Federal Agencies Support State and Local Governments Following Floods and Tornados

WASHINGTON– The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to support the states impacted by tornados and floods.

In each case, state and local resources are addressing the most immediate needs as federal resources support their efforts. FEMA is coordinating activities in Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, and Kansas.

FEMA Administrator David Paulison noted these activities are an example of the New FEMA’s commitment to “Engaged Partnerships” between federal, state and local governments, volunteer organizations and the private sector. “I have reached out to governors and local leaders to make sure we are responding to them quickly and efficiently. I am personally visiting some of the affected areas to make sure they are getting the support they need,” said Paulison. Paulison was in Iowa this morning with Governor Culver, Office of Management and Budget Director Jim Nussle, Acting Small Business Administrator Jovita Carranza and members of the Iowa Congressional delegation. Paulison also will travel to Indiana and Wisconsin.

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President Bush signs disaster declaration for Wisconsin.

WASHINGTON– The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal departments and agencies continue to support the states affected by floods and tornadoes in the Midwest, as FEMA Logistics continues to coordinate with the agency’s Region V and Region VII to maintain the flow of resources to Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin and Kansas.

Meanwhile, FEMA is moving ahead with contingency plans for the provision of resources and assistance that it anticipates may be needed next week, amid concerns about potential flooding along the Lower Mississippi River as flood waters flow south from up river.

The president has approved a major disaster declaration for the State of Wisconsin for weather events that began June 5, 2008. The declaration provides for Individual Assistance for Crawford, Columbia, Sauk, Milwaukee and Vernon counties; and for Hazard Mitigation statewide. The existing federal disaster declaration for Iowa has been expanded to include an additional 15 counties for Individual Assistance and 10 counties for Public Assistance; 14 counties were added in Indiana for Individual Assistance.

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Following a recent court case in California the FDA has been forced to take a closer look at dental mercury/metal fillings. The group “Mom’s Against Mercury” has won a court settlement, which now forces the FDA to reconsider the status and safety of mercury metal fillings. The settled agreement calls for the FDA to complete its reclassification of dental amalgam by July of 2009. At that point there will be specific guidelines and descriptive health risks associated with mercury/metal fillings. As for now, the FDA has updated its consumer information on the subject of mercury metal fillings. The FDA no longer claims mercury is harmless. The language has now been dramatically changed.

“Dental amalgams contain mercury which may have neurotoxic affects on the nervous system of developing children and fetuses. When amalgam fillings are placed in teeth or removed from teeth they release mercury vapor. Mercury vapor is also released during chewing. FDA’s rule making will examine evidence concerning whether release of mercury vapor can cause health problems, including neurological disorders, in children and fetuses. Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid dental care, but should discuss the options with their health practitioner.”

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