In an effort to resolve the problem of obsolescence of the aerial firefighting tanker force, the Secretaries of Agriculture and Defense are reviewing the subject and expect an early resolution of the problem. Agencies such as NOAA, the Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Agriculture (USDA), and DCPA are taking action to increase their preparatory measures to minimize or prevent losses of life and property due to floods. It was estimated that a program of this nature, Operation Foresight 1969, had a 10-to-1 benefit-to-cost ratio. In conferences with Federal, State, and local government agencies and with volunteer, professional, and civil organizations, OEP has sought to improve the emergency medical preparedness of the Nation. The documentary film "Date with Disaster," developed by the Hospital Council of Southern California under OEP contract, described seven steps to multihospital emergency preparedness. The Veterans Administration, the Red Cross, DCPA, and the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare are using the film to promote emergency medical preparedness. The following are typical examples of improvements to emergency operating procedures and programs as a result of lessons learned in recent disasters: Emergency Conservation Measures (ECM) regulations were amended by USDA to authorize County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation (ASC) committees to approve up to $5,000 (to any one individual), double the former limit. ECM regulations were also modified for approval of cost-sharing for removal of debris from farmsteads and roadways. Formerly only "farm land" was eligible for this program. Following a natural disaster, permission for grazing and haying on land retired from production may now be granted by the State ASC committees. The Farmers Home Administration (FHA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) entered into an agreement whereby SBA can make loans to residents and business firms in rural communities of 10,000 or less. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) regulations were modified to allow distribution of food stamps without recipients first being qualified by the State. SBA reduced the damage requirement to establish eligibility for refinancing from 50 percent to 30 percent. Field office authority to approve loans was increased from $50,000 to $500,000 limit per loan. The Tennessee Valley Authority has acted to make its medical facilities and equipment available for non-TVA emergencies. The Bureau of Domestic Commerce has modified its procedures to permit the furnishing of idle government-owned equipment (for other than defense purposes) to industrial facilities damaged by nautral disasters. To facilitate the processing of assistance to disaster areas, HUD has authorized administrative exemptions of some program requirements. In the Project Selection System for certain Community Development Programs, published in the Federal Register during April 1972, specific provision was made to exempt disaster and other critical projects from some of the requirements. This applied to Neighborhood Development Programs (NDP) and to Open Space, Public Facility, and Neighborhood Facility Loan Programs. Such projects can be expedited and made eligible for priority funding. HUD is developing an emergency plan for transportation of temporary housing as a continuance of research begun during the Hurricane Agnes operation. This involves coordination with OEP, the Department of Transportation, the Interstate Commerce Commission, manufacturers, common carriers, and each State Government to develop standing agreements on waivers and emergency procedures to be followed whenever a Presidential disaster declaration is made. HUD developed and tested a method for the shipping of an entire fleet of mobile homes by railroad, including the logistics of quick loading, firmly securing and nonstop delivery without damage. VII. DISASTER MITIGATION The objective of disaster mitigation is to find ways to reduce the vulnerability of people and property to the damaging effects of natural disasters. Efforts of Federal agencies to encourage better procedures in this area include these: The General Services Administration has revised its regulations and policies to include flood plain and earthquake potential as critical considerations in site selection for Federal construction. Improved building standards will be required in earthquake hazard areas. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Highway Administration use flood plain management surveys in selection of airports and highways. The National Bureau of Standards is developing a methodology for surveying and evaluating existing buildings to determine risks to damage under natural disaster conditions. HUD now requires a flood-affected community applying for any financial assistance from the Department to provide assurance that it will adopt landuse and control measures (that meet minimum requirements as set forth in 36 FR 18175-86 paragraph 1910.3) and that it will apply for participation in the Flood Insurance Program. HUD routinely denies mortgage insurance to subdivisions proposed in hazardous flood plain areas. Where changing circumstances warrant, HUD withdraws its commitment to insure new mortgages in hazardous areas. A dramatic example of such action taken this year was the joint withdrawal of mortgage insurance by HUD and VA in the Santa Ana River flood plain in greater Los Angeles, California. On November 29, 1972, HUD published in the Federal Register a regulation (37 FR 25230) making the purchase of flood insurance, where available, a requirement for insuring mortgages in identified flood hazard areas. This provision is effective January 1, 1973. Several Federal agencies are actively pursuing research in weather modification to reduce the severity and adverse effects of storms and other weather phenomena. Additionally, the Secretary of Commerce has issued regulations to implement the provisions of PL 92-205, requiring the reporting to the Federal Government of weather modification activities by any person, organization, or State or local government, starting on November 1, 1972. It is planned that these same reporting requirements will be extended to Federal agencies. VIII. APPLICATION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY The OEP Disaster Preparedness Report to the Congress emphasized the need to apply the scientific and technological knowledge already existing and to coordinate and integrate disaster-related research activities. Progress in research programs and procedures includes these examples : The Office of Science and Technology (OST) has coordinated the research and development programs of Federal agencies in severe storms and other climatic hazards. Federal research programs on earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis are being coordinated with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). An OMB/OST survey of earthquake research is in final stages of completion. Research projects in natural hazards and their effects are supported by several organizational components of the National Science Foundation. The Research Applied to National Needs Program (RANN) has received an increased budget for FY 73 to support programs in earthquake engineering, fire research, weather modification, and land-use management. RANN has awarded a contract on "Assessment of Research on Natural Hazards" to the University of Colorado. This study will examine the economic and social costs associated with several types of natural disasters. In particular, the study will examine the potential mitigation that can be achieved by undertaking specific actions relating to each type of disaster. To obtain a more effective application of interdisciplinary disaster-related research, OEP has initiated a new program to coordinate the efforts of Federal agencies active in various disciplines relevant to natural disasters. This effort is designed to ensure the proper balance of emphasis, minimize duplications, fill existing gaps, and foster the application of research results. Liaison has been established with the major Federal disaster-related research agencies and, through them, with academic and private research institutions. APPENDIX III.—ANNEX A. STATUS REPORT: STATE DISASTER LEGISLATION (AS OF DECEMBER 6, 1972) Alabama.-Machinery has been activated to draft disaster legislation preparatory to introduction when the legislature convenes in May 1973. Alaska.-A draft statute has been prepared. Disaster legislation is included in the Governor's legislative program for 1973. Arizona.-A new bill was enacted in 1971. No further action is required at this time. Arkansas.-Draft legislation has been prepared for tentative introduction in the legislature in January 1973. California.-Present legislation is satisfactory. Colorado.-Drafting of legislation has been completed. Prospects are good for introduction of the bill in January 1973. Connecticut.-A bill based on the Example Act will be introduced in the legislature in January 1973. District of Columbia.-Draft statute has been prepared. Georgia. The Example Disaster Act is currently under study prior to drafting new legislation. Hawaii.—No action is necessary. Disaster legislation was recently updated. Illinois. A bill based on the Example Act is now being actively considered. Indiana.-Legislative leaders are confident that the new administration will support new disaster legislation. Kansas. Disaster legislation based on the Example Act is being considered by the State legislature. Kentucky. The legislature convenes in 1974. Immediate consideration of a disaster statute is not likely, as complete reorganization of State government is the number-one priority. Louisiana.-Legislature is currently considering disaster legislation. The Example State Disaster Act has been introduced in the lower House. Maine. New legislation has been discussed with the Governor and legislative leaders. Maryland. The State is actively pursuing the goal of a complete revision of existing disaster legislation. Massachusetts.-The Example Act was discussed with the Governor at the New England Governors' Conference. Missouri.-The Legislative Council is working on new draft disaster legislation. Nebraska.-A draft bill has been prepared for introduction in January 1973. New Hampshire.-The Governor and legislative leaders have been briefed on the Example Act. New Mexico.-The Example Act has been discussed with State officials. New York.-Legislation has been prepared. The Governor is interested in revising present legislation. Ohio.-Introduction of legislation based on Example Act has been discussed with legislative leaders. Oklahoma.-A draft has been prepared and discussed with the Legislative Council. Introduction is expected in January 1973 through the Legislative Council. Oregon.-Introduction of a bill will be delayed pending reorganization of State government. Pennsylvania.-Disaster legislation is being actively considered by both Houses of the legislature. Rhode Island.-Draft disaster legislation will be submitted in February 1973. South Carolina.-Contact has been made with South Carolina disaster officials concerning disaster legislation. Utah. The original draft is undergoing revision. Vermont.-The Example Act was discussed with the Governor at the New England Governors' Conference. Virginia. Although the legislature does not convene until 1974, a committee has been formed to draft new disaster legislation. Washington.-A bill has been prepared based on the Example Act. Introduction is expected in January 1973. West Virginia.—A subcommittee on disaster has considered draft legislation. Prospects are very good. Annex B. Status report: DCPA on-site assistance to local government1 (as of October 9, 1972) [Figures represent the number of localities in which projects have been initiated. The States are listed by Federal regions] 1 On-Site Assistance Programs carried out under the policy guidance of OEP. Illinois 7 8 350 |