Emergency Declaration Ordered For Alabama
Release Date: August 28, 2005
Release Number: HQ-05-172
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response, today announced that President Bush authorized an emergency declaration for Alabama. Federal resources are being allocated to support emergency protective response in the counties located in the path of Hurricane Katrina.
Brown said President Bush issued the declaration following a review of FEMA's analysis of the state's request for federal assistance.
As a result of the declaration, FEMA will mobilize equipment and resources necessary to protect public health and safety by assisting law enforcement with evacuations, establishing shelters, supporting emergency medical needs, meeting immediate life-saving and life-sustaining human needs and protecting property, in addition to other emergency protective measures. In addition, federal funds will be available for public safety debris removal and emergency protective measures at 75 percent of approved costs.
The counties of Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Mobile, Sumter and Washington were designated eligible for assistance. Additional counties may be added at a late date after further evaluation.
Brown named Ron Sherman of FEMA to coordinate the federal relief effort.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 02-Sep-2005 11:29:34