NEEDA - National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association

Governor Bob McDonnell, a proponent of oil drilling off Virginia shores, responded to President Obama's comments on the need to delay East Coast
oil lease sales.

Virginia Governor McDonnell comments following the President's announcement that the White House is cancelling Lease Sale 220 off the coast of Virginia. The lease sale was scheduled for 2012.

McDonnell: "The full attention of the federal government, as well as state and local governments and the private sector companies involved should appropriately be focused on permanently capping this leak and cleaning up the oil that has been spilled. The images from Louisiana and around the Gulf are stunning, and it will take significant time and resources to fully recover from this tragedy."

"The Commonwealth of Virginia is prepared to assist in those efforts, should our services be required or useful. I have previously called Governor Bobby Jindal to inform him of our willingness to help. He is doing excellent work in leading his state's response."

"Similarly, it will take significant time to fully investigate and evaluate what took place at the Deepwater Horizon rig on April 20th and in the ensuing weeks. This accident must lead to necessary improvements in offshore exploration and drilling technology and safety, and the implementation of new safeguards and regulations moving forward. This process will make it difficult to move forward with the lease sale currently scheduled off the coast of Virginia in 2012."

" Thus, I understand the decision the President has made today. While I respect his decision, and the need for delay and investigation, I do not believe outright cancellation was the only alternative given the fact that this sale was not due to occur until two years from now, and actual drilling would likely take place years after that. The two-year environmental impact statement already underway would provide ample information about the wisdom of proceeding on to an actual lease sale."

"It is my hope that the President's action does not signal the end of offshore energy exploration and production off Virginia in the years ahead. Once we have learned the lessons from this tragic accident, and made the necessary changes and improvements in the offshore industry and government oversight, we should move forward with environmentally responsible domestic offshore energy production for oil and natural gas. This nation needs more domestic energy production. If we decrease the amount of energy produced here in the United States, we will only increase the amount of energy we must import from overseas. We must have the foresight and objectivity to not let this tragic accident cripple our ability to increase energy production in the United States. That would be a tragedy in its own right."

NEEDA first reported on legal issues resulting from the oil spill when on May 3, 2010 we reported on the legal liability of the company that made the blow out device that failed.

MORE INFO? Governor McDonnell's website

POSSIBLE LEGAL ACTION FOCUSES MORE AND MORE GULF OIL DISASTER DISCUSSION ON MISLEADING STATEMENTS
Originally Posted: May 29, 2010 4:58 PM
Last Updated: May 29, 2010 5:33 PM

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

As you know from previous articles in NEEDA Newletter, I have been on
conference calls in which key people involved in the Gulf oil disaster have
reported on progress and other developments now affecting Louisiana, neighboring states, and threatening Florida. As I said yesterday morning, a maritime report shows 19% of the Gulf is closed to commercial fisheries and others.

Assistant Atty. Gen. Ignacia Moreno of the environment and natural resources division, Assistant Atty. Gen. Tony West, who heads the Justice Department's civil division and Assistant Atty. Gen. Ronald Welch are working on the case.
But none of this has been mentioned on any of the calls I have listened to from the area. Nor have any of the principals commented on any legal aspects of the disaster.

On TV today, President Obama said the buck stops with him.

U.S. attorneys and state officials sent letters to executives of BP and Transocean Ltd., the drilling rig owner, warning against destroying documents or other internal records, according to news reports.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has sent to Attorney General Holder a letter asking for a ten million dollar setaside to fund the investigation. BP's principal exec on scene is BP Chief Executive Tony Hayward.

BP, Transocean, Ltd. and other companies are cooperating by providing info to Washington investigators and promising to clean up the mess.

The investigators in Louisiana are focusing on how well BP has obeyed federal safety regulations or misled the governments involved and the public.

Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), chair of the US Senate Environment and Public Works Committee: "The Department of Justice will take all necessary and appropriate steps to ensure that those responsible for this tragic series of events are held fully accountable."

Senator Boxer: "Review this matter with respect to civil and criminal laws related to false statements to the federal government." Boxer and her committee believe some statements to be "false and misleading."

BP told the federal Minerals Management Service: An oil spill would have little or no effect on fish habitats because the company would use "proven equipment and technology" to respond to a blowout and spill and quickly contain the damage.

Boxer: "It does not in any way appear that there was 'proven equipment and technology.'"

BP said in a May 10, 2010 statement says all of its techniques underway to stop the spill "involve significant uncertainties because they have not been tested in these conditions before."

BP's Robert Kaluza, invoked the 5th Amendment against self-incrimination and refused to testify at a separate Coast Guard inquiry in Louisiana.

BP: "Bob is a dedicated, hardworking, conscientious man. Bob did no wrong on the Deepwater Horizon, and we will make damn sure that this comes out at the appropriate time."

See NEEDA Newsletter Titled:
CAMERON IS FIRST TO BE HIT BY INJURY LIABILITY IN GULF OIL SPILL CASE
Originally Posted: May 3, 2010 12:42 PM

NEEDA PUBLISHES ORIGIN OF CURRENT DEBATE OVER: WHAT SHOULD THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DO VS. WHAT SHOULD THE PRIVATE SECTOR COMPANIES IN THE FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE INDUSTRY DO?
Originally Posted: May 29, 2010 9:56 AM
Last Updated: May 29, 2010 9:56 AM

by Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association

Yesterday, I published on NEEDA Newsletter a summary of a major meeting I participated in attended by the head of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, large companies and small companies.

Today, I received several e-mails asking for more info about this issue. The meeting was called following the publication in the Federal Register of a long
discussion of the question: When should the government do commercial work, if ever, and when should government's requirements be achieved by large and small contractors who sell products, services, and management skills?

On March 31, 2010, OFPP published a notice of a Proposed Policy Letter entitled “Work Reserved for Performance by Federal Government Employees,” (“Proposed Policy”), 75 Fed. Reg. 16188. This was to implement section 321 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2009 which, OFPP states:
requires OMB to (i) create a single definition for the term “inherently governmental function” that addresses any deficiencies in the existing definitions and reasonably applies to all agencies; (ii) establish criteria to be used by agencies to identify “critical” functions and positions that should only be performed by federal employees; and (iii) provide guidance to improve internal agency management of functions that are inherently governmental or critical.

If you have a viewpoint on this subject, please send your comments to NEEDA:
KentonP1@aol.com or PO Box 220, Annandale, VA 22003 or 703 850 8552

MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS DISCUSS FEDERAL MARKET STRATEGIES BUT MAY TAKE BUSINESS FROM DEALERS BY PENETRATING THE STATE AND LOCAL EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT MARKETS
Originally Posted: May 28, 2010 9:21 PM
Last Updated: May 28, 2010 9:21 PM

by Kenton Pattie, Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association

At a Washington DC meeting this week in which NEEDA was the only representative of the fire industry, companies said that 5 to 10 years for US government contract terms is too long and urged flexibiity so that smaller companies and new products can enter the Federal marketplace.

At the meeting, companies argued the pros and cons of Federal buyers establishing contracts only applicable to one agency vs. contracts that apply to all Federal agencies. One speaker said Federal prime contractors often get 8-year contracts "so how do agencies get innovation from small businesses?"

Some companies prefer single agency contracts -- in which the seller deals with the specific needs of an individual buying entity -- while others pointed to the
flaws in blanket Federal schedules which don't satisfy the needs of all agencies.

A contractor responding to a "mission specific" request may best meet the agency's needs. But the creation of many agency specific or task specific requirements may be wasteful.

Apparently, many company and Federal officials did not anticipate the proliferation of government contracts. Duplication resulted.

One contractor said on a military base in South Carolina, the government had approved three companies -- each located on base in its own trailer -- to fulfill all military contract requirements . . . whatever the base needed these three companies were to fulfill. Competition was thus limited and outside firms were excluded.

While the number of agency specific contracts has increased so has the number of government wide contracts. Some government wide contracts have agency specific requirements being fulfilled within the broader terms of the contract.

Small companies and new companies find the current situation hard to penetrate. One of the avenues for these companies is the "ramp on" in which
a company can compete even though other companies already have on going
contracts. Similarly there is the "ramp off" in which companies have the flexibility to leave a contract category to pursue other opportunitiesl.

Some company spokespeople said it is "expensive" to compete for many Federal agency contracts which have similar elements. But for most of the companies,
unrestricted entrance to the market and being flexible to meet the needs of the government client are the most important valuable aspects of responding to government buyers.

Some company execs said they spend a lot of money each year preparing and pursuing government contract opportunities. A year may go by before a proposal is accepted. "We have a long wait to see a return" one company speaker said.

Some advocate a "small business set-aside" provision in Government Wide
contracts.

The issue of "performance data base" was discussed and while the government does have a standardized performance information system plan, company
representatives did not seem to be familiar with it. Company speakers agreed that it takes a sacrafice on the front end of the pursuit of a contract
opportunity to earn a ticket to successful performance in the long term.

The participants discussed the fact that some agencies use contracts established by other agencies -- a practice called gypsy contracting by one speaker.

Companies with a view on the future of Federal government contracting
should contact the Office of Federal Procurement Policy at the Office of Management and Budget which is part of the President's Executive Offices.
Decisions made by the OFPP on this subject will impact government contracting for many years ahead.

This whole issue is important to the fire industry because companies with Federal government contracts can offer their government items for sale to state and local governments for the first time and thus compete directly with emergency equipment dealers.

The US General Services Administration has succeeded in penetrating the dealer marketplace by having GSA contractors offer multiple awards contracts to state and local fire equipment and services buyers.

NEEDA is opposed to the use of Federal multiple awards contracts in state and local markets. GSA multiple awards contracts are predatory opponents of dealers and rob the dealer of market opportunities.

AVIATION SECURITY COMPANIES SHOW OFF AT CAPITOL HILL DISPLAY
Originally Posted: May 28, 2010 1:21 PM
Last Updated: May 28, 2010 1:21 PM

Companies that provide solutions to the homeland security marketplace demonstrated their aviation security technologies on Capitol Hill, Washington DC. They were hosted by Homeland Security & Defense Business Council in coordination with the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security.

Marc Pearl, President & CEO of the Homeland Security & Defense Business Council: "A dozen of our member companies came together to help provide a better understanding of the emerging and available technologies that have been developed and, in many cases, deployed to keep our airports – and our nation – more secure."

The event highlighted aviation security solutions from Accenture; Avaya Government Solutions, Inc.; Battelle; Capgemini; DRS Technologies; ENSCO; FLIR; General Dynamics; Optelecom-NKF, Inc.; Raytheon; Telcordia; Thales and Tyco International Ltd. The demonstration was an opportunity for members of Congress and their staff to view the technology capabilities designed specifically to protect, respond to and/or recover from aviation security incidents.

The Homeland Security & Defense Business Council is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization of the companies that bring homeland security solutions to the marketplace.

One Congressional staffer asked NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie: "Why don't the fire and emergency response companies organize a show on Capitol Hill like the aviation companies do?"

DEEPWATER HORIZON GULF OIL DISASTER CLOSES 19% OF GULF AS PROBLEM GROWS
Originally Posted: May 27, 2010 6:18 AM
Last Updated: May 27, 2010 6:18 AM

DEEPWATER HORIZON: Gulf Oil Disater

RESPONSE IN NUMBERS:

The closed area now represents 45,728 square miles, which is slightly less than 19 percent of Gulf of Mexico federal waters. This leaves more than 81 percent of Gulf federal waters—or nearly 195,000 square miles—still available for fishing.

Claims filed to BP = 15,600
Claims paid by BP= 2,700
Total response vessels: more than 950
Containment boom deployed: more than 1.36 million feet
Containment boom available: more than 350,000 feet
Sorbent boom deployed: more than 480,000 feet
Sorbent boom available: more than 800,000 feet
Total boom deployed: more than 1.8 million feet (regular plus sorbent boom)
Total boom available: more than 1.15 million feet (regular plus sorbent boom)
Oily water recovered: more than 7.65 million gallons
Surface dispersant used: approximately 590,000 gallons
Subsea dispersant used: approximately 53,000
Total dispersant used: approximately 640,000
Dispersant available: more than 300,000 gallons
Overall personnel responding: more than 20,000

Subsea efforts continue to focus on progressing options to stop the flow of oil from the well through interventions via the blow out preventer (BOP), and to collect the flow of oil from the leak points. These efforts are being carried out in conjunction with governmental authorities and other industry experts.

The riser insertion tube tool (RITT) containment system that was put into place in the end of the leaking riser is operational. It is estimated to be collecting and carrying about 2,000 barrels a day (b/d) of oil to flow up to the drillship Discoverer Enterprise on the surface 5,000 feet above. Produced oil is being stored on the drillship while produced gas is being flared.

It is expected that it will take some time to increase the flow through the system and maximise the proportion of oil and gas flowing through the broken riser that will be captured and transported to the drillship.

This remains a new technology and both its continued operation and its effectiveness in capturing the oil and gas remain uncertain. Other containment options continue to be progressed.

BP also continues to develop options to shut off the flow of oil from the well through interventions via the failed BOP.

Plans continue to develop a so called "top kill" operation where heavy drilling fluids are injected into the well to stem the flow of oil and gas, followed by cement to seal the well. Most of the equipment is on site and preparations continue for this operation, with a view to deployment in the next week or so. Options have also been developed to potentially combine this with the injection under pressure of a variety of materials into the BOP to seal off upward flow.

Work on the first relief well, which began on May 2, continues.
Work continues to collect and disperse oil that has reached the surface of the sea. Over 750 vessels are involved in the response effort, including skimmers, tugs, barges and recovery vessels.

Intensive operations to skim oil from the surface of the water have now recovered, in total, some 158,000 barrels (6.6 million gallons) of oily liquid. The total length of boom deployed as part of efforts to prevent oil reaching the coast is now more than 1.7 million feet, including over 400,000 feet of sorbent boom.

In total over 19,000 personnel from BP, other companies and government agencies are currently involved in the response to this incident. So far 15,600 claims have been filed and 2,700 have already been paid.

On 17 May, BP announced further grants, totalling $70 million, to Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi to help mitigate the economic impact of the oil spill. Including these grants, the cost of the response to date amounts to about $625 million, including the cost of the spill response, containment, relief well drilling, previous grants to the Gulf states, settlements and federal costs.

The President Urges Congress to Act on Legislation to Enhance Response
President Obama again urged Congress to act quickly on a legislative package that will enable the Deepwater BP Oil Spill response to continue expeditiously, speed assistance to people affected by this spill, and strengthen and update the oil spill liability system to better address catastrophic events.

The President issued the following statement: “I am disappointed that an effort to ensure that oil companies pay fully for disasters they cause has stalled in the United States Senate on a partisan basis. This maneuver threatens to leave taxpayers, rather than the oil companies, on the hook for future disasters like the BP oil spill. I urge the Senate Republicans to stop playing special interest politics and join in a bipartisan effort to protect taxpayers and demand accountability from the oil companies.”

Satellite imagery indicates that the main bulk of the oil is dozens of miles away from the Loop Current, but that a tendril of light oil has been transported within close proximity. NOAA is conducting ongoing aerial observations to determine with certainty whether or not the oil has actually entered the Loop Current, and continues engage experts within and outside government to develop long-term oil movement forecasts.

Both the location of the Loop Current and the oil slick are dynamic—moving around from day to day. The proximity of the tendril of light oil to the Loop Current indicates that oil is increasingly likely to become entrained. In the time it would take for oil to travel to the vicinity of the Loop Current, any oil would be highly weathered and the natural processes of evaporation and dispersion would reduce the oil volume significantly. The oil would also be significantly diminished by ongoing chemical dispersant application.

Out of an abundance of caution, NOAA has extended the boundaries of the closed fishing area in the Gulf of Mexico into the northern portion of the Loop Current as a precautionary measure to ensure that seafood from the Gulf will remain safe for consumers. Though the latest analysis shows that the bulk of the oil remains dozens of miles from the Loop Current, the new boundaries address the possibility that a tendril of light oil has entered or will enter it.

Details can be found at http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/.

The newly closed area is more than 150 miles from the nearest port and primarily in deep water used by pelagic longline fisheries that target highly migratory species, such as tuna and swordfish. Coastal fisheries, such as grouper, snapper and shrimp, will not be affected by the expansion of the closed area.

NASA Continues to Provide Satellite Imagery to Monitor the Oil Slick
NASA scientists and research partners are working closely to provide satellite data to those who need it in the wake of the disaster. One such scientist is Sonia Gallegos, of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), who recently spent several days on a boat seeing the effects of the oil spill first hand. This project, which proposes to use NASA’s active and passive remote sensing capabilities to monitor oil slicks, was funded by NASA six months ago and got a serious jump start three weeks ago when the Deepwater Horizon BP oil rig caught fire and sunk.

This project is part of a larger effort by NASA’s Applied Sciences Program to address coastal management issues in the Gulf of Mexico. NASA’s Gulf of Mexico Initiative began in response to the impact of hurricanes Katrina, Dennis, Rita and Wilma in 2005 and overall is intended to enhance the ecological and economic health of the Gulf. NASA is working to achieve these goals through use of expertise in remote sensing, oceanography, coastal processes, signal processing and mathematical modeling.

Controlled Burn Conducted
Favorable weather conditions allowed responders to conduct a successful controlled burn operation for the second consecutive day. As part of a coordinated response that combines tactics deployed above water, below water, offshore, and close to coastal areas, controlled burns efficiently remove oil from the open water in an effort to protect shoreline and wildlife.

Aircraft Conduct Aerial Dispersant Missions
Modular Aerial Spray System (MASS) aircraft flew multiple missions—dispensing the same dispersant chemical being used by BP and the federal responders. These systems are capable of covering up to 250 acres per flight.

Coastal Waters Assessment Team Completes Sampling
NOAA’s Mussel Watch replacement team completed sampling throughout coastal Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, and is now focused on collecting oysters, sediments and water at eight remaining sites in Texas. In total, the Mussel Watch pre-oiling sample expedition will have visited 60 sites in the northeastern Gulf region in partnership with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service, the Louisiana Department of Fish & Wildlife, Louisiana State University, and the MOTE Marine Laboratory.

BP Announces Tourism Grants To Four Gulf States
BP is today announcing grants to each of the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana to help their Governors promote tourism around the shores of the Gulf of Mexico over the coming months.

This is part of our ongoing commitment to help mitigate the economic impact of the oil spill.

BP is providing $25 million to Florida and $15 million each to Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

"The Gulf Coast is our home too. We are doing everything we can to plug the leak, contain the spill offshore and protect the shoreline. With the deployment of the riser insertion tool yesterday, we made important progress in containing the spill, and that will further strengthen our ability to keep oil off the shore," said Tony Hayward, BP’s Group Chief Executive.

"We understand the Governors' concerns for the impact on the tourism industry, and are making funds available so that they can support the industry’s efforts to provide accurate information about the state of the beaches across the region."

These grants are in addition to the $25 million grants BP announced May 5 to help each of the four states accelerate the implementation of Area Contingency Plans. The grants announced today are for the Governors to distribute as they see fit to promote tourism.

The grants BP has made to the four states do not affect BP's response to the Deepwater Horizon incident or existing claims process, but are supplemental to them.

SBA Administrator Karen Mills has made available low-interest economic injury assistance loans—and deferring the first payment for 12 months—for small businesses suffering financial losses following the oil spill in coastal regions of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi.

While small businesses are encouraged to file claims with BP, these loans can provide the critical temporary assistance needed to overcome the loss of revenue they are currently experiencing. Additionally, the agency is offering deferral opportunities for small businesses in the affected areas on existing SBA disaster loans, as well as encouraging private lenders who have borrowers in the affected areas with existing SBA-guaranteed loans to consider deferrals.

MORE INFO? www.sba.gov or (800) 659-2955.

CATALOGUE OF 31 FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Originally Posted: May 24, 2010 10:33 AM
Last Updated: May 24, 2010 10:33 AM

Catalog of Federal Disaster Assistance (CFDA)

Assistance to Firefighters Grant (Source: U.S. Fire Administration)
(CFDA Number: 97.044)
Provides assistance to local fire departments to protect citizens and firefighters against the effects of fire and fire-related incidents.
(Fire departments and other first responders)

Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program
(CFDA Number: 97.040)
Improves preparedness to protect the people of certain communities in the unlikely event of an accident involving this country's stockpiles of obsolete chemical munitions.
(States, localities and tribal governments)

Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP)
CEDAP complements the FEMA National Preparedness Directorate’s other major grant programs to enhance regional response capabilities, mutual aid, and interoperable communications by providing technology and equipment, together with training and technical assistance required to operate that equipment, to public safety agencies in smaller jurisdictions and certain metropolitan areas.

Community Assistance Program, State Support Services Element (CAP-SSSE) (CFDA Number: 97.023)
Provides funding to States to provide technical assistance to communities in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and to e?valuate community performance in implementing NFIP floodplain management acti?vities.
(States)

Community Disaster Loan Program
(CFDA Number: 97.03)
Provides funds to any eligible jurisdiction in a designated disaster area that has suffered a substantial loss of tax and other revenue.
(Localities)

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
(PDF - 129KB) (TXT - 8KB)
(CFDA Numbers: 97.02, 97.021)
Supports programs designed to improve capabilities associated with oil and hazardous materials emergency planning and exercising.
(States, localities and tribal governments, U.S. territories, state emergency response committee?s (SERCs) and LEPCs)

Cooperating Technical Partners
(CFDA Number: 97.045)
Provides technical assistance, training, and/or data to support flood hazard data development activities.
(States, localities, tribal governments)

Crisis Counseling
(CFDA Number: 97.032)
Provides supplemental funding to States for short-term crisis counseling services to people affected in Presidentially declared disasters.
(Individuals via states)

Disaster Legal Services
(CFDA Number: 97.033)
Provides free legal assistance to disaster victims.
(Individuals via states)

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program
(CFDA Number: 97.034)
Provides unemployment benefits and re-employment services to individuals who have become unemployed because of major disasters.
(Individuals)

Emergency Food and Shelter Program
(CFDA Number: 97.024)
Supplements the work of local social service organizations within the United States, both private and governmental, to help people in need of emergency assistance.
(Private-Nonprofit community and government organizations)

Emergency Management Institute
(CFDA Numbers: 97.026, 97.027, 97.28)
Provides training and education to the fire service, its allied professions, emergency management officials, and the general public.
(Fire departments, other first responders, emergency management officials and individuals)

Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG)
(CFDA Number: 97.042)
Provides assistance for the development, maintenance, and improvement of state and local emergency management capabilities.
(States and U.S. territories via the State Administrative Agency (SAA))

Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Grant Program
The FY 2008 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Grant Program is intended to improve emergency management and preparedness capabilities by supporting flexible, sustainable, secure, and interoperable EOCs with a focus on addressing identified deficiencies and needs.

Fire Management Assistance Grant Program
(CFDA Number: 97.046)
Assistance for the mitigation, management, and control of fires on publicly or privately owned forests or grasslands, which threaten such destruction as would constitute a major disaster.
(States, local and tribal governments)

Flood Mitigation Assistance Program
(CFDA Number: 97.029)
Provides funding to assist States and communities in implementing measures to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood damage to buildings, manufactured homes, and other structures insurable under the NFIP.
(States and localities)

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
(CFDA Number: 97.039)
Provides grants to States and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration.
(States, localities and tribal governments; certain private-nonprofit organizations or institutions; authorized tribal organizations; and Alaska native villages or organizations via states)

Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)
(CFDA Number: 97.067)
Enhances the capacity of State and local emergency responders to prevent, respond to, and recover from a weapons of mass destruction (WMD) terrorism incident involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) devices and cyber attacks.
(States, localities and U.S. territories)

Individuals and Households Grant Program (Recovery)(CFDA Numbers: 97.048, 97.049, 97.05)
Provides money or direct assistance to individuals, families and businesses in an area whose property has been damaged or destroyed and whose losses are not covered by insurance.
(Individuals)

Map Modernization Management Support
(CFDA Number: 97.070)
Provides funding to supplement, not supplant, ongoing flood hazard mapping management efforts by the local, regional, or State agencies.
(States and localities)

National Dam Safety Program
(CFDA Number: 97.041)
Provides financial assistance to the states for strengthening their dam safety programs.
(States)

National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP)
(CFDA Number: 97.082)
Provides financial assistance to the states for strengthening their dam safety programs.
(States)

National Fire Academy Education and Training (Source: U.S. Fire Administration)
(CFDA Numbers: 97.018, 97.029)
Provides training to increase the professional level of the fire service and others responsible for fire prevention and control.
(Fire departments and firefighting personnel)

National Flood Insurance Program
(CFDA Number: 97.022)
Enables property owners in participating communities to purchase insurance as a protection against flood losses in exchange for State and community floodplain management regulations that reduce future flood damages.
(States, localities, and individuals)

National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Response System
(CFDA Number: 97.025)
Provides funding for the acquisition, maintenance, and storage of equipment, training, exercises, and training facilities to meet task force position criteria, and conduct and participate in meetings within the National US&R Response System.
(US&R task forces)

Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program
(CFDA Number: 97.017)
Provides funds for hazard mitigation planning and the implementation of mitigation projects prior to a disaster event.
(States, localities and tribal governments)

Public Assistance Grant Program
(CFDA Number: 97.036)
Provides assistance to alleviate suffering and hardship resulting from major disasters or emergencies declared by the President.
(States, localities, tribal governments and private-nonprofit organizations via states)

Reimbursement for Firefighting on Federal Property (Source: U.S. Fire Administration)
(CFDA Number: 97.016)
Provides reimbursement only for direct costs and losses over and above normal operating costs.
(States, localities, tribal governments and fire departments)

Repetitive Flood Claims Program
(CFDA Number: 97.092)
Provides funding to States and communities to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood damage to structures insurede under the NFIP that have had one or more claims for flood damages, and that can not meet the requirements of the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program for either cost share or capacity to manage the activities.
(States and localities)

Severe Repetitive Loss Program
(CFDA Number 97.110)
Provides assistance to States and local governments in supporting actions that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood damage to residential properties insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that meet the definition of severe repetitive loss property, and to reduce losses to the National Flood Insurance Fund (NFIF) by funding projects that result in the greatest savings to the NFIF in the shortest time period.
State Fire Training System Grants (Source: U.S. Fire Administration)
(CFDA Number: 97.043)
Provide financial assistance to State Fire Training Systems for the delivery of a variety of National Fire Academy (NFA) courses/programs.
(State Fire Training Systems)

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act
Provides funding for training in emergency planning, preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery capabilities associated with hazardous chemicals.
(Public officials, fire and police personnel, medical personnel, first responders, and other tribal response and planning personnel)

TENNESSEE BUSINESSES, FIRST RESPONDERS, NON-PROFITS AND CITIZENS OFFERED EXTENSIVE FEDERAL DISASTER HELP
Originally Posted: May 24, 2010 10:21 AM
Last Updated: May 24, 2010 10:21 AM

Additional counties have been designated for disaster assistance as part of Tennessee’s federal disaster declaration: Cannon, Giles and Marshall, have been designated to receive Individual Assistance. This includes funding to homeowners and renters to help pay for temporary housing, home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not met by insurance or other assistance programs. Also low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to cover residential and business losses not fully covered by insurance.

The number of Tennessee counties declared for Individual Assistance now totals 45. These include: Benton, Carroll, Cannon, Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, DeKalb, Dickson, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Giles, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, Madison, Marshall, Maury, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby, Smith, Stewart, Sumner, Tipton, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson and Wilson.

Individuals and business owners in the newly designated counties who were affected may apply for assistance any time online at ww.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA’s toll-free registration number, 800-621-FEMA (3362). Those with a speech or hearing disability may call a special TTY number at 800-462-7585. The registration lines are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., local time.

FEMA’s Public Assistance includes reimbursement for permanent repair and replacement of disaster-damaged public infrastructure, such as roads and municipal buildings, (including certain non-profit organizations) in these counties: Benton, Cannon, Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Crocket, Decatur, Dyer, Gibson, Giles, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lewis, Madison, Marshall, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion, Pickett, Smith, Stewart, Tipton, Wayne and Wilson.

These same counties are also eligible for reimbursement for emergency protective measures, which may include overtime funding for first responder agencies and debris removal, as well as direct federal assistance for supplies, such as food and water. These 16 counties have so far been declared for Public Assistance limited to emergency repairs and direct federal assistance: Carroll, Davidson, DeKalb, Dickson, Fayette, Hardeman, Lawrence, Macon, Maury, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Shelby, Sumner, Trousdale and Williamson.

Currently, FEMA’s Public Assistance program will reimburse state and local governments for up to 75 percent of the funding for these projects while the state and local government cover the remaining cost.

NIST STUDY SHOWS LARGER RESPONDING FIRE CREWS PUT DOWN FIRES FASTER
Originally Posted: May 24, 2010 10:07 AM
Last Updated: May 24, 2010 10:07 AM

The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) says that the size of firefighting crews has a substantial effect on the fire service's ability to protect lives and property in residential fires.

A NIST study found that four-person firefighting crews are able to complete 22 essential firefighting and rescue tasks in a typical residential structure 30 percent faster than two-person crews and 25 percent faster than three-person crews.

The report is the first to quantify the effects of crew sizes and arrival times on the fire service's lifesaving and firefighting operations for residential fires.

said NIST's Jason Averill, one of the study's principal investigators: "The results from this rigorous scientific study on the most common and deadly fires in the country—those in single-family residences—provide quantitative data to fire chiefs and public officials responsible for determining safe staffing levels, station locations and appropriate funding for community and firefighter safety."

The four-person crews were able to deliver water to a similar-sized fire 15 percent faster than the two-person crews and 6 percent faster than three-person crews, steps that help to reduce property damage and lower danger to the firefighters.

Averill: "Fire risks grow exponentially. Each minute of delay is critical to the safety of the occupants and firefighters, and is directly related to property damage."

Lori Moore-Merrell of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and a principal investigator on the study: The four-person crews are able to complete search and rescue 30 percent faster than two-person crews and 5 percent faster than three-person crews.

Moore-Merrell explained: Five-person crews were faster than four-person crews in several key tasks. The benefits of five-person crews have also been documented by other researchers for fires in medium- and high-hazard structures, such as high-rise buildings, commercial properties, factories and warehouses.

This study explored fires in a residential structure, where the vast majority of fatal fires occur. The researchers built a "low-hazard" structure as described in National Fire Protection Association Standard 1710 (NFPA 1710), a consensus standard that provides guidance on the deployment of career firefighters. The two-story, 2000-square-foot test facility was constructed at the Montgomery County Public Safety Training Academy in Rockville, Md. Fire crews from Montgomery County, Md., and Fairfax County, Va., responded to live fires within this facility.

NIST researchers and their collaborators conducted more than 60 controlled fire experiments to determine the relative effects of crew size, the arrival time of the first fire crews, and the "stagger," or spacing, between the arrivals of successive waves of fire-fighting apparatus (vehicles and equipment). The stagger time simulates the typically later arrival of crews from more distant stations as compared to crews from more nearby stations.

Researchers also performed simulations using NIST's Fire Dynamic Simulator to examine how the interior conditions change for trapped occupants and the firefighters if the fire develops more slowly or more rapidly than observed in the actual experiments.

Crews of two, three, four and five firefighters were timed as they performed 22 standard firefighting and rescue tasks to extinguish a live fire in the test facility. Those standard tasks included occupant search and rescue, time to put water on fire, and laddering and ventilation. Apparatus arrival time, the stagger between apparatus, and crew sizes were varied.

The United States Fire Administration reported 403,000 residential structure fires killed close to 3,000 people in 2008—accounting for approximately 84 percent of all fire deaths—and injured about 13,500. Direct costs from these fires were about $8.5 billion. Annually, firefighter deaths have remained steady at around 100, while tens of thousands more are injured.

The report was funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and released today in Washington, D.C., before the start of the annual Congressional Fire Services Institute meeting that draws top fire safety officials from across the nation.

Founded in 1901, NIST is a nonregulatory agency of the US Commerce Department that promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards and technology.

MORE INFO? Bill Glanz, 202-824-1505

TEXTILES USED IN VEHICLES AND ON WIRE COVERING GET NEW FLAME-RETARDANT AND SAFER AIR IN FIRE INCIDENTS
Originally Posted: May 24, 2010 9:44 AM
Last Updated: May 24, 2010 9:44 AM

Federal-Mogul Corporation (Southfield, Michigan) has developed Polyethylene Terephthalate yarn to meet both the halogen-free flame-retardant regulations and the "no flaming drip" requirement in Underwriters Labratories (UL) 1441 VW-1 flame test.

Occupants can die from smoke inhalation when there is fire in an enclosed space, such as an aircraft or a railroad car even before there is any danger from the flames. Flame-retardant materials are used to delay the spread of fire. But unlike Polyethylene Terephthalate yarn other yarns emit thick black smoke and toxic gases.

Polyethylene Terephthalate yarn meets many of the processing and functional requirements for textiles used in interior vehicle trim and in wiring harness insulation that have applications in vehicles for land, water and air.

Federal-Mogul's new Polyethylene Terephthalate yarn meets international requirements that require "no flaming drips" be released when the material burns.

Ramzi Hermiz, Senior Vice President, Federal-Mogul Vehicle Safety and Protection: "We believe that adoption of this new Federal-Mogul technology could improve world-class safety standards and help save lives."

As the materials decompose they absorb heat, cooling the adjacent burning material and forming a char that prevents the formation of burning drips. The new material also vaporizes, reducing the surface temperature by diluting the oxygen that would otherwise feed the fire.

Jan Maiden, Vice President, Sales and Engineering, Systems Protection: "Our next step is to adapt this leading technology innovation to different mass-produced textiles."

Federal-Mogul Corporation supplies manufacturers of automotive, light commercial, heavy-duty, agricultural, marine, rail, off-road and industrial vehicles.

Federal-Mogul, founded in Detroit in 1899, is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, and employs 41,000 people in 33 countries.

MORE INFO? Jim Burke 248-354-4530 or www.federalmogul.com

PRO-FIRE EQUIPMENT SELLS THREE PIERCE PUC FIRETRUCKS TO PEARL, MISSISSIPPI FIRE DEPARTMENT
Originally Posted: May 22, 2010 6:31 AM
Last Updated: May 22, 2010 6:31 AM

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., (Appleton, Wisconsin.) and Pro-Fire Equipment of Olive Branch, Mississippi sold three Pierce Ultimate Configuration (PUC) fire trucks to the City of Pearl Fire Department in Pearl, Mississippi. bringing to total PUCs sold to 452. The vehicles will begin service in November 2010.
Wilson Jones, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Fire & Emergency: "It’s especially gratifying to welcome a new customer – the City of Pearl Fire Department.”

The PUC wheelbase is 172-inches for improved maneuverability and provides 500 cubic-feet of storage.

Carl Kibby, Fire Chief for the City of Pearl, Mississippi: "The call volume in Pearl has more than tripled due to the community’s tremendous growth, and we need fire trucks that offer improved safety, more room for firefighters, excellent reliability and maximum equipment storage space – as we handle fire, EMS, hazmat, and a wide range of technical and water rescue operations.”

Three Pearl PUC pumpers are built on Pierce® Velocity® custom chassis. Each pumper features a 500 hp engine, TAK-4® independent suspension, 1500-gpm single stage pump, 750-gallon water tank, Husky® 12 foam system, two (2) low mount crosslays and an electric monitor with wireless remote control. The vehicles also feature a 10-inch raised roof cab, all LED lighting, room for five firefighters, EMS cabinet inside the cab, hydraulic rescue reels, full-height and full-depth compartments, slide-out and tilt-down storage shelves and a slide out tool board. Safety technology includes custom designed PS6® seats with dual seat belt retractors, seat belt pretensioners and hands-free SCBA holders, front airbags, and the side roll protection system with integral side curtain air bags.

Pearl, Miss. has four fire stations, 46 firefighters and seven staff personnel.

The local Pierce dealer Pro-Fire Equipment of Olive Branch provides service and support to the City of Pearl Fire Department.

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company. Oshkosh Corporation manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®.

MORE INFO? www.piercemfg.com or www.oshkoshcorporation.com.

WILMETTE, ILLINOIS ADVISORS POINT TO FIRE HAZARDS IN HOMES WITH LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
Originally Posted: May 20, 2010 3:32 PM
Last Updated: May 20, 2010 3:35 PM

Wilmette, Illinois recognized its fire problems ten years ago as part of a community risk assessment.

Wilmette turned to Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board (NIFSAB) and NIFSAB Executive Director Tom Lia, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition (HFSC) educational material, and especially local real estate agents, builders, insurance professionals and village trustees.

Wilmette Deputy Fire Chief Mike McGreal: "Together we made a difference and the legacy will pay off for decades. We will not be able to comprehend the impact until that first fire where the residents walk out of the house wet instead of being carried to the burn unit or the morgue."

For years, members of the fire service and fire safety organizations voiced their concerns about fires in homes built with lightweight construction. In 2008, Underwriters Laboratories® (UL) conducted a study to understand the hazards to firefighters posed by use of lightweight wood trusses and engineered lumber in residential roof and floor designs. The findings indicated that dimensional lumber construction withstood the fire tests longer than lightweight engineered wood systems.

The Village of Wilmette is the 67th jurisdiction in Illinois to pass residential fire sprinkler legislation.

Wilmette's residential fire sprinkler ordinance is the first occasion that a municipality or fire district has passed such an ordinance specifically over concerns with lightweight construction. For years, Wilmette has required lightweight construction commercial buildings to post placards that alert firefighters to the presence of engineered-wood trusses and joint assemblies.

Now, the village is focusing on one- and two-family homes by requiring fire sprinklers after a recent study confirmed the village's suspicions about lightweight construction.

Therefore, firefighters who may expect 30 minutes of structural integrity with dimensional wood structures will face potential peril in lightweight structures. The synthetic construction of today's home furnishings adds to the increased risk by providing a greater fuel load.

With the now-confirmed shortened amount of time for homeowners to exit their homes and for firefighters to fight fire, the Village of Wilmette felt it was necessary to protect the community and its firefighters.

NIFSAB is a non-profit organization composed of fire officials, contractors, building officials, suppliers, architects, engineers, and manufacturers.

NIFSAB is dedicated to educating and informing the public and elected and appointed officials of the vital role that fire sprinklers play in fire protection.

MORE INO? www.firesprinklerassoc.org.

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF SECTION 511: ADDRESS OBAMA ADMINISTRATION CONCERNS ABOUT COMPANIES SELLING TO GOVERMENT BUT HAVING NOT PAID THEIR TAXES
Originally Posted: May 19, 2010 6:59 PM
Last Updated: May 19, 2010 7:00 PM

Legislative and Regulatory Developments Since the Enactment of
Section 511 That More Efficiently Address Tax Gap Concerns

Since the enactment of Section 511 of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 on May 17, 2006, there have been a number of legislative and regulatory developments that together address issues with tax
compliance and transparency by companies receiving government payments.

? Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS): The final rule implementing this database for contracts was issued on March 23, 2010, and the proposed guidance implementing it for grants
was issued on March 10, 2010. These rules were promulgated to implement Section 872 of P.L. 110-417, which was passed on October 14, 2008, and created a Federal legal compliance database requiring Contracting Officers and grant officials to check for prospective contractor legal compliance (tax
compliance among the records checked) before the award of a Federal prime contract.

? Tax Compliance Certifications on All Contracts: On May 22, 2008, a final Federal Acquisition Rule took effect requiring contractors to certify they are current on their federal taxes. The tax certification language requires government contractors to certify that the offeror and its principals have no delinquent federal taxes and explicitly makes tax delinquency grounds for suspension and debarment.

? Administration Memo on Tax Compliance: On January 20, 2010, the Administration released a memo requiring the Internal Revenue Service to review the certifications of non-delinquency in taxes that are
required on all federal contracts (mentioned above). The directive also requires the Office of Management and Budget, working with other agencies, to develop recommendations to prevent companies with serious tax delinquencies from receiving contracts and to make contractor certifications more easily available.

Self certifications are a powerful screening incentive for tax-compliant firms, as false certifications bring about False Claims Act penalties and contract suspension and debarments. The burden and weight of the regulation fall on the tax malfeasant, not the tax-compliant firms. The President’s directive to tighten
enforcement of the government contractor tax non-delinquency certification reinforces key concerns about certifications to the government.

? New 1099 Reporting: Section 9006 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148) that became law on March 23, 2010, requires businesses and federal, state and local governments that pay any amount greater than $600 during the year to corporate and non-corporate providers of property and services to provide a 1099 information report to each provider and to the IRS. Information reporting was already required on payments for services to non-corporate providers. The increased use of 1099 reporting has been
identified as a measure for increasing tax compliance.

? USASpending.gov: The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-282) required the creation of a single, searchable website, accessible by the public that includes information on all Federal contract and grant awards. This increases transparency for the public of agency prime contract and subcontract spending so awards will be subject to increased disclosures to the public.

? Central Contractor Registration (CCR) Database: The CCR system has been rolled out to all Federal contracting agencies since 2004, and a debt flag was added in 2009.

? Treasury Offset Program Expanded: The Treasury offset program has been expanded (through an interim rule on January 11, 2007, and final rule on June 10, 2009) to include State Debts.

Prospective:
? Improvements Stemming from Administration Memo: As directed by the January 20, 2010 memo mentioned above, OMB, working with other agencies, will develop recommendations to prevent companies with serious tax delinquencies from receiving contracts and to make contractor certifications more easily available.

? Provision in House Bill to Require Disclosure of Tax Debts: Section 403 of H.R. 5013, which passed the House on April 28, 2010 (likely to be included in the FY 2011National Defense Authorization Act ), requires potential federal contractors and grantees to submit certifications as to whether they have a seriously
delinquent tax debt and to authorize the Secretary of the Treasury to verify the certifications. The concepts in Section 403 are in alignment with those industry has supported in the past in order to demonstrate the need to repeal the 3% withholding tax.

? Treasury Green Book Proposal: The Department of the Treasury’s Green Book released with the President’s FY 2011 Budget includes a proposal (page 101) to allow information reporting on federal non-wage government payments. This proposal would enhance transparency and therefor e increase tax compliance
without imposing an enormous burden on the government sector.

All these measures taken together pursue the laudable goal of tax compliance in a way that puts the burden of the law and regulation more on the tax avoiders, and provides a positive inducement to law-abiding firms and the public agencies with which they do business. Such regulatory vigilance will keep tax avoiders out of the public contracting market in the first place, rather than shifting the compliance burden to law-abiding firms and the Federal, state and local governments.

NEEDA SIGNS LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA AS OPPOSITION TO 3% WITHHOLDING SCHEME MOUNTS
Originally Posted: May 19, 2010 6:36 PM
Last Updated: May 19, 2010 6:36 PM

May 19, 2010
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

The Government Withholding Relief Coalition and its member organizations strongly urge you to advocate for repeal of the 3% tax withholding law this year.

This law, which was enacted in Section 511 of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-222) as section 3402(t) of the Internal Revenue Code, mandates that federal, state, and local governments withhold 3% of nearly all of their contract payments, Medicare payments, farm payments, and certain grants. Compliance with this law will impose significant, unnecessary financial burdens on both the public and private sectors. The
Coalition stands ready to work with you, your Administration, and Congress to improve tax compliance for companies and other entities receiving federal dollars while also repealing the onerous 3% withholding tax.

Your Administration recently proposed two new tax compliance initiatives and Congress is actively considering another (Section 403 of H.R. 5013). These follow numerous other legislative and regulatory measures from the last four years focused on enhancing transparency in government contracting and, in
particular, increasing tax compliance by companies and individuals that receive government payments.

All these initiatives taken together obviate any rationale or need for retaining the withholding mandate and will be far more cost-effective for the government. The enclosure with this letter includes a list and summary of these new initiatives that enhance transparency and increase tax compliance.
These measures and proposals directly address the legitimate concerns about tax-delinquent government contractors and other entities receiving federal payments. They are a much better approach than the costly, broad brush mandate of the 3% withholding law.

While the withholding requirement is not scheduled to go into effect until January 1, 2012, it is already proving costly, and such costs will increase exponentially as the implementation deadline moves closer. Businesses – the vast majority of which do not have tax delinquencies – and governmental entities are expending resources now in preparation for implementation due to major system and process changes needed for withholding, reporting, and
reconciling the millions of affected payments annually. These have to be made well in advance of 2012.

As an example of the implementation costs, in a 2008 report the Department of Defense estimated that it would cost the Department more than $17 billion in the first five years to comply with the 3% withholding requirement, which is far more than any expected revenue gains due to an increase in tax compliance.
Both the public and private sector need repeal as soon as possible to minimize the waste of precious funds and resources.

The public comments and the records from the public hearing for the Internal Revenue Service rulemaking proceeding to implement the 3% requirement is replete with statements by the full range of affected private and public sector entities attesting to the law’s staggering costs and administrative burdens. At a time of severe economic constraints, implementation of this requirement comes at the expense of government services, jobs, and investment in economic recovery.

We strongly believe that private entities providing goods and services to the government should comply with federal, state, and local tax requirements. Companies that do not comply have an unfair competitive advantage over law-abiding contractors that pay their taxes. However, withholding on every government payment is not a viable or cost efficient answer. The enclosed initiatives demonstrate more reasonable approaches to ensure tax compliance, without placing undue costs and burdens on private sector companies or on federal, state, and local government agencies.

For these reasons, the Coalition believes the concepts behind the provisions in the enclosure represent a more measured, responsible approach to ccomplishing the aims of the 3% withholding law without the enormously costly and resource-intensive efforts necessary to comply with it. We look forward to being
an active partner in supporting cost-effective means to increase tax compliance while repealing the 3% tax withholding law.

The National Emergency Equiment Dealers Association is a cosponsor of this letter to President Obama.

MISSOURI GRANT IMPROVES AMBULANCE SAFETY
Originally Posted: May 18, 2010 5:17 PM
Last Updated: May 18, 2010 5:17 PM

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri. While much attention is devoted to reducing medical errors in hospitals, some focus on rooting out patient care errors in emergency medical services (EMS).

To address that gap, the Missouri Center for Patient Safety (MOCPS) is developing a program to help medical professionals systematically improve quality and reduce errors during treatment and transport provided by ambulance service providers.

MOCPS and Quantros are creating a database to collect information about medical errors while embarking on a state-wide effort to encourage Missouri's ambulance community to report medical errors.

Carol Hafley, assistant director for the Center: "This program is the first of its kind in the nation to bring the legal reporting protections of a federally-designated patient safety organization, combined with a focus on just culture, to EMS providers. They need to feel safe reporting this information in order to learn and improve the quality of pre-hospital care."

The project is funded by a $595,195 grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health. The MOCPS is collaborating with the Missouri Ambulance Association to promote the project among Missouri's ambulance services.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND, MAKES STRONG CASE AGAINS AMBULANCE FEES
Originally Posted: May 17, 2010 6:49 PM
Last Updated: May 17, 2010 6:49 PM

Surveys show that imposed ambulance fee will discourage calls to emergency services for help, risking the health and safety of those experiencing medical emergencies.

A paper released on May 6, 2010 by the Heart Foundation of Australia, whose emergency medical system is similar to that in the U.S., reported that almost 7% of participants would be "very" or "somewhat" likely to delay calling an ambulance due to the costs involved.

A February 2008 survey of Montgomery County, MD residents found that 74% of respondents believe that it is "very" or "somewhat" convincing that ambulance fees would cause poor and elderly patients needing transport to a hospital to hesitate or delay calling 911.

Three studies in peer-review medical journals found that cost considerations may play a factor in delaying activation of the emergency medical system in cardiac emergencies:

"Economic considerations may affect EMS system utilization among underinsured and low-income patients experiencing a cardiac event," cited in Association between prepayment systems and emergency medical services use among patients with acute chest discomfort syndrome (for the Rapid Early Action for Coronary Treatment (REACT) Study), Ann Emerg Med. 2000 June; 35(6):573-8.

"The results of this study indicate that indecision, self-treatment, physician contact, and financial concerns may undermine a chest pain patient's intention to use EMS," cited in Demographic, Belief, and Situational Factors Influencing the Decision to Utilize Emergency Medical Services Among Chest Pain Patients, Circulation (Journal of the American Heart Association), 2000:102; 173-178 (emphasis added).

"Lack of health insurance and financial concerns about accessing care among those with health insurance were each associated with delays in seeking emergency care for AMI [heart attack]." Health Care Insurance, Financial Concerns in Accessing Care, and Delays to Hospital Presentation in Acute Myocardial Infarction, JAMA, 2010; 303(14):1392-1400.

Data from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department shows that EMS calls decreased (when adjusted for population) in the year an ambulance fee was introduced and remain below the pre-fee level.

In 2005 (the year ambulance fees were imposed), EMS calls dropped 9% from 2004 levels – this compares to an average decrease of 2.4% over the two years before the ambulance fee.

In New Brunswick, Canada, the number of 911 calls dropped approximately 13% after ambulance fees were reinstated. The CEO of the Canadian ambulance service stated that the fees were a likely factor in the drop in calls.
In the face of these numerous sources of direct and indirect data, all which support the common sense notion that if you charge hundreds of dollars for ambulance services people are less inclined to call 911 for transport to a hospital for exigent and sometimes life-saving care, fee supporters have yet to offer a single study or shred of empirical evidence to support their position. Not one.

In the four neighboring jurisdictions cited most often by fee supporters – Fairfax, Prince George's, and Frederick counties and Washington, DC – have not published or released any data demonstrating what impact their fees have on the willingness of citizens to call 911. None. The consequences of the ambulance fee debate are profound, particularly the potential threat to the health and safety of our most vulnerable citizen brethren, the poor and elderly. There is compelling evidence, from multiple credible sources, that ambulance fees will deter emergency calls for help and discourage patients from being transported to a hospital when time is of the essence and help is needed most. These fees delay and obstruct the provision of care and, consequently, they cannot stand.

Marcine D. Goodloe, president of the association, said, "These facts show beyond a doubt that an ambulance fee is bad policy and risks lives. Our County Council must reject this new fee on a moral basis. People will hesitate to call 911 and that is not acceptable."

MORE INFO? Eric N. Bernard , Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association 301-455-6648

MANY PEOPLE WILL NOT CALL 911 FOR AMBULANCE WHEN STROKE IS INDICATED
Originally Posted: May 17, 2010 11:32 AM
Last Updated: May 17, 2010 11:32 AM

Ralph Sacco, M.D., neurologist and President-elect of the American Heart Association says people who realize that stroke symptoms are occurring in a family member or friend still may not call 911 -- delaying vital treatment.

Chris Fussman, M.S., lead author of the study and an epidemiologist with the Michigan Department of Community Health in Lansing, Mich."This study emphasizes the critical roles that symptom recognition and the calling of 911 have in reducing delays in hospital arrival to receive urgent stroke treatment,"

A survey of 4,814 Michigan adults found that only 14 percent would dial 911 for three common stroke symptoms, and 37 percent reported that they would not call 9-1-1 for any of the stroke symptoms.

Participants were asked about hree situations -- sudden slurred speech, sudden numbness on one side of the body or sudden blurry vision, symptoms of a stroke. The other two were a high fever or an injured leg, which are not stroke symptoms. The survey didn't include other stroke symptoms, such as sudden trouble walking or severe headache with no known cause.

Participants could respond that they would first "give medicine or first aid," "call the doctor," "take them to an emergency room," "call 911," "stay with them until they felt better;" or "something else." Calling 9-1-1 was the only correct response.

But, of the 27.6 percent of the participants who knew all three stroke warning symptoms, only 17.6 percent said they would call 911 for all three stroke symptoms.

Fifty-one percent of all respondents would call 911 for someone having sudden trouble speaking or understanding; 42 percent would call 911 for someone having sudden numbness or weakness on one side of their body; and 20 percent would call for someone who had sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes.

In four of five of the hypothetical scenarios, taking patients to the emergency room -- not calling for an ambulance -- was the most common response.

Older people were more likely than younger people to dial 911 for all three stroke situations.

Gender, race, education, household income and insurance status were not significantly related to a person's intent to call 911, the survey showed.

Fussman: "Respondents appear to be unaware of the advantages of EMS transport, and the fact that public health recommendations advise the use of EMS over private transport. Calling 911 gets you to the hospital fast and allows the paramedics to communicate with the hospital so staff are prepared for your arrival."

The earlier the treatment begins, the greater the chances of recovering from stroke -- the No. 3 killer and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States.

The clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) is the gold standard treatment for stroke; however, most patients aren't eligible to receive it because they don't get to the hospital in time.

Current stroke treatment guidelines call for patients to arrive at a hospital within 4.5 hours after symptoms begin in order for tPA to be effective.

Previous research found that, depending on the stroke symptoms, between 33 percent and 72 percent of respondents in upstate New York would dial 911 and between 41 percent and 51 percent of people in Montana would.

Future studies should address possible barriers such as denial, embarrassment, cost, and cultural attitudes toward calling for an ambulance.

Fussman: "I don't think that a lack of stroke knowledge is the problem here, The problem is what people do with the knowledge they have. The public needs to be reassured that EMS is the best option when dealing with stroke."

MORE INFO? www.americanheart.org or www.americanheart.mediaroom.com

SOUTH CAROLINA LEGISLATURE CONSIDERS BILL TO CHANGE RULES RE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Originally Posted: May 12, 2010 4:36 PM
Last Updated: May 12, 2010 4:36 PM

South Carolina is considering HB 4718, a bill to amend article 1, chapter 61, title 44, code of laws of South Carolina, 1976, relating to emergency medical services (ems). The bill
• revises definitions and add new definitions including, but not limited to, the "state medical control physician" with whom the department of health and environmental control contracts to oversee the medical aspects of the ems program and
• the "investigative review committee" to conduct investigations of licensees;
• to provide that the ems program must include the establishment of an electronic patient care reporting system to provide data to the national ems information system database; •to expand membership on the emergency medical services advisory council and to provide that members of the council serve without compensation, mileage, per diem, and subsistence;
• to specify that a business providing ems or ambulance services or an ambulance attendant providing patient care without a license subjects the business or person to civil penalties;
• require an ems and an ambulance service to retain a physician to maintain quality control of patient care and to provide immunity from civil liability for such physicians acting in good faith in carrying out these responsibilities;
• to provide that an emergency medical technician (emt) certificate is valid for four years, rather than three years; to delete the requirement that upon certificate renewal an emt must complete a refresher course and an examination and instead to require the emt to provide documentation of current national registration for the appropriate level of certification and to provide an exemption for emt's certified before october
• to delete the provision authorizing the governing body of a county to exempt ambulances used primarily as convalescent transport units from size requirements and to also delete other requirements for certain vehicles used as convalescent transport units; to specify that the identity of an emt contained in information collected by ems is confidential unless requested by a patient;
• to delete provisions pertaining to the confidentiality of the identity of physicians and hospitals and the confidentiality of official investigations conducted by the ems section of the department of health and environmental control and to require that investigations must be conducted by the investigative review committee and that action taken by the committee on a license is public information after issuance of an administrative order;
• to specify to whom patient information may be released; and to require the department and a person or entity licensed or certified pursuant to this article to disclose to the solicitor information that could aid in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity; and
• to amend article 3, chapter 61, title 44, relating to emergency medical services for children (emsc) so as to revise certain definitions and to add the definition of "emergency medical technician" (emt);
• to provide that the emsc program must include guidelines for voluntary designation of pediatric emergency departments, disaster response guidelines, pediatric preparedness training, and assistance with the development of disaster plans; to specify that the identity of an emt contained in information collected by ems is confidential unless requested by a patient;
• to delete provisions pertaining to the identity of physicians and hospitals; to specify to whom patient information may be released;
• to require the department and a person or entity licensed or certified pursuant to this article to disclose to the solicitor information that could aid in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity; and
• to establish the emergency medical services for children advisory committee, to provide for its members and duties, and to provide that members on the committee serve without compensation, mileage, per diem and subsistence.

NEW JERSEY LEGISLATURE ADVANCES A BILL THAT MOVES ELECTION OF FIRE DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS TO THE SAME DAY AS ELECTION OF SCHOOL OFFICIALS: THIRD TUESDAY IN APRIL
Originally Posted: May 12, 2010 4:22 PM
Last Updated: May 12, 2010 4:23 PM

Legislation advancing in the New Jersey legislature changes fire district election date from third Saturday in February to third Tuesday in April, the annual election day in type II school districts.

The purpose of this bill is to change the date for the election of fire district commissioners, in those municipalities with such officials, from the third Saturday in February to the third Tuesday in April, which is the date of the annual school election in type II school districts.

Fire district elections will also occur on the third Tuesday in April in those municipalities that have such elections but are not type II school districts and have no annual school elections.

The bill repeals N.J.S.40A:14-73 through N.J.S.40A:14-78, inclusive, because these sections concern the form of the ballot for fire district elections, use of voting machines, polling hours and the manner of conducting such elections. These sections will no longer be needed if this bill is enacted because the election of fire district commissioners will occur simultaneously with the annual school election in those districts that hold such elections.

DIEBOLD ALARM COMPANY OFFERS FIRE TO BURGLAR ALARM SYSTEM
Originally Posted: May 12, 2010 4:07 PM
Last Updated: May 12, 2010 4:07 PM

Diebold, Incorporated (North Canton, Ohio), has launched Diebold Fire Detection Solutions and Services, a service delivering fire detection hardware, software, monitoring and services.

The new system enables Diebold to deliver integrated fire and burglar protection to end-users.

Bradley J. Stephenson, vice president, security solutions, Diebold: "Our customer base has been encouraging us to introduce these solutions and services. They want to engage one partner for both burglary and fire . . . We believe fire is a critical element of a holistic approach to security."

Diebold's Monitoring Centers are Five-Diamond certified by the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), as well as UL and UL-C certified by Underwriters Laboratories.

Janet McFadden-Messimer, physical security manager, Metro Bank, Pennsylvania: "One of the features we value most is Revisor Online. By providing alarm panel history, this application allows us to assess a situation with greater ease."

Service and sales associates took training programs by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). Diebold developed training modules in concert with the Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Inc. (AFAA), an industry organization focused on the quality, reliability and value of fire and life-safety systems.

One hundred fifty year old Diebold, Incorporated, employs 16,000 associates with representation in nearly 90 countries worldwide and is headquartered in North Canton, Ohio.

MORE INFO? www.diebold.com or
www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080725/DIEBOLDLOGO

THE PAYCHECK FAIRNESS ACT GIVES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MORE POWER OVER THE WAGES PAID BY EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT DEALERS
Originally Posted: May 12, 2010 5:44 AM
Last Updated: May 12, 2010 5:36 PM

By Kenton Pattie
Executive Director
National Emergency Equipment Dealers Association
KentonP1@aol.com

The Paycheck Fairness Act ( S. 182) would give the federal government and the courts unprecedented power to second guess routine pay-setting decisions that dealer owners and managers make every day.

Under current law, as an employer you can establish compensation systems that make sense for their business as long as you don't violate anti-discrimination laws.

But, the Paycheck Fairness Act would expand the reach of the pay equity laws and make it much more difficult for employers to justify legitimate pay differences.

For example, if this bill were enacted into law, it would no longer be permissible to pay employees differently based on market forces, negotiating ability, or the amount of revenue they generate for the employer's bottom line unless the employer could prove it was a "business necessity."

This bill would also make it easier to file large class action lawsuits and expand remedies under the Equal Pay Act to include unlimited punitive and compensatory damages.

Proponents support the bill based on the "pay gap" which assumes that any gap in pay must be due to unlawful discrimination. This assumption is being used to justify rewrites of pay equity laws and put expansive regulation in place. Trial lawyers will get a lot of work under this bill and the expense of dealers and other employers.

NEEDA is opposed to S. 182.

ARIZONA FOCUSES ON WILDFIRE PREVENTION MAY 13, 2010; 2,371 HIT STATE IN 2009
Originally Posted: May 11, 2010 9:13 PM
Last Updated: May 11, 2010 9:13 PM

Farmers Insurance Group Arizona State Executive Director Frank Soldano, agents, District Managers, and Farmers State Office employees, will celebrate with Arizona Director of Insurance Christina Urias, State Senator John Nelson, of Phoenix, and public safety dignitaries on Thursday, May 13th, 2010 to launch the Farmers Insurance Arizona Wildfire Awareness and Preparedness Week.

Launch of Wildfire Awareness and Preparedness Week is to raise public awareness of the threat wildfires pose to Arizona state residents and to encourage preparedness through appropriate clearance and abatement practices. Wildfire Preparation Information Packets will be given at the conference.

Since 1990, wildfires across the United States have caused an average of $500 million in insured losses per year. In Arizona, wildfires continue to be a major concern for local residents and public officials.

In 2009, the National Interagency Coordination Center ranked Arizona as the 7th most active state, in terms of the number of wildfires, with 2,371 recorded wildfires in 2009.

Soldano: "We must all remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent wildfire. As fire season begins in Arizona, we want to thank and recognize the key leaders in government and public safety who work everyday to protect Arizonans against this menace and to assure them that Farmers Insurance will be here to help Arizona families and communities rebuild should a catastrophe occur."

The Farmers CCV that will also be part of the media briefing is one of 39 trailers pulled by an SUV that are deployed to disaster sites throughout the United States to help customers and non-customers alike.

Soldano: "This vehicle features the latest in telecommunications systems to enable ongoing communications before, during and after a catastrophe. This is just one of many resources Farmers mobilizes to assist the community and our customers during an emergency. The CCV also carries supplies such as water and food for those impacted."

MORE INFO? Jerry Davies 213-400-4459 jerry.davies@farmers.com
Or Luis Sahagun or 818-584-0574 or Lluis.sahagun@farmers.com
or www.farmers.com

MSA DECLARES 25 CENT DIVIDEND TO STOCKHOLDERS
Originally Posted: May 11, 2010 8:03 PM
Last Updated: May 11, 2010 8:03 PM

The Board of Directors of MSA (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) declared a second quarter dividend of 25 cents per share on common stock, payable June 10, 2010 to shareholders of record on May 24, 2010.

The Board also declared a dividend of 56-1/4 cents per share on preferred stock, payable June 1, 2010 to shareholders of record on May 24, 2010.

About MSA established in 1914, MSA develops, manufactures and supplies safety products that protect people's health and safety. Many MSA 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, oil, gas and petrochemical industry, homeland security, construction, mining and other industries, as well as the military.

Principal products include self-contained breathing apparatus, gas masks, gas detection instruments, head protection, ballistic body armor, fall protection devices 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 $1 billion, manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America, and 40 international locations.

MORE INFO? www.msanet.com

FEDERAL SIGNAL STOCK OFFERING RAISES MORE NET PROCEEDS THAN EXPECTED
Originally Posted: May 11, 2010 7:56 PM
Last Updated: May 11, 2010 7:56 PM

Federal Signal Corporation (Oak Brook, Illinois), which makes environmental, safety and transportation products, says the underwriters of its previously announced public offering of common stock have exercised in full their option to purchase 1,575,000 shares of Federal Signal common stock at the public offering price of $6.25 per share.

This brings the total shares of common stock sold by Federal Signal in the offering to 12,075,000 shares. Net proceeds will be $71 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses. The offering is expected to be completed on May 12, 2010, subject to customary closing conditions.

Net proceeds from the offering will repay indebtedness under Federal Signal's revolving credit facility associated with the recent acquisitions of Sirit and VESystems.

Founded in 1901, Federal Signal operates three groups: Safety and Security Systems, Environmental Solutions and Fire Rescue. The Company is creating a fourth group, Federal Signal Technologies.

Copies of the prospectus and prospectus supplement may be obtained from Citi, Brooklyn Army Terminal, 140 58th Street, 8th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11220 (telephone: (800) 831-9146) or through the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov/.

MORE INFO? William Barker, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
630-954-2000 or wbarker@federalsignal.com or www.federalsignal.com

SPARTAN MOTORS CHASSIS PROVIDES PARTS TO BAE SYSTEMS IN MINE RESISTANT AMBUSH PROTECTED VEHICLE PROGRAM
Originally Posted: May 11, 2010 7:45 PM
Last Updated: May 11, 2010 7:45 PM

Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Charlotte, Michigan), has been awarded a $6.8 million subcontract order from defense contractor BAE Systems to support the production of advanced tactical vehicles under the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) program.

John Sztykiel, President and CEO of Spartan Motors: "The improvised explosive device threat around the world continues to expand, and has nearly doubled in Afghanistan during the last year. This new order speaks to Spartan's demonstrated experience and success in producing threat-specific vehicles."

Spartan will supply and integrate key chassis components, including independent suspension systems, for United States Special Operations Command ("USSOCOM"), MRAP vehicles in the third and fourth quarters of 2010.

The units will then ship to Letterkenny Army Depot for final assembly and acceptance by the U.S. Government.

Sztykiel: "This subcontract supports comments of ours made over the past few quarters that the defense business—for Spartan—is becoming smaller in order volume with greater product variation, which is in alignment with our strategic and operational strengths."

In addition to this new award, Spartan continues its ongoing support of MRAP prime contractors and the U.S. Government by providing spare/replacement parts for many of the MRAP vehicles built at Spartan since 2005.

Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc., engineers, manufactures and markets chassis and aftermarket parts for emergency-response, outdoor recreation/RV, defense and specialty vehicles.

RURAL METRO REPORTS INCREASE IN GENERAL NET REVENUES FOR FIRST QUARTER OF 2010
Originally Posted: May 10, 2010 9:12 PM
Last Updated: May 10, 2010 9:13 PM

Rural/Metro Corporation (Scottsdale, Arizona), a provider of ambulance and private fire protection services, with financial results for its fiscal 2010 third quarter ending March 31, 2010: "We are pleased to announce solid growth in the third fiscal quarter, supported by reduced uncompensated care, rate increases, growth in transport volume and strong cash flows."

Conrad A. Conrad, interim President and Chief Executive Officer. "Following strong year-to-date performance, we have raised our fiscal 2010 guidance for Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations to a range of $67.0 million to $69.0 million from the previous range of $63.0 million to $65.0 million."

For the quarter ended March 31, 2010, the Company generated net revenue of $133.1 million, an increase of 7.5%, or $9.2 million, compared to $123.9 million for the same period last year. The increase was attributable primarily to same-service-area growth, which included reductions in uncompensated care and rate increases, as well as a 4.5% increase in total transport volume in the quarter.

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR US SENATE IN PENNSYLVANIA APPEARS STRONG COMPARED TO DEMOCRAT CANDIDATES SEN. ARLEN SPECTER AND REP. JOE SESTAK AS MAY 18, 2010 PRIMARY ELECTION NEARS TO SHOW WHO WILL BE ON THE FALL ELECTION BALLOT
Originally Posted: May 10, 2010 8:57 PM
Last Updated: May 10, 2010 9:05 PM

In early April, 2010 Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) was statistically tied with his opponent Rep. Joe Sestak, leading him 44 percent to 42 percent. Before the campaign got underway, Specter's lead was 51 percent to 36 percent.

But, two polls released this week show Rep. Joe Sestak leading Senator Specter by five points. The Democratic primary for Senate will be May 18, 2010.

The Rasmussen Report poll conducted May 6 shows Sestak is ahead 47 to 42 with 3 percent preferring another candidate and 8 percent undecided.

A Muhlenberg College tracking poll conducted May 6-9 shows Sestak ahead by 47 to 42 with 11 percent undecided.

Specter is in his 5th 6-year term. He serves on the Appropriations Committee, Environment and Public Works Committee and Judiciary Committee and Special Committee on Aging. He has a law degree from Yale University. His website is specter.senate.gov and phone number is 202 224 4254.

Sestak is in his 2nd term in the US House of Representatives.. He graduated from Harvard University and served in the US Navy. He serves on the Armed Services Committee, the Education ahnd Labor Committee and the Small business Committee. His web site is sestak.house.gov and phone number is 202 225 2011.

Former Republican House Member Pat Toomey is leading both Specter and Sestak by 10 points.

HAVE EMPLOYEES WITH PREEXISTING CONDITIONS FACING DENIAL OF HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE?
Originally Posted: May 9, 2010 6:18 PM
Last Updated: May 9, 2010 6:18 PM

The new federal health care reform law prohibits insurers from denying your employees coverage or charging them higher premiums begnning 2014 on the basis of their health status.

This means little help the millions of employed Americans by small businesses who currently lack insurance because of preexisting conditions. The Obama administration has asked states to install a stopgap program to resolve this problem: to speed up coverage before 2014.

So far, 29 states and the District of Columbia are saying "yes" to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius's request last month that they run the insurance pools. But, these 18 states are saying "no": Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Lousiaina, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wyoming.

Why? They don't think Congress has set aside enough money for the job. The health care law allocates $5 billion for "high-risk pools" to give people with preexisting conditions "immediate access to insurance."

The chief actuary for the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has estimated that sum could be depleted as early as next year.

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) said in a letter to Secretary Sebelius that Virginia, which is one of those that does not intend to establish its own high-risk pool, would likely use up the $113 million in federal funds that would be available to it within 22 months.

John M. Colmers, secretary of health and mental hygiene in Maryland, one of the states that has opted to run a high-risk pool, said he doesn't know if the federal funding will be sufficient either, but he believes the fact that his state already has its own high-risk pool will make it less burdensome to meet the requirements of the new law.

Should the funds run out, state and federal governments could be left with the difficult choice of reducing benefits, raising premiums or limiting enrollment.

Jean P. Hall, University of Kansas: "I don't think any of those options are very attractive. I strongly suspect that they will come up with more money."

Of the 18 states that declined Sebelius' invitation, only Deleware, Tennessee, and Wyoming have Democratic governors. Of the 29 that accepted, only seven Alaska, California, Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Vermont have Republican governors.

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm (D) says the high-risk pool idea as "a first step in providing health care coverage for those who currently don't have any."

Jonathan E. Seib, health policy adviser to Washington State Gov. Christine Gregoire (D): "Even though the money is limited, it can provide assistance that would not otherwise be available to people with pre-existing conditions. We will manage the program within the dollars available, $102 million over three years."

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), says California is "will roll up our sleeves and work with the federal government."

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman (R): "We are very concerned that funding will not be sufficient."

Georgia's Republican insurance commissioner John W. Oxendine: says the high-risk pool is "the first step in the recently enacted federal takeover of the United States health care system."

Korey Clark's research for this story is based on stores in the Washington Post, the New York Times and the National Conference of State Legislators.

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL UPDATE FOR MAY 6, 2010
Originally Posted: May 6, 2010 5:35 PM
Last Updated: May 6, 2010 5:43 PM

British Petroleum (BP) has stopped the flow of oil from one of the three existing leak points on the damaged MC252 oil well and riser in the Gulf of Mexico.

This will reduce the complexity of the current situation on the seabed, but it is not expected to affect the rate of oil flow from the well.

At the MC252 well, using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), a valve has been installed on the end of a broken drill pipe, one of the three points from which oil was leaking. The ROVs first cut the end of the pipe to leave a clean end and the valve, weighing over half a ton, was placed in position on the seabed. Overnight the ROVs completed securely joining the valve to the broken drill pipe and then closed it, shutting off the flow from that pipe. The ROVs will continue to monitor the well and remaining flow points to look for any changes.

The US Coast Guard successfully completed a controlled burn of a portion of the oil slick off the Gulf Coast Wednesday, May 5, 2010.

This is only the second controlled burn to be performed at this spill; high seas and strong winds caused the delay. The Coast Guard says it will continue to burn the oil so long as air quality on shore remains unaffected and weather permits.

While the Coast Guard was completing the burn, a 100 ton cofferdam was being loaded onto a barge to make its way to the leak site, as reported yesterday in NEEDA Newsletter. The cofferdam (covering over the broken wellhead pipe) is expected to be up and running by Monday, May 10.

US Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar surveyed ongoing response efforts to combat the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, inspecting the four-story cofferdam that will attempt to capture the largest leak from the damaged wellhead; making an aerial survey of containment and cleanup efforts underway on Gulf waters; and visiting national wildlife refuges on the Louisiana and Alabama coast to assess on-the-ground efforts to protect sensitive areas.

NASA has agreed to use ER-2 aircraft, equipped with a highly specialized scanner (the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) system) to provide weather stations high resolution images of the threatened Gulf shoreline. This will assist valuable NOAA’s damage assessment activities by forecasting spill trajectories and conducting mass balance calculations. Addition

NASA has employed satellite instruments both to detect the extent of the entire oil spill, and to see the details of the extent of selected areas of the spill.

* 7,900 personnel are currently responding to protect the shoreline and wildlife.

* 200 vessels are responding on site, including skimmers, tugs,
barges, and recovery vessels to assist in containment and cleanup
efforts—in addition to dozens of aircraft, remotely operated vehicles,
and multiple mobile offshore drilling units.

* 564,000 of feet of boom (regular and sorbent) have been
deployed to contain the spill—and 1.6 million feet are available.

* 1.2 million gallons of an oil-water mix have been recovered.

* 190,000 gallons of dispersant have been deployed. More than
55,000 gallons are available.

* Nine staging areas have been set up to protect vital shoreline in all
potentially affected Gulf Coast states (Biloxi, Miss., Pensacola, Fla.,
Pascagoula, Miss., Dauphin Island, Ala., Port Sulphur, La., Shell Beach,
La., Slidell, La., Port Fourchon, La., Venice, La.).

A 10th staging location was established in Panama City, Fla., joining nine others in Biloxi, Miss., Pensacola, Fla., Pascagoula, Miss., Dauphin Island, Ala., Port Sulphur, La., Shell Beach, La., Slidell, La., Port Fourchon, La., and Venice, La.

Modular Aerial Spray System (MASS) aircraft flew four missions—dispensing the same dispersant chemical being used by BP and the federal responders. These systems are capable of covering up to 250 acres per flight.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Fisheries continues to collect seafood samples and transfer those to the National Seafood Inspection Lab.

Two NOAA turbo-prop aircraft are in Mobile, Ala. One will fly
marine mammal survey missions—the second aircraft will conduct ocean
imaging missions, providing valuable information about the oil thickness
and density on the sea surface. A third NOAA aircraft is in New Orleansto conduct aerial photographic flights of marsh areas.

A NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research-sponsored mission is en
route to collect seafloor and water column data from areas near the oil
spill source.

MORE INFO? The National Park Service: www.nps.gov/aboutus/oil-spill-response.htm

* For information about the response effort:
www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.

* Contact the Deepwater Horizon Joint Information Center: 985-
902-5231.

* To volunteer, or to report oiled shoreline, 866-448-5816.
Volunteer opportunities can also be found here.

* To submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity skimming system, or
to submit alternative response technology, services, or products:
281-366-5511.

* To report oiled wildlife: (866) 557-1401.

* For information about validated environmental air and water sampling
results:www.epa.gov/bpspill.

* For National Park Service updates about potential park closures,
resources at risk, and NPS actions to protect vital park space and
wildlife: www.nps.gov/aboutus/oil-spill-response.htm.

* To file a claim, or report spill-related damage, call BP’s helpline:
(800) 440-0858.

A BP fact sheet with additional information is available. For those who have already pursued the BP claims process and are not satisfied with BP’s resolution, call the Coast Guard at (800) 280-7118. More information is available about what types of damages are eligible for compensation under the Oil Pollution Act as well as guidance on procedures to seek that compensation.

STEPS YOU TAKE TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Originally Posted: May 6, 2010 12:03 PM
Last Updated: May 6, 2010 12:03 PM

1. What is disaster assistance?

Do I qualify for assistance?
What information do I need to apply?
What items are covered by disaster assistance?
What are my rights?
Frequently Asked Questions
CLC Participating Hotels

2. Apply for Assistance

Apply by Phone:
Call (800) 621-3362.
Call TTY (800) 462-7585 for people with speech or hearing disabilities.
Trouble getting through?
Need additional information?
Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov to learn what help you might be able to receive from FEMA and 16 other U.S. Government agencies

3. After you Apply

What is the status of my application?
Can I change my info?
What happens next?
How can I spend the money?
Why was I denied assistance?
Can I have my case reviewed?
How do I make a payment?
more

4. Disaster Recovery Center Locator

A Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is a readily accessible facility or mobile office where applicants may go for information about FEMA or other disaster assistance programs, or for questions related to your case.

5 .Housing Portal

The FEMA Housing Portal is intended to help individuals and families, who have been displaced by a disaster, find a place to live.

6. Report False Damage Claims

If you suspect someone is filing false damage claims, please report it. Help FEMA make sure that disaster aid goes only to those who deserve it. It is a violation of federal law to file a false claim.

Report a false damage claim:
Call 1 (800) 323-8603
Disaster Fraud Hotline

HERE'S HOW THE FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WORKS! IS YOUR STATE APPLYING FOR HELP?
Originally Posted: May 6, 2010 11:54 AM
Last Updated: May 6, 2010 11:54 AM

The Disaster Process and Federal Disaster Aid Programs

The Disaster Process and Disaster Aid Programs

First Response to a disaster is the job of local government's emergency services with help from nearby municipalities, the state and volunteer agencies. In a catastrophic disaster, and if the governor requests, federal resources can be mobilized through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for search and rescue, electrical power, food, water, shelter and other basic human needs.

It is the long-term recovery phase of disaster which places the most severe financial strain on a local or state government. Damage to public facilities and infrastructure, often not insured, can overwhelm even a large city.

Your governor's request for a major disaster declaration could mean an infusion of federal funds, but your governor must also commit significant state funds and resources for recovery efforts.

A major disaster could result from a hurricane, earthquake, flood, tornado or major fire which the President determines warrants supplemental federal aid.

The event must be clearly more than your state or local governments can handle alone. If declared, funding comes from the President's Disaster Relief Fund, which is managed by FEMA, and disaster aid programs of other participating federal agencies.

A Presidential Major Disaster Declaration puts into motion long-term federal recovery programs, some of which are matched by state programs, and designed to help disaster victims, businesses and public entities.

An Emergency Declaration is more limited in scope and without the long-term federal recovery programs of a Major Disaster Declaration. Generally, federal assistance and funding are provided to meet a specific emergency need or to help prevent a major disaster from occurring.

A Major Disaster Declaration usually follows these steps:

Local Government Responds, supplemented by neighboring communities and volunteer agencies. If overwhelmed, turn to the state for assistance;

The State Responds with state resources, such as the National Guard and state agencies;

Damage Assessment by local, state, federal, and volunteer organizations determines losses and recovery needs;

A Major Disaster Declaration is requested by the governor, based on the damage assessment, and an agreement to commit state funds and resources to the long-term recovery;

FEMA Evaluates the request and recommends action to the White House based on the disaster, the local community and the state's ability to recover;

The President approves the request or FEMA informs the governor it has been denied. This decision process could take a few hours or several weeks depending on the nature of the disaster.

There are three major categories of disaster aid your state may receive:

Individual Assistance

Immediately after the declaration, disaster workers arrive and set up a central field office to coordinate the recovery effort. A toll-free telephone number is published for use by affected residents and business owners in registering for assistance. Disaster Recovery Centers also are opened where disaster victims can meet with program representatives and obtain information about available aid and the recovery process.

Disaster aid to individuals falls into the following categories:

Disaster Housing may be available for up to 18 months, using local resources, for displaced persons whose residences were heavily damaged or destroyed. Funding also can be provided for housing repairs and replacement of damaged items to make homes habitable.

Disaster Grants, are available to help meet other serious disaster related needs and necessary expenses not covered by insurance and other aid programs. These may include replacement of personal property, and transportation, medical, dental and funeral expenses.

Low-Interest Disaster Loans are available after a disaster for homeowners and renters from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover uninsured property losses. Loans may be for repair or replacement of homes, automobiles, clothing or other damaged personal property. Loans are also available to businesses for property loss and economic injury.

Other Disaster Aid Programs include crisis counseling, disaster-related unemployment assistance, legal aid and assistance with income tax, Social Security and Veteran's benefits. Other state or local help may also be available.

Assistance Process -- After the application is taken, the damaged property is inspected to verify the loss. If approved, an applicant will soon receive a check for rental assistance or a grant. Loan applications require more information and approval may take several weeks after application. The deadline for most individual assistance programs is 60 days following the President's major disaster declaration.

Audits are done later to ensure that aid went to only those who were eligible and that disaster aid funds were used only for their intended purposes. These federal program funds cannot duplicate assistance provided by other sources such as insurance.

After a major disaster, FEMA notifies all disaster victims about the available aid programs and urges them to apply. The news media are encouraged to visit a Disaster Recovery Center, meet with disaster officials, and help publicize the disaster aid programs and the toll-free teleregistration number.

Public Assistance

Public Assistance is aid to state or local governments to pay part of the costs of rebuilding a community's damaged infrastructure. Generally, public assistance programs pay for 75 per cent of the approved project costs. Public Assistance may include debris removal, emergency protective measures and public services, repair of damaged public property, loans needed by communities for essential government functions and grants for public schools.
Learn more about Public Assistance

Hazard Mitigation

Disaster victims and public entities are encouraged to avoid the life and property risks of future disasters. Examples include the elevation or relocation of chronically flood-damaged homes away from flood hazard areas, retrofitting buildings to make them resistant to earthquakes or strong winds, and adoption and enforcement of adequate codes and standards by local, state and federal government. FEMA helps fund damage mitigation measures when repairing disaster-damaged structures and through the Hazard Mitigation.

MORE INFO? U.S. Department of Homeland Security | Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20472
Disaster Assistance: (800) 621-FEMA / TTY (800) 462-75

FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN OK'D FOR TENNESSEE, ALABAMA, NORTH DAKOTA, MISSISSIPPI, VIRGINIA, CONNECTICUT, WEST VIRGINIA
Originally Posted: May 6, 2010 11:36 AM
Last Updated: May 6, 2010 11:37 AM

Fire departments in many central US states have been responding to exceptional amounts of flooding which reached historic proportions.

Because the US government offers disaster assistance, here is a list of those
states where the US government has issued a disaster declaration:

Tennessee Severe Storms, Flooding, Straight-Line Winds, and Tornadoes (declared May 4, 2010)

Alabama Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-line Winds, and Flooding (declared May 3, 2010)

North Dakota Flooding (declared April 30, 2010)

Mississippi Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding (declared April 29, 2010)

Virginia Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorms (declared April 27, 2010)

Connecticut Severe Storms and Flooding (declared April 23, 2010)

West Virginia Severe Winter Storms and Snowstorms (declared April 23, 2010)

STOPPING ESCAPING OIL IN GULF IS CRITICAL TO SAVING RED SNAPPER, SPONGES, SOFT CORALS, STAR FISH, PLANKTON, FISH, COPEPODS, WORMS, CRABS, SHRIMP, AND DOLPHINS
Originally Posted: May 6, 2010 11:27 AM
Last Updated: May 6, 2010 11:27 AM

There is ancient oyster shell reef off the Mississippi and Alabama coasts. It is a vital nursery ground for red snapper and sponges, soft corals and starfish. But will it survive oil damage currently underway in the Gulf Coast?

As mentioned in NEEDA Newsletter earlier today, a huge structure is being lowered into the ocean to force leaking oil into pipes to the surface rather than into the ocean itself. A ship that fought the oil rig fire is carrying the huge tower that will be fitted over the gushing oil well.

Oil today is falling to the bottom of the Gulf, threatening the ocean food chain, from plankton to fish.

Paul Montagna, a marine scientist at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi: "If the oil settles on the bottom, it will kill the smaller organisms like the copepods and small worms,. When we lose the forage, then you have an impact on the larger fish."

Robert S. Carney, a Louisiana State University oceanographer: Hail-size gobs of oil the consistency of tar or asphalt roll around the bottom, while other bits will get trapped hundreds of feet below the surface and move with the current.

Oil into the Gulf of Mexico at a rate of 200,000 gallons a day threatens bacteria, plankton and other tiny, bottom-feeding creatures that consume oil, and will then be eaten by small fish, crabs and shrimp which will be eaten by bigger fish, such as red snapper, and marine mammals like dolphins.

Scientists: These petroleum substances kill or render seafood unsafe for eating.

Making matters worse for the deep sea is the leaking well's location: It is near the continental shelf where coral reefs flourish. Coral is a living creature that excretes a hard calcium carbonate exoskeleton. Oil globs kill it.

If you dive, you know the reefs are colorful underwater zones of biodiversity, attracting sea sponges, crabs, fish, algae and octopus.

James Cowan, an oceanographer at Louisiana State University: "They are at least as sensitive to contamination to oil as coastal habitat. They are in deeper water, so they are kind of out of sight, out of mind."

The Associated Press (AP) has done an excellent job reporting from the BP spill area and is the only news media represented on the ship that holds the new
cap to be lowered over the leaking oil. There is keen public interest in this dramatic story. We are all looking for "lesson's learned" which is the fire service's way of evaluating every new institute -- applying today's lessons to tomorrow's crisis.

OMAHA FIRE DEPARTMENT OFFERS LIVE FIRE TRAINING BY DRAEGER SWEDE SURVIVAL
Originally Posted: May 6, 2010 10:52 AM
Last Updated: May 6, 2010 10:52 AM

The Omaha Fire Department has launched an advanced live fire training program that gives firefighters the knowledge and the benefit of experience once gained only through years on the job.

Both rookie and experienced firefighters need to recognize the warning signs of a rollover and an impending flashover, when gases from the fire get so hot they actually ignite the smoke. They need to know how best to fight fires that now burn hotter and faster due to the use of synthetic materials. They need to know techniques to suppress fires and to rescue occupants. And they need to know when to get out.

To upgrade their live fire training program, the Omaha Fire Department decided to go a high tech route with the recent purchase of the Draeger Swede Survival training system. The simulator is a configuration of metal shipping containers that provide a safe laboratory in which firefighters can learn about fire behavior in a controlled setting. For its busy urban environment, they chose the Phase 5 (one of 5 systems available) multi-level system with burn rooms on different levels. Here, firefighters can practice staging, multiple entry techniques, and search and rescue operations.

Rob McEvoy, Omaha Fire Department Battalion Chief, Training Bureau: "Since acquiring the system in September 2009, we have logged over 1,000 man-hours of training in the simulator. Eventually, all 657 firefighters on the force will be trained in the Draeger Swede Survival system."

McEvoy: Previously, the Omaha department used old or abandoned structures for its live fire training program. "Acquired structures don't come along often enough."

The Draeger Swede Survival training system is loaded with wood and ignited. Temperatures can reach as high as 400-degrees at the floor and above 1,000 degrees at the ceiling in the burn rooms.

Firefighters can observe fire behavior and see the warning signs of an impending flashover or backdraft, giving them the time they need to get out safely.

The Omaha Fire Department has implemented a sophisticated 'train the trainer' program that will eventually enable them to train all the firefighters on the force. Draeger sent two certified instructors from the Los Angeles Fire Department to conduct an on-site training program for twelve students. The goal was to prepare this group to train additional instructors on the force.
McEvoy said that they originally planned to have eight instructors on each of three shifts. The department is currently working towards increasing this number.

McEvoy: "Working in the simulator can be rough on instructors who are exposed to a lot of smoke and heat. With a larger contingent of qualified instructors, individuals will not spend an excessive amount of time in the live fire simulator."

The company's fire training system is part of the Omaha Public Safety Training Center. The $32 million center is housed on 116 acres and is shared by the Omaha Fire Department, Police Department and National Guard.

The Swede system was funded through a grant from the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) program of the US Department of Homeland Security.
Now required training in 237 departments throughout the United States, the Swede Survival training system meets the National Fire Protection criteria for firefighter job performance, live fire training, and occupational safety and health.

Developed by the Swedish Rescue Services Agency College in Skovde, Sweden, the system is used to train all firefighters in Sweden and is used in fire training facilities throughout the world.
The Swede Survival training system is made by Draeger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
Draeger.

The Draegerwerk AG & Co. KGaA was founded in 1889, in 2009 Draeger generated revenues of around EUR 1.9 billion. The Draeger Group is currently present in 190 countries and has 11,000 employees worldwide.

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

www.draeger.com

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY (NIST) SEEKS NEW DIRECTOR OF DISASTER AND FAILURE STUDIES
Originally Posted: May 6, 2010 10:40 AM
Last Updated: May 6, 2010 11:55 AM

S. Shyam Sunder, Director, Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology says "We are posting the vacancy for the position of Director, Disaster and Failure Studies Program, in the Building and Fire Research Laboratory at NIST."

Available is a sheet which summarizes what the position entails.

The announcement will close on May 21, 2010. Detailed information about the position (including duties, qualifications, and evaluations) and instructions for applying are available at the USAJOBS website.

This is a senior management position within BFRL at the ZP 4/5 (GS 14/15) levels, depending upon the qualifications of the applicant. We are looking to recruiting the brightest and the best candidate for the position. We encourage interested candidates from within NIST or in the federal government, or outside of the federal government to compete for this highly challenging and rewarding leadership opportunity. If any of you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

NIST encourages you to bring this vacancy to the attention of others who may have an interest in the position.

For other NEEDA Newsletter stories about NIST, use the "search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screen.

MORE INFO? Apply on-line via USAJOBS (http://www.usajobs.gov/) to this vacancy announcement: NISTBFRL-2010-0012.

BP IS USING FIRE FIGHTING BOAT JOE GRIFFIN TO CARRY DOME TO LEAK SITE
Originally Posted: May 6, 2010 6:02 AM
Last Updated: May 6, 2010 6:02 AM

A 12-man crew aboard a supply boat, the 280-foot Joe Griffin, owned by Edison Chouest Offshore, helped fight the fire that resulted from the oil rig explosion.

Now, the Joe Griffin is hauling the containment device out to sea to attempt plugging one of the worst oil leaks in American history. Goal: stop the leak. Captain Demi Shaffer said if this doesn't work "they'll try something else."

The solution being tried is a 100 ton concrete and steel box which will arrive on the leak site Thursday, May 6. Assisting will be the Boa Sub C from Norway. The Boa Sub C has a crane to lower the 100 ton box into position to stop the spewing oil.

Neither boat is owned by British Petroleum, but rather they are chartered by the company whose rig burned, crashed to the bottom of the Gulf and is leaking epic amounts of oil that is threatening the Gulf Coast and possibly both the East and West coasts of Florida.

NEEDA Executive Director Kenton Pattie participated in a phone call Mah 5 in which the the key leaders directing operations in the Gulf described all the actions being considered and being taken. The response to this disaster involves
thousands of workers, hundreds of ships, and extensive action by nonprofit organizations and local governments because the oil leak threatens the seafood industry, the tourist industry, and the seashore of Louisiana and states east to the Atlantic Ocean.

The containment dome has no precedent and poses substantial risks.

Associated Press: "First, crews need to properly position the four-story structure above the well as it sinks deep into the mud at the bottom of the Gulf with the help of a remote-controlled robotic submarine. A steel pipe will be attached to a tanker at the surface and connected to the top of the dome to move the oil.

"It's very dark down there ... and we will have lights on the (submersibles), and we know exactly where to put this and guide it into place," said David Clarkson, BP's vice president for project execution.

"That process presents several challenges because of the frigid water temperature — about 42 degrees Fahrenheit — and exceptionally high pressure at those depths. Those conditions could cause the pipe to clog with what are known in the drilling industry as "ice plugs." To combat that problem, crews plan to continuously pump warm water and methanol down the pipe to dissolve the clogging.

BP is exploring a technique in which crews would reconfigure the well that would allow them to plug the leak, but that effort is a couple weeks off.

AP: Making matters worse for the deep sea is the leaking well's location: It is near the continental shelf of the Gulf where a string of coral reefs flourishes. Coral is a living creature that excretes a hard calcium carbonate exoskeleton, and oil globs can kill it.

AP is the only news service accompanying the dome attempt to seal the leak.

DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL RESPONSE: MANY ORGANIZATIONS HAVE MOBILIZED TO HELP
Originally Posted: May 5, 2010 4:22 PM
Last Updated: May 5, 2010 4:22 PM

NEEDA Executive Director, Kenton Pattie, participated in a national audioconference involving leaders responding to the Gulf Coast oil spill. The call was organized by the US Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC). BCLC has been working in recent years to build the national business role in responding to natural and man-made disasters.

NEEDA Newsletter has reported on previous BCLC events attended by Kenton Pattie.

The call today included US Homeland Security, British Petroleum, NOAA, Oxfam and local chamber representatives.

The volume of response has been excellent according to the experts. But, there is no answer as to the exact cause of the disaster with experts saying that it is too early to know for sure what happened and how to prevent it in the future.

But, BP is training many local people who know the waters to help with the clean up campaign and localities throughout the Gulf Coast are expecting to receive oil on their beaches all the way around the Keys to the East Florida Coast.

One expert mentioned that the cleaning and protecting the shoreline is critical beause of the shoreline is important in defending the area when there are
hurricanes. The death of sea grass and other shoreline elements makes the inland areas more vulnerable during hurrican season.

The Gulf Coast economy is dependent on tourism and already Chambers there
report a lot of cancellations for the upcoming summer season.

Meanwhile 700 vessels have been certified to help in the response and 24 teams have been organized and trained. Volunteers are welcome.

If you have an observation, contribution, or question about how this whole
crisis is being handled, please call 866 905 4492 or send an e-mail to KentonP1@aol.com.

Meanwhile, Kenton Pattie will continue to represent the fire industry in BCLC.

FORMER ALASKA GOVERNOR URGES US TO TRUST OIL COMPANIES
Originally Posted: May 4, 2010 8:52 PM
Last Updated: May 4, 2010 8:52 PM

In the wake of the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said over the weekend that she hopes the country will be able to “trust the oil industry.”

Palin called the spill “very tragic” during a speech Saturday night in Independence, Mo., according to the Kansas City Star.

But as a major proponent of offshore drilling, the former Republican vice presidential nominee said that she’d still wants “our country to be able to trust the oil industry.”

“We’ve got to tap domestically because energy security will be the key to our prosperity,” she said as part of a 30-minute speech, which she echoed in large part the next day in Wichita, Kansas.

The oil began gushing nearly two weeks ago when an offshore drilling rig contracted by the giant energy company BP exploded and sank. And Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said on Sunday could take up to 90 days to cap the well.

LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT WHEN THEY FIGHT ON FEDERAL PROPERTY
Originally Posted: May 4, 2010 8:40 PM
Last Updated: May 4, 2010 8:41 PM

Under Section 11 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, reimbursement may be made to fire departments for fighting fire on property owned by the Federal government.

Only firefighting costs over and above normal operating costs are reimbursable.

Claims are submitted to the US Fire Administration and are reviewed by the Deputy Administrator to ensure they meet the criteria outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations.

Reimbursement is paid to the fire departments by the U.S. Department of Treasury after a claim is approved for payment.

MORE INFO? USFA's Tim Ganley at (301) 447-1358

ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS PROGRAM OFFERS $390 MILLION TO LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS
Originally Posted: May 4, 2010 8:33 PM
Last Updated: May 4, 2010 8:33 PM

The US Congress has appropriated $390 million for Assistance to Firefighters Grants for fiscal year 2010.

The application period is now open and application guidelines are posted on the AFG website at www.firegrantsupport.com. Grant requirements and procedures are detailed in the Program Guidance Document on the website. Information is also available in the Federal Register Notice or from FEMA.

Eligible fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations are starting to prepare applications for the 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.

Launched in 2001 by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the program helps first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources.

Greg Sesny, product management protection, Draeger Safety, IncL "With many municipal and regional departments facing budget cuts and deficits, these grants are an important source of funds to help upgrade fire safety operations and to meet training certification requirements."

Draeger Safety manufactures the Swede Survival system for live fire training. Only mobile units are eligible for AFG grants. These include Swede Phase I, II and III systems. All three meet relevant National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for firefighter training.

Firefighter training and certification courses are considered a high priority by the Department of Homeland Security. According to the Federal Register (Vol. 74, FR 17979 - April 20, 2009), "applications focused on national or State certification training, including train-the-trainer initiatives, will receive a higher competitive rating."

Sesny points out that grant proposals should not include a specific brand name or company. Products should be identified by type or category only.

Sesny: "Draeger Safety, Inc. will assist applicants by providing relevant information on its products, services and costs. However, applicants must adhere to procurement policies and maintain competitive bid processes."

AFG's cash matching program requires the department to match a percentage of the award based on the size of the population served. The required matching criteria are five percent for populations under 20,000; 10 percent for populations of 20,000 to 50,000; and 20 percent for populations of 50,000 or more.

Applicants are encouraged to get started with the Grants Management Tutorial on the AFG website. FEMA also runs AFG workshops to assist them in preparing relevant and timely proposals.

Sesny: "Proposals should make a compelling case for the project, identifying the risk or problem and the proposed solution, along with itemized cost details and financial needs."

Fire departments and emergency services are advised to research additional sources of funding, such as state and regional grants. FEMA also offers the Urban Areas Security Initiative Grant Program for nonprofit organizations identified at high risk for terrorist attack and located within specific eligible urban areas.

Draeger Safety AG & Co. KGaA is the manufacturer of the Draeger Swede Survival training systems.

The Draegerwerk AG & Co. KGaA products protect, support and save lives.

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

MORE INFO? www.draeger.com

SAN ANTONIO FIRE DEPARTMENT BUYS PIERCE MANUFACTURING AERIALS, PUMPERS AND RESCUE FROM SIDDONS FIRE APPARATUS, KIDBY, TEXAS
Originally Posted: May 4, 2010 11:45 AM
Last Updated: May 4, 2010 11:45 AM

San Antonio Fire Department in San Antonio, Texas, has just ordered seven Pierce Quantum chassis-based fire fighting vehicles.

The local Pierce dealer in this sale, Siddons Fire Apparatus, Inc., of Kirby, Texas, provides service and support to the San Antonio Fire Department.

Pierce Manufacturing (Appleton, Wisconsin), an Oshkosh Corporation company, says this new Quantum vehicle order includes three aerials, three pumpers and one heavy-duty rescue which will be integrated into the department’s existing fleet that includes 43 Pierce vehicles.

Fire Chief Charles N. Hood of the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD): “Safety for our uniformed personnel is of the greatest importance. The side roll protection system, electronic stability control and visibility provided by the large windshield area are some of the best features of the Quantum chassis. the additional cab space and layout permit our firefighters to comfortably reach equipment within the cab while remaining in seat belted positions during emergency response. All these features combined assist us in providing our uniformed personnel with a round trip ticket home at the end of a shift.”

Chief Hood: "The three pumpers all feature a top-mount-pump-panel configuration, as well as Pierce’s proprietary Husky™ foam system and Hercules™ Compressed Air Foam (CAF) system for unmatched fire knockdown and suppression capabilities.

Two of the engines have been specifically designed and equipped with additional foam capabilities to meet the challenges faced with the increased use and transportation of ethanol fuel blends within San Antonio, Texas.

The three aerials include two 100-foot aluminum ladders and a single 100-foot aluminum aerial platform. The platform is outfitted with a large output, 2,000-gpm pump and Pierce’s new, ergonomically designed aluminum basket with angled doors, an 8-inch walkway on all sides and moveable controls.

The heavy-duty rescue features a tandem rear axle, aluminum body and large storage capacity for a wide variety of rescue tools and equipment. The front of the body features a unique storage compartment with access from the cab so that emergency responders can reach top priority supplies more quickly.

Chief Hood: "The challenges faced by the SAFD mirror those across the nation. In light of the current economy and budget constraints, our purchases must meet fiscal responsibility, provide the highest level of functionality and safety for our firefighters and address the changing needs of the citizens we serve.”

Wilson Jones, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Fire & Emergency: “The Quantum chassis continues to set the industry standard for overall ergonomics, roomy interior and excellent visibility. It’s a truly versatile custom platform as demonstrated by this purchase of seven Quantum vehicles in a wide range of configurations. We’re extremely pleased that Pierce fire apparatus will continue serving the San Antonio fire department for many years to come.”

Since 1891, the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) has built a reputation for serving the citizens of San Antonio. From fire suppression and emergency medical services, to an emphasis on fire prevention and safety education, the department works diligently to meet the changing needs of its community.

®, ™ All brand names referred to in this NEEDA Newsletter story are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.

Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company, is a North American manufacturer of custom fire apparatus. Products include custom and commercial pumpers, aerials, rescue trucks, wildland trucks, minipumpers, elliptical tankers, and homeland security apparatus. Pierce designs its own foam systems and was the first company to introduce frontal airbags and the Side Roll Protection system to fire apparatus.

Oshkosh Corporation is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corporation manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®.

®, ™ All brand names referred to are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.

MORE INFO? www.piercemfg.com

THOR INDUSTRIES, NEW OWNER OF SJC AMBULANCE MANUFACTURER, REPORTS SALES INCREASE
Originally Posted: May 4, 2010 10:08 AM
Last Updated: May 4, 2010 10:08 AM

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

Thor Industries (Jackson Center, Ohio) had sales in the quarter of $679 million, up 64% from $415 million last year. RV sales were $558 million, up 79% from $312 million last year. Specialty Vehicle sales, which include ambulances were $121 million, up 17% from $103 million last year.

Thor Industries, Inc. (Jackson Center, Ohio) paid $20 million in cash to be owner of SJC Industries, a privately-held manufacturer of ambulances based in Elkhart, Indiana.

Thor claims SJC is the second largest manufacturer of ambulances in the United States. Its brands include McCoy-Miller, Marque and Premiere, sold through a nationwide network of dealers. SJC is led by Chuck Drake, President and Jim Evans, VP Finance.

Peter B. Orthwein, Thor Chairman, CEO, & President: "The ambulance business is a natural fit with Thor's Bus and RV businesses. SJC is an innovator with a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. We believe their quality is the highest in the ambulance industry. The relationship with Thor will bring many operational synergies to SJC including procurement and lean production processes, among others."

Thor builds recreation vehicles and commercial buses.

OIL BIZ SAFETY: OIL REFINERY FIRES, DEATHS AND INJURIES CRITICIZED BY THE UNITED STEELWORKERS UNION
Originally Posted: May 4, 2010 9:42 AM
Last Updated: May 4, 2010 9:43 AM

According to the listing of refinery events on the US Department of Energy's website, there is a weekly fire at one of the nation's refineries.

In 2009 there were 46 fires and explosions. So far in 2010 there have been 18 fires and explosions. Six of the fires and explosions this year at refineries have resulted in 10 injuries and nine deaths.

Most of the fires are due to process safety problems, such as malfunctioning equipment.

There could have been more fires than those reported because refineries have no legal obligation to report every incident.

The United Steelworkers Union (USW) advocates greater public reporting of incidents by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and oil companies.

USW International Vice President Gary Beevers: "The frequency of these fires indicates the lack of attention refiners are paying toward process safety and shows they are not learning the lessons from previous incidents."

Since April 2, 2010 there have been 40 injuries and deaths in the oil industry. Seven workers were killed as a result of the April 2, 2010 explosion and fire at the Tesoro refinery in Anacortes, Washington.

Twelve days later on April 14, three workers were injured, one seriously, in a fire at ExxonMobil's Baton Rouge, Louisiana., refinery.

A contractor died five days later on April 19 in a crane accident at the Motiva Enterprises expansion project in Port Arthur, Texas.

April 20 the Deepwater Horizon oil-drilling rig exploded, injuring 15 workers, seven critically. Eleven other workers were never found.

Nine days later, two workers and one supervisor were injured, one seriously, in a fire April 29 at Valero Energy Corp.'s Memphis refinery.

Beevers: "Whether it is a refinery, a refinery construction site or an oil rig, the oil industry does not pay enough attention and money to health and safety within the sector. The oil companies have a duty to provide a safe workplace for their employees and they have strayed from their responsibility."

At the Valero Memphis refinery an operator was burned on 60 percent of his body as a result of a fire that broke out at the Selective Hydrogenation Unit. He was taken to Memphis Regional Medical Center and was in stable condition the next day.

The Commercial Appeal, Memphis: The Valero Memphis refinery has had fires before and other incidents, including a 1999 chemical release that sent 11 people to hospitals.

The same day as the Memphis refinery fire there was another fire at ConocoPhillips's joint venture Wood River refinery in Roxana, Ill. No one was injured in that incident.

MORE INFO? Lynne Bake Cell 615-828-6169 or ww.usw.org

HARRISBURG FIRE SHOW OPENS MAY 21, 2010 AT 10 AM: 22,000 EXPECTED
Originally Posted: May 3, 2010 5:18 PM
Last Updated: May 3, 2010 5:18 PM

The Lancaster (PA) County Firemen's Association is staging its 38th fire expo
May 21, 22 and 23, 2010. Show opens at 10AM each day and closes at
5 PM on the first two days and 4 PM on the third day.

This annual show has 418 exhibitors and 600 booths and is held in the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex at 2301 N. Cameron Street, reached off Intersate 81. Harrisburg, PA 17110. Expected attendance is 22,000. Admission is $7.

MORE INFO?
Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau 877-727 8573
or FIRE EXPO 717 464 3291

MIDWEST FIRE, LUVERNE, MINNESOTA, INTRODUCES 5-MAN CAB FRX FIRE RESCUE PUMPER TRUCK
Originally Posted: May 3, 2010 5:03 PM
Last Updated: May 3, 2010 5:03 PM

Midwest Fire, Luverne, Minnesota, a fire truck manufacturer, has introduced a fire rescue pumper to line of fire apparatus.

Midwest Fire says FRX Fire Rescue Pumper is an innovative, robust, and affordable for fire departments of all sizes.

Tom Leckband, Midwest Fire Sales Manager: I'm excited about the significance of the FRX Rescue Pumper . The FRX Rescue Pumper provides big fire fighting power and maximum rescue equipment storage for under $200,000."

Key standard equipment on the FRX Rescue Pumper includes:
•All aluminum body construction
•Stainless steel pump-house super-structure
•500-gallon poly booster tank with 10-gallon foam cell
• 1000 GPM Midship pump
•Class A Foam System
•Over 300 cu. ft. storage space
•International 4300 Five-Man Cab, Deluxe Interior, SCBA Seating

Since 1987, Midwest Fire has manufactured and marketed tankers and tanker-pumpers in the USA.

MORE INFO? www.midwestfire.com

FEDERAL SIGNAL SELLS STOCK TO RAISE FUNDING TO PAY FOR ACQUISITION OF SIRIT AND VE SYSTEMS
Originally Posted: May 3, 2010 4:45 PM
Last Updated: May 3, 2010 4:45 PM

(For other stories about Federal Signal, use the "Search" application in the upper right of your NEEDA Newsletter screne.)

Federal Signal Corporation May 3, 2010 will offer approximately $75 million through an underwritten public offering of common stock, subject to market and other conditions.

Federal Signal also expects to grant underwriters for the offering an option for 30 days to purchase up to an additional 15% of the offering amount of common stock to cover over-allotments, if any.

Net proceeds from the offering are expected to be used to repay indebtedness under Federal Signal's revolving credit associated with the recent acquisitions of Sirit and VESystems.

The offering will be conducted as a public offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to a registration statement previously declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

This offering will be made solely by means of a prospectus and prospectus supplement filed with the SEC. Copies of the prospectus and prospectus supplement may be obtained from Citi, Brooklyn Army Terminal, 140 58th Street, 8th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11220 (telephone: (800) 831-9146).

Headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, Federal Signal operates three groups: Safety and Security Systems, Environmental Solutions and Fire Rescue. The Company is creating a fourth group, Federal Signal Technologies.

MORE INFO?
William Barker
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
630-954-2000
wbarker@federalsignal.com
www.federalsignal.com

CAMERON IS FIRST TO BE HIT BY INJURY LIABILITY IN GULF OIL SPILL CASE
Originally Posted: May 3, 2010 12:42 PM
Last Updated: May 3, 2010 12:42 PM

Cameron International Corp the manufacturer of a"fail-safe device" on the Gulf oil well that is spewing BP crude into the Gulf of Mexico has only $500 million in liability insurance for legal claims.

Cameron International Corp. says in a statement that authorities are still investigating and it has already been named in several lawsuits. It said it cannot predict if it has liidaability for the accident that is threatening the U.S. coast from Louisiana to Flor.

The Houston-based company says it manufactured the blowout preventer used on the undersea oil well when an explosion and fire destroyed the rig, which was owned by Transocean Ltd and was drilling for BP PLC.

Cameron has been named among other companies in a first rush of lawsuits seeking damages for the rig accident and oil spill.

HINO, TOYOTA TRUCK COMPANY IN NOVI, MICHIGAN, SELLS FIRE AMBULANCE AND FIRE VEHICLES THROUGH DEALERS
Originally Posted: May 3, 2010 5:51 AM
Last Updated: May 3, 2010 5:51 AM

Hino Trucks debuted an ambulance chassis during the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis.

The truck is equipped with Hino Trucks' 2010 compliant SCR system, making it the only medium duty conventional truck to meet the 2010 EPA Emissions Regulation without using credits.

Hino's 258ALP (25550 lb GVW) model has the Hino J08E Series 8-liter diesel engine and produces 220 hp with 520 lb-ft of torque.

Hino's has received the J.D. Power and Associates Awards for "Highest Customer Satisfaction with Conventional Medium Duty Engines and Transmissions, Two Years in a Row."

The Hino ambulance cab and chassis is designed for maximum maneuverability and reliable performance with ample power for the stressful demands required by the emergency rescue market. The ambulance will feature a new suspension from Hendrickson allowing for the frame height to be in the 28" range which is required in the ambulance industry.

Glenn Ellis, Vice President, marketing and dealer operations: "Hino's progression into the ambulance and emergency vehicles market is a direct result of our continuing efforts to develop new applications, and a natural expansion of our product,. We are certain EMS personnel will be impressed with Hino's roomy cab, smooth ride and superior reliability.

Hino Trucks, a Toyota Group Company, assembles, sells and services medium duty commercial trucks in the United States and is headquartered in Novi, Michigan.

MORE INFO? www.hino.com

AUSTRALIA USES WINTER SPOT BURNS WITH HELICOPTER AND GROUND CREW TO REDUCE WILDFIRE POTENTIAL
Originally Posted: May 2, 2010 7:23 AM
Last Updated: May 2, 2010 7:23 AM

This weekend in Australia, an aerial burning campaign is underway to help protect the Coconut Wells community near Broome from the impact of severe late season wildfires.

The rural sub division north of Broome came under threat from a major bushfire 2009 October which forced residents to leave the area.

FESA Kimberley Regional Director Rob Cox: This weekend’s aerial campaign is designed to reduce natural fire fuel loads in the area to reduce the risk of late season fires. (Australia is in Winter conditions during the US summer. NEEDA Executive Director spent several weeks in Australia and has written in NEEDA Newsletter about conditions there and wildifire practices by the FESA.)

Cox: “Fires that form in the later part of the dry season are often the most volatile and it is important to put plans in place early to reduce the risk to life, property, natural ecosystems and the environment,” Mr Cox said.

The aerial burn is a joint mission between FESA, the Shire of Broome and the Department of Environment and Conservation with the cooperation of the Yawru people.

A helicopter is being used for the aerial afternoon burning project from 12pm to 5pm over a 100 hectare area.

Bush Fire Service volunteers will be on hand to monitor the burn.

Cox: motorists in the area should slow down if they come across smoke on the road.

Cox: “If there’s smoke people should turn their headlights on to make their vehicle visible to others, drive slowly and follow any directions given by emergency personnel."

Cox: “If you suffer asthma or respiratory conditions you may want to relocate for the afternoon. If you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor.”

Cox: 2009’s wildfire that threatened the Coconut Wells area and multi million dollar rural properties overlooking Cable Beach was an example of why this weekend’s aerial burning is required.

Cox: “Protecting people’s lives, natural flora and fauna ecosystems, property and the environment from severe late season wildfires is very important.”