FEMA Was Poised And Ready For Tropical Storm Erin In Texas
Release Date: August 22, 2007
Release Number: R6-07-047
AUSTIN, TX. -- Hurricane Dean got a lot of attention over the last few days. We should not forget that Tropical Storm Erin came ashore in Texas not too long ago. The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was prepared and ready for Tropical Storm Erin as it made landfall on the Texas coast on August 16. As Erin swirled in the Gulf of Mexico, the Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) in Denton was activated to monitor the storm. The RRCC brought together representatives from each of the Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) to coordinate future actions after a disaster.
An advance team consisting of FEMA analysis and leadership officials was sent to Corpus Christi. This group was accompanied by a support team from the Defense Coordinating Element, a facility capable of providing resources from the U.S. military as needed following a disaster.
Upon arrival, the FEMA advance teams immediately coordinated with the Texas Regional Liaison Officer and the Disaster District Captain for that area. Another FEMA staff member was sent to work directly in the state Emergency Operations Center in Austin.
The DCE team arrived with vehicles equipped with the most advanced technology for transmitting video signals, satellite phone communications and internet capability. These vehicles are used to provide information to the Region VI office and FEMA Headquarters in Washington, DC. With this up to date information, FEMA specialists away from the coastal area can analyze data and make assumptions about future requests from the state for emergency assistance.
Over the past two years, combined efforts between FEMA and the State of Texas identified emergency response areas where the state might need federal support following a major hurricane. In advance of the storm, FEMA positioned emergency commodities such as water, MREs, cots and blankets in Austin. Luckily, these supplies were not needed in Texas for Erin.
Oklahoma also suffered extreme flooding from then Tropical Depression Erin. FEMA was also on site in Oklahoma as Erin continued to swirl inland. Severe storms and flooding affected Oklahoma in June and July so FEMA was already assisting the state and providing assistance in over 40 counties. FEMA staff will continue to provide all possible aid pending a federal disaster declaration for the state.
FEMA coordinates the federal governments 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.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 22-Aug-2007 19:03:45