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IAFC Member's SIT REP

Katrina Recovery Efforts: IAFC Member's SIT REPs

NIOSH Release Interim Guidlines for
Fire Fighting Operations in the Hurricane Katrina Response

NIOSH has released interim guidelines for fire fighting operations in the hurricane Katrina response. The guidelines can be found at the following link:

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/flood/ff-katrina.html

NIOSH urges fire departments to share this information with their members prior to deployment to the gulf coast region and with those members already on assignment.

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United States Government Offers Home Loans To Those in Katrina Affected Areas

Federal support to state and local officials, volunteer organizations and families who have been devastated by Hurricane Katrina continues around the clock in an effort to provide recovery support to those affected by this unprecedented natural disaster. Federal assistance to households will help them get on the road to recovery.

SBA disaster loans are the primary source of federal funds for repairing or rebuilding disaster damage to private property owned by homeowners and renters. Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including vehicles.
Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s single-family home loan programs, which have enabled thousands of rural Mississippi families to build or purchase homes over the past decades, will soon be extended to non-rural areas such as Hattiesburg and the Mississippi Gulf Coast in order to help families affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Latest News on FEMA Call for Aid

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

US Fire Administration issues statement on outpouring of resources

Updated Sept. 06, 2005

US Fire Administrator R. David Paulison reported more than 4,000 firefighters answered the call to respond to Hurricane Katrina recovery. Personnel goals issued by USFA and FEMA have been met.

Here is the statement issued by US Fire Administrator R. David Paulison: "The United States Fire Administration wishes to thank the fire service for the magnificent response in support of the Hurricane Katrina community relations mission. More than 4,000 firefighters responded to the call and are being sent for this critical humanitarian mission to assist our fellow Americans in this time of great need. Due to the benevolence of the American fire service, we have met our goals and no further solicitation of the fire service is anticipated. The USFA call center has suspended processing new applications effective Sept. 06, 2005. Again, we want to thank all those who responded. "

Letter from DHS concerning EMAC and public safety response to Hurricane Katrina

Department of Homeland Security - Sept. 01, 2005

FEMA/DHS Requests Fire Service Emergency Assistance

IAFC / IAFF News Alert - Sept. 01, 2005

Explanation of Fire Hire (two-person Community Response teams)

US Fire Administrator R. David Paulison - Sept. 01, 2005

FAQs about FEMA's call for 1,000 two-person teams

How you can help firefighters and others

Donations to help firefighters:

The International Association of Fire Fighters has set up a disaster relief fund to provide financial aid to IAFF members who have experienced loss and devastation from disasters like this hurricane. Visit www.iaff.org for details.
The National Volunteer Fire Council has set up a fund to aid fire departments that have been impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Details are at www.nvfc.org .
The National Association of EMTs has a fund for EMS professionals who need help re-building their lives in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina. Visit http://www.naemt.org/forTheMedia/Rescuefund.htm for more information.
The IAFC is supporting the "Adopt a Firehouse" program.
Visit http://adoptafirehouse.com/ for more information.

Donations to help other victims:

A number of charitable organizations are accepting donations to help hurricane victims. FEMA listed the following agencies as needing cash to assist hurricane victims:

• American Red Cross , 800-HELP-NOW (435-7669) English, 800-257-7575 Spanish.

• America's Second Harvest , 800-344-8070.

• Adventist Community Services , 800-381-7171.

• Catholic Charities USA , 800-919-9338.

• Christian Disaster Response , 941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554.

• Christian Reformed World Relief Committee , 800-848-5818.

• Church World Service , 800-297-1516.

• Convoy of Hope , 417-823-8998.

• Lutheran Disaster Response , 800-638-3522.

• Mennonite Disaster Service , 717-859-2210.

• Nazarene Disaster Response , 888-256-5886.

• Operation Blessing , 800-436-6348.

• Presbyterian Disaster Assistance , 800-872-3283.

• Salvation Army , 800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769).

• Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief , 800-462-8657, Ext. 6440.

• United Methodist Committee on Relief , 800-554-8583

FAQs

Deployment protocol and health questions about Katrina:

What health concerns should I be concerned about on-scene?
- The Centers for Disease Control has provided a list of resources that may be helpful to health care professionals after a hurricane. Click here for more information: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/hcp.asp
Should I get any shots before deploying?
- Yes. It is essential that individuals be prepared to encounter the environment that they will be deploying to. The IAFC has provided the following Recommended Immunizations for Katrina Disaster Deployment Personnel (PDF file).

General questions about the hurricane and the response:

I cannot send personnel to participate in the response; what else can I do to help?
- The IAFC is supporting the "Adopt a Firehouse" program.
  Visit http://adoptafirehouse.com/ for more information. The IAFC is also looking into other ways in which fire departments can help those in need. We are in touch with DHS/FEMA and the state fire chiefs associations of Louisiana , Mississippi and Alabama to determine their needs. Check this Web site periodically for updates and click here for a current list of organizations that are accepting donations.
How many firefighters and fire departments have been affected?
- At this time, the IAFC is working to determine the impact of the hurricane on the fire service. Please check back in the coming days for more information.
What is the IAFC doing to aid in the response?
- The IAFC is maintaining contact with the Department of Homeland Security/FEMA to disseminate necessary information to the fire service as quickly as possible. We are also in touch with the state chiefs' associations in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to determine their needs.
How can I assist with sending supplies and equipment to the affected areas?
- Log on to the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) Web portal (via www.swern.gov) to access the National Emergency Resource Registry (NERR) by clicking on the link in the upper right corner of the page. Once registered, this resource allows HSIN-CI members as well as the general public to submit information about resources that may be used to support on-the-ground recovery efforts. This is a secure, Official U.S. Government system to facilitate the marrying of capabilities and supplies with needs. As of this morning, the highest priority needs are for emergency supplies of non-perishable items that can be made available to Louisiana , Mississippi and Alabama.
Do you have information for fire departments in affected areas that need uniforms and clothes?
- We are currently working to determine the needs of fire departments; please check this site in the next few days for more information.
Is the IAFC coordinating fundraising efforts to help firefighters and fire departments?
- The IAFF ( www.iaff.org ) and NVFC ( www.nvfc.org ) both have disaster relief funds set up to aid firefighters and fire departments; visit their Web sites for details.
- In addition, the IAFC is supporting the "Adopt a Firehouse" program. Visit http://adoptafirehouse.com/ for more information.

Specific questions about FEMA's call for 1,000 two- person teams:

How can I send personnel to the affected areas?
- FEMA is requesting 1,000 two-person career firefighter teams to aid in the recovery effort. Click here for more details. Note: please follow the instructions from FEMA and do not send personnel until they have been accepted by FEMA.
How will my department be reimbursed for expenses?
- Call FEMA at 301-447-7250 for details on what will be reimbursed.
Will my department be reimbursed for backfill positions?
- According to USFA, hours worked will be paid accordingly, with overtime reimbursed if worked for these deployed Community Response firefighters. Call back (or fill) cost for the sponsoring departments is NOT authorized. Also, workers compensation coverage remains a responsibility of the fire department. Please contact FEMA for all information about expenses at 301-447-7250 .
Where can I get more information about FEMA's request?
- Visit www.fema.gov or call 301-447-7250.
Is the IAFC going to send some overhead teams to coordinate the 1,000 two-person firefighter teams?
- According to the USFA, the teams are being coordinated by Chief Charlie Dickinson, USFA deputy administrator, and the teams are direct FEMA hires of individuals. The teams will work within the existing FEMA organization as a part of FEMA's regular post-disaster community relations program and do not require separate overhead coordination.
Should I coordinate my efforts through my state emergency management office or directly with the feds?
- According to USFA, the individuals who want to participate in the Community Response two-person team program are direct FEMA hires and are not part of any intra-state mutual aid system request (EMAC) so this does not require the coordination with state EMAs.
Why didn't DHS go through the normal routing for the 1,000 two-person team request?
- Click here to find the answer from USFA Administrator Chief R. David Paulison.