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1. State Homeland Security Program (SHSP).
2. Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).
3. Metropolitan Response System Program (MMRS).
4. Citizen Corps Program.

See the federal government's easy-to-read webpage, which describes the programs and who's eligible.

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FEDERAL FUNDING

Homeland Security Funding Success Stories
"We purchased our RoadRunnR Portable Advisory Radio Station with Homeland Security Funds. It is an eligible item, because we are using it as an alternate warning device. They love the fact that it is totally mobile, self sufficient; and we can do live broadcast on it. We could not have afforded this necessary piece of equipment without the Homeland Security Grant Funds. If you need more information, please let me know. Terry Reekers, Coordinator; Emmet County EMA/HLS, Iowa."

Gresham, Oregon, purchased an ALERT AM system and went on the air circa February 2005 with WQCA (1610). City officials have been broadcasting the weather report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Gresham used a grant from the US Department of Homeland Security for the $28,258 cost and plans to put up signs around the city that will blink to inform drivers to tune into the station during emergencies. See The Oregonian article.

Los Alamos County used Homeland Security grant money for its emergency advisory radio system. Located at the rim of a dormant volcano with limited access, county evacuation options are limited. Says Emergency Director Phil Taylor, "Every time someone even smells the slightest whiff of smoke, our 911 and emergency call center lines are swamped." Twin ALERT AM stations in Los Alamos and White Rock provide evacuation information as well as info about wild fires, traffic accidents, road construction and emergency drills at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. See the Los Alamos Lab news release and contacts within.

FEMA Success Stories
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, now part of the Department of Homeland Security, provides millions of dollars in grants to assist state and local government with domestic security. The funds are intended to help "emergency management become better prepared to respond to acts of terrorism and other emergencies and disasters" (Washington Technology, Nov 2002). FEMA's Office of National Preparedness administers the grants, which are channeled through states with at least 75% going to local governments.

A couple of emergency managers who have purchased ISS Emergency Advisory Radio Stations indicated to us that FEMA rules allow communities to file "hazard mitigation plans" with state emergency management agencies in place of the former requirement to show Federal Emergency Designations for proving eligibility. Go to the FEMA website to see how to file your hazard mitigation plan. Such a plan in place replaces the old requirement to show Federal Emergency Designation in your areas to be eligible. The federal mitigation fund has been described as the "new" version of Project Impact, perhaps a more familiar term. 

Fort Bend County in Washington received a $292,500 federal grant that it used to set up a multistation grouping to cover the county with emergency advisory radio and flashing alert signs. Courtney Smith, the County's emergency management planning coordinator is the contact.

David Burns former emergency manager of of El Segundo, California, now at UCLA, obtained nearly $350,000 for his emergency management program from FEMA's Office of Justice Planning and the California Office of Traffic Safety. Included was $28,000 for an AM Emergency Advisory Radio Stations to alert the public to HAZMATs and other emergencies, especially public information and rumor control. His advice: "be aggressive, creative, and clearly demonstrate your need. The money is out there - go get some!!" Burns' city has a population of just 16,000, so it "fit the bill" for a small town. Further, he advises, "You need to have the support of your City Council and Mayor, and local elected officials" with whom he regularly meets, along with his congressional representative, who, he said, "made a pitch for local funding needs and helped secure the grants." In addition to the City of El Segundo, Burns has also acquired an emergency advisory radio system at UCLA.

Avalon, New Jersey, obtain $18,000 in 2004, an "emergency management performance" grant that paid for most of their first ALERT AM Emergency Advisory Radio System and Flashing ALERT Signs. See Avalon's news release. See the story and a way to contact emergency chief Kevin Scarpa.

Amber Alert Emergency Alert System (EAS) Example
Legislation was passed in the House and Senate in April 2003 that, among other things provides money for nationwide implementation of Amber Alerts, part of ISS' ALERT AM Emergency Advisory Broadcast System exclusive, EAS programming feature. The authorization includes funding for highway signs (Section 4, b1 and b2). Flashing signs alert motorists to tune to given Emergency Advisory Radio Station frequencies.

Of particular interest is the Urban Area Security Initiative. ISS clients have used these funds to purchase Emergency Advisory Radio Systems, for example, the City of Orlando, Florida, Emergency Management. Contact Orlando emergency manager Manual Soto by clicking here.

• Visit your state's emergency management agency website to see what's available in your state related to your program.

Foundation Gifts & Grants: the Wildland Residents Association Example
The subject non-profit, public service corporation, comprised San Marcos Pass area homeowners manages an active volunteer fire force and an exemplary Emergency Advisory Radio System. See a detailed case study with contact info, which offers a downloadable copy of a funding proposal that garnered private foundation money plus written policies and procedures for running their system.

There are approximately 15,000 chemical facilities around the USA with highly toxic material near heavily populated areas. (Of those, the Environmental Protection Agency has identified 123 where more than a million people in the surrounding areas could be at risk of exposure to toxic gas.) HAZMAT companies are mandated by the government to protect their surrounding communities. By partnering with local emergency managers, HAZMAT companies can establish Emergency Advisory Radio (EAR) stations to help mitigate events. These EAR stations could be licensed to the communities and funded (in part or whole) by the industries. As commercial entities, the industries themselves are not permitted by the FCC to own the stations. Through these types of partnerships, industries and communities can often achieve ends not possible for either, alone. 

Dow Example
Dow Chemical and the Brazosport Emergency Response Agency in Texas are establishing a series of 7 simulcast Emergency Advisory Radio Stations. The non-profit Brazosport EMA maintains station ownership and holds the necessary FCC licenses, which Dow, as a commercial entity, cannot obtain. Dow is funding equipment purchase and much of the work and, as a HAZMAT company, will be able to demonstrate real commitment to its surrounding community with commercial-free broadcasts. Contact ISS for details.

Hundreds (if not thousands) of service groups at local and regional levels represent another workable opportunity for funding aspects of your program. Through local reps, fundraising events can be undertaken. Check the Web for links to sites for groups in your area, for example, JayCees. Similarly, some discretionary funding might be available, hidden in government programs. Contact your local, state and federal government representatives to explain your effort and determine how to apply for available resources.

Kettering Example
One service-minded individual can make a difference in a community. See a case study showing how local businessman Norm Schrein, with "seed" money from his own organization, began an Emergency Advisory Radio Station.