House Natural Disaster Task Force adopts fire service recommendations
Established in February 1994, the House Natural Disaster Task Force released its report on preparing for and responding to natural disasters. Co-chaired by Reps. Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Bill Emerson (R-MO), the task force discussed ways to fund the massive recovery programs voted on by Congress in the wake of large-scale disasters. Reps. Curt Weldon (R-PA) and Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY), co-chairmen of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, were appointed to serve on the task force. They worked to ensure that the work of first responders was recognized.
The report contained many of the recommendations made by the fire services, including support of fire and emergency services, stricter/better enforced building codes, and emphasis on preparedness and mitigation efforts. The recommendations were the result of a May 11, 1994, hearing before the task force, coordinated by the CFSI, at which leaders of the fire and emergency services community testified before the task force. n
