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Newletters From February, 2010
HOW TO SELL VOTERS ON REPLACING A 25 YEAR OLD TANKER TRUCK?
Originally Posted: February 28, 2010 8:29 AM
Last Updated: February 28, 2010 8:32 AM
Ridgefield, CT Fire Chief Heather Burford is holding an open house Sunday, February 28, 2010 to convince voters that the town needs a new two man tanker truck to carry water to fight fires.
Tanker 10, now 25 years old, is one of two water tankers in the department and carries 3,600 gallons of water and is needed because most oF Ridgefield properties do not have nearby hydrants.
At 16,484 miles Tanker 10's cab, interior, tires, motor and tank and transmission work.
Only four firefighters can drive the 10-speed manual transmission Tanker 10 but miss gears often and waste time stalling.
Chief Burford has tried driver training.
But keeping an eye and hand on the gear shift rather than the road and steering wheel when driving a truck that weighs 39 tons loaded is a big safety concern, firefighters say.
Mike Gabbianelli: “The main purpose is to shuttle water and be efficient with it. When you are going up and down hills and keep stalling, you are delaying getting that water to the fire.”
Burford: It does not meet National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) standards for a water tanker.
The department put a replacement tanker as a capital request in 2005, was not supported.
Burford: The replacement would hold less water— about 2,500 gallons. The lesser amount is sufficient. The replacement vehicle would have an automatic transmission, room for four people, water pumping capabilities and improved lighting and safety features. It would have a flat front like the fire engines, allowing for much better visibility.
Burford: The dual-use of a newer used vehicle will make sure taxpayers get the biggest bang for their buck.
Volunteer Chief Tim Pambianchi: Tanker 10 can lead to an operational nightmare in a big emergency.
The trade-in value of the tanker is about $30,000. The Highway Department has asked that the vehicle be converted for their use as a dump truck — costing about $40,000 for conversion.
A city governing board member said: “While I appreciate the work and recommendations they give, if we complied with everything they put out, including manpower, we wouldn’t be able to afford anything.”
Mr. Marconi’s suggestion has been offering each of the four qualified drivers a $1,000 stipend to be on call 24/7 when Tanker 10 is needed.
Chief Pambianchi said. “It’s unfair to rely on four people to get that truck where it needs to go.”
Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Tappe: he designated Tanker 10 drivers won’t always be in the department and training new drivers has been unsuccessful.
The department requests a $475,000 replacement of Engine 1 in 2012 fiscal year and replacement of Engine 2 for $455,000 in 2013.
Chief Tappe: said vehicle price goes up each year it is put off. “The projects don’t get pushed back, they stack up."
You can’t pre-plan a fire, members agreed.
(Based on report by Kate Czaplinski, Ridgefield (CT) Press Staff Saturday, 27 February 2010)
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CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION WARNS POWER OUTAGE VICTIMS: PORTABLE GENERATORS MAY PRODUCE LETHAL CARBON MONOXIDE
Originally Posted: February 26, 2010 4:44 PM
Last Updated: February 26, 2010 4:44 PM
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says residents who experience power outages and use portable generators may produce deadly carbon monoxide. Generators resulted in at least 70 deaths in 2008.
CPSC strongly warns consumers to never use generator indoors – including garages, basements, crawlspaces and sheds – even with ventilation.
Exhaust fumes contain extremely high levels of carbon monoxide (CO) which can rapidly become deadly if inhaled.
Consumers should only use a portable generator outdoors in a dry area away from doors, windows and vents that can allow CO to come indoors. Wait for the rain to pass before using a generator, as consumer-grade generators are not weatherproof and can pose the risk of electrocution and shock when used in wet conditions.
If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away. The CO from generators can readily lead to full incapacitation and death.
Do not connect the generator directly into your home's electrical system through a receptacle outlet – this is an extremely dangerous practice that poses a fire hazard and an electrocution hazard to utility workers and neighbors served by the same transformer.
If using a generator, plug individual appliances into heavy duty, outdoor-rated extension cords and plug cords into the generator.
Check that the extension cords have a wire gauge adequate for the appliance loads and have all three prongs, including a grounding pin.
Keep charcoal grills outside. Never use them indoors. Burning charcoal in an enclosed space can produce lethal levels of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Check to make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms have batteries and are working.
For other NEEDA Newsletter stories, use your "Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen
MORE INFO? www.cpsc.gov/generator.html.
CPSC Contact: (301) 504-7908
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FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY SUCCEEDING IN BUSES AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES; PROPONENTS RECOMMEND HYDROGEN FUELING STATIONS TO SUPPORT EMERGING FCV MARKET
Originally Posted: February 26, 2010 12:30 PM
Last Updated: February 26, 2010 12:32 PM
Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs) now make up fleets in the hundreds and utilization of fuel cells is emerging in commercial vehicles. Researchers predict FCV commercialization by mid-decade.
The pressure is on gas companies and governments to make sure that hydrogen fueling stations are available to support this emerging market.
Pike Research forecasts that fuel cell transit buses will ead the FCV movement, with sales growing at a compound annual growth rate of 31.7% by 2015. Fuel cell light vehicles will be commercially launched in 2014 in most regions of the world, and their sales will reach almost 670,000 vehicles per year by 2020.
Fuel cells will be commercialization in light vehicles, medium/heavy duty trucks, and buses.
A Pike report examines fuel cell technologies, hydrogen as a fuel, and market development for FCVs. Forecasts are provided for global research and development spending, fuel cell transit buses, fuel cell light vehicle production and sales, and revenue from FCV sales.
MORE INFO? Pike Research
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MSA REPORTS SALES INCOME FOR 09: "SCBA SALES WERE FLAT QUARTER TO QUARTER"
Originally Posted: February 26, 2010 11:54 AM
Last Updated: February 26, 2010 11:54 AM
MSA (Pittsburgh, PA) had 09 net sales of $910.0 million compared with $1,134.3 million in 2008, a decrease of $224.3 million, or 20 percent.
Net 09 income was $43.3 million.
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) sales were down $28.6 million in the current quarter. Fourth quarter of 2008 SCBA sales benefited from $28.0 million in shipments of the company's FireHawk® M7 Responder to the U.S. Air Force. Excluding shipments on this one-time contract, SCBA sales were flat quarter-to-quarter.
Net sales for the fourth quarter of 2009 were $236.1 million compared with $288.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2008, a decrease of $52.7 million, or 18 percent. Net income for the fourth quarter of 2009 was $12.7 million.
William M. Lambert, MSA President and CEO: "After record sales in 2008, lower demand in industrial construction markets, as well as from government agencies and the military, led to a 20 percent reduction in sales for the year."
Sales in the company's North American segment decreased $55.7 million, or 35 percent, in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Sales in MSA's International segment were up $7.1 million, or 12 percent, in the fourth quarter of 2009.
In 2008, SCBA shipments included $54.1 million in sales of the company's FireHawk M7 Responder to the U.S. Air Force. Excluding these shipments, SCBA sales were $3.9 million lower in the current year.
Established in 1914, MSA develops, manufactures and supplies safety products. 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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US MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION TO LOWER BOOM ON NATIONAL ACCIDENT RULE VIOLATIONS
Originally Posted: February 25, 2010 4:47 PM
Last Updated: February 25, 2010 4:47 PM
The federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) 'Rules to Live By' campaign features 24 regulations that were violated in about half of 589 mining deaths from 2000 through 2008.
MSHA has set a March 15, 2010 deadline to start disciplining those perpetrating the most common violations cited during fatal accident investigations. Inspectors will be looking specifically to make operators obey 'Rule to Live By.'
The campaign is aimed at reducing deaths among the estimated 423,000 people who work at almost 15,000 mines and quarries across the nation. Mining fatalities declined to 34 last year, from 53 in 2008, but MSHA wants to eliminate them altogether.
Until mid-March, the campaign will focus on educating miners, mine operators and trainers in hopes of raising safety consciousness among everyone who could be endangered. Inspectors also will discuss safety with miners during inspections.
Once MSHA starts disciplining violators, inspectors also will look for reasons to increase fines. Data shows the most common causes of deadly accidents include falls, roof and wall collapses, heavy equipment mishaps and poor maintenance, MSHA says.
The agency found West Virginia was the deadliest mining state during that period with 94 fatalities, followed by Kentucky with 78.
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WILDFIRE RESTORATION FOR 2010 SEASON GETS SEMPRA $50.000 CHECK
Originally Posted: February 24, 2010 9:39 PM
Last Updated: February 24, 2010 9:39 PM
Sempra Energy Corp. (Los Angeles, Ca) gave $50,000 gift to support TreePeople's Forest Aid partnership to restore the fire-damaged San Bernardino National Forest.
The forest was damaged by massive wildfires in 2003 and 2007 in the San Bernardino Mountains, ruining 185,000 acres of forestland. Wildfires frequent where there is forest densification, drought and bark beetle infestation.
Sempra's donation supports TreePeople's Forest Aid partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and San Bernardino National Forest Association to restore the San Bernardino Mountains. In 2009, 20,050 tree seedlings were planted in the San Bernardino Forest by 2,547 Forest Aid volunteers. According to the U.S. Forest Service, this was one of the largest ever volunteer-led restoration efforts in Southern California.
For other NEEDA Newsletter stories about wildfires in the United States, use the "Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter Screen.
MORE INFO? at www.treepeople.org.
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OBAMA ADMINISTRATION RENEWS INTENT TO TAKE 3% FROM ALL DEALER SALES TO LOCAL, STATE, AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENT BUYERS
Originally Posted: February 22, 2010 7:50 PM
Last Updated: February 22, 2010 7:50 PM
The US Treasury and White House have told Congress they are insisting on taking from emergency equipment dealers 3% of all payments made by local, state and Federal governments.
So, on any sale in which you are owed money by a city, county or regional fire or public service depratment, the Federal government will take away three percent. Your three percent will be sent by your customer to the US Treasury
where it will sit until you file all your taxes for the next year. At that point you will have to identify the three percent payments that were withheld and you will need to ask the US Treasury/Internal Revenue Service to send your money back to you.
NEEDA and the US Chamber of Commerce have objected to this scheme. But the Obama Administration seems determined to proceed. We have asked Congress to repeal the legislation enabling this 3% take away. The 3% Treasury is aiming for is potentially your entire profit on a sale: confiscated by the Federal government.
The law allowing this 3% take away from dealers was passed without debate or publicity. Some Members of Congress are supporting legislation we support which would repeal the law. But we were very disappointed that the Obama Administration ignored the recommendations of Congress to drop the 3% scheme.
By clicking on the headline of this NEEDA Newsletter story you can see the
entire Treasury/IRS paper which has been issued by the White House.
MORE INFO? Use the "Search" application in the upper right corner of your
NEEDA Newsletter screen to see the various NEEDA articles warming that the government is trying to take away 3% of your business gross income.
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GSA'S NEW ADMINISTRATOR LEADS AGENCY WHICH IS HOSTILE COMPETITOR TO EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT DEALERS
Originally Posted: February 21, 2010 4:02 PM
Last Updated: February 21, 2010 4:02 PM
The US Senate has confirmed Martha N. Johnson as new Administrator of General Services.
She will run the agency whose goal is taking business away from emergency equipment dealers.
Under the Bush Administration, GSA acquired Congressional permission to offer GSA contractors as suppliers to state and local governments.
Thus, manufacturers who have GSA contracts may now sell direct to state and local governments without going through a dealer network. Prices and terms will be set by GSA as part of "Multiple Award Supply Schedules" published by GSA.
GSA contractors who do not have dealers will no longer need a dealer to reach the state and local market because they are now able to sell direct to buyers who previously relied on their local dealer for sales and service.
The GSA invasion of the state and local market is a fact of life that puts the Federal government in direct competition with emergency equipment dealers such as NEEDA members.
NEEDA has been advocating the repeal of this law. (Use the Search application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.)
Upon assuming office, Johnson will become the first permanent Administrator of the General Services Administration in two years.
Johnson: "Through the many transitions in leadership, GSA has stepped forward as a faithful and energetic steward of President Obama's recovery and sustainability agenda, and of the new opportunities to promote government transparency, openness, and participation. As Administrator, I will leverage the agency's strong leadership to build a team that welcomes talent, exhibits performance excellence, collaborates, and innovates; a team that through knowledge, expertise, and transparency, will reform procurement and help move the President's agenda for improvements in the professional acquisition workforce."
Under the Obama Administration, GSA had two Acting Administrators: Paul F. Prouty, Rocky Mountain Regional Commissioner of Public Buildings; and Stephen R. Leeds, Senior Counselor to the Administrator.
GSA is using the the Recovery Act to modernize federal buildings into higher performing, greener buildings to create jobs and save taxpayer dollars.
By building a replacement federal fleet that is 40 percent more fuel efficient, GSA says it will save taxpayers $40 million over the next seven years and will reduce the government's greenhouse gas emissions by 334 million pounds.
Johnson: "My priority as Administrator will be to put GSA's expertise to work developing and executing policies and products that will create a greener, more efficient, more cost-effective, more open, and more responsible government. By building on GSA's success thus far, we will provide a streamlined platform for our customer agencies to implement innovative technologies and solutions to decrease government operating costs and increase efficiencies in government service delivery."
Johnson served as co-lead for the Obama Presidential Transition Agency Review Team for GSA. She served as GSA Chief of Staff from 1996 to 2001, under then-Administrator David Barram. From 1993 to 1996, she was Assistant Deputy Secretary at the Department of Commerce.
Under the Clinton Administration, Johnson also served in the Office of Presidential Personnel. Since 2007, Johnson has served as Vice President of Culture at Computer Sciences Corporation, helping to direct a change in corporate culture within the 90,000-person organization.
She was Vice President at SRA International, managing a strategic consulting group that served federal clients.
Johnson received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Oberlin College and Master of Business Administration from Yale University.
GSA develops governmentwide regulations and policies that encourage agencies to use the best, most cost-effective management practices and serves as a gateway for citizens to directly access the full breadth of government services and information.
"Directly access" means letting state and local governments buy through GSA contracts just as Federal agencies buy computers and communications from GSA suppliers.
Founded in 1949, GSA was established to serve Federal agencies. But under the Bush Administration and the US Congress in recent years, GSa has a major goal of taking over the state and local market. Unless stopped, Johnson will damage or destroy a lot of small businesses including some emergency equipment dealers.
GSA helps preserve our past and define our future, as a steward of more than 480 historic properties, and as manager of USA.gov, the official portal to federal government information and services.
GSA's mission to provide superior workplaces, expert technology solutions, acquisition services, purchasing and E-Gov travel solutions and management policies, at best value, allows federal agencies to focus on their core missions.
MORE INFO? Use the NEEDA Newsletter "Search" application in the upper right of your screen for all other stories about GSA's attempt to take over the fire and emergency response market from local dealers.
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FOURTY VIRGINIA COUNTIES AND JURISDICTIONS ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL GRANT ASSISTANCE FOLLOWING DECEMBER 2009 SNOW STORM DAMAGES; A GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE STATE'S 2010 SNOW STORM DAMAGES HAS NOT BEEN ANNOUNCED
Originally Posted: February 19, 2010 12:00 PM
Last Updated: February 19, 2010 12:00 PM
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is providing federal disaster aid to the Commonwealth of Virginia to help pay for local recovery efforts from severe snowstorm during the period of December 18, 2009, to December 20, 2009. Two additional snows hit the area in February 2010 but are not included in this grant announcement.
Eligible local governments and private nonprofit organizations can get Federal money on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm and snowstorm in the counties of Albemarle, Allegheny, Amherst, Arlington, Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Botetourt, Buchanan, Caroline, Culpepper, Dickenson, Fairfax, Grayson, Greene, Hanover, Highland, Lee, Louisa, Madison, Montgomery, Nelson, Orange, Page, Prince William, Rockbridge, Russell, Scott, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Wise and the independent cities of Alexandria, Charlottesville, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park, Norton, Staunton, and Waynesboro.
Assistance is available for emergency protective measures, including snow assistance, for a continuous 48-hour period during or near the incident period.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures throughout the Commonwealth.
Donald L. Keldsen is the federal coordinating officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area: "Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the State and warranted by the results of further damage assessments."
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CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT AND UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES LAUNCH 2010 RESEARCH ON HOME FIRES: NEW CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS MAY BE MAKING TODAY'S FIRES MORE LETHAL
Originally Posted: February 18, 2010 3:08 PM
Last Updated: February 18, 2010 3:08 PM
The Chicago Fire Department (CFD) fire service advisory panel and Underwriters Laboratories (Northbrook, Illinois) have begun a research project to help the fire service improve firefighting tactics and reduce firefighter fatalities and injuries.
A Firefighter Safety Research Grant from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is funding the project.
UL has built two houses and is setting controlled large-scale fires inside a cavernous 10,000 square-foot test chamber at its Large Scale Fire Test and Training Facility.
The study focuses on fire behavior in residential structures when affected by natural ventilation (open doors and broken windows) as well as strategic ventilation tactics used by firefighters during an attack on a fire.
Chris Hasbrook, vice president and general manager for UL's Fire Protection Division: "We have an incredible opportunity to help fire service worldwide better understand the effects of ventilation on fire behavior in a way never before possible. Providing our first responders advanced knowledge on the effectiveness of crucial firefighting tactics is at the forefront of our Public Safety Mission."
UL is conducting the high-tech simulations in full-scale 1,500 and 3,200 square-foot dwellings that are representative of homes built prior to 1980 and homes built in recent years.
Fire experts believe that changes in newer contemporary-style construction including the use of manufactured lumber components, new building materials, more synthetic home furnishings and the size and geometry of new homes, have changed the dynamics of residential fires. Newer construction factors are contributing to rapid fire-spread.
Chicago Fire Department Chief Richard Edgeworth: "Ventilation during a fire makes a huge difference in not only the growth and spread of a fire, but also in the overall tenability and time available to fight a fire before a structure collapse. This science-meeting-the-streets research provides crucial data that will immediately help us create guidelines for effective ventilation techniques, develop the necessary firefighting ventilation practices and better anticipate the failure of floor and wall construction, which will ultimately save lives."
Edgeworth said the research project will redefine fire behavior and emphasize the importance of combining suppression and ventilation tactics in a coordinated fire attack to prevent loss of life and reduce property damage.
In 2009, UL completed a study on the "Structural Stability of Engineered Wood Lumber in Fire Conditions." In 2007, UL's Smoke Characterization Study provided previously unavailable data on how quickly synthetic materials burn compared to natural materials.
UL expects to complete the research project in August 2010.
MORE INFO? www.ul.com
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NATIONAL WILDFIRE WATCH IS UNDERWAY FOR 2010
Originally Posted: February 17, 2010 5:21 PM
Last Updated: February 17, 2010 5:21 PM
National Wildland Significant Fire Potential Outlook
National Interagency Fire Center
Predictive Services
February 1, 2010
Next Issue: March 1, 2010
Wildland Fire Outlook – February through May 2010
During February, below normal significant fire potential is expected across most of the Southern Area, western Texas, and the eastern half of New Mexico. For March through May, below normal significant fire potential is expected to expand westward in the Southwest to include all of New Mexico and the eastern half of Arizona. During late April or May, below normal significant fire potential will transition to normal across the Southern Area. Above normal significant fire potential will emerge in northern Wisconsin and portions of eastern Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan during April and May. The primary factors influencing significant fire potential this outlook period are:
• Precipitation: Frequent moderate to heavy precipitation has occurred over most of the southern tier of the U.S. since the fall of 2009.
• Drought Conditions: Drought has been mitigated over most of the eastern U.S. and continued improvement is expected across the Southwest, California, and western Nevada this winter.
• Soil Moisture: Soil moisture values across northern Wisconsin, the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and eastern Minnesota are below average.
• Fuels: Fuel moistures are above normal from eastern New Mexico to the eastern seaboard. However, areas of freeze-cured fuels exist in Florida.
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NEW JERSEY COUNTY ASKS FEMA TO PICK UP FEB 2010 SNOW REMOVAL COSTS
Originally Posted: February 17, 2010 1:32 PM
Last Updated: February 17, 2010 1:32 PM
Bridgeton County (NJ) officials are counting on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to pick up the bill for its massive snow clean-up costs.
Cumberland County officials said they expect FEMA to pay up to three-quarters of the county’s snow clean-up costs resulting from last week’s wave of winter storms.
Cumberland County’s overall cost of snow clean up operations this winter is in excess of $750,000, according to the county’s official statement — The News’ own estimates, based on prior figures from the county, puts that number closer to $1 million.
Three storms pounded southern New Jersey since mid-December, with snow accumulations totaling more than 40 inches.
Because the county received FEMA funding for the first snow storm in December, county officials believe they will receive similar federal aid for last week’s storms.
“We think there’s a good chance based on what we received before,” Freeholder Director Lou Magazzu said Monday. “Gov. Chris Christie declared Cumberland County a disaster area in an executive order. That’s the trigger for receiving federal aid.”
The county initiated a “reverse 9-1-1 call” to approximately 45,000 county resident households to request that non-essential vehicles stay off county roads.
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NEEDA SAYS SNOW CLEARANCE ENABLES FIRE TRUCKS AND AMBULANCES TO REACH FIRES AND ACCIDENTS
Originally Posted: February 17, 2010 1:13 PM
Last Updated: February 17, 2010 1:13 PM
Baltimore County, Maryland, officials want the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to cover costs of removing snow in the county after two historic February, 2010 blizzards hit the region in less than a week.
As mentioned in an earlier NEEDA Newsletter, most Mid-Atlantic towns and counties are asking FEMA for disaster aid. By combining the last two snow storm levels, Federal officials have indicated that Federal snow storm recovery money will be provided by FEMA grants.
NEEDA has pointed out to decision makers that snow removal is not just
a courtesy to homeowners, or route clearing for commuters, but making it possible for emergency responders to reach fires and accidents. Giant snow
walls make it impossible for ambulances and fire turcks to respond promptly.
Mark Hubbard, director of the county's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said this week that Baltimore county is moving "from the response phase to the recovery phase."
Included in the plowing and snow-removal operations will be a detailed accounting of how much it cost the county to battle the two storms, which dumped 45 inches of snow in less than a week, Hubbard said.
Costs for the snow removal ran $1 million per day, according to Tim Burgess, chief of the Baltimore County Bureau of Highways, Maryland.
Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith said FEMA would be willing to consider the Feb. 5-6 and Feb. 9-10 storms as a single event.
"That's going to be huge for Baltimore County," Smith said.
The first storm officially left nearly 25 inches of snow in the area. Some areas of the county reported higher amounts.
Four days later, the second storm deposited nearly 20 inches of snow.
"We were still digging out of the first storm when the second one hit," Smith said.
If FEMA accepts the premise of the dual storms as a single event, the county could be eligible for reimbursement of up to 75 percent of expenses related to the costs of cleaning up the unprecedented snowstorms, Smith said.
The eligible expenses could include overtime for public safety employees, he said.
Heading into the first blizzard, the Baltimore County had already spent $6 million budgeted for emergency storm cleanup.
That figure has traditionally been used as a "place-holder" in the budget -- when needed, additional funds are moved from other areas, including surplus funds, to cover costs.
Like many other jurisdictions, Baltimore is facing a projected $144 million revenue shortfall, based primarily on tax income streams that have slowed to a trickle in the current economy.
After the first storm, county officials said they would have to find the money within the budget to cover the costs, but acknowledged the task would be difficult.
Burgess said initial estimates after the first 2010 storm placed costs in the $4 million range.
Since Feb. 10, 2010 the county has been hiring every private contractor it could find with a front loader or Bobcat. Some have come from as far away as Connecticut, North Carolina and Alabama.
How much did the second storm cost?
Burgess said his staff is compiling costs in preparation for making its formal request for reimbursement from FEMA. County officials said they do not know how long it will take to get an answer once the request is made.
By the afternoon of Feb. 15, 2010 the county had wrapped up most of its snow removal and plowing efforts on side streets, Burgess said.
"We're at the point where that's all we can do," Burgess said. "There's not a place to push it and we can't haul it off every street. The message we're trying to get out now is that you may have to dig out to us now."
Burgess said the biggest hindrance was the sheer amount of snow.
"We know we can handle a 20-inch storm. We did it in December," Burgess said. "We know we can handle a 30-inch storm, like the 2003 President's Day storm.
"But we can't do a 50-inch storm," he said. "This is one where everyone has to help each other out now."
Burgess said county crews and some on-call contractors turned their attention Monday to helping Baltimore County Public Schools clear lots and prepare to reopen as soon as possible.
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NY AMBULANCE HIT IN SHOOT-AND-RUN INCIDENT: AMBULANCE DAMAGED AND EMERGENCY WORKER TAKEN TO HOSPITAL
Originally Posted: February 17, 2010 12:35 PM
Last Updated: February 17, 2010 12:35 PM
An ambulance sliding on an icy road collided with a car fleeing a shooting in front of a store in Washington Heights, New York City, according to broadcast station WABC.
One person was hit in the hand and taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia.
The suspects were in a black car when they collided with the ambulance.
"Eyewitness News" reported that the suspects jumped out of their damaged car, fired more shots as the ambulance crew ducked. The shooters then hailed a limo and fled onto FDR Drive.
An ambulance worker was taken to the hospital with knee injury.
MOER INFO? WABC-TV/DT
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CHINA BUYS 22 METRO STAR PUMPERS FROM SPARTAN AND W.S. DARLEY
Originally Posted: February 16, 2010 12:04 PM
Last Updated: February 16, 2010 12:04 PM
Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Charlotte, Michigan), is selling 22 Metro Star™ Pumper chassis for the Beijing Fire Department (China) for second quarter delivery.
Spartan will provide the chassis to W.S. Darley & Co (Itasca, Illinois) which will add the body and pump systems.
John Sztykiel, President and CEO of Spartan Motors: "An order of this size represents an incredible opportunity for Spartan to expand awareness of our products in the Chinese market, so we are extremely grateful to the Beijing Fire Department and W.S. Darley & Co. for their confidence in our products."
The Metro Star Pumper Chassis will be customized to meet the needs of the Beijing Fire Department and to conform to Chinese standards. Each vehicle will include the model's cab design, featuring a flat floor, various seating configurations and raised roof. The design provides up to 10 crew members with extended leg and headroom, improved visibility and additional space for storage. The Metro Star Pumper has tall and wide cab doors, and the wide steps and the lowstep heights providing safety when entering and exiting the cab.
W.S. Darley & Co. will install a heavy duty CAFS (Compressed Air Foam System) on the Spartan Chassis. The units will pump water and foam to the top floors of buildings that are 300 meters tall.
Spartan makes specialty chassis, specialty vehicles and truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the outdoor recreation/RV, emergency-response, defense, delivery and service markets. Brand names: Spartan™, Crimson Fire™, Crimson Fire Aerials™, Road Rescue™ and Utilimaster®. The company employs 1,500 at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Indiana and Texas. Spartan reported sales of $844.4 million in 2008.
MORE INFO? www.spartanmotors.com
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FEDERAL SIGNAL TO ANNOUNCE FIRE RESCUE DEVISION 2009 SALES ON FEB 23, 2010
Originally Posted: February 16, 2010 7:06 AM
Last Updated: February 16, 2010 7:06 AM
Federal Signal Corporation (Oak Brook, Illinois) will announce fourth quarter 2009 earnings before the market opens on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 including a conference call at 10 AM. William H. Osborne, president and CEO, and William Barker, senior vice president and CFO say an archived replay of the conference call will be available on the company's website after the call concludes.
Federal Signal Corporation founded in 1901, has three divisions: Safety and Security Systems, Environmental Solutions and Fire Rescue.
MORE INFO? www.federalsignal.com
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PA FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO ROOF COLLAPSE DURING HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
Originally Posted: February 16, 2010 6:56 AM
Last Updated: February 16, 2010 6:56 AM
A skating rink roof partially collapsed while the ice was being resurfaced during a youth hockey tournament February 14, 2010 in Rostraver Ice Garden, Pennsylvania 30 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. No one was injured.
First responders searched the building using cadaver dogs and thermal-imaging cameras.
Rostraver Central Assistant Chief Justin Shawley said no one was found in the damaged building, which was turned over to its owner, according to John Heller, Associated Press.
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HEAVY SNOW FALL STRIKES FIRE STATION ROOFING AND REDUCES SERVICE IN ARLINGTON AND ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA
Originally Posted: February 15, 2010 6:16 PM
Last Updated: February 15, 2010 6:20 PM
Fire Station 206 at 4609 Seminary Road, VA near Washinton DC closed due to heavy snowfall early in February, 2010. Firefighters and some equipment were moved to other Alexandria fire stations.
Station 206 is about three miles to the east of Fairfax County’s Station 410 in Bailey’s Crossroads, VA where the roof over the fire station caved in under pressure from heavy snow. All 18 firefighters inside the firehouse escaped unharmed. Underneath that collapsed roof were an engine company, ladder truck and other fire and EMS vehicles.
Closing of these firehouses affects coverage in Arlington and Alexandria, VA. All the fire stations involved are within a few miles of NEEDA headquarters.
Three miles to the south of the Bailey’s Crossroads station, a sagging roof was discovered at Station 408 in Annandale, VA. Firefighters in Annandale were operating out of the adjacent hall.
The roof problems at Station 206 and Station 408 were discovered after officials ordered inspections of flat roofs at firehouses following the collapse at Station 410.
Station 410, built in 1974 by the Bailey’s Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department had a new roof in 1998.
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CHICAGO APARTMENT BUILDING FIRE KILLS SEVEN
Originally Posted: February 14, 2010 8:39 PM
Last Updated: February 14, 2010 8:39 PM
A Chicago apartment building burnt Valentine's Day leaving seven people dead, including a newborn baby, a 3-year-old and four teenagers, the Associated Press reports.
The blaze starting in the attic at 6:30 AM Sunday, February 14, 2010, was extinguished in about an hour, in a building that had 23 to 40 people living in two and three bedroom apartments.
The fire started in the building's second floor attic.
Three fire fighters suffered injuries, AP reported. Two nearby buildings were damaged.
Officials will determine if any building occupancy codes were violated.
The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago says it provided food, clothing, winter coats, shoes and shelter.
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FEDERAL AGENCIES SAY THEY SAVE $7 BILLION WHEN SMALL BUSINESSES GET RELIEF FROM BURDENSOME FEDERAL RULE MAKING
Originally Posted: February 13, 2010 6:00 PM
Last Updated: February 13, 2010 6:00 PM
Small businesses realized $7 billion in first-year cost savings and $745 million in annually recurring savings as a result of 2009 efforts to help agencies comply with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA).
This law requires US agencies to review the economic impacts of proposed regulations on small entities and consider less burdensome alternatives.
The figures are reported in the FY 2009 edition of the Office of Advocacy’s annual Report on the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
The Regulatory Flexibility Act was enacted in 1980 to give small businesses, small nonprofits, and small government entities a voice in the rulemaking process.
Together with Executive Order 13272, the RFA as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act encourages agencies to enact regulations that are more rational without negating the intent of the rules. The law requires the US Office of Advocacy to report annually on agency compliance with the RFA.
MORE INFO? www.sba.gov/advo.
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MSA TO ANNOUNCE 2009 EARNINGS FEBRUARY 26, 2010
Originally Posted: February 13, 2010 1:16 PM
Last Updated: February 13, 2010 1:16 PM
MSA (Pittsburgh, PA), will broadcast a fourth quarter 2009 earnings conference call live via the Internet on Friday, February 26, 2010 at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. MSA makes self-contained breathing apparatus, gas masks, gas detection instruments, head protection, ballistic body armor, fall protection devices and thermal imaging cameras.
Log onto MSA's Web site 15 minutes prior to the start of the call to register.
A replay of the conference will be available on MSA's Web site for 30 days.
MSA's fourth quarter and year-end financial results for 2009 will be distributed on February 26, 2010.
Established in 1914, MSA sells safety products that typically integrate a combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations.
MSA has annual sales of $1 billion, manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America, and more than 40 international locations.
MORE INFO? www.msanet.com
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SPARTAN DEALERS SAFETEK EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND SMEAL FIRE APPARATUS SELL AERIAL LADDER FIRE TRUCKS TO WHISTLER, SITE OF 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS
Originally Posted: February 13, 2010 1:07 PM
Last Updated: February 13, 2010 1:07 PM
Two new 75 ft/23 M Aerial Ladder Fire Trucks featuring a Spartan Gladiator MFD 5" Raised Roof Custom Cab and Chassis from Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., have been delivered to the Whistler Fire Rescue Service in Whistler B.C. Canada as they host the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics Games.
The apparatus were ordered from Safetek Emergency Vehicles Ltd., the Canadian dealer for Smeal Fire Apparatus Co.
John Sztykiel, president and CEO of Spartan Motors: " We are delighted that Spartan chassis will be a part of protecting the lives and property of the residents, guests and elite athletes from around the world as they come together to compete in the Winter Olympics."
These custom Single Axle Heavy Duty Aerials were built to meet the latest NFPA and ULC Standards.
The chassis features a new low profile design with a four wheel drive configuration to allow for safer driving in snow conditions encountered in the area.
The cab features a 5" raised roof to provide more interior headroom for personnel as well as three forward facing crew seats.
The apparatus package features Smeal's Uni-Body Marine Grade construction with an "EZ Load" Dual Hose Bed to provide maximum body compartmentation.
A Hale QMAX 2250 GPM Pump is included along with a Foam Pro 2002 Single Tank System, 400 G Water and 30 G Foam Cell with an Aerial Bypass Feature to allow for foam discharge through the Aerial Waterway. Three Speedlay hose beds in the Pump Module with a Driver's side Roll-Up Door for the Pump Panel protect the vehicle from winter road conditions.
The Smeal ULC "listed" aerial device is rated at 500 lb. tip load while flowing 1250 GPM 90 degrees side-to-side as well as a +30 degree vertical sweep and features a gated outlet at the ladder tip for standpipe use. In addition, the aerial features a Turntable actuated Positional Waterway control for safety and ease of changing from Rescue to Water tower mode. A variety of additional advancements and features further enhance operational capability.
Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc.), designs, engineers and manufactures custom chassis, specialty vehicles and truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the outdoor recreation/RV, emergency-response, defense, delivery and service markets.
The company employs 1,500 at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Indiana and Texas. Spartan reported sales of $844.4 million in 2008.
MORE INFO? www.spartanmotors.com
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MARCH 28-APRIL 1, 2010 CONFERENCE ON WILD FIRE POLICY MEETS IN RENO, NEVADA
Originally Posted: February 12, 2010 7:03 PM
Last Updated: February 12, 2010 7:03 PM
As you know, the National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association last year called on President Obama to convene a White House Conference on Wildfires.
Others are interested in pursuing this issue.
Members of the Interntional Association of Fire Chief’s Wildland Fire Policy Committee have written articles such as (see the IAFC web site):
• Ready, Set, Go! Saving Lives and Property During a Wildland Fire
• National Wildfire Coordinating Group Reorganization
• How Can You Continue to Deploy Resources in These Tough Financial Times?
• Building Partnerships to Prevent Wildland Fires
• Prepare.Act. Survive. The Australian Approach to Revised Community Messaging
• A Wildland National Strategy?
• Four Years of Trial by Fire in Texas: Important Lessons Learned
• RFA and VFA: More than Just Wildland Fire Funding
There is a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) 2010 conference in Reno, Nevada, March 28- April 1, 2010
MORE INFO? www.iafc.org/wui
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PA FIRE AND EMT RESPONDERS RESPOND TO HUGE SNOW STORM
Originally Posted: February 11, 2010 8:48 PM
Last Updated: February 11, 2010 8:48 PM
Fire officials said Wednesday they had not responded to any fires, but had been busy with medical calls amidst the snow storm.
York City Fire/Rescue Services Lt. Dave Ferguson (Pennsylvania) said firefighters helped residents with diabetic problems, pedestrians that had been struck by vehicles, and those that were experiencing trouble breathing.
Ferguson said the city roads were "A little slow, a little rough, but we have chains on the vehicles," not to mention that the city's public works had been doing a good job clearing the snow.
Ira Walker, chief of Eureka Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company, said two Stewartstown residents - Ryan Miller and Nick Houston - used their snowmobiles to help other residents in need.
Miller and Houston took an emergency medical technician to a report of a deceased elderly person - the person died from natural causes, Walker said.
The pair also helped a Baltimore County police officer who had driven into a snow bank after dropping off a co-worker who lived in York County, PA.
Their third mission was to help an elderly couple concerned that their furnace vents were clogged with snow.
"They were very valuable in both storms," Walker said of Miller and Houston.
The directive came from Pennsylvania just after noon during Wednesday's blizzard - close Interstate 83 as a preemptive strike, to avoid any serious crashes.
Off-ramps were kept open so drivers could exit the interstate, but plows blocked on-ramps, piling snow to prevent wayward drivers from entering the snowy wasteland.
"The bottom line, this was a very dangerous situation . . . with gusts of wind as high as 50 miles per hour, combined with snowfall . . . If you cannot see where you are going, it's too risky," PennDOT deputy press secretary Steve Chizmar said.
Still reeling from last week's two feet of snow, Wednesday's blizzard dumped another 15 to 22 inches on York County, Pennylvania causing road closures, power outages and near white-out driving conditions.
High-powered gusts not only caused low visibility, but made pushing the snow nearly impossible.
"We're throwing that snow up, and it's coming right back down," PennDOT spokesman Michael Crochunis said.
Crews in North Hopewell Township stopped plowing Wednesday afternoon - except for emergency situations - while waiting for the worst of the storm to be over.
"Everything we opened up blew shut right behind us," said Dusty Grove, chairman of the board of supervisors. "It's just useless."
They had a broken plow, a truck go off the road and an alternator fail, Grove said. Even after getting all that fixed, he said, the blowing snow forced them to stop for the night and wait to tackle the roads in the morning.
"This is a good, old-fashioned Pennsylvania blizzard," Grove said.
In York County, it was also a record-breaking blizzard.
John LaCorte, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said the February snowfall record for York County had been 18 inches, set in 1979.
"So we've blown that out of the water," LaCorte said.
The seasonal record in York County is 78.7 inches, set in 1957-58. The inch-count so far this season stands at 50.8, he said.
As far as the last time there had been two major storms back-to-back in the area, "It's not in my memory," LaCorte said.
Fire officials said Wednesday they had not responded to any fires, but had been busy with medical calls.
York City Fire/Rescue Services Lt. Dave Ferguson said firefighters helped residents with diabetic problems, pedestrians that had been struck by vehicles, and those that were experiencing trouble breathing.
Ferguson said the city roads were "A little slow, a little rough, but we have chains on the vehicles," not to mention that the city's public works had been doing a good job clearing the snow.
Ira Walker, chief of Eureka Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company, said two Stewartstown residents - Ryan Miller and Nick Houston - used their snowmobiles to help other residents in need.
Miller and Houston took an emergency medical technician to a report of a deceased elderly person - the person died from natural causes, Walker said.
The pair also helped a Baltimore County police officer who had driven into a snow bank after dropping off a co-worker who lived in York County.
Their third mission was to help an elderly couple concerned that their furnace vents were clogged with snow.
"They were very valuable in both storms," Walker said of Miller and Houston.
Keeping homes powered
The snow pulled down power lines, knocking out electricity for about 900 customers in Felton for about four hours, according to Met-Ed. Some homes were without power for a time in West Manchester Township after a car slid off the road and into a pole supporting lines.
Terry Gilman, spokesman for Met-Ed, said Wednesday night that power had been restored to customers in Felton and West Manchester Township earlier in the day.
"We've had a minimal amount of people out during the storm . . . the system's holding together pretty good," he said. "We still have crews working around the clock prepared to respond to any outages that occur throughout the night."
Residents dig out
Most convenience and grocery stores stayed open, as did some bars and fast food places, but that was about it.
County residents stayed inside, as schools closed and municipalities declared states of emergency. Businesses told employees to stay home, and county office workers woke up knowing they had the day off.
Over and over again, those who did venture out compared the week to blizzards that shut down the county in the mid-1990s.
"That's about right," said Connie Warner of Dallastown as she shoveled snow.
As she worked, her neighbor, Pauline Wolf, who was trying to dig out a fire hydrant, turned and yelled down.
"Hey lady, want any free snow?"
Dan Wolf was clearing the walk in front of his Red Lion home around noon.
"About an hour ago," he said, "I couldn't see across the street. You wouldn't know anything was there."
FORECAST
After Wednesday's blizzard, weather-wise, "The next couple days are going to calm down" in York County, said John LaCorte, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in State College.
Today and Friday, as well as during the weekend, we will see no snowfall, and highs will hover around freezing, he said. Skies will be a mix of sun and clouds, LaCorte said.
Next week, there is the possibility of some snow Monday or Tuesday, but "It doesn't look big," LaCorte said.
HOW MUCH DID YOU GET?
Some area inch counts, reported Wednesday by the National Weather Service:
Orrtanna: 27.5 inches at 8:05 p.m.
Arendtsville: 23 inches at 2 p.m.
York: 22 inches at 8 p.m.
New Freedom: 22 inches at 5:42 p.m.
Shiloh: 22 inches at 3:30 p.m.
Loganville: 21 inches at 5:36 p.m.
Dover: 20.5 inches at 1:50 p.m.
York Springs: 20 inches at 4:15 p.m.
Spring Grove: 19 inches at 1:52 p.m.
Manchester: 18 inches at 3 p.m.
Valley Green: 17 inches at 6:04 p.m.
Dillsburg: 16 inches at 6:55 p.m.
Seven Valleys: 17.5 inches at 11:30 a.m.
Shrewsbury: 15.6 inches at 11:43 a.m.
Hanover: 15.0 inches at 11:43 a.m.
Thomasville: 15 inches at 11:42 a.m.
CLOSURES
York County offices will be closed today, including the York County Judicial Center.
All HACC campuses are closed.
The Penn State York campus is closed.
TRASH COLLECTION
Penn Waste has cancelled all collections for the remainder of this week. Normal collections will resume Monday, and Penn Waste will waive normal bag collection limits and collect double the normal volumes.
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT PLOWS
So why is it that all those private plows drive around with their blades up? Why don't they chip in?
It's about liability, PennDOT spokesman Michael Crochunis said.
If a private plower were to take a chunk out of Route 30, he'd have to pay for the damage, Crochunis said. It's the same reason private plowers who contract with PennDOT to plow a specific route will only lower their blade on that road.
But, Crochunis said, plow crews also work with a strategy. If a plow train is spreading road-conditioning material, it wouldn't do any good for another plow to come along and scrape away that material.
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MID-ATLANTIC STATES HOPING FOR FEMA HELP TO PAY FOR OVER-BUDGET SNOW REMOVAL MAY FIND STATE AND FEDERAL TREASURY BARE: FIRE, EMS, POLICE ARE VULNERABLE AS EMERGENCY RESPONSE BUDGETS ARE SQUEEZED
Originally Posted: February 10, 2010 6:54 AM
Last Updated: February 10, 2010 6:54 AM
A succession of heavy snowfalls, winds, and cold weather are draining local funds in the Mid-Atlantic states. Money that might go for any other natural or
man-made disaster is now going for snow removal, forcing communities to draw funds from other accounts to pay for this winter's unexpected deluge of cold.
Already, many communities are looking to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for financial help. The view here is that the way-above-average-year-snow is doing the damage equivalent to massive flooding, earthquakes, or tornadoes.
Since most Federal offices are closed, no official announcement has been made by Federal officials. With Federal funds being reduced due to the sinking economy, there is going to be an exceptional strain felt from counties to Federal offices. Nothing is certain about how to respond, but most local officials view this weather pattern as an emergency meriting Federal help.
Officials in Arlington County, Va., accross the Potomac River from Washington D.C., already blew through its snow removal budget in January, 2910 says Aileen Winquist, a county environmental planner. The Virginia Department of Transportation has spent $79 million it had budgeted for the winter and is currently tapping a $25 million reserve fund.
"We are certainly operating in a deficit situation," says VDOT spokesman Jeffrey Caldwell. "Right now we are we are doing what we have to do. ... We will not know for some time what money the Federal Emergency Management Agency will grant us to recoup. "
Steve Chizmar of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation says that the Keystone State has more than enough road salt but still faces plenty of other costs such as overtime for the weekend storm.
Cherry Hill, N.J., a suburb of Philadelphia, for one could use some help.
"This is going to be a significant challenge for the Township of Cherry Hill," says Dan Keashen, a spokesman for the municipality, which had budgeted about $500,000 to clear snow from its 226 miles of roadways. "It would go along way if (New Jersey) Gov. (Chris) Christie were to declare a state of emergency. ... In a snow event like this it's all hands on deck."
Declaring an "emergency" and getting "emergency funds" are two different things and for the first time areas eligible for emergency help from the Federal and state governments may find the treasury empty.
One vulnerable funding source is support from budgets that normally go to emergency responders -- fire, EMS, and police. Reduced "public safety" spending may enable cash-strapped communities to pay for their snow removal debts. But at the same time, this diversion of funds will weaken local emergency response and slow or stop the replacement of old and inefficient equipment and gear.
As the winter is not over year, expect some sharp clashes as the scramble begins for local funding.
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LOS ANGELES FIRE AND POLICE PENSIONS BOARD MAY HAVE BEEN INFLUENCED BY FINANCIAL ORGANIZATIONS WHICH SEEK TO MANAGE THE MONEY INVESTED BY THE FUND FOR RETIREMENT OF FIRST RESPONDERS
Originally Posted: February 8, 2010 7:31 PM
Last Updated: February 8, 2010 7:31 PM
The US Securities and Exchange Commission has issued subpoenas to former members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System and the Los Angeles Fire and Police Pensions Board. California Attorney General Jerry Brown also is looking into placement agents with large financial organizations who connect investment managers with public officials who make investment decisions for large state and local retirement funds.
New York Atty. Gen. Andrew Cuomo said two firms will adopt a public pension reform code that bans investment firms from hiring or paying so-called placement agents or lobbyists to introduce them to public officials who make investment decisions.
Cuomo: "Markstone and Wetherly are the eighth and ninth firms to adopt our code of conduct, which ends pay-to-play political contributions and the selling of access to public pension money nationwide."
Two Los Angeles companies that profited from private equity deals with a New York state pension fund agreed to pay $19 million to settle claims arising from an ongoing "pay-to-play" corruption probe. The two companies are Wetherly and Markstone.
But, Markstone Capital Group will return $18 million, after Markstone's founder, Elliott Broidy, pleaded guilty to charges he paid $1 million to New York officials to win $250 million in retirement investment capital.
Wetherly Capital Group and its broker-dealer affiliate, DAV/Wetherly Financial, will pay $1 million to the New York State Common Retirement Fund. Wetherly said it would no longer serve as a sales intermediary helping investment fund managers win business from government pension systems across the nation.
The LA Times story says CalPERS hired a Washington, D.C., securities lawyer to investigate the payment of $125 million in commissions paid by investment managers to politically connected placement agents, including Wetherly, that helped them open doors at the country's biggest government retirement plan.
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ADMINISTRATION PROPOSES CUTS TO ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT PROGRAM
Originally Posted: February 8, 2010 6:49 PM
Last Updated: February 8, 2010 6:49 PM
On Monday, February 1st, 2010 the Obama Administration released its Fiscal Year 2011 budget proposal including $45.6 billion for homeland security spending.
Although the proposal increases funding in some areas, it contains significant cuts to firefighter grant programs.
The budget includes $305 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. Although an increase from the $170 million contained in last year's budget proposal, the figure falls short of the $390 million appropriated by Congress for the current fiscal year. The grant program, which received approximately $3.1 billion in requests in Fiscal Year 2009, provides funding for critical equipment, training, and apparatus directly to local fire departments. It also provides grants for fire prevention and safety programs and firefighter health and safety research.
The Administration also proposes $305 million for the SAFER grant program, a sharp decrease from the $420 million appropriated in FY2010. SAFER provides grants for hiring firefighters to help fire departments combat staffing shortages. The grants also enable volunteer fire departments to assist with recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighting personnel.
The Administration has proposed funding the State Homeland Security Grant Program at $1.05 billion, an increase of $100 million over FY2010. The budget request also contains an increase of $223 million for the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), bringing that program to a proposed funding level of $1.1 billion. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) receives a modest increase of approximately $342,000 over Fiscal Year 2010.
While the Administration's budget proposal is meant to serve as a guideline for federal spending, it is important to note that Congress will ultimately determine funding levels for these programs. The House and Senate Appropriations Committees will now begin work on crafting Fiscal Year 2011 spending bills.
MORE INFO? The Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Proposal can be obtained from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
900 2nd St. NE, Suite 303 Washington DC 20002
Tel: (202) 371-1277 Fax: (202) 682-3473
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IN FIRST FIVE DAYS OF FEBRUARY. 2010: FIRE TAKES 69 DEATHS IN US
Originally Posted: February 8, 2010 6:37 PM
Last Updated: February 8, 2010 6:38 PM
by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association (NEEDA)
One thing that disappoints me is how little the public we serve knows
about fire. The extent of fire danger in their home and community should be a concern for every American citizen.
What the fire industry and first responders do to respond to fire danger is often forgotten when headlines feature "homeland security" issues. Yet, the biggest homeland security death rate is due to fires.
NEEDA Newsletter does not report on every fire, but we do report on big fire events. Yet, the every-day fires worry me but are overlooked by many fellow citizens.
Fires are among the "all hazards" threating Americans: but terrorists get the headlines.
Fortunately, the US Fire Administration keeps a log of fires on a daily basis.
I want to share with you a few days in February 2010 in which there
was one or more fires in the United States. Thanks US Fire Administration for keeping this data!
This is our message to fellow citizens: "No matter where you live and work,
we are concerned about your safety from fire and disaster, accidents and property distruction, and we are making products and services that respond to your needs." We know the government works on "homeland security" but our perspective is far broader, reaching down to every village, town and county in the US.
Just to give you a glimpse at fire in America here below are a few of the fires that have struck in the last few days. Fighting fire touches the hearts of millions in hundreds of communities. Here is a look at the daily toll of fire deaths.
Friday, February 5, 2010
1 dead:
Lake Jackson, TX (Houston, TX) – A woman was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Sitka, AK (Juneau, AK) – A person was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Anaheim Hills, CA (Los Angeles, CA) – A 75-year-old man succumbed to injuries sustained in a retirement home apartment fire on Tuesday, 1/12. A sprinkler system contained the fire to one unit. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Union City, NJ (New York, NY) – A woman was killed in an apartment fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Beaumont, TX (Port Arthur, TX) – A 66-year-old man was killed in a home fire. The fire was caused by careless smoking.
1 dead:
Marietta, GA (Atlanta, GA) – A woman was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Dayton, OH – A 72-year-old woman was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Cypress, TX (Houston, TX) – An elderly woman was killed in a home fire. The fire was caused by an overloaded extension cord.
1 dead:
Merion, PA (Philadelphia, PA) – A 64-year-old man was killed in a home fire. Officials believe the fire was caused by careless smoking.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
5 dead:
Bella Vista, AR (Fort Smith, AR) – A husband, wife and their three children were killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
2 dead:
Ensley, AL (Birmingham, AL) – A 96-year-old woman and her 60-year-old daughter were killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Goldsboro, NC (Raleigh – Durham, NC) – A person was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Houston, TX – An 89-year-old woman was killed in a home fire. Officials believe the fire was caused by an overloaded extension cord.
1 dead:
Ada, OK – A 14-year-old boy was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Green Sea, SC (Florence – Myrtle Beach, SC) – A person was killed in a manufactured home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
St. Louis, MO - A woman was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Newington, CT (Hartford – New Haven, CT) – A man was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Boulder, CO (Denver, CO) – A man was killed in an apartment fire. The mattress the victim was lying on was smoldering. The fire did not spread outside of the mattress. The victim was known to be a smoker. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
3 dead:
Hampton, VA (Norfolk, VA) – A nine-month-old infant, and two toddlers ages, two and three-years-old were killed in a manufactured home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
2 dead:
Melba, ID (Boise, ID) – Two sisters, believed to be in their 30s or 40s, were killed in a manufactured home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Marysville, OH (Columbus, Ohio) – A man was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Fort Payne, AL (Huntsville, AL) – A person was killed in a home fire. Officials believe a space heater located too close to furniture caused the fire.
1 dead:
Washington County, VA (Washington, DC) – A man was killed in a manufactured home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Pitman, NJ (Philadelphia, PA) – A 61-year-old woman was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Haverford, PA (Philadelphia, PA) – A 64-year-old man was killed in an apartment fire. Officials believe the fire was caused by the victim smoking in bed.
1 dead:
Denham Springs, LA (Baton Rouge, LA) – A 70-year-old woman was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The home had no working smoke alarms.
1 dead:
Burwell, NE (Lincoln, NE) – A woman was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
DeKalb, GA (Atlanta, GA) – A man was killed in a home fire. Officials believe a space heater may have caused the fire.
1 dead:
Seattle, WA – A 17-year-old boy was killed in a home fire. The cause of the home fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Detroit, MI – A 41-year-old man was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Big Spring, TX (Odessa – Midland, TX) – A 61-year-old man was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Tuesday, February 2., 2010
1 dead:
Tulsa, OK – An 81-year-old man succumbed from injuries sustained in a home fire that occurred Friday, 1/29. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Ridgeland, MS (Jackson, MS) – An 88-year-old woman was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Alamance County, NC (Greensboro – Winston Salem, NC) – A woman was killed in home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Detroit, MI – An 82-year-old man was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Brazoria County, TX (Houston, TX) – An elderly woman was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Tate County, MS – An 86-year-old woman was killed in a manufactured home fire. Officials believe a space heater may have caused the fire.
1 dead:
St. Paul, MN – A 49-year-old man was killed in an apartment fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Lisle, IL (Chicago, IL) – An 80-year-old man was killed in a manufactured home fire. The fire was caused by the victim smoking while receiving oxygen.
1 dead:
Port Jefferson, NY (New York, NY) – A 52-year-old man was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Accokeek, MD (Washington, DC) – A woman in her 60s was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The home had no working smoke alarms.
1 dead:
Pontotoc County, OK (Oklahoma City, OK) – A 72-year-old man was killed in a home fire. The kitchen stove caused the fire.
Monday, February 1, 2010
2 dead:
Gunnison, CO (Denver, CO) – A 21-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman were killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
2 dead:
Catonsville, MD (Baltimore, MD) – Two adults were killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Canton, OH (Cleveland, OH) – A 38-year-old woman was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Howard County, TX (Dallas - Fort Worth, TX) – A 61-year-old man was killed in a home fire. Officials believe a cigarette caused the fire.
1 dead:
Louisville, MS (Columbus, MS) – A woman was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Lake Conroe, TX (Houston, TX) – A person was killed in a manufactured home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Canarsie, NY (New York, NY) – A person was killed in an apartment fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Carlton, GA (Greenville, SC – Asheville, NC) – An 88-year-old man was killed in home fire. The cause of the fire appears to be electrical in nature.
1 dead:
Richlands, VA (Bluefield - Beckley, WV) – A 49-year-old man was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Mount Morris Township, MI (Flint, MI) – A man was killed in a manufactured home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
West Tisbury, MA (Boston, MA) – A 63-year-old man was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Gray Court, SC (Greenville, SC – Asheville, NC) – A 45-year-old man was killed in a manufactured home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Sacramento, CA – A 50-year-old man was killed in an apartment fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Perth Amboy, NJ (New York, NY) – A 65-year-old man was killed in an apartment fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Sioux Falls, SD – A 68-year-old man was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Temple City, CA (Los Angeles, CA) – An 86-year-old man was killed in a home fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
1 dead:
Frederick, MD (Washington, DC) – A 69-year-old man was killed in an apartment fire. The fire was caused by careless smoking. Officials believe the smoke alarm was not working.
YOUR OPINION? KentonP1@aol.com
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FEMA RELEASES HOTEL AND MOTEL FIRE STATS: $76 MILLION IN PROPERTY LOSS, 150 INJURIES.
Originally Posted: February 5, 2010 10:10 PM
Last Updated: February 5, 2010 10:10 PM
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in its latest Topical Fire Report focuses on the causes and characteristics of fires in hotels and motels.
An estimated 3,900 fires occur each year in hotels and motels. Annually, these fires are also responsible for 15 deaths, 150 civilian injuries, and $76 million in property loss. The report, Hotel and Motel Fires was developed by the National Fire Data Center (Emmitsburg, MD), part of FEMA's U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). The report is based on 2005 to 2007 data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS).
Hotel and motel fires occur mainly in the evening hours, peaking from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Seventeen percent of the fires occur during this time. The number of hotel and motel fires is higher during the winter months when heating fires are more prevalent.
Cooking, electrical malfunctions, and heating are the leading causes of hotel and motel fires. Forty-six percent of hotel and motel fires are caused by cooking with electrical malfunctions and heating each causing an additional 7 percent of fires. Ninety-seven percent of the cooking fires are confined cooking fires, those confined to the container and resulting in limited damage.
Seventy-three percent of hotel and motel fires are confined to the object of origin and an additional 18 percent are confined to the room of fire origin. The remaining 9 percent of fires extend beyond the room of origin.
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SPARTAN MOTORS REVEALS 2009 FINANCIAL RESULTS FEBRUARY 18, 2010
Originally Posted: February 4, 2010 2:18 PM
Last Updated: February 4, 2010 2:18 PM
Spartan Motors, Inc., Charlotte, Michigan releases its fourth quarter and full year 2009 results prior to the market opening on February 18, 2010.
Spartan will webcast its conference call on at 10 AM Easern Time on the 18th to discuss its financial results.
The call will be archived at www.spartanmotors.com.
Spartan Motors, Inc. designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles and truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the outdoor recreation/RV, emergency-response, defense, delivery and service markets.
The company's brand names: Spartan™, Crimson Fire™, Crimson Fire Aerials™, Road Rescue™ and Utilimaster®. The company employs 1,500 at facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Indiana and Texas.
Spartan reported sales of $844.4 million in 2008.
MORE INFO? www.spartanmotors.com
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TEN FIRE DEPARTMENTS WIN $10,000 LIBERTY MUTUAL GRANTS
Originally Posted: February 4, 2010 1:54 PM
Last Updated: February 4, 2010 1:54 PM
Ten cities and towns across the U.S. are being rewarded with $10,000 grants from Liberty Mutual Insurance to their local fire departments.
Nearly 30,000 Americans over a two-month period from October 21 to December 21, 2009 participated in an online fire safety pledge program at www.BeFireSmart.com. Fire departments with the largest number of people demonstrating commitment to fire education on their behalf are:
Large communities (more than 100,000 residents)
Oklahoma City Fire Department
Cincinnati Fire Department
Midsize communities
Ashburn (Va.) Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department
Bay City (Mich.) Fire Department
Carmel (Ind.) Fire Department
Quincy (Mass.) Fire Department
Weymouth (Mass.) Fire Department
Westfield (Ind.) Fire Department
Small communities (less than 10,000 residents)
Crescent Springs-Villa Hills (Ky.) Fire and EMS
Upton (Mass.) Fire Department
Greg Gordon, senior vice president of Consumer Marketing at Liberty Mutual: "Whether it's for new equipment, protective clothing, or spearheading public fire-safety education campaigns, most of our fire departments are in need of additional resources to preserve the invaluable services they provide to our communities. Equally important, nearly 30,000 people are now equipped with knowledge that they can use to protect their families and their homes from fires."
Www.BeFireSmart.com includes games, instructional videos, interactive fire safety quizzes and a tool to build your own fire escape plan. The fast and fun kids section also features a downloadable coloring book that tells a story about the importance of never hiding from a firefighter during a fire. The site also offers classroom lesson plans for teachers, and resources for firefighters.
Boston-based Liberty Mutual Group (Libertymutualgroup.com) is a global insurer and fifth-largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S. based on 2008 direct written premium. Liberty Mutual Group ranks 86th on the Fortune 500 list of largest U.S. corporations, based on 2008 revenue. The company has 45,000 employees located in more than 900 offices throughout the world.
MORE INFO? http://www.libertymutual.com
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