When Hurricane Floyd hit, many of the rural fire departments in Eastern North Carolina did not have the necessary training or equipment to perform floodwater rescues.  Some firefighters were unable to even make it to the stations when flooding divided many communities.  Still others experienced faulty equipment or had their facilities wash away in flood waters.
 
 “This funding is critical to protect public safety and human life when disaster strikes.  As we continue to recover from the effects of Hurricane Floyd, we must also work to prepare for the future so that we can better respond if disaster should strike again,” Jones said.