Before The Storm
FEMA Brings Federal, State Officials Together To Prepare For Gustav
Release Date: August 28, 2008
Release Number: HQ-08-170
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the plans and preparatory activities of numerous federal agencies in close communication with state, tribal and local officials as Tropical Storm Gustav appears likely return to hurricane strength and then to strike the Gulf Coast states as early as Monday morning. All residents in the region are encouraged to make personal preparations. Information is available on how individuals and families can best prepare for the storm at www.Ready.gov.
Among the many preparatory activities, FEMA chairs a daily video-teleconference that brings together: senior White House officials, FEMA national and regional offices; state emergency managers; key federal departments such as the Departments of Homeland Security, Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Energy and Defense; federal agencies with major roles in responding to disaster such as the National Hurricane Center, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Border Protection, the National Infrastructure Coordinating Center and the U.S. Coast Guard; and voluntary agencies such as the American Red Cross. On these calls senior officials review operational plans, the status of personnel and commodities being pre-staged or activated, and consider how to address any potential shortfalls.
With Gustav predicted to make landfall over the Labor Day weekend, federal, state and local officials are reviewing existing resources and deploying additional materials and staff to the region. FEMA works with states using a Gap Analysis tool to determine where federal assistance is most likely to be needed and has developed pre-scripted mission assignments and other contingency plans to address these needs and improve response and recovery efforts. As states determine additional requirements, federal resources can be allocated to support their efforts.
Federal and state officials are also beginning to coordinate with Southeastern states that could be impacted by Tropical Storm Hanna, which is currently developing off the Atlantic coast.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. For more information on FEMA activities visit www.FEMA.gov and for more information on personal preparedness see www.Ready.gov.
Last Modified: Friday, 29-Aug-2008 10:23:33