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Defining the Organizational Culture of the Fairborn Fire Department

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"In an effort to begin a teambuilding and organizational development program, organizational culture, an important but often overlooked component of the Fairborn Fire Department, was identified for study. This research project will provide insight into the organizational culture of the Fairborn Fire Department, and provide methodology for organizational development and change. The problem that this research project will address is that attempts at organizational development and teambuilding have not been successful due to a failure to thoroughly understand the needs, beliefs, values, and perceptions of the members of the fire department. The overall purpose is to identify the organizational culture, define the strengths and weaknesses, and provide recommendations for methodology of organizational change, teambuilding, and resolution of cultural conflict. The research required the use of both historical and descriptive methodologies. The research questions were 1. What are the strengths and weaknesses within the Fairborn Fire Department that have the greatest impact on its present organizational culture? 2. What are the elements of the organizational culture within the Fairborn Fire Department? 3. How can the organizational culture be defined?"

National Fire Academy

Harlow, T. David

1994-07
Development of a Strategy for Conflict Management During Fire/EMS Department Amalgamation

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"The purpose of this research was to develop a strategy for the management of conflict between Fire and EMS personnel in the Edmonton Emergency Response Department. The research was undertaken employing both an historical research methodology and an action research methodology. Document analysis and interviews were used to gain an understanding of the premerger motives. Management literature on amalgamation (mergers and acquisitions) and on theories of conflict management was examined in order to develop an organizational strategy to provide direction in the development of a specific set of guidelines or tools that may be used by managers to resolve or diffuse situations where conflict negatively affected organizational performance."

National Fire Academy

Williams, Bernard E.

1995-05
Study of Standby Water Fees/User Fees for Fire Sprinkler System Connections to Water Mains

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"Standby water fees/user fees for fire sprinkler system connections to water mains, levied by water utility agencies, were being challenged as excessive and unwarranted by fire protection organizations. Most water utility agencies claimed a right to charge standby water fees/user fees and believed they were reasonable and justified. The purpose of the research was to identify and evaluate the issues on both sides of the debate and to formulate recommendations. Historical and descriptive research methodology was use to answer these questions: 1. Which states have proposed or enacted legislation or rules regulating standby water fees/user fees? 2. What is a reasonable standby water fee/user fee? 3. What services do water utility agencies provide to justify their standby water fees/user fees? 4. What alternatives are available to water utility agencies that depend on the revenue generated by standby water fees/user fees?"

National Fire Academy

Wood, Thomas R.

1995-07
Providence Fire Department Staffing Study Revisited

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"The Providence Fire Department conducted a staffing study in 1990-1991 to determine the effect of increased staffing on injury-related costs. Staffing on the six busiest companies was increased from three members to four. An actuary concluded that a substantial savings was achieved, resulting in permanent staffing increases. The results of the staffing study were subject to criticism on the basis of participant bias and the Hawthorne Effect, because participating firefighters knew of the study, and of the possibility for permanent staffing increases. The problem prompting this research was that increased staffing remained highly controversial due to budgetary problems facing Providence. Politicians and the media regularly referred to the department as 'bloated.' The purpose of this research was to determine if injury reductions observed during the original staffing study continued during subsequent years. The historical method was used."

National Fire Academy

Varone, J. Curtis

1995-08
Structure Triage During Wildland/Urban Interface/Intermix Fires

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"This research project analyzed the factors that influence the survivability of structures located in wildland/urban interface and intermix zones. The purpose of the project was to produce a short, simple checklist fire officers can use to do structure triage during a wildland conflagration. This research employed both historical and action research (a) to identify attributes of land and buildings that compromise firefighter safety during structure-protection operations, (b) to identify those physical features of a structure and its environs that serve as reliable predictors of structure survivability during wildfire, (c) to assess which survivability predictors are of practical value in performing structure triage, and (d) to develop guidelines that help direct the actions of firefighters undertaking structure protection in scarceresource situations occasioned by uncontrollable wildland fires. The principal procedure employed was review of instructional materials and wildfire case studies focusing on structure protection in wildland/urban interface/intermix areas. Data were compiled in table form to facilitate comparison of survivability factors discussed in the literature."

National Fire Academy

Brown, Keith

1994-02
Marketing Strategy for Wildland Fuel Reduction in Palm Coast, Florida

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"Palm Coast, Florida, is a 42,000-acre planned residential community on the east coast of Florida characterized by large areas of intermix wildland/urban interface. A need for wildland fuel hazard mitigation has been identified; however a marketing strategy does not exist for implementation of wildland fuel reduction measures. The purpose of this research was to develop a marketing strategy that identifies acceptable fuel reduction methods and funding options for mitigating the wildfire hazard. Action research methods were used to answer the following questions: 1. Are Palm Coast residents aware of the wildfire hazard in their development? 2. What fuel reduction methods are available for use in Palm Coast? 3. What fuel reduction measures are acceptable to homeowners and lot owners in Palm Coast? 4. Are homeowners and lot owners willing to pay for acceptable fuel reduction measures? 5. If they are willing to pay for fuel reduction measures, what methods for funding a fuel reduction program are preferred? Surveys of lot owners and homeowners in selected portions of Palm Coast were performed to solicit their responses to questions designed to answer research questions one, three, four, and five. Research question two was answered by a review of the literature."

National Fire Academy

Kuypers, Mike

1995-10
Technologies to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities of the Committee on Armed Services, United States Senate, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Second Session, March 12, 2008

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From the opening statement of Jack Reed: "The subcommittee meets today to hear testimony on technology to combat weapons of mass destruction (WMD). We are fortunate to have started with a demonstration of a number of technologies being developed or fielded for our military and other government agencies, including some technologies that are used here in the Homeland to protect our population. […] We hope to learn today about the challenges you all face in trying to develop these technologies, the successes that you have had, and how this technology fits into our numerous efforts to combat WMD. We thank you and all of those who you work with for your dedicated efforts to keep our Nation and our military forces safe from these dangerous threats. We appreciate that your agencies also had a role in the response to and decontamination of the Senate office buildings after the anthrax attacks of October 2001. We look forward to hearing your testimony." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Jack Reed, James A. Tegnelia, Stephen Reeves, and T. Jan Cerveny.

United States. Government Printing Office

2008
Department of Homeland Security Purchase Cards: Credit Without Accountability, Hearing Before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Ninth Congress, Second Session, July 19, 2006

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From the opening statement of Susan M. Collins: "Today, the Committee will examine the results of the joint investigation conducted by the Government Accountability Office and the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General into wasteful and potentially fraudulent uses of DHS' purchase cards. Government purchase cards are similar to the personal credit cards that many of us carry, but with a notable difference: The American taxpayer pays the bill. The government is responsible for paying all charges by purchase cardholders regardless of what was purchased or whether the buyer got a fair price. When used properly, purchase cards allow agencies to streamline the acquisition process and reduce costs when buying goods and services or paying government contractors. When used improperly, purchase cards enable wasteful and even fraudulent transactions. [...]Today's hearing will focus on spending associated with DHS purchase cards in the months both immediately preceding and following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita when DHS was given ex-panded authority for using purchase cards. I opposed raising the micropurchase threshold to $250,000, fearing that hurried and wasteful spending might occur. GAO's investigation indicates that my fears were warranted." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Susan M. Collins, Joseph I. Lieberman, Norm Coleman, Gregory D. Kutz, John J. Ryan and David L. Norquist.

United States. Government Printing Office

2007
Inherently Safer Technology in the Context of Chemical Site Security, Hearing Before the Committee on Environment and Public Works, United States Senate, One Hundred Ninth Congress, Second Session, June 21, 2006

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From the opening statement of James M. Inhofe: "Today the committee will be examining a concept called Inherently Safer Technology and its relation, if any, to making chemical sites more secure against terrorist attacks. Last week the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee held a markup on S. 2145, a bill to require heightened security at our Nation's chemical sites. During that markup, the subject of IST was hotly debated. An amendment to require IST was wisely voted down by a bipartisan vote of 11 to 5. Despite this defeat, I am certain this environmental concept will continue to be debated in the context of security, thus our hearing today remains important. IST is essentially the idea of giving the Federal Government authority to mandate that a private company change its manufacturing process or the chemicals that they use. We will hear today from witnesses about how IST applies in the real world, what it can do and what it cannot do. In the wake of 9/11, there was a realization that chemical facilities, which are critical to our Nation's economy, could be targets for terrorism. Since then, the Bush Administration has made a determined effort to protect our Nation's critical infrastructure against terrorists who aim to harm us. Congress, too, has acted by enacting into law the Marine Transportation Security Act, the Bioterrorism Act, and a comprehensive nuclear security package that was passed out of this committee." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Christopher S. Bond, James M. Inhofe, James M. Jeffords, Frank R. Lautenberg, Barack Obama, George V. Voinovich, Joseph Biden, Charlie Cott, Philip J. Crowley, Barbara Boxer, Dennis C. Hendershot, Lisa P. Jackson, and David A. Moore.

United States. Government Printing Office

2009
Department of Homeland Security Preparedness Grants: Risk Based or Guess Work? Hearing Before the Committee on Homeland Security, U.S. House of Representatives, One Hundred Ninth Congress, Second Session, June 21, 2006

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From the opening statement of Peter King. "The committee is meeting today to hear testimony on the reduction of terrorism preparedness grants and its potential effects on New York City, the National Capital Region, and our Nation. I will make a brief opening statement then I will ask the Ranking Member, Mr. Thompson, to make a statement and then we will proceed immediately to our witnesses on the first panel. I think this morning's hearing is as important as any hearing this committee is going to have, because to me it goes right to the heart of what the purpose of the Department of Homeland Security is and whether or not the Department of Homeland Security is equipped to meet the threats which face our Nation today. I happen to be from New York, and I actually have a very personal interest in what happens to the city of New York, but this goes far beyond New York City, it goes far beyond Washington, D.C., which is obviously where I also spend a good deal of time, and where I am also a very close neighbor of Mayor Williams." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Peter T. King, Bennie G. Thompson, Charlie Dent, Normal D. Dicks, Vito Fossella, Jim Gibbons, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Nita M. Lowey, Daniel E. Lungren, Michael T. McCaul, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Bill Pascrell, Dave G. Reichert, Christopher Shays, Rob Simmons, Michael Bloomberg, Raymond W. Kelly, Anthony Williams, Ed Reiskin, Charles Ramsey, Mike Smith, and George Foresman.

United States. Government Printing Office

2007
Hurricane Katrina: Recommendations for Reform: Hearing Before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Ninth Congress, Second Session, March 8, 2006

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This hearing entitled "Hurricane Katrina: Recommendations for Reform" was before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the United States Senate, One Hundred Ninth Congress, second session, on March 8, 2006. From the text: "The fact is that the failures of government associated with Hurricane Katrina were overwhelming, and they occurred at all levels. That is clear from our investigation and I know is self-evident at this point to the American people. Government's response to Katrina was a national disgrace, and it has shaken the confidence of the American people in their leaders' ability to protect them when they most need that protection. However, out of this catastrophe, which has been followed, I am afraid, by a painfully slow and flawed recovery, we have a chance together to show the way to the creation of a new system of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery that learns from those agencies that worked very well, like the Weather Service and the Coast Guard, while reforming those that did not, like FEMA. That is our charge."

United States. Government Printing Office

2006-03-08
Manufacturers of FEMA Trailers and Elevated Formaldehyde Levels, Hearing Before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Second Session, July 9, 2008

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From the opening statement of Henry A. Waxman: "Today the committee is holding its second hearing on formaldehyde in FEMA trailers. A year ago the committee examined how FEMA responded to reports that the families living in Government trailers were being exposed to hazardous levels of formaldehyde. Our hearing revealed that the FEMA staff out in the field said that they needed to test these trailers so the dangerous levels of formaldehyde would not adversely affect the families living in these trailers, but FEMA, itself, in Washington refused to do that. One FEMA lawyer directed: 'Do not initiate any testing. Once you get results and should they indicate some problem, the clock is running on our duty to respond'. Well, what we learned at that hearing outraged Americans all across the country. FEMA had a duty to protect families living in its trailers and it failed them. I expect today's hearing will also generate a sense of outrage. The largest supplier of FEMA trailers by far was a manufacturer named Gulf Stream. In the weeks after Hurricane Katrina struck, Gulf Stream received contracts from FEMA worth more than $500 million to supply over 50,000 trailers for displaced residents of the Gulf Coast. FEMA failed by ignoring the dangers of formaldehyde and resisted testing. Gulf Stream's problem is different." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Michael McGeehin, Jim Shea, Ronald J. Fenech, Peter Liegl, Dan Burton, Tom Davis, Bill Sali, Mark E. Souder, Diane E. Watson, and Henry A. Waxman.

United States. Government Printing Office

2009
Host Communities: Analyzing the Role and Needs of Communities that Take in Disaster Evacuees in the Wake of Major Disasters and Catastrophes, Hearing Before the Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Disaster Recovery of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Tenth Congress, First Session, December 3, 2007

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From the opening statement of Mary Landrieu: "So I have convened this Subcommittee to underscore one of the most significant challenges during and after any disaster: The role and needs of communities that take in these disaster evacuees-just like Kemberly Samuels, just like the story of Bobbie Moreau, and thousands and thousands of others like them. This is the seventh public hearing of this Subcommittee, as I have said. These hearings are intended to look into the laws and policies that govern our response to all disasters. Many of these hearings in the past have focused on Hurricanes Katrina and Rita because they highlighted the deficiencies in our response planning. These stories are just the beginning of a longer, arduous process to rebuild the lives of these disaster victims and others. In the aftermath of the 2005 storms, citizens of the Gulf Coast were shipped, literally-by rail, by bus, by air-all over the country. More than 200,000 found immediate refuge right here in Baton Rouge, our capital city, and evacuees almost doubled the population of Baton Rouge at the time, and we will hear from Mayor Holden about the impact that caused to this community. More than 304,000 people, according to FEMA estimates, were evacuated to Houston, Texas; more than 80,000 to Jackson, Mississippi; and these other mayors can tell the numbers from their cities." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Mary Landrieu, Melvin 'Kip' Holden, Randy Roach, Mayson H. Foster, Mary Hawkins-Butler, Sid Hebert, Robert A. Eckles, Raymond A. Jetson, Kim Boyle, and Greg Davis.

United States. Government Printing Office

2008
Summary Report California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Evaluation of Full-Face Air-Purifying Respirators for Wildland Fire Fighting Use

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"Wildland fire suppression personnel employed by the CDF [California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection] do not currently have the equipment to protect themselves from the short-term acute affects of smoke from wildland fires. In addition, no regulations exist that specify appropriate respiratory protection and the current air-purifying respirator technology and carbon monoxide monitoring has not been adapted to fit wildland fire suppression requirements. This three-year limited study evaluated the ability of wildland fire fighters to perform their normal job function while wearing full-face air-purifying respirators. In the first two years of this study we designed, developed and field tested a prototype 'smart' air-purifying respirator which incorporated a real-time carbon monoxide monitor into a commercial full-face respirator. Data on carbon monoxide exposure while fighting wildland fires was collected. During the third year of this study we evaluated eight different commercially available full-face air-purifying respirators equipped with a variety of cartridges. Apparatus to aid the fire fighter in carrying the respirator and carbon monoxide personal monitor was designed and fabricated. A smoke exposure test method was developed and a laboratory study on the penetration of smoke through respirator cartridges was conducted."

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Beason, Donald G.; Johnson, James S.; Foote, Kenneth L. . . .

1996-02
Review of the Research on Response to Improvised Nuclear Device Events

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This paper provides a review of research on response to an improvised nuclear device (IND) detonation in an American city. The document establishes a framework under which past findings can be understood, identifies gaps, and makes recommendations for future research.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

2008-07-09
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response: The SAFER Grant Program [Updated September 10, 2008]

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This is an updated report from the Congressional Research Service on the SAFER Grant Program. "In response to concerns over the adequacy of firefighter staffing, the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Act -- popularly called the 'SAFER Act' -- was enacted by the 108th Congress as Section 1057 of the FY2004 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 108-136). The SAFER Act authorizes grants to career, volunteer, and combination local fire departments for the purpose of increasing the number of firefighters to help communities meet industry minimum standards and attain 24-hour staffing to provide adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards. Also authorized are grants to volunteer fire departments for activities related to the recruitment and retention of volunteers. […] To date, the Bush Administration has requested zero funding for SAFER in all years of the program's existence. […] The FY2009 budget justification stated that the federal government already spends 'billions of dollars in annual support to train, exercise, and equip state and local public safety personnel, including firefighters, so that they are adequately prepared to respond to a terrorist attack or other major incident.' […]Facing the 110th Congress is the issue of whether or not -- and if so, to what extent -- the SAFER program should be funded. The Administration has consistently requested no funding for SAFER, arguing that localities should be solely responsible for funding firefighting personnel. Fire service advocates counter that the inability of many local fire departments to meet minimum standards for personnel levels could lead to inadequate response to different types of emergency incidents, substandard response times, and an increased risk of firefighter fatalities."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Kruger, Lennard G.

2008-09-10
Border Violence: An Examination of DHS Strategies and Resources: Hearing Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, First Session, March 12, 2009

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From the opening statement of Loretta Sanchez: "With the Mexican government engaged in a violent struggle against well armed drug cartels that frequently resemble advanced military units, the United States and this Congress cannot ignore our role in assisting our neighbor and ally in this fight, and preventing this violence from spreading across our border. [...] In developing a strategy to assist and deal with the drug cartel war in Mexico there are several key issues that must be addressed: How will we as a nation address the fact that 90 percent of guns found in Mexico come from our streets and stores? What role do we have in training, preparing and providing assistance to the Mexican government? How will we ensure that our shared trade and commerce routes that supply our country with many essentials products are safe from disruption in Mexico? And, how can we ensure that a variety of U.S. Departments and agencies work together efficiently and effectively to respond to this threat? [...] With those concerns in mind, it is essential that the Department of Homeland Security, along with other relevant Departments, continue to pursue a contingency plan to address 'spillover' violence along our border." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Loretta Sanchez, Bennie G. Thompson, Roger T. Rufe, Jr., Alonzo R. Pena, John Leech, Salvador Nieto, and Kumar C. Kibble.

United States. Government Printing Office

2010
Reauthorization of the Federal Rail Safety Program, Hearings before the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives, One Hundred Tenth Congress, First Session, January 30 and 31, 2007

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From the opening statement of Corrine Brown: "The Subcommittee is meeting today to hear testimony on reauthorization of the Federal Rail Safety Program. Since this is our first meeting of the 110th Congress, I believe this is a good opportunity to outline the near-term agenda of the Subcommittee, and our efforts to address many of the transportation challenges facing this Country. First, let me say how pleased I am to serve as the Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials. I have loved the railroads since I was a child watching the Silver Meter pass by my house every day. And I often tease members, pass through my house, we were just that close to it. I am also pleased to have the opportunity to work with my Republican colleague, Congressman Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania. And you can rest assured that the Transportation Committee is one committee in this House and this Subcommittee that will be run very bipartisan. We will work together for the good of the people of this Country. Thank you for being the Subcommittee Ranking Member. The Subcommittee will have an active agenda in the coming weeks and months, starting with the reauthorization of the Rail Safety program." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Joseph H. Boardman, Charles A. Gonzalez, Calvin Scovel, Katherine Siggerud, Robert L. Sumwalt, Corrine Brown, Jerry F. Costello, Elijah E. Cummings, John L. Mica, James L. Oberstar, Tim Walz, Bill Shuster, Bruce L. Braley, Grace F. Napolitano, Steve Larson, Edward R. Hamberger, Earl Pomeroy, Edward W. Rodzwicz, Richard F. Timmons, Sharon L. Van Dyck, Edward Wytkind, and Cynthia Hilton.

United States. Government Printing Office

2007
Smallpox: Is the Department of Defense Prepared?

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"Biological weapons pose a clear and present danger to U.S. national security, U.S. forces, and key allies and friends. Their low cost, low visibility, high potency, accessibility, and easy delivery make BW attractive to adversaries seeking new methods of violence when current ones no longer achieve their intended effect. With a case fatality rate of 30 percent and no effective treatment smallpox is one of the most feared of all biological weapons. Thus, the central research question is: Given the asymmetric threat posed by biological weapons and recent advances in biotechnology, is the Department of Defense (DoD) prepared to counter the current smallpox threat? A comparative analysis was completed evaluating differences between smallpox and influenza preparedness. The analysis included evaluation of detection and surveillance (the components of recognition), as well as applied research, specialized infrastructure, and disease prevention and control (the elements of intervention). The analysis determined DoD is largely unprepared. Recommendations to improve response include: research and development of new vaccines and antivirals, enhanced vaccine production capacity, additional research focused at bolstering nonspecific immunity, improved clinical diagnostics and additional specialized laboratory infrastructure."

U.S. Army Command and General Staff College

Ford, Stephen

2003
Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy ('Mad Cow Disease') and Canadian Beef Imports [Updated March 11, 2005]

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"Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or 'mad cow disease) is a degenerative, fatal disease affecting the nervous system in cattle," and rarely occurs in North America. Three reported cases from Canadian cattle-one in 2003 and two in 2005- spurred the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ban Canadian beef imports during the years of reported disease, only to subsequently create controversial regulatory policies. A lawsuit was filed in April 2004 by the group, Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America, which asked for a temporary restraining order of USDA policy allowing import of Canadian bovine products, claiming inconsistent relaxations on the import ban. Filings by the Canadian Cattlemen for Fair Trade in August 2004 and the American Meat Institute in December 2004 claimed the import bans discriminatory and unfounded. U.S. Federal courts took action in resolving these and other lawsuits that stymied the USDA's rulemaking efforts. Regulations pertaining to Canadian cattle and beef imports were unclear at the time this report was published. "This report, which will be updated if significant developments ensue, provides a narrative chronology of selected U.S. actions after the discovery of BSE in North America, presenting in sequence this often confusing chain of events. The report focuses on USDA's steps to reopen the U.S. border to Canadian beef, and concludes with a discussion of USDA's actions in the context of APA [Administrative Procedure Act] rulemaking procedures."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Becker, Geoffrey S.; Copeland, Curtis W.

2005-03-11
Congressional Primer on Responding to Major Disasters and Emergencies [April 30, 2014]

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"The principles of disaster management assume a leadership role by the local, tribal, and state governments with the federal government providing coordinated supplemental resources and assistance, if requested and approved. The immediate response to a disaster is guided by the National Response Framework (NRF), which details roles and responsibilities at various levels of government, along with cooperation from the private and nonprofit sectors, for differing incidents and support functions. A declaration of a major disaster or emergency under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, P.L. [Public Law] 93-288, must, in almost all cases, be requested by the governor of a state or the chief executive of an affected Indian tribal government, who at that point has declared that the situation is beyond the capacity of the state or tribe to respond. The governor/chief also determines which parts of the state/tribal territory they will request assistance for and suggests the types of assistance programs that may be needed. The President considers the request, in consultation with officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and makes the initial decisions on the areas to be included as well as the programs that are implemented. The majority of federal aid is made available from FEMA under the authority of the Stafford Act."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarthy, Francis X.; Brown, Jared T.

2014-04-30
Planning for Natural Disaster Debris [March 2008]

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This document provides guidance on how to manage debris from natural disasters.

United States. Environmental Protection Agency

2008-03
Community Emergency Response Team: Course Overview

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"The purpose of this Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training is to provide the private citizens who complete this course with the basic skills that they will need to respond to their community's immediate needs in the aftermath of a disaster, when emergency services are not immediately available. By working together, CERTs can assist in saving lives and protecting property using the basic techniques in this course."

Community Emergency Response Team (U.S.)

2006
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training Instructor Guide

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This is the CERT basic training instructor guide that helps support the concept that some basic training in disaster survival and rescue skills would improve the ability of citizens to survive and to safely help others until responders or other assistance could arrive.

Community Emergency Response Team (U.S.)

2011-01-01?
Dearborn CERT Supports Community Response Team in the United Arab Emirates

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"An ongoing partnership between Michigan emergency managers and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is spanning language barriers and thousands of miles to build an international preparedness partnership. Given its desert environment, the UAE faces a number of climate-related challenges, including extreme heat and sandstorms. In addition, the country's relatively new infrastructure presents emergency response officials with new logistical challenges, such as evacuating very tall buildings in the event of an emergency. In 2008, the UAE visited official emergency response authorities of several countries, seeking ways to engage the country's youth and young adults in community service. UAE officials identified the United States' CERT [Community Emergency Response Teams] program and the Swedish Civil Defense League as models for training and engagement. To expand its CERT cooperation, UAE officials looked to partner with Dearborn, Michigan, a city, which according to the 2010 U.S. Census is home to the largest percentage (nearly 40 percent) of Arab-Americans in the United States. As a result of its large Arab population, Dearborn officials had begun an effort to translate the CERT curriculum into Arabic shortly before meeting with UAE officials in 2009. Kevin Sweeney, Michigan State Police Sergeant, and Brad Smith, Dearborn Emergency Management Homeland Security Director, spearheaded the translation effort with the support of others in the community."

Community Emergency Response Team (U.S.)

2014-07-16?
Federal Involvement in Flood Response and Flood Infrastructure Repair: Storm Sandy Recovery [October 31, 2012]

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"Storm Sandy was a reminder that the United States is vulnerable to significant weather hazards, and that infrequent but intense flood events can cause significant damage and disruption. In addition to wind damages and electricity disruptions, the storm's surge damaged property and infrastructure in coastal and inlet areas, while the storm's rains and snowmelt swelled rivers and creeks. These impacts contributed to public safety concerns and private and public property loss. Although the storm was not notable for its wind intensity, Sandy's significant size, its unusually low atmospheric pressure, and the astronomic high tide combined with other weather systems to amplify flooding consequences and economic and transportation disruptions. With events like Storm Sandy, common questions for Congress include: Which federal programs can assist with flood-fighting? Which federal programs can assist with repairing damaged dunes, levees, and other flood protection? What are the policy and funding issues that may arise during recovery?"

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Carter, Nicole T.

2012-10-31
Congressional Primer on Major Disasters and Emergencies [August 31, 2011]

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"The principles of disaster management assume a leadership role by the local and state governments with the federal government providing coordinated supplemental resources and assistance. A declaration of a major disaster or emergency must, in almost all cases, be requested by the governor, who at that point has declared that the situation is beyond the capacity of the state to respond. The governor also determines which parts of the state they will request assistance for and suggests the types of assistance programs that may be needed. The President considers the governor's request, in consultation with officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and makes the initial decisions on the areas to be included as well as the programs that are implemented. […] In addition to that assistance, other disaster aid is made available through programs of the Small Business Administration (which provides disaster loans to both businesses and homeowners), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) within the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (in the form of Community Development Block Grant funds being made available for unmet disaster needs). While the disaster response and recovery process is fundamentally a relationship between the federal government and the requesting state government, there are roles for congressional offices to play in providing information to the federal/state response and recovery teams in their respective states and districts. Congressional offices also serve as a valuable source of accurate and timely information to their constituents."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

McCarthy, Francis X.; Brown, Jared T.

2011-08-31
Chemical Facility Security: Issues and Options for the 113th Congress [January 31, 2013]

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"The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has statutory authority to regulate chemical facilities for security purposes. The 112th Congress extended this authority through March 27, 2013. The Obama Administration has requested extension of this authority until October 4, 2013. Congressional policymakers have debated the scope and details of reauthorization and continue to consider establishing an authority with longer duration. Some Members of Congress support an extension, either short- or long-term, of the existing authority. Other Members call for revision and more extensive codification of chemical facility security regulatory provisions. Questions regarding the current law's effectiveness in reducing chemical facility risk and the sufficiency of federal chemical facility security efforts exacerbate the tension between continuing current policies and changing the statutory authority. […] The 113th Congress might take various approaches to this issue. Congress might allow the statutory authority to expire but continue providing appropriations to administer the regulations. Congress might permanently or temporarily extend the statutory authority to observe the impact of the current regulations and, if necessary, address any perceived weaknesses at a later date. Congress might codify the existing regulations in statute and reduce the discretion available to the Secretary of Homeland Security to change the current regulatory framework. Alternatively, Congress might substantively change the current regulation's implementation, scope, or impact by amending the existing statute or creating a new one. Finally, Congress might choose to terminate the program by allowing its authority to lapse and removing funding for the program. This would leave regulation of chemical facility security to state and local governments."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Shea, Dana A.

2013-01-31
Interior Immigration Enforcement: Programs Targeting Criminal Aliens [December 20, 2012]

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"Congress has a long-standing interest in seeing that immigration enforcement agencies identify and deport criminal aliens. The expeditious removal of such aliens has been a statutory priority since 1986, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its predecessor agency have operated programs targeting criminal aliens for removal since 1988. These programs have grown substantially since FY2005. Despite the interest in criminal aliens, inconsistencies in data quality, data collection, and definitions make it impossible to precisely enumerate the criminal alien population, defined in this report as all noncitizens ever convicted of a crime. CRS [Congressional Research Service] estimates the number of noncitizens incarcerated in federal and state prisons and local jails--a subset of all criminal aliens--at 173,000 in 2009 (the most recent year for which complete data are available), with state prisons and local jails each accounting for somewhat more incarcerations than federal prisons. The overall proportion of noncitizens in federal and state prisons and local jails corresponds closely to the proportion of noncitizens in the total U.S. population. DHS operates four programs designed in whole or in part to target criminal aliens: the Criminal Alien Program (CAP), Secure Communities, the §287(g) program, and the National Fugitive Operations Program (NFOP). The CAP, Secure Communities, and certain §287(g) programs are jail enforcement programs that screen individuals for immigration-related violations as they are being booked into jail and while they are incarcerated; the NFOP and some §287(g) programs are task force programs that target at-large criminal aliens. This report describes how these programs work and identifies their common features and key differences among them."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Kandel, William; Rosenblum, Marc R.

2012-12-20
U.S. Secret Service: An Examination and Analysis of Its Evolving Missions [January 8, 2013]

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"The U.S. Secret Service (USSS), a distinct entity within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has two missions--criminal investigations and protection. Criminal investigation activities encompass financial crimes, identity theft, counterfeiting, computer fraud, and computer-based attacks on the nation's financial, banking, and telecommunications infrastructure. The protection mission is the most prominent of the two, covering the President, Vice President, their families, former Presidents, and major candidates for those offices, along with the White House and the Vice President's residence (through the Service's Uniformed Division). Protective duties of the Service also extend to foreign missions in the District of Columbia and to designated individuals, such as the Homeland Security Secretary and visiting foreign dignitaries. Separate from these specific mandated assignments, USSS is responsible for certain security activities such as National Special Security Events (NSSEs), which included the inaugural ceremony of President Obama, the major party quadrennial national conventions, as well as international conferences and events held in the United States. […] This report frames potential policy questions concerning the Service's mission and organization through an examination of the USSS history and its statutory authorities, mission, and present activities within DHS. Additionally, Appendix B provides information on direct assaults on and threats to Presidents, Presidents-Elect, and candidates."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Reese, Shawn

2013-01-08

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