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2008 News Archive
The articles below are archived from the Main Page of www.floridadisaster.org/index.asp. The archived articles remain on this page for an extended length of time so that the Main Page does not get cluttered.
Director Fugate to Address the 30th Annual National Hurricane Conference
State Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate will address over 1600 attendees at the opening General Session of the 30th Annual National Hurricane Conference on Wednesday April 2, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. The speech will take place in the Junior Ballroom at the Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive in Orlando. Fugate will discuss the States ongoing Catastrophic Planning efforts for South Florida urban areas and Lake Okeechobee, involving both local and federal partners since 2006.
Read Full Release Regarding the National Hurricane Conference (PDF)
2008 Hazardous Weather Awareness Week
Florida’s Hazardous Weather Awareness Week will take place from February 2-9, 2008. This year’s theme of “8 days in ’08” recognizes the one year anniversary of the Groundhog Day tornadoes that struck Sumter, Lake, and Volusia counties. Hazardous Weather Awareness Week is an opportunity for Floridians to learn about the various weather hazards that frequently impact the state and how families and businesses can prepare for these natural events. Each middle school student will receive a copy of the 2008 
Hazardous Weather Awareness Guide, “The Weather Report”, later this month. We encourage Florida’s high school students to enter this year’s short essay contest that is administered by Just Read, Florida! The Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is again conducting the statewide 4th and 5th grade poster contest.
2008 Hazardous Weather Awareness Week Poster and Essay Contest Winners Announced 1/4/2008
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AWARENESS WEEK IS JANUARY 20-26, 2008
- Officials encourage understanding of hazardous materials and safety practices -
Governor Charlie Crist has signed a proclamation recognizing January 20 – 26, 2008 as “Hazardous Materials Awareness Week,” in Florida. “Our goal this week is to further a ‘culture of preparedness’ and the protection of our residents, businesses, and communities through the proper use and management of hazardous materials,” said Director Craig Fugate.
www.HazMat.FloridaDisaster.org | Hazardous Materials Week Release (PDF)
How can I protect myself from winter storms and extreme cold?
STATE OFFICIALS URGE FLORIDIANS TO PREPARE FOR COLD WEATHER 12/31/2007 (PDF)
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 07-273 1/2/2008 (PDF)
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Florida Wind Incentives Website
This website allows Florida homeowners and builders to search for wind insurance incentives that are available for building features that reduce damage during high wind events like hurricanes. Building features that reduce wind damage include improved roof shingles, strong roof decks, hurricane clips/straps, impact resistant glazing or shutter protection for windows, roof shape, and other construction techniques.
Most existing houses have one or more wind resistive construction features and may qualify for some insurance discounts. In addition, houses built after 1994 in Miami-Dade or Broward Counties and houses built after 2002 in the rest of the state have many wind resistive construction features and will likely qualify for credits.
View the Florida Wind Incentives Website
National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS)
The U.S. Drought Portal was created to provide comprehensive information on emerging and ongoing droughts, and to enhance the nation's drought preparedness. The Drought Portal is part of the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS).
2007 Hurricane Season Ends, Drought and Wildfire Season Begins
The 2007 Atlantic hurricane season may have ended quietly on November 30th, but Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp and state emergency officials are urging Floridians to remain on alert as drought conditions and wildfire threats grow statewide.
Read the Full Hurricane Season Ends Media Release (PDF)
Deadline extended for RFCP sub-grant application deadline
The deadline for sub-grant applications to the Repetitive Flood Claims Program has been extended from December 21, 2007 to January 2, 2008. Please see http://www.floridadisaster.org/mitigation/rfcp for more information.
Florida Officials Announce Chip Wilson as Statewide Disability Coordinator
State officials from Emergency Management, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and the Department of Health jointly announced the selection of Chip Wilson of Jacksonville to serve as the Statewide Disability Coordinator for Emergency Management on Monday, November 5, at the State EOC. “With Chip, Floridians now have a full-time advocate looking out for the unique disaster-related needs of persons with disabilities,” said Governor Charlie Crist.
Read the Full Press Release About Chip Wilson (PDF)
FLOOD INSURANCE COVERS RISING WATERS
Homeowner insurers get flooded with claims over property damage caused by rising waters, and underwriters usually turn them down. The Hurricane Katrina experience, among other things, served as a reminder to consumers that homeowner policies exclude flood exposures.
Worried about possible floods where you live? If so, buy flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
Find out your relative flood risk today, online. Simply enter your property information, and FloodSmart.gov will show you the relative flood risk to your property, links to flood insurance resources, and a list of licensed insurance agents who serve your area.
NEW HURRICANE RETROFIT GUIDE
This Guide is intended to help you decide how to protect your home against the winds and rains of hurricanes. And, it is intended to help you decide what protection measures to do first. You will find that many of the retrofits or protective measures are easy to do for a physically fit homeowner. Other things may require the expertise of a handyman or contractor. For some homeowners, the information may at various points be "over their head" because it becomes too technical. That is ok, because the guide is intended to provide the homeowner with ideas as well as providing people familiar with construction or in the construction business with the technical help they may need to protect your home.
Updated 10/16/2007 View the Hurricane Retrofit Guide
FLORIDA DISASTER RECOVERY FUND
All donations to the Florida Disaster
Recovery Fund are tax-deductible (Florida charitable registration
#8536). Donations can be made securely online by visiting
www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org or by calling 1-800-825-3786.
Checks are also accepted and can be made payable to the Florida
Disaster Recovery Fund and mailed to Volunteer Florida Foundation,
401 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301.
Crist Announces Florida Disaster Recovery Fund 2/8/2007 (pdf)
Visit VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org
2007 NFIP CLAIMS PRESENTATIONS
The 2007 schedule for the NFIP Claims Presentations has just been released. In order for insurance adjusters to adjust flood claims, they must attend this presentation annually. As in previous years, there are a number of presentations scheduled in R4, including Jacksonville, FL, Tampa, FL, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, South Haven, MS, Wilmington, NC, Cayce, SC, and Mobile, AL.
The complete schedule and registration information may be found on the FEMA website at www.fema.gov/business/nfip/ca1.shtm. Insurance adjusters may register online or by mail. This training is handled through the NFIP Bureau and Statistical Agent. For more specific information or questions, please contact 1-800-426-6347 ext. 1746.
Lt. Governor and Legislators Tour the State Logistics Response Center
Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp on December 7, 2007 joined members of the Florida Legislature and emergency management officials to tour the State Logistics Response Center in Orlando. "Floridians can be proud of this state-of-the-art facility," said Lt. Governor Kottkamp. "Because of the foresight of the Legislature, Florida has enhanced its commitment to improving the resources necessary to meet the needs of our residents following any disaster."
Read the Full Tour Media Release (PDF)
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance - Deadline November 8
DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR SBA ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS IS NOVEMBER 8 10/19/2007
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance To Florida Small Businesses Economically Affected By Drought Conditions
The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding businesses in the counties of Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Putnam, Seminole and Volusia in the state of Florida that Economic Injury Disaster Loans are still available to small businesses economically impacted by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding December 25, 2006.The deadline for economic injury applications is November 8, 2007.
SBA Fact Sheet (PDF) | Read the Full Disaster Assistance Press Release (PDF)
“CURRENT ISSUES” SEMINARS
EMERGENCY MANAGERS MET FOR ANNUAL “CURRENT ISSUES” SEMINARS 10/8/2007
Over 100 local and county emergency management officials met this week at the State Emergency Operations Center for the second session of the 2007 Current Issues in Emergency Management Seminars, hosted by the Division of Emergency Management (DEM).
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance To Florida Small Businesses Economically Affected By Drought Conditions
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that low-interest disaster loans are available to small businesses located in the counties of Baker, Broward, Charlotte, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist, Glades, Hamilton, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Lafayette, Lee, Madison, Martin, Miami-Dade, Nassau, Okeechobee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, Sarasota, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Suwannee, and Taylor in the state of Florida affected by the drought conditions commencing April 1, 2007 and continuing. Administrator Preston took this action following an August 13, 2007 letter from Florida Governor Charlie Crist requesting a SBA disaster declaration.
SBA Fact Sheet (PDF) | Read the Full Disaster Assistance Press Release (PDF)
GREAT MIAMI HURRICANE OF 1926
GREAT MIAMI HURRICANE OF 1926 OBSERVED WITH NEW HISTORICAL MARKER
On September 18, 1926, the Great Miami Hurricane swept across South Florida with estimated winds of 131-155 mph,” reads the opening line of a new historical marker dedicated today at the site of the old U.S. Weather Bureau office in downtown Miami. Officials from the National Weather Service, Florida Emergency Management, and the City of Miami were on hand for the dedication ...
Miami Hurricane of 1926 Press Release (PDF)
HOMELAND SECURITY GRANTS
Twenty-four Florida non-profit organizations will receive over $2 Million in (FY) 2007 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) awards from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These awards support target hardening and security screening activities in select non-profit organizations that are deemed at high-risk of a potential terrorist attack.
DONATE WISELY TO HELP SURVIVORS OF FOREIGN DISASTERS
FLORIDIANS ASKED TO DONATE WISELY TO HELP SURVIVORS OF FOREIGN DISASTERS
Florida residents are no strangers to natural disaster, so their desire to assist survivors of the recent catastrophes in the Caribbean and South America is understandable. Governor Charlie Crist and officials from the Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Volunteer Florida) and the Florida Division of Emergency Management urge everyone to donate wisely to help survivors of foreign disasters.
Read the Full Donating Wisely Press Release (PDF)
GOVERNOR DECLARES SEPTEMBER AS FLORIDA PREPAREDNESS MONTH
FLORIDIANS URGED TO PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL EVENTS AND TO GET A PLAN!
Governor Charlie Crist this week proclaimed September 2007 as Florida Preparedness Month, to raise awareness among Floridians about the importance of being prepared for all hazards, including natural events such as hurricanes or tornadoes, as well as domestic security threats.
View the Preparedness Month Schedule of Events (PDF)
Read the Preparedness Month Press Release (PDF)
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
DEP Encourages Gas Stations to Comply with New Legislation
TALLAHASSEE – Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Michael W. Sole encouraged gas stations to comply with the new requirements by the June 1 deadline.
For More Information Visit the DEP Website
EXTREME HEAT CONDITIONS
STATE OFFICIALS URGE FLORIDIANS TO USE CAUTION DURING EXTREME HEAT CONDITIONS
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory due the combination of high afternoon temperatures and humidity potentially raising the heat index to near 115 degrees in the panhandle, Big Bend, Suwannee River Valley, and much of the Northeast Florida area. Officials are urging all residents and visitors to take proper precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses...
Read the Extreme Heat Press Release (PDF)
EXCESSIVE HEAT EVENTS GUIDEBOOK
The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency has produced the Excessive Heat Events Guidebook (PDF, 60
pp., 1,796 KB) with assistance from Federal, state and local and
academic partners.
Designed to help community officials, emergency managers, meteorologists, and others plan for and respond to excessive heat events, the guidebook highlights best practices that have been employed to save lives during excessive heat events in different urban areas and provides a menu of options that officials can use to respond to these events in their communities.
Read More About the Excessive Heat Guidebook and Heat Waves
DEADLY RIP CURRENTS IN FLORIDA
8/20/2007 HURRICANE DEAN INCREASING THE THREAT FOR DEADLY RIP CURRENTS IN FLORIDA. SWELLS FROM DEAN WILL REACH THE PANHANDLE BEACHES ON TUESDAY AND PERSIST INTO WEDNESDAY ...
State officials are urging beachgoers to use caution along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of Florida this week. Gusty easterly winds created in between Hurricane Dean and a strengthening high pressure located to the east of the Bahamas are producing a moderate to high risk of rip currents along the state’s east coast as well as the Big Bend and panhandle beaches in northwest Florida ...
Read the Full Rip Currents Press Release (PDF)
FLORIDA EMERGENCY MANAGERS NOTE THE PASSING OF ROBERT BURPEE
8/2/2007 Dr. Robert “Bob” Burpee, former director of the National Hurricane Center, died Tuesday in Miami after a long illness. He was 65. Burpee led the hurricane center from July 1995 to August 1997, and served as director of the Hurricane Research Division from 1993 to 1995.
Read the Full Article About Robert Burpee (PDF)
FLORIDA ANIMAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS DAY
EMERGENCY MANAGERS APPLAUD FLORIDA ANIMAL PREPAREDNESS DAY
~ All Floridians are urged to ’Get A Plan!’ For their pets ~
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today
proclaimed July 31, 2007 as Florida Animal Preparedness
Day. Florida emergency managers applaud this important action
and are urging all Floridians to ‘Get A Plan!’ that includes their
pets.
“We want Floridians to treat their pets as any other valued family
member and take the proper steps for their care during disasters,“
said Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Craig
Fugate. “Now is the time to make your plans before a storm is
approaching.”
It is estimated that over 50 percent of Florida households include
pet and animals. Many Florida counties and local businesses have
established “pet-friendly“shelters and policies for disaster
events. Residents should contact their local emergency
management office for specific information on sites and entry
procedures.
To get more information on disaster planning for pets and animals
please go to the Division of
Emergency Management Pet Plan Website
THE DEADLIEST MONTHS FOR LIGHTNING STRIKES
JULY AND AUGUST: THE DEADLIEST MONTHS FOR LIGHTNING STRIKES IN FLORIDA
Florida is the lightning capital of the United States. Historically, lightning kills and injures more Floridians and visitors to the state during the months of July and August than at any other time during the year. If you can hear thunder, then you are at risk from being struck by lightning. Lightning can travel upwards of ten miles from a thunderstorm's center. Most lightning-related fatalities and injuries in Florida occur before and after a thunderstorm is overhead. By using tools such as the 30-30 Rule, Floridians and visitors to the state can remain safe while enjoying the great outdoor activities that the state offers .....
2007 DISASTER RECOVERY SUMMIT
FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TO HOST DISASTER RECOVERY SUMMIT ON JULY 25TH IN DAYTONA BEACH
The overall goal of the summit is to provide a forum for local, state and federal partners to clearly articulate the “ground rules” for recovery activities, and to discuss the roles and new policies with all stakeholders. It will further provide an opportunity to discuss issues of concern, topics of importance, and ultimately provide recommendations to assist all counties in their recovery efforts. The summit will be held in Daytona Beach on July 25th from 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.
Read the Invitation to Disaster Recovery Summit (PDF)
DISASTER PREPARATION PLANS FOR DISABILITIES COMMUNITY
CRIST ANNOUNCES GOVERNOR'S COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES AND DISASTER PREPARATION PLANS FOR DISABILITIES COMMUNITY 6/11/2007
Governor Charlie Crist introduced three new initiatives that will help coordinate services for persons with disabilities and improve hurricane and emergency preparedness for the disabilities community. The announcement came as he addressed thousands of persons with disabilities and their families at the ninth annual Family Café conference in Orlando. The Family Café serves as a clearinghouse of information about available services to meet their needs and how to secure those services.
Read the Full Preparation Plans for Disabilities Press Release (PDF)
FDEM LAUNCHES 24/7 MEDIA CENTER
The Florida Division of Emergency Management’s 24/7 Media Center is a video driven and interactive website developed to educate and inform residents about home and family safety in regards to wind mitigation issues. The Media Center will showcase events such as “Town Hall” Meetings, Public Service Announces, a Kid’s Education Forum, Wind Mitigation Education topics, links to “Get A Plan” and much more. Citizens can also watch and listen to “Craig’s Corner” where Division of Emergency Management Director, Craig Fugate, will speak on a monthly basis about issues and other topics related to wind mitigation.
| The Media Center requires the Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. |  |
NOAA RELEASES 2007 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON FORECAST
The National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) today announced its official
forecast for the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season, which begins on
June 1. Once again, NOAA is predicting an above normal season, a 75
percent chance of an above normal season. The forecast is
predicting 13-17 named storms, with 7-10 of these storms becoming
hurricanes, and 3-5 of these are forecast to become major (category
three or higher) hurricanes. An average Atlantic hurricane season
produces 11 named storms, with 6 becoming hurricanes and two of
those hurricanes becoming major ...
Read the Full 2007 Atlantic Season Forecast
3rd ANNUAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS SALES TAX HOLIDAY
STATE EMERGENCY MANAGERS AND FLORIDA RETAILERS JOIN TO LAUNCH THE 3rd ANNUAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS SALES TAX HOLIDAY
State emergency managers and Florida retailers today joined together to open the first day of the 2007 hurricane season by urging all Floridians to prepare and take advantage of the third annual Sales Tax “Holiday” for Hurricane Preparedness, which begins today.
Read the Full the Tax Holiday Release (PDF)
GOVERNOR CRIST ANNOUNCES PREPAREDNESS SALES TAX HOLIDAY
Provides tax break on disaster supplies June 1 through June 12, 2007
Governor Charlie Crist on April 30, 2007 signed into law House Bill 211 establishing a sales tax holiday from June 1 through June 12, 2007, for hurricane preparedness items. “I urge all Floridians to take advantage of the Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday so that every person is prepared for the possibility of a storm,” said Governor Crist.
Read the Full the Tax Holiday Release (PDF)
FYO7 FMAP Re-Opened
Fiscal Year-2007, Flood Mitigation Assistance Program has been re-opened by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The Division of Emergency Management is accepting applications from May 21 through May 31, 2007. Applications previously submitted need not be resubmitted.
SEVERE DROUGHT CONDITIONS DEVELOP IN FLORIDA
Very dry conditions have plagued Florida during the past year. Mounting rainfall deficits have resulted in the development of severe drought conditions in the Lake Okeechobee region, the Treasure Coast, and also for portions of north and northeast Florida. According to the latest National Drought Monitor, over 80% of Florida is experiencing moderate or severe drought conditions. The wildfire threat will continue to increase throughout the month of May as temperatures rise and drought conditions likely worsen. The summer rainy season in south Florida typically begins by late May. The onset of the wet summer months also produces increased lightning strikes and corresponding wildfire ignitions. Floridians should remain cautious when conducting outdoor activities given the extremely dry conditions that will likely worsen throughout May. Please visit the Firewise Florida website for more information on how to make your home safer from the danger that wildfire activity poses in our state.
Additional Drought / Wildfire Links:
Press Release: Florida Outlines 2007 Drought Action Plan
Daily Florida Fire Weather Forecasts (clickable map)
Fire Weather Forecasts from the Storm Prediction Center
6-10 and 8-14 Day Temperature and Rainfall Forecasts from the Climate Prediction Center
WILDFIRE, DROUGHT, AND AIR QUALITY
Currently the State of Florida is experiencing high wildfires. Protect your family's health with this information regarding wildfire, drought, and air quaility brought to you by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Air Resource Management.
MISSION MITIGATION WORKSHOP
MISSION MITIGATION
April 9-12, 2007
New Orleans, LA, Intercontinental Hotel
This workshop will be held noon Tuesday 4/10/07 through noon Thursday 4/12/07, with special training classes Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning, plus a “mobile class” (field tour) Tuesday morning.
The program and registration forms are now posted at http://www.floods.org/MissionMitigation. Please read the Full Release
2007 HURRICANE/WIND MITIGATION TOWN HALL MEETING
The public is invited to participate in the 2007 Hurricane/Wind Mitigation Town Hall Meeting “Prepare and Stay Aware,” hosted by the Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) on Thursday, April 19, at the WFSU Broadcast Center, 1600 Red Barber Plaza (off Pottsdammer Street) in Tallahassee. DEM Director Craig Fugate and staff will be answering questions posed by the audience about hurricane preparedness, the upcoming hurricane season, and mitigating personal and business property.
PRESIDENTIAL DISASTER DECLARATION
Florida receives a Presidential Disaster Declaration for the Christmas Day Storms
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced that Volusia County has received a Presidential disaster declaration as a result of the Christmas Day storms. Governor Crist applauded the action by President George W. Bush and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director R. David Paulison, who approved the state’s appeal for federal disaster assistance. Residents in the impacted area will be able to apply for various assistance programs, including grants and loans to help recover from the December 2006 event.
Read the Full Release (pdf)
GOVERNOR APPEALS FEMA DENIAL FOR CHRISTMAS DAY STORMS
Governor Crist appeals to President Bush the Federal Emergency Management Agency's recent denial of individual and public assistance for Volusia County for damages suffered during tornadoes on Christmas Day.
CHRISTMAS DAY STORMS
Governor Requests a Major Disaster Declaration for the Christmas Day Storms.
Governor Bush requests a major disaster declaration for the Christmas day storms that affected several Florida counties.
Read Full Release (PDF) | Read Supplement (PDF)
State Team In Volusia and Pasco Counties to Conduct Damage Assesment from Christmas Day Storms.
State damage assessment teams are currently in Volusia and Pasco counties today, along with local and federal teams, to evaluate the damage from the Christmas Day storms. The information gathered in the field will help to determine what type of federal disaster assistance, if any, may be applicable to this event. Last night Governor Bush signed an Executive Order (# 06-277) declaring a state of emergency in Columbia, Pasco, Lake and Volusia counties.
Read Full Release (PDF)
2007 NOFA FOR FMA AND RFC
Fiscal Year-2007, Flood Mitigation Assistance and Repetitive Flood Claims Notification of Funding Availability
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) is pleased to announce the availability of funding under the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and the Repetitive Flood Claims (RPC) programs. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made available grant funding for Fiscal Year 2007. These programs are funded from the National Flood Insurance Fund and have the purpose of reducing future claims paid from the fund by flood retrofitting or acquiring and demolishing/relocating structures that have flooded one or more times. Therefore, the DEM is soliciting from eligible entities sub-applicant applications which must be submitted by January 31, 2007.
Deadline Update: The Division has extended the state deadline for submitting sub-applications for the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program and the Repetitive Flood Claims Program from January 31, 2007, to February 9, 2007
Read Full 2007 NOFA (PDF) | FMA Page | RFC Page
2007 HAZARDOUS WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK
Attention Students: Enter the 2007 Statewide Hazardous Weather Awareness Poster Contest ...
Florida's annual Hazardous Weather Awareness Week will take place from February 11th - 17th, 2007. The Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross will again lead a statewide poster contest that is open to all 4th and 5th grade students in Florida. All posters must be postmarked on or before Monday, February 5th, 2007. More information on contest entries, rules, and prizes is located at the Red Cross Website
We thank the following sponsors of the Statewide Poster and Essay Contests: the Florida Association of Broadcasters, the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association, and the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes.
