topFAMA/FEMSA GAC Newsletter #217 
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In This Issue
AFG: ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE HOLDS HEARING ON FEMA REAUTHORIZATION
NATIONAL FIREFIGHTER HEALTH WEEK...AUGUST 14-20, 2011
Training Provides Key Insights to Disaster Management
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality
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US Fire
Grant Support
The fire grants announced for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG)

Round 27 - $44,555.00

Click Here for Grant Information
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GAC Congressional Calendar 
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See past and upcoming Home Day events at www.homeday.org

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AFG: ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT
The 2011 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Application Period Opens Shortly

ARE YOU READY?

Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) helps to ensure that firefighters and first responders have the essentials they need to be safe and effective on the job. Your fire department or EMS organization may be eligible for a grant. The key to your success is preparing your application early. Get started today!

2011 AFG GET READY GUIDE IS AVAILABLE NOW
The 2011 AFG Get Ready Guide is your resource for successfully submitting a grant application and may be downloaded at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants.

NEW THIS YEAR: GRANT RECIPIENTS MUST REGISTER IN THE CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION (CCR) SYSTEM
As of August 2010, prime recipients of Federal grants are required to register in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) system. As a potential grantee you are not required to register, but you may wish to do so now in case you receive an award. CCR registration will be required if you are selected for an award.

How to register:
  1. Obtain a DUNS number from Dun and Bradstreet: http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. A DUNS number is a required to submit an application. If you already have a DUNS number, skip to #2.
  2. Once you have a DUNS number, register here: https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/default.aspx For more information on grantee registration in the CCR system, visit their website: https://www.bpn.gov/ccr/grantees.aspx 
NEED HELP? ATTEND A GRANT WORKSHOP
AFG Regional Representatives conduct grant workshops around the country. Visit http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/js/workshop_schedule_july.html for a complete schedule.

IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED... Source:    FEMA
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HOUSE TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE HOLDS HEARING ON FEMA REAUTHORIZATION

On Thursday, July 14th, the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held a hearing to examine the issue of disaster recovery and the reauthorization of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  
 
Subcommittee Chairman Jeff Denham (CA-19) began the hearing by noting the importance of disaster recovery. The chairman stated that while FEMA has made improvements in some areas, there is still much that can be done to streamline the process. Ranking Member Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) agreed that improvements must be made in FEMA's policies
 
The first witness to testify was current FEMA Administrator W. Craig Fugate. Administrator Fugate spoke about the obstacles posed by red tape in recovery efforts and the challenge of balancing the speed of the process with the control of resources and waste reduction.  
 
"Pre-disaster preparedness and mitigation are critical to recovery and resilience-building. Additionally, timely decisions can significantly reduce recovery time and cost. Therefore, it is important that all members of the team understand their role in disaster response and recovery and to begin to prepare for disasters before they occur," said Fugate. "Recovery is one of the most vital and sustained phases of the emergency management cycle... FEMA remains committed to assisting our local, State, and Tribal partners in the aftermath of a disaster along with our partners in the private sector and voluntary agencies."
 
The second panel included four witness: Lt. Col. Jerome Hatfield of the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA); Mr. Cline Griggs, tribal council member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe; Ms. Phyllis Little, Director of the Cullman County Emergency Management Agency; and Mr. Chad Berginnis, Associate Director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers.
 

A video of the hearing and the witnesses' written testimonies are available at

http://transportation.house.gov/hearings/hearingdetail.aspx?NewsID=1335  


Source:CFSI 

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NATIONAL FIREFIGHTER HEALTH WEEK




AUGUST 14-20, 2011

When it comes to your health, you're always on duty.

National Firefighter Health Week 2011 will be held August 14-20. The theme is: "When it comes to your health, you're always on duty." Each day of the week will focus on a different topic to help first responders take the steps towards a healthy lifestyle.

Use this National Firefighter Health Week Resource Center to find more information about each focus day as well as resources, tools, and activity ideas specific to each day's topic:
 
Sunday, August 14 - National Firefighter Health Week Kick-off

Monday, August 15 - CRISIS: Understanding the Risk  

Increase awareness and understanding of health risks to firefighters and EMS personnel.

Tuesday, August 16 - DISPATCH: Get Support  

Solicit buy-in from the community, department overhead, and family to improve first responder health.

Wednesday, August 17 - SIZE-UP: Make a Plan  

Set goals and develop a plan of action to improve first responder health and wellness.

Thursday, August 18 - ATTACK: Take Action  

Work with department and community partners to implement change in health behaviors.

Friday, August 19 - OVERHAUL: Live Life  

Continue to practice healthy behaviors at the department and at home in the long-term.

 

Saturday, August 20 - Health Week Wrap-Up and Event Day
Organize or attend community events with family and friends that support your commitment to health and wellness.

Click here to find tools and resources for promoting National Firefighter Health Week in your department and in your community.

 

Source:  NVFC
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Training Provides Key Insights to Disaster Management


After a fireball erupts from the Golden Nugget and a gunman stalks another casino, the Las Vegas emergency management officials learn valuable lessons.

 Read More>>  

 

Source: Disaster Resource Guide   
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The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatalities:
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has received notice of the following firefighter fatality:

Name: Travis Lee Miller
Rank: Firefighter
Age: 31
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 5
Date of Incident: 07/19/2011
Time of Incident: 1847hrs
Date of Death: 07/20/2011

Fire Department: Waterloo - Grant Township Fire Department
Address: PO Box 115, 305 S Sheridan ST, Waterloo, IN  46793-0115
Fire Department Chief: Kirby Hobbs

Incident Description: Firefighter Miller died of an apparent heart attack shortly after returning home from working a residential structure fire in Butler, Indiana.  Heat conditions on the fireground were described by local authorities as extreme.

Incident Location: 418 North Pearl ST, Butler, IN
Funeral Arrangements: Pending

Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending

Tribute is being paid to Firefighter Travis Lee Miller at http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/

Name: John Lackovic
Rank: Fire Police Lieutenant
Age: 60
Gender: Male
Status: Volunteer
Years of Service: 33
Date of Incident: 07/11/2011
Time of Incident: 1130hrs
Date of Death: 07/11/2011

Fire Department: Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company
Address: PO Box 62, 630 Valley Park RD, Valley Forge, PA 19481-0062
Fire Department Chief: Rick Beittel, Jr.

Incident Description: Approximately four hours after Fire Police Lieutenant Lackovic responded to a report of a motorcycle accident, Lackovic began experiencing difficulty breathing. EMS units from West End Ambulance responded to calls for assistance and, upon arrival, found Lieutenant Lackovic in cardiac arrest. Lieutenant Lackovic was transported to the Phoenixville Hospital where he passed away.

Incident Location: 1145 Valley Forge Rd, Schuylkill Twp, PA
Funeral Arrangements: Per the family's request, a private viewing, funeral, and reception will be held Friday, July 15th, 2011.

Memorial Fund Contact and Address: Pending

Tribute is being paid to Fire Police Lieutenant John Lackovic at

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/fireservice/fatalities/ 

 

Source: FEMA 
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