FY 02 Annual Report 
ACCOMPLISHMENTS & INNOVATIONS 

FEMA Region III 
Philadelphia, PA 

Annual Report FY 2002 



REGIONAL DIRECTORS MESSAGE.............1 


INTRODUCTION................................................2 


LOOKING BACK...................................................3
A Banner Year for Accomplishments and Innovations 


LOOKING AT THE DETAILS...........................8

Divisional Accomplishments 

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS....................................................8
RESPONSE AND RECOVERY.................................................10
FLOOD INSURANCE AND MITIGATION.......................14
ADMINISTRATION AND RESOURCE PLANNING......17
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS...................................................................18


LOOKING AHEAD.............................................19

A Year of Challenges 



Conclusion....................................................20

I am proud to be a member of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  In these times, when the citizens of our country witness disasters, they now truly understand that all is not lost and that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is nearby to help. Disasters will always grab the headlines; always cause disruptions in our lives.  But as you will see in our annual report, we continue to meet this challenge head on. Our effective response to our community is the product of our daily duty to provide the most diligent attention to all of our stakeholders. 

This report documents the efforts of the entire FEMA Region III family who continue to go above and beyond the ordinary to ensure our Agencys success in providing comprehensive emergency management - preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery  to our Region. 

The documents outlines the hard work that goes on daily in FEMA Region III, from planning and preparing for disasters and acts of terrorism, to helping victims recover from floods and tornadoes, to limiting damage from future disasters. The report also describes the many efforts that make it possible for the different parts of FEMA to work together. 

Our team does not simply include our regional staff but also includes state and local officials from Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.  This document references partnerships with our National Office, other Federal Agencies, and the private sector.  We join each of these dedicated organizations in a partnership that results in achievements greater than the combined individual efforts. Our work with this emergency management community is not finished; this partnership does not end with dealing with what has already happened. It extends to developing tools and projects to reduce future risks. 

As I near the end of my tenure as Regional Director, I hope my leadership has enabled the Region III team and our partners to fully engage together in meeting the overall mission of the agency.   I am proud of all the staff who has worked with me. They are true professionals who will continue our vital mission as we journey into a new era of emergency management. To them and all of you, I offer my thanks, and wishes for success and good luck in the future. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 1 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL REPORT

Introduction

The Region III team is committed to helping our states be better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.  This annual report is a summary of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region III efforts during the past fiscal year. It records the challenges and accomplishments of our 92 permanent and temporary employees and 345 disaster reservists. It documents examples of emergency management partnerships that we employ to meet our mission: to save lives and protect property in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Many residents of our Region during this past year suffered the effects of either natural or man-made disasters. Victims range from coal miners and loggers in Southwest Virginia and southern West Virginia whose homes were washed away by raging floodwaters, to office workers and shopkeepers whose homes were wrecked by tornadoes in Maryland and Virginia, to men and women in the military service and their families who suffered irreplaceable loss when terrorists crashed a commercial airliner into the Pentagon.

Working with FEMA Headquarters, nine other FEMA Regions, other federal agencies, our state and local partners, and the private sector, we strive to provide team-oriented, customer-friendly service during disasters and peacetime.

As you read these highlights of the past year, somewhere take note on how you, and all of us, can build on the many activities we all engage in. While this document does indeed provide an overview of our accomplishments, it also serves as a valuable tool to build upon as we tackle the challenges we see in the coming year. Your assistance in joining us in these efforts is critical.

All of our efforts will enable more and more citizens to escape the ravages of nature, to ensure that their homes and businesses withstand weather-related hazards, and to increase their individual and community preparedness efforts as we work together to prevent and lessen the effects of terrorist attacks on our nation.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 2 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL REPORT

Looking Back
A Banner Year for FEMA Region III

Fiscal year 2002 was a banner year for innovation and accomplishments in Region IIIa new Regional Director, significant disaster recovery challenges, a call for increased terrorism preparedness, a commitment to improved flood hazard mapping and an award winning division. 

Disaster Recovery Efforts in Three States 

Beginning in April, Region III responded to four new disasters with response and recovery operations.  Staff conducted Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) in three states, two simultaneously. Tornadoes hit Maryland. There was flooding and tornadoes in Virginia, while West Virginia experienced yet another flood. In Virginia, the damage assessment was for a second round of flooding while the Region was still delivering aid to victims of a flood a few months earlier. 

Each of the disasters had unique characteristics. The first Virginia event was a typical small- to medium-size flood in a limited area. The second event was widespread, including tornadoes and high winds at several locations across the state and heavy flooding in a concentrated area of one county. 

The Maryland disaster brought tornadoes and high winds to a highly populated area. Most applicants were insured but they still needed housing.  Region III coordinated with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide housing to eligible families. 

West Virginia offered unique challenges with additional flooding to an area still recovering from flooding in June 2001. Region III ran three concurrent mobile home operations requiring new mobile home parks to be developed. Region I provided staffing and other resources for the operation because many of Region IIIs staff and reservists were involved in other disasters. 

FEMA responded, obligating $84,719,847 for the four Major Disasters and six Fire Management declarations in FY 02. 


Out-of-Region Support 

Region III staff supported other FEMA Regions, lending expertise and support on several out-of-Region deployments. We went to Missouri, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Kansas, Texas, North Dakota, Guam, Rota, and Chuuk (Micronesia). Our Public Assistance staff also made major contributions to FEMA debris management program and Peer Review programs. 

Photo 1
Maryland Tornado

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 3 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL REPORT

Expanded Regional Outreach 

Expanded communications and outreach activities were priorities for the past year. All regional elements examined their existing practices and developed new methods for bringing the agencys message of preparedness more directly to the partners we serve. 

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS BUILDING LINKS 

Since the September 11th attack, FEMA has placed special emphasis on working with other federal agencies as well as state and local governments to boost our national capabilities to manage the consequences of a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) incident.  We realize in this new era of emergency management that we need to reach out to new partners to meet this challenge.  To achieve that objective National Preparedness (NP) staff has been active internally to ensure the Region was prepared and also worked with other federal and state agencies to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated effort. 

Internally, we supported the Presidents Citizen Corps initiative, and focused on our Continuity of Operations responsibilities. Our Technological Services, Assessment and Exercise Branch developed an annex to the Region III Supplement to the Federal Response Plan for each of the commercial nuclear power plants in Region III. 

Externally, we have been working with a number of other federal agencies in Region III to develop a variety of projects. We collaborated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry to discuss hospital communications during WMD mass casualty incidents.  This discussion clarified objectives of each agency and opportunities for cooperation. We also participated in a special session of the Maryland Terrorism Forum, the Department of Justice-sponsored Nunn-Lugar-Domenici full-scale chemical terrorism exercise at the Pentagon with Arlington County, VA, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency-sponsored symposium for the Regional Counter Terrorism Task Forces, and a cyber-terrorism summit in Baltimore, MD, that included representatives from Department of Justice and the U.S. Secret Service. 

In addition, staff participated in a chemical terrorism exercise in Erie, PA, sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Erie County Emergency Management Agency, and a Bio-terrorism exercise for the City of Philadelphia and the South Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Counter Terrorism Task Force. 

We equally recognize that more work needs to be done on building these relationships.  We pledge to partner aggressively, share information, and foster teamwork with new players in an effort to enhance emergency management capability at all levels of government and with the private sector. 

REGIONAL INTRANET 

To facilitate information flow, we established our own intranet site to keep the staff, state partners and Disaster Field Offices informed about developments almost as they occur. 

The main template for the Intranet was created and content posted for many areas, including Regional, divisional, state, program, policy information, GIS products and organizational charts. 

REGION III REPORT 

Photo 2
The Region III Report


ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 4 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL REPORT

Another innovation launched last summer was The Region III Report. This bi-weekly publication is transmitted by e- mail to deliver up-to-date information to staff, reservists and state and local partners more quickly. The newsletter contains information such as program changes, deadlines and events of interest, and reaches more than 1,000 members of the Region III family. 

MITIGATION IN THE CLASSROOM 

The disasters in Southwest Virginia identified a need and an opportunity to advance the availability of mitigation information in school classrooms.  Region III staff, Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia Department of Conservation, and local school districts in Wise, Scott, and Lee counties developed a pilot program that will enhance disaster-resistance education.  This program will introduce mitigation educational materials for use in teaching disaster resistance. The Virginia Department of Education is an adviser in this initiative.  Region III staff and local educators are identifying age-appropriate mitigation information that conform to the states Standards of Learning. 
 
BROADENING COMMUNICATIONS EFFORTS 

The Region also expanded the existing communications and outreach activities developing and institutionalizing a broader initiative.  Region III established a State Information Committee with a point-of-contact for each Region III state to provide a broader and more consistent source of information, such as, hot issues, program priorities and demographics. 

NEW TEAM FOCUSES ON CAPITAL PREPAREDNESS 

A National Capital Region (NCR) team was formed to respond to a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) attack or catastrophic disaster in the national capital area. The National Capital Region comprises the District of Columbia and 16 surrounding municipalities in Maryland and Virginia. 

Headquarters and regional staff fill key positions on the Emergency Response Team (ERT) for the National Capital Region. Team members are primarily from Headquarters and Region III who live relatively close to the capital. Region III is charged with providing staff for the second shift for the 24-hour operation and also for certain select positions on the ERT day shift. The Federal Coordinating Officer heading the operation also is from the Region III staff.
 
The team is one of four ERT teams in the United States. It is, however, the only one dedicated to a specific location. The team participates in continuing activities to enhance response readiness. If activated, it will operate out of an Initial Operating Facility in the National Capital Region area. 

ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANTS 

A total of 255 fire companies in the five Region III states have received $16,789,787 under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.  The program was designed to provide funds for equipment, training and other items needed to maintain a highly skilled, well-equipped, local fire fighting force. 

To kick off the program, staff conducted 24 workshops throughout the Region. More than 1,700 people participated in the workshops. Region III provided more than 3,500 information packets with program guidance, and 1,000 copies of U.S. Fire Administration publications. 

Photo 3
Mitigation DAE Noah Thacker speaks to students as part of Virginia flood outreach.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 5 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL REPORT

NP staff worked with the recipient fire companies to ensure they were aware of payment procedures, cost-share, procurement standards, record keeping, reporting requirements, policies concerning property, and audit requirements. 

DISASTER MITIGATION ACT 2000 IMPLEMENTATION
 
Preparation for implementation of Disaster Mitigation Act 2000 (DMA2K) has been a Regional priority. The final phase of the Individual Assistance program implementation, the Individual and Household Program, went into effect on October 15, 2002. 

We disseminated relevant information to all stakeholders through workshops and training.  Tools for dissemination include Power Point presentations, E-mail updates, and literature developed both in Region and at FEMA Headquarters.  We held a workshop in Harrisburg with our state partners, and trained our Disaster Assistance Employees (DAEs) at Disaster Field Offices. We conducted a final tune-up for our State partners and DAEs at a workshop in Ocean City, MD, in September. 

Our Public Information Officer held a joint training session on DMA2K for Public Information, Congressional Liaison and Community Relations Officers last spring. We also invited a number of reservists from Region II to participate in this training. 

Our Federal Insurance and Mitigation (FIM) Division inaugurated the DMA2K, Section 322 Mitigation Planning with training for our state partners in March.  The Region followed up with staff to conduct training for state representatives through individual, on-site workshops. 

TRAINING READINESS 

During FY 02, our Administration and Resource Planning (ARP) Division assumed the Regional training function from our Response and Recovery (R&R) Division. 

Training to implement DMA2K was a priority this year. We also conducted training for emergency team members from our Regional Staff and selected DAEs based on position responsibility.  R&R conducted several orientation and training sessions to bring the assigned state liaisons up to date on responsibilities. During the year, the Region conducted an Information and Planning Section training session, and R&R-sponsored a Response Operations Workshop for all key staff.  The Rapid Needs Assessment Team (RNAT) training this year was very successful and included federal agency partners and state representatives. 

The DAE cadre is a vital component of our organization. As essential as they are, when they return home from deployments they have, in the past, been left out of the information loop.  We provided Regional, program and disaster information updates, and encouraged participation in the Independent Study course program offered at EMI as ways of correcting this situation. We also were able to use the mentoring process during disaster deployments to allow our more experienced cadre members to share the knowledge and skills needed to perform new tasks. 

Administration and Resource Planning also held a Disaster Assistance Employee Workshop for members of the Administration and Human Resource cadres, as well as the Information Technology members of the Logistics cadre. 

PRE-DISASTER MITIGATION PROGRAM 

Photo 4
Marty Frengs speaks in Bethany Beach, Del. Bethany Beach is invloved in the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 6 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL REPORT

To implement DMA2K, Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) grant funds were made available to state and local jurisdictions for a comprehensive approach that allows state and local governments to tie together pre- and post-disaster mitigation efforts and to integrate public and private interests to ensure disaster-resistant communities. 

The initial PDM strategy contained a recommendation that state and local governments use PDM grants to develop or enhance mitigation plans to comply with new criteria. Except for the District of Columbia, whose mitigation plan was already compliant, all Region III states earmarked their PDM allocations to developing state and local mitigation plans in high hazard areas. We obligated an initial total of $2,158,113 federal funds to support the PDM strategy.  Our states received a total of $1,894,580 in federal funds for mitigation planning.  The District of Columbia, which already had a satisfactory plan, used its $263,533 for a mitigation project. 

NEW PRELIMINARY DAMAGE ASSESSMENT SYSTEM 

Region III, in an effort to streamline and expedite Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) so that we can more efficiently respond to requests for disaster declarations, designed a new system so that one team, rather than separate groups, performs the complete damage survey for Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, Mitigation and Environmental Review. Data collected on palm pads with Global Positioning System (GPS) locations will be electronically transmitted to the Regional Operations Center (ROC). 

A workshop for the new PDA system involved about 75 participants and included a comprehensive review of programs in damage assessments and sessions on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In addition to FEMA staff, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia had representatives present. 

CLOSEOUT ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

Disaster closeouts have been an agency and regional priority since 1999. Closing a disaster program ensures that we have provided all eligible financial assistance to individuals and communities so they can complete their recovery. Program closure also returns any excess money to the Disaster Relief Fund for use in future disasters. 

During FY 02, we closed five FEMA-State Agreements and 29 recovery programs. This includes eight Temporary Housing programs, seven Public Assistance programs and 14 Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs. We also closed 10 of 11 Project Impact grants and approved one extension. This progress is significant considering the initial workload and the level of new disaster activity during the year. 

Photo 5
Jack Schuback speaks to participants at the PDA training held in Ocean City, MD. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 7 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL REPORT

Looking At The Details
Divisional Developments

National Preparedness 

National Preparedness Division (NP) is engaged in intense activity to strengthen the Regions preparedness posture. Initiatives such as the Citizen Corps, terrorism and state and local coordination of these activities has made for an active year. 

The NP Division is in its first full year of operation and has taken on added importance and urgency in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We now have a full team of staff dedicated to improving our national capability to be prepared for and respond to all the risks we face. The team is growing as we speak. We now have a dedicated staff person to work directly with the fire community and to serve as our technical expert on fire grants, first responder equipment issues, and any other fire community related items. We also now have on board a staff member working full-time on Continuity of Operations Planning, as well as an exercise officer. 

CITIZEN CORPS PROGRAM 

FEMA Headquarters has praised the Region III outreach initiatives in coordinating state and local emergency management officials, Citizen Corps Councils, voluntary agencies, and other stakeholders in support of the Citizen Corps.  Staff supports and tracks local Citizen Corps Councils, noting success stories, best practices, participation levels, and serves as a central point of information for all groups. 

Staff, in conjunction with state training officers, continues to support developing and expanding the use of Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT). 

NP division staff planned and facilitated an expanded Regional Interagency Steering Committee (RISC) meeting with State Governor Chiefs of Staff, state Homeland Security representatives, and Directors of State Emergency Management organizations to discuss National Preparedness issues such as CERT, critical infrastructure, and the status of fire and first responder grants. 

ASSESSMENT  THE STATES AND THE REGIONAL OFFICE 

NP staff completed a Joint State Assessment of Terrorism Preparedness for Region III states. 

Participants in the assessment included state Emergency Management Directors, the National Guard, first responders, health and environmental organizations, and, in some cases, state cabinet level officials. 

Each assessment team was composed of FEMA regional staff, Health and Human Services personnel, Environmental Protection Agency representatives and a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, usually the Bureaus Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) coordinator. 

At the end of each field visit, the teams discussed their findings. This assessment, while intended to be a snapshot, was comprehensive, and its findings indicated a variety of follow-up activities to monitor existing efforts and explore initiatives to improve state capability to respond to, and recover from, a WMD incident.
 
CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS 
Looking back on September 11, 2001, and looking ahead at homeland security requirements, the Region reactivated the Continuity of Operations (COOP) site. NP plans to establish a hot site for COOP that will be available at all times with no set up delays in activation. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 8 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL REPORT

Our dedicated COOP staff person will not only be reaching out to other Federal agencies to ensure they have COOP plans in place, but also will serve as an adviser to our states. 

EXERCISES 

The division hired a permanent Regional Exercise Officer in May, bringing all exercise coordination under one person. We implemented an outreach program to introduce the new staff member to state exercise and training personnel and other Regional partners, established a regional exercise calendar, and joined the FEMA Exercise Coordination Group. The goal of the exercise program is to coordinate multi-community, county, and state exercises, encouraging groups to use exercises to enhance and test mutual aid and to evaluate Regional response plans.  By providing a single point of contact, information can be centralized and shared among communities that might not otherwise train or exercise together. 

PROGRAM COORDINATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

Program Coordination (PC) Division staff provided instructional support for a series of six police in-service training sessions, presented by the Prince Georges Municipal Police Academy.  The three-day sessions were held at the Prince Georges Community College Criminal Justice Institute in Largo, MD.  They were held in April, May and September. The final two sessions are scheduled for October and November. 

CHER-CAP PROGRAM 

FEMA Region III has adopted the Comprehensive Hazardous Materials Emergency Response-Capability Assessment Program (CHER-CAP) as a Regional program to provide planning, training and exercises to determine shortfalls and inadequacies in preparedness, promote community awareness, and demonstrate the capability of local responders to adequately protect the property and lives in their jurisdictions.  CHER-CAP initiatives were successfully completed in Washington County, MD; Cumberland County, PA; Danville, VA, and Bristol, VA Furthermore, FY 2003 grants have been awarded to Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware to permit FEMA Region III to continue hazardous materials response improvements. 

RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM 

Region III successfully implemented the new Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) Program exercise evaluation criteria into the Limerick Generating Station, the Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Station and the North Anna Power Station REP exercises.  Officials from the respective utilities, state and local governments all have provided positive comments regarding the new criteria. 

We evaluated the Limerick Generating Station and Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant exercises that had been cancelled because of the September 11 events.  Staff coordinated the successful reevaluation of the Beaver Valley Power Station Alert and Notification System. We also assisted First Energy Nuclear Operating Company in developing a revised Alert and Notification System Manual for FEMA Headquarters review and approval. 

Photo 6
The Spotsylvania Co., Va. Emergency Operations Center (EOC) discusses an incident during the North Anna REP exercise.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 9 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL

CHEMICAL STOCKPILE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM 

The U.S. Army announced in January that it was implementing rapid destruction of the Aberdeen chemical weapons stockpile. In conjunction with state and county partners in the Maryland Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) Integrated Process Team, staff implemented a strategy for identifying and resolving issues associated with closing the program two years earlier than previously planned. We resolved key issues such as maintenance of communication systems and other equipment and the status of state and county CSEPP staff in time to incorporate new financial requirements into the FY 03 budget request. 

The Region also served as co-director with the U.S. Army Soldier and Biochemical Command for the Maryland CSEPP Exercise in August. The exercise report identified no findings for the off-post community. 

We closed the FY 01 CSEPP Cooperative Agreement between FEMA Region III and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency in March.  As a result, for the first time in many years, the Maryland CSEPP Community is now operating solely on current year funding. 

Response and Recovery 

Fiscal Year 02 proved to be an active year for Response and Recovery Operations. The Response branch processed requests for four major disaster declarations. The Region also continued working the terrorist attack on the Pentagon and the failed attack that ended in Somerset County, PA. 

Response Operations also maintained around-the-clock operational capabilities with the support of Mobile Emergency Response System. 

This past year also demonstrated the need for increased readiness to respond to any type of incident. Our Response Operations Branch addressed that need by evaluating potential weak points and developing plans to correct deficiencies.  This included identifying a need to equip Emergency Response Team-A (ERT) and Regional Support Teams (RST) with improved computer technology and identifying funding to purchase the equipment.  It also included completing an extensive review of Operational Manuals and publications to ensure that staff has access to the most current information. 

Photo 7
The Hanover Co., Va. Emergency Operation Center (EOC) has a briefing during the North Anna Nuclear Power Station REP exercise. 

Photo 8
Region III was responsible for recovery efforts after the terrorist attck on the Pentagon. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 10 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL REPORT

VIRGINIA 1392, TERRORIST ATTACK
A hijacked passenger plane crashed into the west faade of the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, killing 184 people. While this event occurred in FY 01, the response and recovery activity continued into the current fiscal year. 

As the first terrorist attack in Region III, the Region found itself faced with a number of unprecedented challenges. One challenge was to work with local responders to determine the eligibility of in-kind services where there were no written Mutual Aid Agreements between assisting entities. 




Another challenge was security and law enforcement coordination, not ordinarily encountered on disaster operations. The nature of the incident and the strong performance of the Incident Commanders and local responders put the Public Assistance (PA) group in a unique relationship with the local governments. PA worked more closely with local governments and each developed a deeper understanding of the others roles and responsibilities. To date, PA has obligated $4,938,627 in funding for emergency protective measures. 
Human Service and Community Relations also staffed Pentagon Family Service Center to support the Department of Defense (DoD) Family Assistance and the Virginia Office of Victims of Crime programs. Humans Services outlays in the recovery came to $8,697,920. 

FLOODS, SOUTHWESTERN VIRGINIA, FEMA1406 & 1411

Portions of Southwest Virginia received heavy rainfall in April, and again in May resulting in landslides, debris and infrastructure damage. The Disaster Field Office was set up in Norton, VA with experienced and new employees in mentoring partnerships in order to broaden and diversify our operational base, and provide on-the-job training to the newer employees. FEMA-1406 PA staff obligated $6,428,333 in aid within the established 60 day Agency wide goal. Humans Services disbursed $3,025,076. 

Among the notable accomplishments were supplying the communities of Dante and West Dante with tractor-trailer loads of bottled drinking water while rebuilding the public water system. A concerted effort by our Public Assistance (PA) staff made it possible to rebuild the water distribution system in about six weeks  half the time the public service authority managing the system estimated. 

FEMA-1411 presented a different situation. While infrastructure damage spread over a broader area, the housing damage was focused primarily in the community of Hurley, Buchanan County. The town was nearly wiped out when a wall of water swept through taking out nearly all the access bridges to homes across the creek from the highway. In Hurley more than 200 homes were destroyed. The absence of rental housing meant that FEMA needed 

Photo 9
Sandra Hunt and Faye Silverstein work at the Pentagon Family Assistance Center. 

Photo 10
Chilhowie, Virginia

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 11 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL

to furnish travel trailers, hauled in from the West Virginia mobile home operation, as temporary housing while homes were rebuilt and access bridges were replaced. PA funded $6,790,434 in aid, and an estimated $6 million for Mission Assignments such as debris removal. The Humans Services disbursement was $3,708,726. 

MARYLAND 1409, TORNADO 



A powerful F-4 tornado tracked through La Plata, MD on May 1, leaving behind major damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. Our Public Assistance team developed an interagency debris management task force with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to meet technical assistance and reimbursement needs with the state and local debris removal workforce. 

currently operating out of FEMA- funded temporary facilities while undergoing substantial mitigation retrofits. Total PA aid obligated to date is $4,180,459.  PA also supported $333,000 in mission assignments. Much of the damage to private homes was insured but Human Services Assistance totaled $1,123,232. 

A site assessment evaluation was also conducted for 77 schools and facilities in Calvert, Charles, and Dorchester Counties.  The purpose of the evaluations was to 1) to evaluate each building for use as a shelter when imminent danger is present; 2) to identify areas within the buildings where occupants should seek refuge in a high wind or tornado event; and 3) to determine whether changes could be made to decrease property damage and collaterally increase personal safety.  In addition to the above, an evaluation was made to identify strengths and weaknesses of the facility if it is to be used as a public shelter after an emergency has occurred.  The survey team considered all areas of the building, including gymnasium, auditorium, library, cafeteria, corridors, classrooms and kitchen. Evaluation was limited to visual inspection, interviews with public officials, and a review of available architectural and structural drawings.  Individual school reports identifying areas of refuge and recommendations of wind resistant measures will be completed before the end of the calendar year. 

WEST VIRGINIA 1410, SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING 

Photo 11
Maryland Tornado damage 

Photo 12
FCO Tom Davies inspects damages

Photo 13
West Virginia Flood Damage

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 12 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL REPORT

The same weather system that affected Southwest Virginia, flooded the southern counties of West Virginia resulting in 12 deaths, and more than $15 million in infrastructure damage and clean up costs.  Region I staffed the operation because Region III was fully involved in disaster operations in Maryland and Virginia at the time. Region III PA staff later assumed the operation and was able to close 20 of 74 applicants before closing the DFO. 

The two Regions and the state shared a common strategy - get a firm grasp on debris removal and execute all 407 eligible demolition projects to eliminate any immediate threat to health and property. The total PA funds obligated on this disaster to date are $15,877,702. PA also supported mission assignments estimated at $6 million. 

Humans Services disbursed $17,701,909. Mobile home program staff conducted 2,751 pre-placement interviews to determine interest and suitability for possible housing in mobile homes or travel trailers.  Currently, 169 families live in mobile homes and 161 occupy travel trailers. 

MOBILE HOME OPERATIONS 

The West Virginia flooding damaged or destroyed more than 4,600 homes. The people displaced from these homes needed housing but the number of rental properties was limited. Recognizing the urgent need, FEMA and the West Virginia Office of Emergency Services (OES) cleared land and installed a 54-unit mobile-home park in Premier, only two months after the flood. The effort to aid displaced families continues. As of October 25, under DR-1378, there are 23 travel trailers and 124 mobile homes occupied. Another 133 mobile homes were sold to occupants, as a permanent solution to their housing needs. 

Under DR-1410, families occupy 77 travel trailers and 196 mobile homes.  Seventy-five families are living in Premier and 16 in David Powell Group Park in Atwell where federal and state efforts added spaces to an existing mobile home park. This temporary housing gives families recovering from the flood a stable, rent free, living environment for up to 18 months while they make long-range decisions about their housing needs. 

In DR-1411-VA, we housed 38 families in FEMA travel trailers. In many cases, we needed to haul the travel trailers across the creek and locate them near the damaged dwelling where they could be connected to existing utilities. 

FIRE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM 

Region III was the first FEMA Region to administer the new Fire Management Assistance Grant Program (FMAGP) program. Severe drought conditions this past year brought an outbreak of wildfires. Our Agency declared six Fire Management events. Four of the declarations were in Shenandoah Mountain Region of Virginia, and two in West Virginia. 

Photo 14
Regional Director Charlotte Herbert Mears and Governor Bob Wise sign the Federal-State agreement. 

Photo 15
Mobile home operations in West Virginia are helping families recover from the flood disaster. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 13 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL REPORT

Flood Insurance and Mitigation 

With implementation of Disaster Mitigation Act 2000 (DMA2K), and its emphasis on Mitigation Planning, FEMA is consolidating its mitigation planning requirements. We have encouraged our states and local governments to prepare their mitigation plan so that they comply with DMA2K. Communities will then be able to satisfy planning requirements not only for the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, but also for the Community Rating System, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and any other FEMA-funded mitigation effort.
 
The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program offered funding to states through three types of grants: planning, technical and project.  During FY 02, we awarded a total federal share of $1,362,800 to our states to help fund cost-effective measures that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood damage. These measures included developing local hazard mitigation plans and implementing hard projects.  Project grant applications are for acquiring and demolishing flood-prone structures, elevating flood-prone structures, and minor structural flood control measures. 

FMA will continue to be an alternate funding source available to the states for developing mitigation proposals to reduce the number of repetitively or substantially damaged structures and the associated claims on the National Flood Insurance Fund. 

HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM EFFECTS 

Region IIIs Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is one of our more notable success stories. We funded 25 projects during the year totaling $10,557,581. This means that at least 203 families will no longer face the threat to life and property because we have purchased and demolished their homes, allowing them to move away from the floodplain. 

We approved 18 other project applications in the amount of $14,555,000 for other HMGP activities.  These grants were for mitigation measures such as acquisition, demolition or elevation of flood-prone homes, structural flood control measures, and developing local hazard mitigation plans. 

One of the grants went to West Virginia under disaster 1378-DR-WV that had been declared a year earlier. When the State experienced extensive flooding resulting in another disaster declaration in FY 02, there was a compelling need to quickly approve the HMGP projects under FEMA disaster 1378-DR-WV.  In response to the challenge, the FIM Division approved 22 projects within 30 days from the date of receipt. This was an unprecedented feat given that the normal review period ranges from 45-60 days for a completed project application. 

Mitigation effected and oversaw the Supplemental Acquisition and Elevation Program for Region III. This new, one-time program authorized $50-million for acquiring or elevating properties made inhabitable by flooding in major disasters during fiscal years 1999 or 2000. 

Photo 16
Dave Thomas, Acting FIM Division Director,  speaks to the media about mitigation a year after tropical storm Allison in Pennsylvania. 

COOPERATIVE TECHNICAL PARTNERS


Two new Region III communities recently became Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) in FEMAs Map Modernization Program. Cabell County, WV, and Raleigh County, WV, are the newest Region III CTPs. 

Seven other communities renewed their partnerships for 2003. Baltimore, MD; Prince Georges County, MD; Harrisburg, PA; Lancaster, PA; Mifflin, PA; Harrisonburg, VA; and Region 1 Planning & Development Council in southern West Virginia have taken on new CTP tasks for 2003. Their efforts contribute toward the creation of new, digital flood maps as well as help to raise flood awareness and advance the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at the local level. 

We also closed seven of eight projected Cooperative Technical Partner Community Grants; and extended one grant. 

CAP-SSSE REWARDED WITH ADDITIONAL FUNDING 

Headquarters has recognized the Regions successful Community Assistance Program, State Support Service Element (CAP-SSSE) implementation of enhanced state involvement in NFIP compliance. As a result, two Region III states, Delaware and West Virginia, were awarded additional funding for FY 02. 

HAZUS EXPANSION PILOT 

Region III staff coordinated Regional pilot activities in a new Hazards U.S. (HAZUS) multi-hazard model for estimating losses from wind (hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical cyclones, and hail) and flood (riverine and coastal) hazards.  We developed a Flood Information Tool (FIT) to process locally available flood hazard data for use within the flood module.  The FIT uses ground and flood elevations and floodplain boundary information to calculate flood depth and elevation for riverine flooding. 

These tools, along with HAZUS, will assess risk, estimate losses from natural hazards, and produce studies that will help state and local governments, as well as the private sector to implement programs in emergency response, recovery, and mitigation, including multi-hazard mitigation plans. 

WIND MITIGATION INITIATIVES 

Region III hosted a Delaware Wind Mitigation Meeting in Dewey Beach, DE, in May. The outreach risk meeting was developed to exchange ideas on wind mitigation strategies and to gain consensus on the need for wind mitigation with local business partners and community officials. 

Photo 17
Federal Insurance Administrator Anthony Lowe held a media event in Norfolk, VA, for the Hurricane Floyd Anniversary. 

Photo 18
FIM held a Wind Summit in Delaware this May.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 15 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL REPORT

We also coordinated two Wind Mitigation town meetings for Charles County, Maryland building contractors and the general public.  The meetings were held in locations within Charles County and included attendees in the building science profession and residents of the area. The meetings included discussions on several areas:  permits, wind mitigation for contractors, debris removal, small business loans and wind mitigation for homeowners. 

SEISMIC AWARENESS AND EDUCATION 

Region III, through an Emergency Management Planning and Assistance (EMPA) grant, entered into an agreement with the Delaware Geological Service to increase public awareness about earthquake risks in the Greater Wilmington area. The agreement calls for creating a detailed Hazards U.S. (HAZUS) vulnerability model, and sample mitigation and community outreach. The agreement includes Wilmington area soils mapping and building stock evaluation to be completed and entered into HAZUS data base; retrofitting the Wilmington Office of Emergency Services, or comparable building to mitigate earthquake damage to interior elements such as computers and other essential facilities; and outreach on seismic risk taken to people and businesses in the Wilmington area through the University of Delaware, Delaware Emergency Management Agency and Wilmington Project Impact. The project is about 20 percent completed. 

HISTORIC PRESERVATION DEMONSTRATION PROJECT 

The borough of Milton, Northumberland County, PA, completed a demonstration project to evaluate alternatives to mitigating disaster damage and preserve the historic character of a community. The final report will be a model for the nation to illustrate that communities have considered and evaluated alternatives to acquisition and demolition. 

TEMPORARY GROUP HOUSING ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW BROCHURE
 
We produced an important brochure titled Integrating Environmental Review Into the Temporary Group Housing Site Selection Process.  The process included using Hazard Mitigation Technical Assistance Program (HMTAP) funds to develop the document in conjunction with a review panel from the Human Services and Environmental program staffs from the Region and FEMA HQ. The document explains in detail the necessity for an environmental review of Temporary Housing Sites and answers a series of Frequently Asked Questions. The brochure is available from our Response and Recovery Division. 

Photos 19 and 20
Typical streets in Milton, PA, illustrate the possibilties of historic restoration.  Region III worked with state and local officials to mitigate disasters while preserving historical integrity. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 16 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL REPORT

Administration and Resource Planning

Administration and Resource Planning also had an active agenda this year. Winning a national award merely reflected the take-it-all-in-stride attitude that prevails in the people who walk the paper trail and more. 

The Administration and Resource Planning Division (ARP) gained national recognition by winning the Silver Medal for Outstanding Professional Performer  Group category in the 02 Federal Executive Board (FEB) Excellence in Government Award Program. 

The FEB noted that this group of employees consistently provides professional, technical and administrative support in financial management, grants management, acquisition management, administrative services, logistics, information technology, communications and safety and security for regional emergencies and disaster operations. The divisions efforts during the September 11, 2001 incidents were cited as noteworthy examples of outstanding performance that reflected favorably on itself, Region III and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 

Besides reorganizing into the current division structure, ARP developed a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Information Technology/Administrative Services for startup and closedown of field operations, including deployable team concepts. 

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES 

Region III adopted new Automated Deployment Database (ADD) centralized deployment procedures. The new procedures, issued by FEMA HQ in July, modified the system for activating and deploying Disaster Assistance Employees. 

GRANTS & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 

Region III developed a Grants Monitoring system. The plan represents the administrative, financial and programmatic aspects of grants management. 

ARP issued 53 Grant Awards or Amendments during the fiscal year for a total of $19.6 million. In addition, ARP closed 17 Grants, 10 for Project Impact and seven for Cooperating Technical Partners, largely as a result of a new database to track grant administration and funding. 

Photo 21
Region III accepts their award

Photo 22
FEMA Region III Grants Management Team in the Administartion and Resource Planning Division.  From left: Mark Hopkins-Lockett, Nicholas Matarazzo, Ralph Caputo and Tammy Townes.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 17 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL REPORT

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TECHNICAL UPGRADES 

Technical upgrades to the FEMA Network will make Region III one of four core connecting points for the network.  We also will have multiple data T-1 connections into the FEMA Network that will result in Region III being a connecting point to the Internet Service Provider. 

IT also installed a large plasma display in our Regional Operations Center to allow Information and Planning (I&P) to display a continuous situation report or other information.
 
Information Technology staff visited all our state partners to meet their Communications Officers, inspect Communication Security equipment on loan from the Region, update hand receipts, check the operability of the FEMA National Radio System, and discuss how we might better assist the states with communications.
 
IT also completed installation of Virtual Private Networks for all Region III states in March. This will allow the states to access FEMA computer applications and web sites that are outside the FEMA firewall. 

As part of our commitment to the local community, we transferred excess computer equipment valued at $90,732 to the School District of Philadelphia. This equipment included computers, monitors, keyboards, televisions and printers.  The school system will use the equipment in computer labs at several schools. 

SAFETY AND SECURITY 

The Region coordinated the FEMA Implementation Plan for the Homeland Security Advisory System issued by FEMA Headquarters.  Region III will modify all applicable current plans and procedures to ensure integration of preparedness and protective measures. ARP has taken a number of steps to protect the health and safety of the Regional office staff such as arranging for presentations on Violence in the Workplace, a presentation for all employees to discuss September 11-related stress, grieving and healing, presented at the First Anniversary Observance Program, and a course on suspicious packages and bomb threats for all RIII employees. 

External Affairs 

Our External Affairs effort has been restructured to improve communications. We want to improve the way we carry our message to our outside audience our state and local partners, other federal agencies, Region III citizens.  Our External Affairs operation also supports our internal operations  whether it is presenting programs at regional events, announcing new grant awards or communicating program changes in the regional newsletter. 

In addition the External Affairs audience includes 10 U.S. Senators, 45 U.S. Representatives and more than 1,600 television and radio stations and daily and weekly newspapers. With the addition of Community Relations to the operation, we also work with local officials and community-based organization leaders. Last year, we responded to 104 congressional inquiries that required a written response. 

Photo 23
Neal Runions, Informations Systems Specialist, upgrades computers in the regional office. 

Photo 24
Tina Lai safely opens incoming mail.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 18 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL REPORT

Looking Ahead

A Year of Challenges

Build a comprehensive state and local capability for responding to the consequences of terrorism. 
We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that first responders are properly trained, equipped and exercised and we will ensure that integrated plans are in place. We also will ensure that standards for mutual aid and equipment operability are initiated. 

Provide hazard and risk information using the best-suited technology. 
Region III is planning to take a major step toward modernizing the floodplain maps in Region III. To achieve this goal, the Region will help the states identify target areas. Then the Region will select contractors to perform the re-mapping. The Region also will manage the flood insurance study. Staff is monitoring 50 task orders and expects to close 20. 

Ensure the Regions most vulnerable areas have emergency plans that can be implemented. 
A critical objective is to complete a Category 4 Hurricane Catastrophic Disaster Response plan for the Delmarva (Delaware, Maryland and Virginia) Peninsula. This planning also will extend to the Hampton Roads-Tidewater area of Virginia. 

Implement Federal Insurance and Mitigation outreach activities. 
The Region has set up a new unit that will continue to spread the word about disaster mitigation measure. These activities will include establishing new Cooperating Technical Partners and regional conferences with state National Flood Insurance Program Coordinators. 

Implement the Regions new damage assessment process. 
The damage assessment teams are trained and equipped. Region III will use the new system in its next 
Preliminary Damage Assessment.


Increase the amount of funds available to our states for mitigation projects. 
We will assist our states in promulgating enhanced hazard mitigation plans under DMA2K so that states can receive a five percent increase in HMGP funds. 

Improve delivery of disaster assistance by establishing a programmatic agreement for historic review with each state office of emergency management. 

Increase community capacity to recover from disasters by assisting our states in developing
comprehensive debris management plans.


Establish a hot COOP site and provide planning assistance to our sister federal agencies. 

Create a motivating and challenging work environment for the Region III team. 
Develop a human resources strategy and a comprehensive training strategy 

Continuously improve our business processes to better serve our internal and external customers. 
Implement an enhanced disaster and exercise after-action process 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND INNOVATIONS: 19 FEMA REGION III FY02 ANNUAL REPORT

CONCLUSION

This annual report is only a snapshot of what FEMA Region III has accomplished during the past fiscal year. Accomplishments must be recognized as a tribute to those who achieved them and as examples of the efforts that meet our objectives. 

We now turn our attention to fiscal year 2003 when we hope to repeat old successes, achieve new ones and change things that we believe we can do better. Our goal is to make each year better than the last and to focus our energies and talents in that direction. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR PROGRAMS, PLEASE CALL: 
Office of the Regional Director, 215-931-5608 
Administrative and Resource Planning Division Director, 215-931-5678. 
Federal Insurance and Mitigation Division Director, 215-931-5512. 
Response and Recovery Division Director, 215-931-5626.
National Preparedness Division Director, 215-931-5544.


Photo 25
Scenic West Virginia