FEMA Lauds State And Local Officials' Response To Multiple Disasters
Release Date: September 12, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-173
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its partner federal, state and volunteer agencies continue to provide assistance to the victims of Hurricanes Charley and Frances, while at the same time preparing for potential damage from Hurricane Ivan.
“It is difficult for most of us to imagine what the resilient residents of Florida are going through as the third hurricane in less than a month approaches the state,” said Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response. “I am especially proud of local and state leaders and emergency officials. These first responders are victims of the storms themselves, yet they continue to put public safety and health first, working long hours and under continued stress. They provide positive leadership, examples of courage and are critical for directing the response effort for their communities.”
“When I talk to people in Washington, state leaders around the country, reporters and others, I tell them you need to understand what is happening in Florida. All of us need to be aware of the seriousness of the situation,” Brown continued. “The Department of Homeland Security is in place in Florida with personnel, equipment and supplies; more is standing by ready for delivery. We have the resources to meet multiple disasters and FEMA will remain in Florida throughout the recovery from these historic events.”
President Bush showed his continuing commitment to the victims of Hurricanes Charley and Frances last week when he signed a $2 billion supplementary funding bill for a range of cleanup, relief and recovery costs. On Friday, the President declared a major disaster declaration for 15 North Carolina counties for Hurricane Frances. Florida’s disaster declaration also was amended to include six additional counties.
Thanks to the consolidation of 22 agencies under the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA has enhanced and streamlined its ability to respond to multiple, simultaneous disasters. Currently 3,891 federal employees and voluntary agency personnel are responding to Hurricanes Charley and Frances.
FEMA and its partner agencies, including the Coast Guard, US Forest Service, Army Corps Engineers, Department of Defense, and Health and Human Service, are working closely with the states to track Hurricane Ivan’s status, prioritize needs and address them in order of urgency.
Intense planning and immediate actions are underway today at FEMA Headquarters in anticipation of Hurricane Ivan. Sixty-one trucks of water are being flown to Miami, pre-positioned for delivery. FEMA will continue to explore every available mode of transportation to get help where it is needed, including ships, air transport, trucks, and railroad.
FEMA’s warehouse near Atlanta is restocking with ice and water, some ready for delivery as soon as the storm clears. FEMA is working with the State of Florida on a strategy to shelter special needs populations.
Affected individuals in declared counties can call FEMA's toll-free registration line 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) - TTY 800-462-7585. FEMA’s call centers are operating 24/7 with additional personnel to minimize wait time. If the line is busy, please be persistent and try your call again. If you registered previously and have any change to your address or contact information, please let FEMA know.
- As of Sunday morning, FEMA operators have taken 194,448 applications and authorized $112.0 million in Hurricane Charley disaster assistance and taken 126,162 applications and approved $46.0 million in disaster assistance for Hurricane Frances.
- 1,204 FEMA contract housing inspectors are fanning out to inspect hurricane damages.
- FEMA has experienced an extremely high volume of calls, and set a new record for the number of registrations taken in one day - over 24,000 applicants last Tuesday.
- FEMA is making improvements and bringing more agents on line to reduce wait time, and will continue to ask that those with minor damage wait a few days to let those with the greatest need register first.
- FEMA is streamlining the initial registration information taken, and is also running privacy act information and FAQs for callers to hear while on hold to reduce the length of calls.
- FEMA will be adding approximately 300 more registration agents over the next few days.
On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.
Last Modified: Sunday, 12-Sep-2004 22:29:28