Emergency Management Update - August 16, 2006

Wednesday, August 16 2006 @ 01:01 EDT

August 16, 2006

Federal funds available to state and local governments
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has granted Public Assistance to Galax, Mecklenburg and Rappahannock counties, making them eligible to recoup costs resulting from severe storms in June and July. FEMA previously granted Public Assistance to the state and 13 other localities: the counties of Alleghany, Arlington, Bath, Botetourt, Craig, Dickenson, Fairfax, Floyd, Highland, Henry, King George and Rockbridge, and the city of Alexandria. The declaration makes Public Assistance funds available to cover eligible government and certain private non-profit costs for damage to critical infrastructure, debris removal and related emergency services.

FEMA denied Gov. Timothy Kaine's appeal of its decision to deny Individual Assistance to citizens and businesses in the counties of Alleghany, Arlington, Augusta, Botetourt, Fairfax and Montgomery and the cities of Alexandria and Salem.

The governor has requested the Small Business Administration to authorize low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and businesses in Fairfax County and the city of Alexandria. If SBA loans become available in these two localities, then individuals in adjacent localities automatically become eligible to apply for loans.

Flood recovery safety tips and situation reports are available on VDEM's Web site. Information about individual and public assistance are available online from FEMA.

2006 hurricane forecast reduces number of storms
In the August update of its 2006 hurricane forecast, the Tropical Meteorology Project staff at Colorado State University reduced the number of potential named storms from 17 to 15. The number of hurricanes also dropped, from nine to seven, as well as the number of intense hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5), from five to three. However, the project maintains the prediction of a season with above-average activity.

The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration also calls for above-average activity in its updated forecast and lowered the potential number of storms.

Although both organizations call for activity above the 100-year average, they also predict that the season will not be as active as the 2005 hurricane season, when hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast.

Citizens should prepare for tropical storms, regardless of intensity. See VDEM's hurricane preparedness information to learn how to get a kit and make a plan.

Pet legislation passes Senate
The U.S. Senate unanimously passed its version of the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2005, or the PETS Act. The legislation requires local and state emergency preparedness authorities to include in their evacuation plans how they will accommodate household pets and service animals in case of a disaster. Local and state authorities must submit these plans in order to qualify for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a similar bill in May. The bill will not go to the president for signature until the House and Senate agree on a compromise between the two versions. The Senate version:

• Grants FEMA the authority to assist in developing these plans.
• Authorizes financial help to states to create emergency shelters for people with their animals.
• Allows for the provision of essential assistance for individuals with household pets and service animals, and the animals themselves, following a major disaster.

Community shielding concept and research
The community shielding concept proposes that those living or working in a community attacked with a dirty bomb or a biological agent should stay where they are, while communities in the surrounding areas deploy to bring supplies to the affected area. This would relieve first responders to offer services to those with special needs, alleviate evacuation congestion and keep people where they are most comfortable. In order to assess citizens' ability and willingness to comply with such a concept, the Center for Survey Research at the University of Virginia conducted a poll of 1,071 households in the National Capital Region. In addition to further research and public education efforts, recommendations and findings include:

• Although most residents are willing to comply with a "shelter-in-place" order, many do not have the resources to do so. Many don't have enough supplies stored in their homes or offices. Localities should plan to bring food, water, medications and other supplies directly to residents' homes or businesses to increase cooperation.
• Information about the crisis and communication with loved ones is a priority during any shelter-in-place order. Residents need to know that loved ones are being cared for if families are separated, and many would "face danger" to be with family and friends.

USFA offers Flood Prep
"Flood Prep" is now available online from the U.S. Fire Administration. The hour-long streaming video covers essential information about food safety, mold prevention, generator use, sandbagging, evacuation tips, flash food awareness, creating an emergency supply kit and creating a flood-resistant home. The webcast uses a collection of training videos and public service announcements to teach citizens to be flood-safe in a variety of situations.

Pet-friendly disaster training
The Virginia Beach Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will host Disaster Animal Rescue Team training, created by the Humane Society of the United States. DART members assist animal care and emergency services professionals in rescuing animals that have been affected by disasters. Preliminary self-study courses are available online from HSUS. Registration, attendance Sept. 13-15 and a $40 fee are required.

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the Fair Oaks Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company
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