The mitigation process for natural disasters from what I gather is a staggering effort on the part of the Emergency Manager in towns across our nation. Plans must be updated on a continual basis to assure coverage and grants from FEMA. With all that said, it still gives the town no guarantee that they will be approved for funding and if they are, still no guarantee as to when the money will arrive. The waiting list is long and as time goes by, people across our country continue to deal with the events of a natural disaster sometimes years after the fact. Remember, mitigation is to help reduce or eliminate the effects of a reoccurring natural disaster, waiting for funds only guarantees that if the town is hit again, there will be nothing in place to prevent further damage, leading only to more damage.
If this wasn't hard enough to deal with, now FEMA is considering a new policy to reduce it's contributions starting on the third similar occurrence over a ten year period. Now don't get me wrong, I agree that if towns aren't using mitigation funds to actually prevent the affects of a disaster, we as tax payers shouldn't be footing the bill over and over again. However, this reduction of contribution is going to leave gaps for finding solutions and ultimately hurt the town and towns people in the process. I would think this type of pressure will only lead to more property buy-outs instead of investment in finding and implementing new solutions.
Here's the article - http://www.gsnmagazine.com/cms/features/news-analysis/2509.html
FEMA is looking for opinions on this policy change and will be accepting them until October 13th, so let your voice be heard at www.regulations.gov and citing docket number FEMA-2008-0006.
Remember, another approach to this is in the works. Each One for US All has been established to fill the void where government grants fall short or fall off completely. Now more than ever the support from each one to help all is needed. Together we can provide the funding for new ideas, solutions and a solid future.
DD
Friday, September 4, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
spreading the word
Like I said before, "Inspiration comes in many forms" the trick I guess is allowing yourself to be inspired.
Today I was inspired by an old friend, when I think back she is one of the people that I can say that I've known the longest in my life. We met when I was three years old, a toddler moving out of the row homes in Northeast Philadelphia, entering the new adventure of the sprawling suburbs. We were close in age and she became my sister's close friend, but we shared a lifetime as next-door neighbors growing up as we all do. Had our share of ups and downs but really experienced growing up together. She, like many others I grew up with, still refers to me as Danny, to some, that will never go away. Yesterday she reached out to me as a fellow blogger now 3,000 miles away. Her words of support reminded me once again what I'm trying to accomplish and the importance of staying on the path. I thank you Shady Lady.
This morning I awoke to yet another message from my old friend, doing not just what old friends do but doing what any inspired individual would do if they allowed themselves to be inspired. Her Blog - http://behindbigshades.blogspot.com/ had a post about me today. I encourage you to check out her blog, not just to read about me but, just to see her blog. Shady Lady has a multitude of posts and an extremely creative site. Believe me, she could find other things to write about. But she didn't today. Today she did her part, she did what she could to spread the word about something she cares about. She read my words, gets it and is doing her part to tell others. Once again I thank you Shady Lady, I am truly humbled.
This all serves as a reminder to me and hopefully to others that real change can be inspired by one but it sometimes takes many more to reach the goal. If you're tuning in to something and you like it,,, share it. If you disagree,,,, communicate that as well. The power of all this technology doesn't have to stifle our communication skills, it can and should enhance it, allowing our words to be heard, louder than ever before.
DD
Today I was inspired by an old friend, when I think back she is one of the people that I can say that I've known the longest in my life. We met when I was three years old, a toddler moving out of the row homes in Northeast Philadelphia, entering the new adventure of the sprawling suburbs. We were close in age and she became my sister's close friend, but we shared a lifetime as next-door neighbors growing up as we all do. Had our share of ups and downs but really experienced growing up together. She, like many others I grew up with, still refers to me as Danny, to some, that will never go away. Yesterday she reached out to me as a fellow blogger now 3,000 miles away. Her words of support reminded me once again what I'm trying to accomplish and the importance of staying on the path. I thank you Shady Lady.
This morning I awoke to yet another message from my old friend, doing not just what old friends do but doing what any inspired individual would do if they allowed themselves to be inspired. Her Blog - http://behindbigshades.blogspot.com/ had a post about me today. I encourage you to check out her blog, not just to read about me but, just to see her blog. Shady Lady has a multitude of posts and an extremely creative site. Believe me, she could find other things to write about. But she didn't today. Today she did her part, she did what she could to spread the word about something she cares about. She read my words, gets it and is doing her part to tell others. Once again I thank you Shady Lady, I am truly humbled.
This all serves as a reminder to me and hopefully to others that real change can be inspired by one but it sometimes takes many more to reach the goal. If you're tuning in to something and you like it,,, share it. If you disagree,,,, communicate that as well. The power of all this technology doesn't have to stifle our communication skills, it can and should enhance it, allowing our words to be heard, louder than ever before.
DD
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