For too long, agencies did not or have not shared information with communities that could have aided in updating their threat and vulnerability assessments. This is a must in the current environment in which we find ourselves. Civic leaders across Alabama, for instance, need access to pertinent information which aids decision-making. Use of Ft. Fourth, I am gravely concerned about 1st responder equipment.
Most communities have insufficient equipment resources with which to respond.
The President and the Congress have attempted to provide equipment, and grant monies for equipment, over the past several years. Grant monies have also been provided to the Office of Justice Programs for equipment purchase grants to state and local jurisdictions . The National Defense Preparedness Office, in coordination with DOD and OJP, published a recommended domestic preparedness equipment list. The list recommends equipment to meet the needs of detection and identification, protection, communication, and decontamination. Maintenance of the recommended equipment must be performed in conjunction with established training institutions.