
29 percent of all highway vehicle fires, but are rarely fatal,
accounting for 3 percent of fatal fires.
Forty-four percent of fatal highway fires begin unintention-
ally. Six percent of fatal highway fires were set intentionally.
Thirty-nine percent of fatal fires occur between midnight
and 7 a.m., especially between 2 and 4 a.m. (14 percent).
The highest percentages of deaths occur between 3 and 4
p.m. (7 percent), 3 and 4 a.m. (7 percent), and 6 and 7 a.m.
(6 percent).
Vehicle fires generally are given less attention than structure
fires, largely because most people do not realize the extent to
which they contribute to the fire problem. Highway vehicle
fires account for 90 percent of vehicle fires, and 16 percent
of all fires—one of every six fires. Highway vehicle fires also
account for 14 percent of all fire deaths, and 94 percent of
vehicle fire deaths.
In the case of collisions, it often is difficult to determine
whether the fire and ensuing losses are the result of the fire
alone or from the fire following the collision. As mechanical
and electrical failure play a large role in these fires, testing
to determine how and why these fires develop would allow
engineers to improve future vehicle designs. Additionally,
public safety programs aimed at educating the public on
fire and vehicle safety, coupled with initiatives to reduce the
number of vehicle collisions, would further reduce the num-
ber of highway fires and deaths.
MORE INFO? www.usfa.dhs.gov/statistics/reports/index.shtm
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NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY AND FIRE ADMINISTRATION ISSUE NEW REPORT ON TERMAL IMAGING EQUIPMENT
Originally Posted: October 9, 2008 7:09 PM
Last Updated: October 9, 2008 7:09 PM
The US Fire Administration/National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) research partnership has released research on thermal imaging systems for firefighter safety in operational situations. There is earlier NIST funded research on the development of a standard on thermal imaging technology.
For more information on thermal imaging, use the search application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.
The findings of the research performed by this project resulted in the development of a draft standard on Thermal Imaging Cameras (TIC) that was provided to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Technical Committee on Electronic Safety Equipment in support of the development of a new national-level consensus TIC standard where none had existed previously – NFPA 1801 Standard on Thermal Imagers for the Fire Service.
Each year fires in structures trap hundreds of firefighters resulting in firefighter injury and death. Firefighters can be quickly overcome by the heat or smoke of a fire and may be unable to alert other fire ground personnel to their position/location.
New thermal imaging devices or infrared cameras are appearing on the market, and their use is becoming more widespread in efforts to help locate downed fire fighters or other victims within burning structures.
Currently there is no standard method to evaluate different units, and there are no national-level standards regarding the design, performance, or operation of thermal imaging units. There is a need to incorporate the use of thermal imaging units into fire ground tactics. Better evaluation, standards, training, and understanding of the capabilities of thermal imaging systems was identified as a research need at the May 1999 Fire Research Needs Workshop conducted by the USFA and NIST by the participants representing the fire service.
This USFA/NIST project conducted research on the performance of thermal imaging systems to enhance firefighter safety in operational situations. This effort examined the capabilities and limitations of such systems leading to better evaluation, standards, training, and understanding by local-fire and emergency services departments. Issues such as differential resolution, thermal exposure, performance during suppression, ease of use, etc. were examined by this study.
This project assessed current thermal imaging technology by investigating a variety of commercially available thermal imaging cameras in the laboratory as well as in full-scale burns. Laboratory experiments included controlled exposure/response in ovens, under-ventilated or smoldering conditions, over-ventilated or flaming fires, and humidity chambers.
Full-scale burns involved exposure in furnished rooms in the Large Fire Facility and exposure to test burns in the field. This project also explored new technology that might enhance performance of future thermal imaging devices and worked to incorporate new technology into enhanced infrared cameras.
A technical report, Thermal Imaging Research Needs for First Responders: Workshop Proceedings (NIST SP 1040) which documents the needs of the fire service community has been completed as part of this project.
NIST researcher Nelson Bryner: "This study examined the capabilities and limitations of such thermal imaging technology and may lead to improved evaluation, standards, training, and understanding by local fire and emergency services departments. NIST was pleased to work with the US Fire Administration in this effort to provide science-based information to national level standards developing organizations on this life saving technology for the fire service and the public they protect."
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US FIRE ADMINISTRATION LAUNCHES BLOG
Originally Posted: October 8, 2008 3:33 PM
Last Updated: October 8, 2008 3:33 PM
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) October 8, 2008 announced the launch of an interactive blog on its Web site. This blog will serve as a tool for the Fire Service to share comments, ideas, and success stories about fire prevention, preparedness, and response in America. In turn, USFA will post videos, outreach materials, and other helpful tools while charting feedback.
USFA employees will contribute to and moderate the blog, including staff from the National Fire Academy. Their breadth of experience will provide unique perspectives on public education, research, data collection, and training issues.
The first post discusses fire department preparedness for extreme weather emergencies and natural disasters, and how these events can place personnel and assets at risk, diminishing response capabilities. Posts will cover topics such as how the rising cost of fuel is affecting fire and emergency services departments, college campus fire safety, how to get fire prevention messages into local news stories, residential sprinklers, and firefighter health and safety.
MORE INFO? blog.usfa.dhs.gov
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COOKING AND HEATING ARE LEADING CAUSE OF RESIDENTIAL FIRES: US FIRE ADMINISTRATION
Originally Posted: October 8, 2008 3:29 PM
Last Updated: October 8, 2008 3:29 PM
The US Department of Homeland Security's United States Fire Administration's (USFA) report is based primarily on 2005 NFIRS data and the 2005 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) survey data. In 2005, there were an estimated 396,000 residential structure fires, resulting in 3,055 civilian fire deaths, 13,825 civilian injuries, and $6.9 billion in loss.
United States Fire Administrator Greg Cade: “Most fires and related deaths and injuries in residences are preventable. It is important that you take the necessary precautions to ensure your home is fire safe. Install and maintain smoke alarms and sprinklers, and establish and practice your escape plan. By being prepared, you can help reduce the chances of fire injury or even death.”
Fires in residential buildings—a subset of residential structures—accounted for 95 percent of residential structure fires and fatal fires, 97 percent of residential structure fires with injuries, and 95 percent of fires with dollar loss. There were an estimated 376,500 residential building fires in 2005. These fires claimed the lives of 2,895 civilians and injured an additional 13,375 civilians.
Cooking (41 percent) and heating (13 percent) are the leading causes of residential building fires. Cooking also accounts for approximately 25 percent of fires that injure civilians. Smoking (20 percent) is the leading cause of fatal residential building fires.
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JEMS: EMS PROFESSIONALS MAKE LESS THAN UPS DRIVERS
Originally Posted: October 7, 2008 8:01 PM
Last Updated: October 7, 2008 8:01 PM
The Journal of Emergency Medical Services (San Diego, CA), published October 7, 08 its annual “EMS Salary & Workplace Survey” in the October issue.
Key findings of the JEMS annual survey include:
Paramedics make less than a typical UPS driver. Paramedics earning in the 90th percentile ($45,598.77) still make less than a typical driver for United Parcel Services ($58,240).
The market range for Paramedics is $32,909.29 to $41,809.34. The market range for EMT salaries is $25,196.99 to $33,229.80.
EMS workforce is not diverse Almost two-thirds of organizations don’t feel the diversity of their workforce mirrors that of the community it serves.
Length of shifts a concern A 24-hour shift is the most common shift length in use, raising concerns about safety. Just under a third of respondents have no self-imposed policy restricting consecutive hours worked by an employee. Of those that do, the reported mean maximum allowable hours was 40, or the average citizen’s full workweek.
EMS workers have no input to change workplace satisfaction Almost two-thirds (62.5%) of organizations don’t survey their workforce to help the leadership identify factors of a satisfying workplace.
Finally, the survey highlights that employee turnover remains low:
Employee attrition at a three-year low The attrition rate for EMS full-time employees is 11.4%, almost four points below last year and the lowest in the past three years. It’s also significantly lower than the national average.
Survey highlights opportunities for change:
“The data all point to opportunities for change,” says author David M. Williams, MS, senior associate at the emergency services consulting firm Fitch & Associates. Williams, a member of the JEMS editorial board and an adjunct professor at Washington DC's The George Washington University School of Medicine, is a doctoral candidate completing his dissertation on the obstacles of patient-centered EMS system design.
“The key is EMS leaders breaking from tradition, culture, self-restriction and one-foot obstacles to making customer-focused improvements and, at the same time, improving the satisfaction and safety of the EMS workforce.”
Recommendations address inequities:
JEMS Editor-in-Chief A.J. Heightman: ”JEMS is well-known for not only highlighting the issues in EMS, but also suggesting potential solutions. Based on the survey’s findings, we’ve put together several solutions to address the inequities found in the survey.”
Heightman’s recommendations include:
Realign existing pay scales to more closely equate to compensation based on training depth and experience;
Follow the successful pay and benefit packages offered by similar public safety and service agencies;
Develop off-peak contracts with agencies and medical facilities to share personnel and maximize their utilization;
Integrate retirement packages into EMS positions to offer light at the end of the career tunnel;
Offer incentive bonuses for candidate referrals and the achievement of additional degrees and certifications;
Use tuition reimbursement as both entry and advancement incentives;
Reimburse child care expenses to augment daytime staffing shortages and dual parent employment needs;
Develop a more expansive career path for EMS personnel, such as patient assessment and ALPH response cars, critical care and advanced practice paramedics, and research and quality assessment specialists.
For 25 years, JEMS has been surveying EMS agencies from across the U.S. about workplace issues. The survey’s findings are in tandem with the findings from the 2008 report EMS Workforce for the 21st Century: A National Assessment, which was conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Health Resources and Services Administration’s EMS for Children program.
The JEMS “EMS Salary & Workplace Survey” is a joint research project in collaboration with Fitch & Associates, LLC (www.fitchassoc.com).
The Editor and Publisher of JEMS spoke at a NEEDA Convention in San Diego, CA.
MORE INFO? www.JEMS.com
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US COAST GUARD SPENDING $88 MILLION ON FIRST OF 58 NEW PATROL BOATS
Originally Posted: October 7, 2008 7:19 AM
Last Updated: October 7, 2008 7:19 AM
The U.S. Coast Guard awarded an $88 million contract to Bollinger Shipyards Inc. on Sept. 26, 2008 for the design and construction of the first Fast Response Cutter/Sentinel Class patrol boat. Bollinger to deliver the first cutter in 2010 and contains options worth an estimated $1.5 billion to build up to 34 cutters. The Coast Guard’s plans calls for putting into service 58 Sentinel Class patrol boats.
Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thad Allen: “This is a significant milestone for the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security." He said the Coast Guard conducted an intensive, year-long effort involving worldwide market research, consultations with the shipbuilding industry, and technical design studies to find a vessel to replace the 41 Island class cutters that have reached the end of their 20-year service lives. The Sentinel class will perform missions similar to the older cutters, interdicting illegal drug runners and migrants in the Caribbean and off U.S. coasts, and conducting maritime safety and homeland security patrols.
To get a patrol boat in service in the shortest time, the Coast Guard chose an existing Dutch design, which has proven itself in service with the South African government. The Sentinel will be built at Bollinger’s Lockport, LA., shipyard, with the Coast Guard providing “cradle to grave” program management as it works alongside the designers and builders to meet the contract’s requirements.
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CHERTOFF CITES ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF DHS 5 YEARS AND PROMISES A SMOOTH TRANSITION TO NEW NATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN JANUARY 09
Originally Posted: October 7, 2008 7:14 AM
Last Updated: October 7, 2008 7:14 AM
Secretary of Homeland Security Chertoff said the fact that the country has not been attacked since Sept. 11, 2001, is an accomplishment that stands out from the rest. While there is a temptation to interpret this to mean that the threat of another terrorist attack has diminished, the secretary said the country “can not afford to go back to the days before 9/11.” He urged employees to always keep this in mind and make it their professional and personal resolve to continue to reduce the risk of another attack against the nation.
The secretary said in its five-year existence, the Department has been successful with its Secure Border Initiative that has “reversed the tide” of illegal immigration, the rebuilding of the department’s capabilities to respond to hurricanes and other natural disasters following the response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the issuance of regulations governing chemical industry security, and TSA’s new technology and screening techniques at airport checkpoints.
With respect to the new Administration being elected in November to take over in January 09, he said: “Everyone — both political and career officials — is engaged and committed to making the transition go smoothly."
In response to a question about progress made on integrating the department, the secretary pointed to the department’s responses to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike and in unifying the department’s efforts, with the Coast Guard, TSA, CBP, and other components all coordinating their efforts with FEMA before, during, and after the storms hit.
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SAFE INTERNET AND COMPUTERS: DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY GOALS FOR OCTOBER 08
Originally Posted: October 7, 2008 7:05 AM
Last Updated: October 7, 2008 7:05 AM
In a bulletin from the Department of Homeland Security: Three simple steps can help protect against cyber risks and vulnerabilities.
First, educate yourself and employees about cyber threats by visiting web sites like StaySafeOnline.org and OnGuardOnline.gov.
Second, take action by installing and updating anti-virus software, turning on a computer’s firewall, and not opening unsolicited e-mails and links.
Third, report any cyber incidents, threats, or attacks to your Internet service provider or the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team at http://www.US-CERT.gov.
Throughout October 2008, the Department of Homeland Security will offer events aimed at raising awareness of the ways in which citizens and businesses can better safeguard themselves in cyberspace.
DHS CIO Richard Mangogna wrote all DHS employees.
MORE INFO? The full text at:
https://dhsonline.dhs.gov/portal/jhtml/dc/sf.jhtml?doid=117256 and the press http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1222891846689.shtm
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GSA BUGS LOCAL LEADERS BY SITTING STUBBORNLY ON A VALUABLE DEVELOPMENT SITE NEXT TO TWO COMMUTER RAIL LINES
Originally Posted: October 6, 2008 6:38 PM
Last Updated: October 6, 2008 6:41 PM
The US General Services Administration has a huge warehouse taking up valuable commercial development space near a Metrorail and Virginia Railway Express station. Local officials want GSA to tear the building down and move elsewhere.
While there are only 144 GSA employees in the building, GSA uses the building to keep old and new furniture, patents, and boxes sent over by the White House. The facility also has a fleet of government vehicles.
GSA's Michael S. McGill: "It would be truly monumental task" for GSA to move out of the building. He said it would cost $100-130 million to move the warehouse, plus the cost of buying land and building a new warehouse elsewhere.
So, if you've been wondering, GSA is a big business with lots of ties to important clients such as the White House and is not shy about lobbying for what it wants.
In the case of taking the fire business away from dealers, GSA was the successful lobbyist much to the pleasure of President Bush's new CEO of GSA.
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US CONGRESS AND MARYLAND LOOK AT NEW HELICOPTER RULES AND POSSIBLE PRIVATIZATION OF STATE POLICE EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION
Originally Posted: October 6, 2008 6:25 PM
Last Updated: October 6, 2008 6:25 PM
As reported by NEEDA NEWSLETTER, the crash of a Maryland State Police medical rescue helicopter has caused a stir. During a transport to hospital at Andrews Air Force base the copter crashed killing four.
Some Maryland legislators are saying that the helicopter service should be privatized. They say new helicopters cost $120 million-$200 million and the money should be spent on more urgent health care issues.
If operated under private management, as is done in other states, Maryland would pay a helicopter operator for each pick-up.
The helicopter destroyed in Maryland was purchased in 1989 and did not have up to date warning equipment necessary in low flight operations.
Maryland lawmakers have already agreed to buy three new helicopters a year to replace the current fleet. But, while funding has been agreed to, the government in Annapolis has not sought vendors due to budget cuts.
The next step would be to get the funds into the 2010 budget. Robert Blass, who is in charge of medical rescues, is against taking the rescues away from the state police. Some legislators advocate leasing helicopters, thus freeing up some money to strengthen the fleet.
In Maryland, 45 percent of 4,600 patients airlifted by state police were released within 24 hours.
The College of American Surgeons says the chance of internal injury makes it hard to assess the condition of patients at the crash site and justifies transporting to get evaluation of possible internal injuries.
Maryland will convene a national panel of experts to advise the state on the future of the helicopter rescue and transportation program.
Meanwhile the US Congress is also considering new safety rules for helicopters, in particular curtailing transportation in bad weather which has been associated with many crashes. There are three bills pending in Congress.
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IS THE GSA CHANNEL THE BEST WAY FOR MANUFACTURERS TO SELL TO FIRE DEPARTMENTS?
Originally Posted: October 5, 2008 9:02 PM
Last Updated: October 5, 2008 9:02 PM
by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)
PO Box 220
Annandale VA 22003
Some fire manufacturers have mistakenly welcomed the US General Service Administration's new fire and emergency equipment program in which state and local governments can buy through the GSA channel. The GSA channel is known as the Mutiple Awards schedules program.
Other manufacturers want their dealers to sell and service customers and are committed to having a strong dealer network with high standards for customer support.
NEEDA is the advocate for all emergency equipment dealers who specialize in selling to local and state governments.
Federal agencies are not required to buy from GSA but have to endure considerable bureacratic paperwork and effort to duck pressure to use the schedules. All Federal agencies may buy through the GSA channel; some US agencies buy from dealers or from manufacturers who are not on the GSA schedules.
GSA shares a portion of each manufacturer's sale. The GSA program is tilted to fund GSA while ensuring that the manufacturer makes the least profit prossible, if any.
Most manufacturers would like for the rebate they pay GSA to go to the customer, not to GSA. The manufacturer wants repeat business with that buyer. But GSA has used its clout to keep all the transaction fees for itself.
Today, all manufacturers can (1) sell direct to state and local governments or (2) appoint dealers to sell, service and support the buyers. Most manufacturers prefer to rely on dealers who work hard to get visibility and adoption of the most effective products, best price, and the highest level of user training and backup the industry can produce. The service bond between dealers and fire departments is an important advantage that strengthens the US fire services.
Tomorrow, GSA's negotiators will not accommodate a manufacturer's dealers. In GSA's eye, dealers are a theoretical possibility but a practical impossibility.
As a monster Federal agency, GSA feels it is way too big to need or support a dealer network. In GSA's eyes, dealers are middle men who add cost to sales. GSA is very negative when asked by manufacturers to approve contracts that include emergency equipment dealers.
Every manufacturer selling direct should ask the question: will there be training and service available to every fire department? Dealers provide training and service today. But tomorrow can manufacturers do this themselves in 50 states and in other countries?
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CONGRESSIONAL FIRE SERVICE INSTITUTE PLANS 09 SEMINARS AND DINNER FOR APRIL 2, 2009
Originally Posted: October 5, 2008 4:40 PM
Last Updated: October 5, 2008 4:40 PM
Registration for the 21st Annual National Fire and Emergency Service Dinner and Seminars is now open.
The 09 event will be held on March 31 - April 2 with the dinner being held on the evening of April 2. All emergency equipment dealers are urged to attend. NEEDA is represented on the Congressional Fire Service Institute National Advisory Committee by Kenton Pattie, NEEDA Executive Director.
The theme of the program is, "New Beginnings, New Opportunities." The theme captures the change in administrations and the start of a new Congress. We look forward to inviting officials from the new administration to participate in our schedule of events to share with our guests the policies and initiatives that they will advocate for our nation's first responders. And we will alert the newly elected members of Congress - and all members of Congress - to participate as well in the many activities scheduled and to encourage them to meet with you during your visit to Washington.
Prior to your journey to our nation's capitol, please visit our website to learn how you can arrange meetings with your members. The website will contain important information, including hotel information and a list of legislation that our National Advisory Committee continues to support on Capitol Hill.
Last year, we held the first annual National Fire and Emergency Services Showcase on the National Mall. The event was a great success and we look to recreate it again next year while adding an additional day to the program on March 31. We are pleased to announce that the Firefighter Combat Challenge will launch its 2009 season on April 1 as part of the Showcase.
MORE INFO? 202-371-1277 or www.cfsi.org/dinner_showcase.asp
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CONGRESS OK'S FUNDING FOR FIRE GRANTS AND SUPPORT FOR US FIRE ADMINISTRATION
Originally Posted: October 5, 2008 4:35 PM
Last Updated: October 5, 2008 4:35 PM
The House of Representatives has approved H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act. The bill provides Fiscal Year 2009 funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). The legislation also contains a continuing resolution to fund all other government agencies and activities through March 6, 2009, or until enactment of regular appropriations bills.
The spending measure provides increased funding for several programs of importance to the fire service, including $565 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (FIRE Act) and $210 million for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant. (The programs were funded at $560 million and $190 million respectively in Fiscal Year 2008). The measure also increases funding for United States Fire Administration (USFA) to $45 million, with some of the funds specifically targeted for modernization of the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and facility maintenance at the National Fire Academy.
The Senate passed the legislation on Saturday, September 27th, 2008. President Bush signed the spending package on September 30th, 2008.
Congress also approved S. 2606, the US Fire Administration Reauthorization Act. The legislation authorizes the programs and activities of USFA through 2012 and expands some of the activities of the National Fire Academy. The measure also allows USFA to enter into contracts with nationally recognized organizations to provide training and increases the amount of funding USFA can provide to state training academies. Other provisions include the modernization of the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), the promotion of fire prevention activities in the wildland/urban interface (WUI), the promotion of the adoption of voluntary consensus standards for firefighter health and safety, and the coordination of fire service-base EMS programs. S. 2606 also contains a provision designating a fire service position at the National Operations Center (NOC).
On September 18th, 2008 the Senate approved S. 2606 by unanimous consent. The House approved the bill on Wednesday, September 24th. It has been sent to the White House for the President's signature.
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AIRBOSS-DEFENSE OFFERS INFO ON USE OF RUBBER BUTYL IN PROTECTIVE WEAR FOR HAZ-MAT RESPONDERS
Originally Posted: October 2, 2008 5:26 AM
Last Updated: October 2, 2008 5:26 AM
AirBoss-Defense is a rubber mixer of personal protective wear for haz-mat responders.
It's newsletter has an information piece on butyl rubber:
In essence, Butyl is a synthetic rubber. There are 2 types of rubber:
a) Natural rubber, made from the latex of various tropical plants, but mainly the rubber tree, and;
b) Synthetic rubber, which is a synthetically made polymer material that resembles natural rubber and acts as an elastomer.
Butyl rubber is produced by copolymerization of a butylene with isoprene. Butyl rubber is a carbon-based material, which is extracted from petroleum, nearly impermeable to air and used in tires, inner tubes, and insulation on a large scale throughout the world. If not for butyl rubber, our tires would not be able to hold the air we pump into them.
The impermeability of butyl rubber to air also makes it impermeable to other gases, even toxic ones. This makes butyl an excellent material when manufacturing PPE that protects against toxic chemicals, especially gases.
Butyl PPE solutions offer protection against highly corrosive acids, ketones and esters. They also provide very good protection against bases, alcohol, amines and amides, glycol ethers, nitro-compounds and aldehydes. This makes butyl a choice for haz-mat protection.
MORE INFO? info@airbossdefense.com
881 Landry Street, Acton Vale, QC JOH 1AO, Canada
450.546.0283
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CONGRESS PASSES APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RELIEF IN HR 2638
Originally Posted: October 2, 2008 5:08 AM
Last Updated: October 2, 2008 5:08 AM
Three staff members of the US House Appropriations Committee discussed H.R. 2638 on an October 1, 2008 conference call: They discussed a continuing resolution appropriations package that includes $22.9 billion to help communities recently affected by disasters. Congress passed the bill on Saturday, September 27, 2008.
The three staff members provided a summary of the disaster assistance package in the bill. They are:
· Shalanda Young, Staff Assistant for Homeland Security and FEMA Appropriations
· Laura Hogshead, Staff Assistant for Housing and Urban Development Appropriations
· Karyn Kendall, Staff Assistant for Small Business Administration Appropriations
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OCTOBER 5-11, 2008: NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK:
Originally Posted: October 2, 2008 4:50 AM
Last Updated: October 2, 2008 4:50 AM
Fire departments respond to 400,000 residential fires: 3,500 people die from fire in their own homes.
The most common causes of home fires result from cooking, heating, electrical malfunction, smoking materials, and candles.
Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking. Many fires start from "unattended" cooking.
Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional.
If you smoke, put it out, all the way, every time.
Keep things that can burn away from light bulbs, light fixtures, and lamps. For any suspected electrical problems, call a qualified electrician.
Use flashlights during emergencies, not candles. If using candles, blow them out when leaving the room, and keep them away from things that can burn.
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FIRE ADMINISTRATION ISSUES NEW REPORT ON COMMUNITY WATER SUPPLY
Originally Posted: October 2, 2008 4:43 AM
Last Updated: October 2, 2008 4:43 AM
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has completed a project with the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) Educational and Scientific Foundation to study and evaluate the latest trends and technologies related to municipal water supply systems to enhance effective fire protection. This study was conducted with support of the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate.
USFA is located in Emmitsburg, MD.
"This initiative will be of value to local-level fire protection, supporting USFA's goal to reduce the loss of life and property from fire," said U.S. Fire Administrator Greg Cade. "This cooperative effort allows communities to have comprehensive information on the latest technologies in municipal water supply systems in support of fire suppression activities and concerns."
The team examined issues of interoperability and critical infrastructure protection, as well as backup and redundant water supply systems for fire protection, and from their analysis created the two reports: Volume I – Water Supply Systems Concepts and Volume II - Water Supply System Evaluation Methods.
"This study reflects SFPE's commitment to advancing the science and technology that protects people from fire," said Chris Jelenewicz, SFPE Engineering Program Manager. "SFPE was pleased to work with USFA in advancing the understanding of critical water supply systems and their importance in fire protection."
Both reports are available for download (only), free of charge, from the USFA Web site.
Volume I – Water Supply Systems Concepts (PDF, 2.6 Mb)
Discusses water system anatomy, water distribution system design concepts, water quality, consumer consumption and needed fire flow, alternative water supply systems, fire department water supply officer, water supply and effective fire protection, and emergency water supplies.
Volume II – Water Supply Evaluation Methods (PDF, 4.8 Mb)
Covers the evaluation of municipal water supply systems, water system hydraulics, storage capacity, water supply system computer modeling, and establishing a community program to document effective water supplies for fire protection.
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CHARLESTON MAYOR PICKS TOM CARR AS FIRE CHIEF; GETS PRAISE FROM INTERNATIONAL ASSN OF FIRE FIGHTERS
Originally Posted: October 1, 2008 12:30 PM
Last Updated: October 1, 2008 12:30 PM
International Association of Fire Fighters General President Harold A. Schaitberger issued this statement in response to Charleston Mayor Joe Riley's decision to appoint Thomas Carr as the city's new fire chief:
"Mayor Riley's open and thorough process to find the next chief to lead the Charleston Fire Department deserves praise.
"His choice, Tom Carr, has led a major fire department that at times had its own challenges to face, but he turned Montgomery County Fire and Rescue into a leader in the fire service. We look forward to working with Mayor Riley and Chief Carr in moving this great city and department to a new level of efficiency and professionalism in both safety and operations."
The International Association of Fire Fighters, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents more than 290,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 85 percent of the nation's population.
MORE INFO? www.iaff.org
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FEMSA WON'T FIGHT TO REPEAL GSA INVASION OF DEALER MARKET: SOME FEMSA MEMBERS THINK GSA VS. EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT DEALERS IS GREAT NEWS
Originally Posted: October 1, 2008 12:09 PM
Last Updated: October 2, 2008 5:55 AM
by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)
PO Box 220
Annandale VA 22003
Kenton P1@aol.com
703 850 8552 (cell)
The Fire and Emergency Manufacturers and Services Association (FEMSA) has announced it "will not take a position for or against" the new Federal law which allows the US General Services Administration (GSA) to compete with dealers by enabling GSA contractors to sell directly to local and state fire and emergency departments.
Most FEMSA members are manufacturers; while most have dealers, some do not.
FEMSA President Giff Swayne (Holmatro) explains: "As you know, on June 26 [2008] the President signed into law HR 3179. This law allows State and Local governments to purchase off GSAs Schedule 84 which contains many items related to fire and emergency services. For some of our members this comes as very bad news and for some it is great news. For this reason as well as antitrust implications, FEMSA cannot and will not take a position for or against this law." FEMSA will provide information about the law.
FEMSA will host a GSA executive at the FEMSA annual meeting in Tuscon, AZ this fall.
GSA has begun a national campaign to urge all manufacturers to go through GSA Multiple Awards Schedules in selling to local and state fire departments. GSA will also launch a National campaign to convince local and state governments to buy through the GSA channel rather than the dealer channel.
Thirteen years ago NEEDA worked with manufactuers to convince Congress to repeal cooperative purchasing legislation which would have allowed GSA to sell directly to local and state buyers of fire, emergency, and rescue vehicles and products.
HR 3179 gives GSA the same authority that was defeated by NEEDA thirteen years ago. Most manufacturers in our industry supported the NEEDA position but some warned that if GSA is given the power to sell directly [as in HR 3179] they would probably go with GSA.
GSA is now asking all manufacturers with GSA contracts to extend their direct sales to local and state fire and EMS departments. GSA is also asking fire manufacturers who don't have GSA contracts to sign up with GSA. GSA argues that with one contract manufacturers can enlarge their penetration into the fire and EMS market.
Many GSA contractors don't included dealers in their GSA contracts. GSA contract negotiators are hostile to dealers because dealer consideration affects the product price. GSA negotiators tell manufacturers that if they eliminate the dealer provision their contract is more likely to be accepted.
GSA schedules already include some firefighting vehicles, equipment, and protective clothing for sale to US Government agencies. Manufacturers who sell to Federal, state and local goverments through GSA must rebate to GSA a fee based on each sale.
Each year, GSA earns millions of dollars when their Schedule contractors score sales. State and local governments who pay GSA's manufacturers are generally unaware that a part of what they pay is remitted directly to the GSA treasury.
When a GSA contractor sells to a local fire department, there is no public request for bids, no bid opening and no opportunity for local competition nor any bid protests. The sale need not be made public nor be published in any way. Dealers who normally serve local fire departments will never be informed of the sales opportunity that is taken from them by a GSA Schedule manufacturer who sells direct.
Dealers contend that their state laws require "competition" and prohibit local governments from buying without opening the process to the public and entertaining mutiple bids. But, GSA argues that it has already "competed" manufacturers against each other for price and terms and therefore no more competition is necessary at the local level. HR 3179 does not require open public competition at the local or state level.
GSA multiple award contracts cover five or more years giving manufacturers a comfortable period in which to penetrate and obtain a permanent foothold in state and local markets.
While GSA officials often say they are not against dealers, they also say that GSA "eliminates the middle man" and GSA contends it gets the best prices because manufacturers who sell through GSA don't have to give dealers and distributors a cent.
GSA contends it is the biggest buyer in the USA and therefore gets the best prices from manufacturers. Comparing GSA prices to dealer prices is often futile and misleading because dealers provide training and service and support which manufacturers on GSA schedules usually don't. Furthermore, for comparisons to defend their program, GSA often points to single unit uncompeted prices which appear in catalogues rather than competitively bid prices for multiple units.
GSA sees its future in becoming the primary source for all state and local governments. GSA argues that because all state and local governments receive Federal grants they should be able to buy goods through GSA just like all the Federal departments do.
GSA is very proud of the fact that it pays its Federal employees from fees it earns from manufacturer sales and thus does not need to seek appropriations from the US Congress to pay for the multiple awards schedule program.
GSA was established in 1949 to serve US Government agencies. Beginning in the Reagan Administration, GSA has lobbied Congress to give it access to the state and local markets. GSA succeeded in expanding into the police market using the "war on illegal narcotic" as the reason. GSA used the "war on terrorism" to convince Congress to pass HR 3179.
In contrast to FEMSA, NEEDA is firmly opposed to the new law and has proposed the law be repealed. While FEMSA was considering the new law, NEEDA provided background information. But, FEMSA's 2008 position has been developed independently and without consultation with NEEDA.
Swayne says: "One of the tasks [GSA] must complete is to contact each schedule holder and get a letter back from them stating if they will or will not supply to State and Local governments. Each Schedule holder can decide for themselves. GSA is planning to "market" to the new customer base, and they are preparing to contact the S&Ls to let them know that they will soon be able to purchase off Schedule 84."
Swayne continues ". . .obviously GSA cannot provide any after-sales service. What they provide is a pre-competed low price. When I asked about a situation where a product required in-service training for liability reasons or post-sales service and maintenance, the GSA representatives simply replied that the manufacturer would have to arrange [as in pay for] those services. It turns out that there is a mechanism within GSA that would allow a manufacturer to provide GSA with a price point that is not equivalent to the company's "most favored customer" price list. In order to do this, the manufacturer has to document and place a percentage value on the services that are required of a distributor in their distributor agreement." [GSA can contest and deny any extra contract fees normally charged by manufacturers and often refuses to include manufacturers on the multiple schedule list unless they drop their dealers from the schedule terms.]
Swayne: "Obviously the implications of this new law will take some time to develop. It is simply not a black and white issue. How will our end users react to this new purchasing option? Do end users understand and value the services that their local dealer provides? Will GSA focus on Fire Departments or are their sights set elsewhere? All interesting questions and all are sure to be topics of discussion in Tucson."
[Perhaps FEMSA members should also ask: How will dealers react to manufacturers who decide to go direct, use GSA multiple awards, and drop their dealer network?--NEEDA]
NEEDA supports repeal of HR 3179. This law puts the Federal government into competition with local dealers . . . unfair government competition . . . and it puts pressure on state and local governments to forego the competitive bid process while bypassing the many services that dealers provide. HR 3179 is hostile to the dealer distribution system, pits manufacturers against dealers, and drives an ugly and viscious wedge into our support for the fire service and our work for our manufacturers and suppliers.
GSA has a long history of hostility to dealers and HR 3179 represents a victory for the GSA anti-dealer crowd. It is a shame to see the Congress and the Bush Administration buy the GSA line.
To get Congress to repeal this law: dealers are expressing their views to US Representatives and Senators. Further, fire and emergency departments which are satisfied with the dealer service they receive will need to speak up for dealers because GSA competition will lead to the elimination of emergency equiment dealers. Finally, state and local government leaders should object to GSA subversion of the concept of local competition which is open to the public and to all interested bidders. GSA's Schedule program is hostile to state and local laws prescribing full and open competition. GSA will argue that Congress has given them permission to override state and local competition laws. . . but is that what local elected officials want?w.
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US FOREST SERVICE BLAMES $400 MILLION SPENDING CUTBACK ON 09 CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES
Originally Posted: October 1, 2008 9:54 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2008 9:54 AM
Extensive 08 California wildfires have been blamed for new spending reductions by the US Forest Service. There have been 67,269 fires on 4.7 million acres in 2008, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
Congress is concerned that the Forest Service cutbacks will prevent $400 millon of other work needed in US forests outside California. Campgrounds will be closed, forest roads will be closed, washed out trails will not be repaired as sediement into streams, lakes and rivers will increase because routine work will not be done this year.
The reductions planned by the US Forest Service total $400 million. The 2009-2010 budget will be announced by the Bush Administration but will be considered by Congress in 2009 on the advice of the new administration to be elected in November, 2008. Because Federal income has dropped, there could be more Forest Service reductions introduced in the 2009-2010 period.
Meanwhile, the California state government's budget for fighting wildfires has been severly strained this year and major budget problems in Sacramento will roll over into 2009. Another big wildfire year in the state would deliver another big blow to the state.
NEEDA Newsletter has reported extensively on the California wildfire situation. For more info, use the search application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter window.
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FEDERAL HEARING SCHEDULED ON EMS HELICOPTER CRASHES AS INCIDENTS SOAR IN 2008; CONGRESS MAY PASS LEGISLATION FOR HIGHER STANDARDS
Originally Posted: October 1, 2008 9:38 AM
Last Updated: October 1, 2008 9:38 AM
The National Transportation Safety Board is planning a public hearing on EMS helicopter safety because 31 people have died in eight recent helicopter crashes involved in rescue and emergency medical responses.
The latest was the crash in District heights, Maryland of a medical helicopter operated by the Maryland State Police September 27, 2008. Dead included a 17 year old girl who was in a car crash, the pilot and two medical evacuation personnel.
Both the US House of Representatives and the US Senate are considering legislation to create new standards for EMS helicopter services.
The National EMS Pilots Association says most accidents are in inclement weather. The Association of Air Medical Services and the Maryland State Police have just completed a safety summit with the Maryland State Police.
A NTSB 2006 report called for tighter rules on flying helicopters to accident sites. In 2008, 24 people have died on medical flights, a record. The trend has be up.
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