Coast Guard Post-Ike Houston Overflight

An HU-25 Falcon ATC Moblie post Hurricane Ike overflight of Houston and surrounding area. Download video at USCG.MIL.

President Declares Major Disaster For Louisiana

Federal disaster aid has been made available for the state of Louisiana to help people and communities recover from the area affected by Hurricane Ike beginning on September 11, 2008, and continuing. Read more

Federal Aid Programs For Louisiana Disaster Recovery

Key federal disaster aid programs can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's major disaster declaration issued for Louisiana. Read more

Evacuees Cautioned Not to Re-Enter Damage Areas Prematurely

Emergency management officials are appealing to residents of Texas and Louisiana who evacuated in advance of Hurricane Ike's landfall to stay put. Read more

Federal Aid Programs For Texas Disaster Recovery

Key federal disaster aid programs can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's major disaster declaration issued for Texas. Read more

CBP Poised to Support Ike Rescue and Recovery Operations

U.S Customs and Border Protection is poised to conduct life-saving and damage assessment missions as part of the federal government’s support to Texas’ Hurricane Ike response and recovery operations. Read more

President Bush Discusses Hurricane Ike

President Bush discusses the federal response to Hurricane Ike. Read more

CBP Supports Hurricane Ike Relief Efforts

CBP air interdiction agents prepare the unmanned aircraft for flights over the Texas Gulf Coast to survey damaged caused by Hurricane Ike. Get hi-res photo.

Remarks by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Other Federal Officials on Hurricane Ike

Secretary Chertoff, FEMA Administrator Paulison, Rear Admiral Castillo, the Assistant Commandant of the Coast Guard for Respons, and Kevin Colton of the Department of Energy describe the effects of Hurricane Ike, which have been felt as far away as eastern Louisiana and Mississippi and down the Texas coast. Read more

HHS Secretary Declares Public Health Emergency for Louisiana Following Hurricane Ike’s Landfall

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today declared a public health emergency to ensure that individuals, including those enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in Louisiana, continue to receive their health care items and services. The declaration follows one made on Thursday to cover Texas.

“Louisiana has felt the impact of Hurricane Gustav and now Hurricane Ike in quick succession. Today’s actions will help our beneficiaries and providers, as well as some of the area’s most vulnerable patients, in communities where hospitals and other health care delivery systems are affected,” said Secretary Leavitt. “These steps will allow beneficiaries to continue to receive their health care services.” Read more.

President Declares Major Disaster For Texas

The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the state of Texas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, local and tribal recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Ike beginning on September 7, 2008, and continuing. Read More

23rd Wing deploys rescue forces for Hurricane Ike response

As Hurricane Ike approached the Texas coast, the 23rd Wing began moving units on Sept. 11 to pre-stage for rapid rescue relief operations. The 23rd Wing is the only active-duty combat search and rescue wing in the Air Force. Units from the wing's two rescue groups, the 347th Rescue Group here and the 563rd RQG co-located at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., and Nellis AFB, Nev., were responsible for more than 1,700 saves during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Read More

Rescue personnel fly first flights from Randolph

Three HH-60 Pave Hawks and aircrews belonging to the 331st Air Expeditionary Group took off from here earlier the afternoon of Sept. 13 carrying search and rescue personnel to the Galveston, Texas, area in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Read More

U.S. Northern Command provides additional support in wake of Hurricane Ike

U.S. Northern Command is coordinating Department of Defense support to FEMA, state and local response in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike’s landfall in Texas. Read More

Task Force Ike rolls out for hurricane support

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, Task Force Ike is sending personnel and supplies from Kelly Air Force Base to aid in disaster relief throughout the hurricane-affected areas along the Texas coast. Read More

Forces ready to respond to aftermath of Hurricane Ike

As Hurricane Ike made landfall in southeast Texas, U.S. Army Northern Command moved their operating headquarters from the base known as the “Home of Army Medicine” to Camp Mabry, just outside of Austin. Read More

Religious Support Teams providing hope after Ike

For the first time, military chaplains and the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster are collaborating their efforts to provide cohesive spiritual response to those affected by the next hurricane. Read More

National Guard Patrols Grand Isle Waters

In an effort to prevent looting of area residents’ property and local businesses, Louisiana National Guardsmen began patrolling the waters along the north shore of Grand Isle, La. Read More.

National Guard Sandbags Levee, Protects Highway

On the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on America, soldiers and airmen of the Louisiana National Guard assisted Plaquemines Parish by sandbagging a levee that protects Highway 23, the main artery for entering and exiting Plaquemines Parish, as a precaution against Hurricane Ike’s storm surge. Read More.

Joint Task Force 129 Airmen Rescue Civilians Stranded in Galveston

California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing rescued eight people yesterday in Galveston, Texas. The air guardsmen deployed to Kelly Field in San Antonio for Hurricane Ike search and rescue support operations. Read More.

Hurricane Ike Rescues Underway in Texas and Louisiana

Federal and State response forces have begun what Texas Governor Rick Perry is calling the largest search and rescue ever in his state today as more than 100,000 residents are estimated to have ignored Hurricane Ike evacuation warnings. Read More.

National Guard Helps Evacuate Three Households in Louisiana

Members of three different Hackberry, La., households stayed in their homes through the fierce winds and flooding of Hurricane Ike, believing they wouldn’t suffer any worse than they did during Hurricane Rita in September 2005. However, the water rose three to four feet in their homes, compared to one foot three years ago. Read More.

Kentucky Air Guard Troops Deploy to Coastal Texas

About 25 pararescuemen, combat controllers and support troops from the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Special Tactics Squadron began deploying to coastal Texas to conduct rescue operations for victims of Hurricane Ike. Read More.

Religious Support Teams Provide Hope After Ike

For the first time, military chaplains and the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster are collaborating their efforts to provide cohesive spiritual response to those affected by the next hurricane. Read More.

Louisiana Guardsmen Answer the Call as Hurricane Ike Slams the Coast

As Hurricane Ike slammed ashore, the National Guard was already at work evacuating stranded citizens from their homes and other locations across Southwest Louisiana. Read More.

CBP Poised to Support Ike Rescue and Recovery Operations

U.S Customs and Border Protection is poised to conduct life-saving and damage assessment missions as part of the federal government’s support to Texas’ Hurricane Ike response and recovery operations. Read More.

Hurricane Ike Evacuations

As a precautionary measure for Hurricane Ike making landfall on the Texas Gulf Coast, the Houston Office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) relocated detainees from local facilities that may be impacted by the storm. Read more

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Braces for Hurricane Ike

U.S Customs and Border Protection has taken steps to brace for Hurricane Ike’s landfall and is urging all coastal community residents to heed evacuation orders and seek safe shelter, regardless of their immigration status. Read more

EPA Approves Hurricane-Related Fuel Waivers for Virginia and Ohio

As the result of the disruption in the supply of fuel caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, EPA is exercising its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily waive certain gasoline requirements in the states of Ohio and Virginia. Read more

EPA Releases Vietnamese PSAs to Aid Hurricane Ike Response

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released four public service announcements (PSAs) to help the area’s Vietnamese-speaking community prepare for the effects of Hurricane Ike. Read more

Tax Relief in Disaster Situations

The IRS is providing taxpayers affected by Hurricane Ike with seven extra days to file individual estimated taxes and corporate taxes due Monday, Sept. 15. The agency is continuing to monitor the impact of Hurricane Ike along the Gulf Coast. Tax relief is now available to victims of Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana. Certain filing and payment deadlines have been postponed until Jan. 5, 2009. Read more

President Bush Visits Oklahoma, Discusses Volunteers, Hurricane Ike

President Bush discusses volunteers and Hurricane Ike during his visit to Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Read more

OPM Extends Use of Toll-Free Hotline (1-800-307-8298) to Assist Federal Employees and Retirees Impacted by Hurricane Ike

U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Acting Director Michael W. Hager announced OPM would be activating its toll-free assistance hotline number (1-800-307-8298) for Federal employees and retirees residing in areas - including the southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana coasts - expected to be impacted by Hurricane Ike. Read more

Hurricane Ike Public Health Actions

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt declared a public health emergency for Louisiana on Saturday, September 13. Read more

Joint ops plan driving hurricane mobility response

As Hurricane Ike marches across the Gulf of Mexico, military and civilian disaster response forces continue to coordinate requests for mobility support outlined in a new joint operations plan that removes hurdles previously impeding response to natural disasters. Read more

Coast Guard Hurricane Ike southeastern Texas Overflight

In this video by the U.S. Coast Guard, an Air Station Houston HH-65C rescue helicopter crew conducts an overflight of the southeastern Texas coastline scanning for residents needing assistance and documenting flood waters, Sept. 12, 2008.

HHS Provides Prescription Drug and Durable Medical Equipment Assistance for Uninsured Texas Victims of Hurricane Ike

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced up to $2 million in individual assistance for victims of Hurricane Ike from affected counties in Texas, through a new Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) administrated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Read More

NRC Monitoring Approach of Hurricane Ike

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has activated its Incident Response Center in Arlington, Texas, and is monitoring the approach of Hurricane Ike, expected to make landfall on the Texas coast tomorrow morning. Read More.

Photo: Press Briefing at FEMA HQ

Washington, DC, September 12, 2008 -- DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff at the microphone at the FEMA Press Briefing Room reporting on federal preparations in anticipation of Hurricane Ike. From l-r - Joe Becker, senior vice president of disaster services for the American Red Cross, David Paulison FEMA Administrator (Mr. Chertoff), Rear Admiral Brian Salerno of the U.S. Coast Guard and Admiral Craig Vanderwagen of Health and Human Services. FEMA/Bill Koplitz Get hi-res photo.

Hurricane Ike: Maps Showing Potential Coastal Change Available Online

New maps that help forecast possible impacts and damages to coastal communities from Hurricane Ike can be accessed online. Read More.

Coast Guard airlifts people from Bolivar Peninsula

The Coast Guard began airlifting residents from their homes this morning at Bolivar Penninsula, Texas to High Island, Texas after the wind and rain from Hurricane Ike became too much for the residents to withstand early Friday, Sept. 12, 2008. Read More

Hunters Track Ike as Storm Moves Toward Texas

Barreling toward the Texas coast, Hurricane Ike is gaining strength as millions of residents in the storm’s forecast path evacuate in expectation of an overnight landfall tonight. Read More.

High-Water Vehicles Highlight Guard's Response Arsenal

In war, they're called combat vehicles. But when Mother Nature strikes and people are stranded by flood waters, those big trucks with their big tires and high ground clearance get a different name. Read More.

Defense Department Readies Help as Ike Approaches Landfall

With Hurricane Ike forecast to make landfall tonight or early tomorrow on the Texas coast, the Defense Department already is assisting civilian agencies. Read More.

SouthCom Sends Team to Haiti, Kearsarge Delivers Tons of Aid

An eight-member team from U.S. Southern Command, with headquarters in Miami, will arrive in Haiti today to support ongoing U.S. relief efforts in the country. Read More.

U.S. Northern Command assists with Hurricane Ike efforts

U.S. Northern Command is coordinating Department of Defense’s support to FEMA, state and local response in anticipation of Hurricane Ike and preparing for its landfall in the United States. Read More

Guard Members Gear Up for Hurricane Ike

Although Hurricane Ike is expected to lose power after hitting Texas tonight, National Guardsmen in four other states are preparing for the worst when it becomes a tropical storm later this weekend. Read More.

Contingency Response Wing supports Hurricane Ike evacuation efforts

Nearly 50 members of the Air Force's 615th Contingency Response Wing located here are currently in Texas providing support for impending Hurricane Ike. Read More

Weather forecasts protect Air Force, Americans

With Hurricane Ike taking aim at the east coast of Texas and its path still unpredictable, forecasters with the 601st AOC CONR Weather Support Team continue working around the clock to answer the No. 1 question on people’s minds: Where will it strike? Read More

Texas Guard Leader Vows All-Out Effort for Hurricane Ike

Texas National Guard personnel began rescuing residents stranded by rising waters Friday afternoon, and the Lone Star State's National Guard commander vowed to resume relief missions as soon as Hurricane Ike vents its anticipated fury on the Houston region sometime Saturday. Read More.

Joint ops plan driving hurricane mobility response

As Hurricane Ike marches across the Gulf of Mexico, military and civilian disaster response forces continue to coordinate requests for mobility support outlined in a new joint operations plan that removes hurdles previously impeding response to natural disasters. Read More

Hurlburt to Assist with Freighter Rescue

The 1st Special Operations Wing here launched two CV-22 Ospreys, an MC-130P Combat Shadow and an MH-53 Pave Low helicopter today to prepare for a possible rescue of 22 people aboard the Cyprus-flagged freighter Antalina adrift in the Gulf of Mexico south of Louisiana caught in Hurricane Ike. Read More

ACCE team leaves for Hurricane Ike support

Only days after the team returned from Louisiana following Hurricane Gustav, the Air Forces Northern Air Component Coordination Element left here Sept. 10 for San Antonio as Texas braced for Hurricane Ike. Read More

NRC Monitoring Approach of Hurricane Ike

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has activated its Incident Response Center in Arlington, Texas, and is monitoring the approach of Hurricane Ike, expected to make landfall on the Texas coast tomorrow morning.
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Focus On Safety: Federal Assets Support States Facing Ike

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working with its federal, state and local partners to keep people safe before, during and after Hurricane Ike makes landfall in Texas. President George W. Bush has issued pre-landfall disaster declarations in Texas and Louisiana that enables federal aid to supplement and support any of the immediate response efforts. Ike could also bring heavy winds and rain to Oklahoma, Arkansas and other states as it moves north over the weekend. Read More

Residents Urged to Bring Personal Supplies to Evacuation Shelters

The state of Texas and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urge residents traveling inland ahead of Hurricane Ike to arrive prepared if they are seeking refuge in an evacuation shelter. Read More

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Braces for Hurricane Ike

U.S Customs and Border Protection has taken steps to brace for Hurricane Ike’s landfall and is urging all coastal community residents to heed evacuation orders and seek safe shelter, regardless of their immigration status. Read More.

CBP Announces Mass Migration Plans for Hurricane Ike

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is currently maintaining normal border security operations at and between our ports of entry in the potential impacted area of the border. Read more

GSA Bulletins Ease FTR Provisions for Ike

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) on Wednesday, September 10, 2008, took emergency steps to facilitate travel, lodging, and fuel purchases in certain counties and other affected areas in the state of Texas threatened by Hurricane Ike. Read more

Victoria, TX - Postal Service prepares for Ike

The U.S. Postal Service is preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Ike by advising customers that normal service operations in the path of the storm may be affected in the event of unsafe conditions such as high winds, flooding, or impassable roads. Read More

Corpus Christi, TX - Postal Service prepares for Ike

The U.S. Postal Service is preparing for the arrival of Hurricane Ike by advising customers that normal service operations in the path of the storm may be affected in the event of unsafe conditions such as high winds, flooding, or impassable roads. Read More

Birmingham, AL - Dauphin Island, AL Post Office Temporarily Closed

Alabama District Officials closed the Dauphin Island Post Office at 8:45 a.m. for the remainder of the day. Due to the impending storm surge of Hurricane Ike, water is washing over the causeway leading from the mainland to the only bridge that provides vehicular access to the Island. High tide is predicted for 10:00 a.m., which will further increase water levels. Authorities are in the process of closing down the causeway and have advised everyone to vacate the Island unless they are a resident or have plans to spend the night. Read More

CDC Offers Checklist for People in Path of Upcoming Hurricanes

Checklists of what to do before a storm, if you plan to shelter-in-place, and after the storm pointers. Read More

Coast Guard sets port conditions for Morgan City, La.

As a result of the recent track change of Hurricane Ike, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) in Morgan City has set Port Condition X-Ray for all waters west of Houma, La., within the Morgan City COTP zone in preparation for Hurricane Ike, as of 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008. Read More

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) on Wednesday, September 10, 2008, took emergency steps to facilitate travel, lodging, and fuel purchases in certain counties and other affected areas in the state of Texas threatened by Hurricane Ike. Read More.

Hurricane Ike Impact Felt In Space

Hurricane Ike has delayed the scheduled Friday arrival of a Russian Progress cargo ship at the International Space Station 220 miles above Earth. Read More.

Hurricane Ike Nearing Landfall: Act Now!

As local, state and federal officials brace for Hurricane Ike to make landfall, the hope is that families and businesses are ready too. If someone still needs to prepare, here are some things to keep in mind. Read More

FEMA by the Numbers - Hurricane Ike 9.11.08

With Hurricane Ike threatening Texas, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with its federal partners, is assisting the state by providing equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impact of the emergency. Read More

American Red Cross Urges, "Prepare for Ike"

Hurricane Ike is expected to make landfall late Friday evening or early Saturday morning, affecting areas of Texas and Louisiana. As the Red Cross continues moving relief supplies to Texas, its message to residents is urgent: listen to the directions of local officials; prepare to evacuate if told to do so; and register on the Red Cross Safe and Well Web site. Read More.

USCIS Houston Office Closes Due to Hurricane Ike

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that its Houston office at 126 Northpoint will close for business on Friday, Sept. 12 due to approaching Hurricane Ike. Read More

FEMA May Repay Generator Costs Only If Documented Medical Need

If residents purchased or rented generators in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav, they must show that it was to support a documented medical need in order to receive reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Residents must provide proof that the generator is necessary to provide power for equipment such as kidney dialysis machines, apnea monitors for infants, oxygen concentrators, respirators, ventilators and feeding pumps. Read More

Texas Guard leader vows all out effort for Ike

Texas National Guard personnel began rescuing residents stranded by rising waters Friday afternoon, and the Lone Star State's National Guard commander vowed to resume relief missions as soon as Hurricane Ike vents its anticipated fury on the Houston region sometime Saturday. Read More

U.S. Northern Command conducts pre-Ike medical evacuations, continues to prepare for post-landfall search and rescue operations

U.S. Northern Command is coordinating Department of Defense support to FEMA, state and local response in anticipation of Hurricane Ike and preparing for its potential landfall in the United States. Read More

Corpus Christi, TX - Some Post Offices in 779 and 783 ZIP code areas will close due to Ike

U.S. Postal Service employees in facilities along the Texas Gulf Coast and elsewhere will be working behind the scenes, around-the-clock to secure the mail, postal facilities and equipment in advance of the potential arrival of Hurricane Ike.
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Houston, TX - Post Offices complying with Evacuation Orders

Postal employees are working to comply with all mandatory evacuation orders issued by county and local officials throughout the Houston District (ZIP Code areas 770 – 778) today, and will temporarily suspend operations within these facilities as soon as possible after evacuations are issued. Read More

HHS Provides State Assistance in Preparing for Hurricane Ike, Recovering from Hurricane Gustav

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced the continued activation of more than 1,600 agency personnel to assist Gulf states in preparing for and responding to Hurricane Ike, including support for medical evacuations which began late Wednesday night and continues today in Corpus Christi. Read More

HHS Secretary Declares Public Health Emergency for Texas

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today declared a public health emergency to ensure that individuals in Texas, including those enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), continue to receive their health care items and services.

The action gives HHS’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) greater flexibility in meeting emergency health needs for its Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP beneficiaries. Secretary Leavitt acted under his authority in the Public Health Service Act. Read More

EPA Approves Hurricane-Related Fuel Waiver for Nine Southeast States

Due to the continuing effects of storms in the Gulf and the pending landfall of Hurricane Ike, EPA is exercising its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily waive certain federal gasoline requirements in nine southeastern states. Read More

EPA Releases Spanish PSAs to Aid Hurricane Ike Response

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released four public service announcements (PSAs) to help the area’s Spanish-speaking community prepare for the effects of Hurricane Ike. Read More

Coast Guard in Texas prepares for Hurricane Ike

Photos of how the Coast Guard in Texas is preparing for Hurricane Ike. Read More

Coast Guard Air Station Houston conducts pre-Hurricane Ike overflight of Texas coastline

In this video released by the U.S. Coast Guard, an Air Station Houston HH-65C rescue helicopter crew conducts a pre-Hurricane Ike overflight of the Freeport and Galveston, Texas coastline. Numerous ships including shrimp boats and barges can be seen taking the necessary precautions for the impending storm Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008. Read More

COTP sets Port Condition Yankee

In preparation for potential severe weather associated with Hurricane IKE, Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston will set Port Condition Yankee effective 11 a.m. local time. Read More

Federal Aid Programs for Louisiana Disaster Recovery

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's emergency disaster declaration issued for Louisiana. Read More

President Announces Emergency Declaration for Louisiana

The President today announced an emergency declaration for the state of Louisiana and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Ike beginning on September 7, 2008, and continuing. Read More

Ike Strengthening: Personal And Federal Preparedness Key

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the preparations of its partners in federal, state, tribal and local governments as Hurricane Ike is now expected to impact Texas and Louisiana tomorrow, with the storm bringing rain and wind to additional states as it moves inland. Residents from the Gulf Coast to the Tennessee Valley are reminded to "Get Serious: Be Prepared." Read More

Evacuation Tips for You and Your Family

The state of Texas and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advise residents that if evacuation is necessary in your area for the approaching hurricane, it is critical that you and your family respond quickly and responsibly.

Having your own evacuation plan can be a big relief and could help you avoid paying a premium for food, fuel and accommodations and taking a chance on where your family sleeps at night. Read More

Hurricanes Spawn Additional Threats

Hurricanes are not merely coastal events or wind events. Inland flooding, tornadoes, downed trees and power lines are all potential hazards that could be caused by hurricanes. Read More

Houston, TX - Postal Service prepares for Ike

The Freeport Post Office is working to comply with a mandatory evacuation order issued by officials with the city of Freeport at 10 a.m. today, and is temporarily suspending all retail, mail collection, and mail delivery services operating out of the facility. The Freeport Post Office is located at 924 N. Avenue F, Freeport, TX 77541-9998. All other area Post Offices are operating normally today. Read More

COTP sets Port Condition X-ray

In preparation for potentially severe weather, the Captain of the Port for Sector Houston-Galveston has set Port Condition X-Ray effective immediately. Anticipating gale force winds to make landfall within 48 hours, all vessel owners and operators shall enact their plans to moor or anchor their vessels, or put to sea, in preparation of the severe weather associated with Hurricane Ike. Read More

CDC Responds to Hurricane 2008 Season

CDC, the nation’s public health agency, is responding to Hurricane Gustav and preparing for Hurricane Ike’s projected landfall on the Gulf Coast later this week. Read More

USNORTHCOM conducts medical evacuations, prepares for post-landfall Ike search and rescue operations

U.S. Northern Command is coordinating Department of Defense support to FEMA, state and local response in anticipation of Hurricane Ike and preparing for its potential landfall in the United States. Read More

USNORTHCOM provides Hurricane Ike evacuation support in Texas

A Mobile Aeromedical Staging Facility team from the 6th Air Mobility Wing stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., arrived yesterday to support Hurricane Ike evacuation efforts. Read More

Texas National Guard evacuates citizens for Hurricane Ike

Nine Air National Guard C-130 transports from three states configured for medical air evacuation began transporting special-needs patients from the Corpus Christi area this morning in preparation for Hurricane Ike’s expected landfall on Saturday. Read More

USCIS' Havana Office Remains Closed as a Result of Hurricane Ike

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that its Havana field office remains closed as a result of Hurricane Ike. Read More

Federal Government Prepares For Ike: Are You Ready?

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the preparations of its partners in federal, state, tribal and local governments as Hurricane Ike is now expected to make landfall in Texas later this week. But with the record this year of storms shifting course before they strike the coast, and the breadth of this storm spanning more than 100 miles, all Gulf Coast residents are reminded to "Get Serious: Be Prepared." Read More

Federal Aid Programs for Alabama Disaster Recovery

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's major disaster declaration issued for Alabama. Read More

President Declares Major Disaster for Alabama

The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for Alabama to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Gustav beginning on August 29, 2008, and continuing. Read More

Programas De Asistencia Federal Ante La Emergencia Declarada para Texas

A continuación un resumen de los programas federales de asistencia por desastre que pueden estar disponibles según la necesidad y autorización bajo la declaración de emergencia emitida por el Presidente Bush para el estado de Texas. Leer Más

Federal Aid Programs For Texas Disaster Recovery

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's emergency disaster declaration issued for Texas. Read More

President Announces Emergency Declaration For Texas

The President today announced an emergency declaration for the state of Texas and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Ike beginning on September 7, 2008, and continuing. Read More

FEMA, Federal Partners on Alert for Hurricane Ike Impact on Texas

Working with the state of Texas, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the efforts of many federal partners as Hurricane Ike tracks towards the Gulf of Mexico. Read More

U.S. Department of Labor announces more than $22 million in aid to Louisiana for recovery from Hurricane Gustav

The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $22,200,000 grant to the state of Louisiana to fund approximately 4,000 temporary jobs for cleanup and recovery efforts following Hurricane Gustav. Read more

In Ike’s eye: Search and rescue poised, ready

Under the command and control of the First Air Force commander, joint search and rescue forces are prepositioned and capable of executing response and recovery operations for those who may be affected by Hurricane Ike. Read More

U.S. Northern Command’s focus shifts to Hurricane Ike

U.S. Northern Command is coordinating Department of Defense support to FEMA, state and local response in anticipation of Hurricane Ike and preparing for its potential landfall in the United States. Read More

CBP New Orleans Area Port Director Beats Gustav to Punch

Most of the time the arrival of a new area port director signals a more formal welcome from employees, the importing/exporting community and port authority officials, but U.S. Customs and Border Protection chose to speed up the arrival of newly appointed Area Port Director Mitch Merriam only hours before the arrival of Hurricane Gustav last week. Read More

Federal Support Stands Ready As Hurricane Ike Brushes Florida, Aims For Gulf Coast

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the preparations of its partners in federal, state, tribal and local governments as Hurricane Ike is now expected to make landfall in Texas later this week. But with the record this year of storms shifting course before they strike the coast, all Gulf Coast residents are reminded to "Get Serious: Be Prepared." Read More

SBA Lead Disaster Official to Visit Louisiana Recovery Operations

Rear Admiral Steven G. Smith, head of the Small Business Administration's executive office of disaster strategic planning, will visit coastal Louisiana tomorrow in a tour that will include meetings with top state officials, local Chambers of Commerce, and SBA disaster recovery staff. Read More

Social Security Checks Again Arriving Early in Gulf Coast States as Hurricane Ike Approaches

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced that benefit checks are being delivered to Gulf Coast residents on Tuesday, before the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Ike and one day ahead of the regular payment date. Read More

U.S. Northern Command continues response as focus shifts to Hurricane Ike

U.S. Northern Command is coordinating Department of Defense's support to FEMA, state and local response in anticipation of Hurricane Ike and preparing for its potential landfall in the United States. Read More

TSA Prepares for Hurricane Ike

Less than a week after the Transportation Security Administration assisted with Gulf Coast evacuations in the wake of Hurricane Gustav, TSA officers and staff are mobilizing to respond to the effects of Hurricane Ike. Read More

Get Serious, Be Prepared: Federal Preparedness For Ike

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the preparations of its partners in federal, state, tribal and local governments as Hurricane Ike poses an immediate risk to southern Florida and will impact along the Gulf Coast later in the week. Residents from Florida to Texas are again reminded to "Get Serious: Be Prepared." Read More

Protect Your Business Before Disaster Strikes

The better you protect your business before a hurricane, the quicker you can get back in business after it all blows over. That's vital, because small businesses are the backbone of their local economy. A disaster-ready business will be able to recover faster and suffer less financial loss. Even more importantly, a quickly recovered business is good for the local economy, enabling employees to return to work as soon as possible, and providing vital supplies for a community working hard to get back on its feet. Read More

Preparing for Disaster: Have a Plan and Make a Kit

Are you and your family ready for the next big storm? Thousands of Texans had to evacuate from the Gulf Coast ahead of Hurricane Gustav, and many more hunkered down in place. More storms are on the horizon, and at least one of them could be headed this way. Remember: The official hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. That means we have almost three more months of possible severe weather.
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Los cheques de Seguro Social nuevamente llegarán temprano a los estados en la costa del Golfo mientras se aproxima el huracán Ike

El Comisionado del Seguro Social, Michael J. Astrue, anunció que los cheques de beneficios para los residentes de la costa del Golfo se repartirán el martes, antes de la llegada del huracán Ike y un día antes del día de pago regular. Leer más

Get Serious, Be Prepared: Federal Preparedness For Ike

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the preparations of its partners in federal, state, tribal and local governments as Hurricane Ike poses an immediate risk to southern Florida and will impact along the Gulf Coast later in the week. Residents from Florida to Texas are again reminded to "Get Serious: Be Prepared." Read More

U. S. Small Business Administration: Fact Sheet--Disaster Loans

Whether you rent or own your own home, own your own business, or own a small agricultural cooperative located in a declared disaster area, and are the victim of a disaster, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Read More

Federal Preparations: Ike Threatens Florida, Heads Towards Gulf

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is in close communication with its partners in federal, state, tribal and local governments as Hurricane Ike is expected to impact southern Florida early in the week before progressing into the Gulf of Mexico later in the week. It is still uncertain where Hurricane Ike might make landfall along the Gulf Coast so residents from Florida to Texas are again reminded to "Get Serious: Be Prepared." Read More.

Federal Aid Programs For Florida Disaster Recovery

Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Bush's major disaster declaration issued for Florida. Read More

President Declares Emergency For Florida

The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal aid has been made available for the state of Florida to supplement State and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from Hurricane Ike beginning on September 5, 2008, and continuing. Read More

Corps Starts the Blue Roof Program in Louisiana

Louisiana citizens can sign up for the Blue Roof program beginning today. Read More