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| Bi-Weekly Update |
December 11, 2009 |
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Capitol Hill in Holding Pattern on AFG Reauthorization
Following the House vote to reauthorize the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program on November 18th, no further action has been taken in Congress on the measure. The bill has been referred to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. While the committee staff has begun to look at the legislation, they have given no indication on when the committee is expected to take action.
With little time remaining in the first session of the 111th Congress, the Senate is working feverishly on health care reform, placing all other issues in a holding pattern (with the possible exception of an omnibus spending bill). The Senate is expected to remain in session until shortly before Christmas and then officially reconvene on January 19th. The hope is for the chamber to approve legislation swiftly. Any delays will most likely have an impact on the application process for the 2010 grant cycle.
On the other hand, the funds are in place as Congress has already approved FY2010 funding for AFG with $390 million appropriated for FIRE and $420 million for SAFER. CFSI will continue to keep you apprised of the latest developments on the AFG reauthorization legislation.
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Nominee for Head of FEMA Grants Office Has Confirmation Hearing
Elizabeth M. Harman, nominated by President Obama to become Assistant Administrator for FEMA's Grant Programs Directorate, underwent her confirmation hearing yesterday before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. If confirmed, Ms. Harman would manage 55 grant programs, ranging from money intended for the preparedness and post-disaster assistance to state, local, and tribal governments, to security at ports and transit systems.
Chairman Joseph Lieberman hopes that the Senate will quickly confirm Harman, who currently serves as the Director of training for hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction at the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). Prior to joining IAFF, she was an instructor at the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, the Johns Hopkins University Medical School, and George Washington University. She began her career as a firefighter and emergency medical technician in Bowie, MD, and Fairfax, VA. |
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CFSI Holds Holiday Sale on Candles
As the holiday season draws closer it is important to keep safety in mind. Candles are among the leading causes of house fires, especially during the holiday season.
As you approach this festive time of year, be mindful of the very real danger candles can pose your family and home. There are an estimated 17,400 home candle fires each year leading to and estimated 180 deaths and 1,575 injuries. 55% of home candle fires start because the candle is too close to combustible materials while 20% of candle fires begin when candles are unattended or abandoned. Half of all candle fire deaths occur between midnight and 6 A.M.
If you must use candles, ensure that they are placed in sturdy holders and away from flammable materials. Keep candles away from children and pets. Be sure to extinguish candles after each use and never leave burning candles unattended.
One great way to avoid candle house fires is to use flameless candles this holiday season. Flameless candles offer the same soft glow and wax feel of a real candles, but with no danger to your loved ones. With the holidays approaching the Congressional Fire Services Institute has put its entire stock of flameless candles on sale. For more information on this sale, click here and use the discount code 25candle2009. These candles will sell out quickly.
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Ways to Keep Your Family Fire Safe This Holiday Season
As this video from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) shows, a poorly maintained Christmas tree can become deadly in a matter of seconds. Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. The easiest way to prevent a holiday fire involving your tree is to make sure it is properly watered and that electric lights are not frayed.
When selecting a tree, make sure the needles are green and hard to pluck off the branches. Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. After the holidays, the best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
The Congressional Fire Services Institute's Board of Directors and staff wish you a safe and happy holiday season.
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CFSI Executive Director Bill Webb Receives VCOS Award
The Volunteer & Combination Officers Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs honored CFSI Executive Director Bill Webb with its Chairman's Award at its annual conference in Clearwater, Florida on November 8th. "One of the first groups that extended its support when I became CFSI's Executive Director in 1995 was VCOS," said Webb. "Since then, I have worked closely with their leadership, seeking their guidance and input on a broad range of issues. I extend my thanks and gratitude to Chief Tim Walls for this recognition." | |
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Dont forget, the best way to show your support for CFSI is by joining the Associates Club
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Congressional Fire Services Institute
900 2nd St. NE, Suite 303
Washington DC 20002
www.cfsi.org
update@cfsi.org
202-371-1277
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