Coast Guard and partners continue to respond to 202 reports of pollution along Gulf Coast

The Coast Guard continues to work Saturday with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Texas General Land Office, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to assess and expedite the cleanup of pollution that resulted from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Coast Guard closes portions of the Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri rivers

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port Sector Upper Mississippi River has closed sections of the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois rivers, in addition to previous closures. Read more

CBP Personnel on Hurricane Ike Humanitarian Mission Render First Aid to Critically Injured Houston Police Officer

A convoy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel returning from completing a humanitarian mission in Houston encountered a serious traffic accident involving a Houston Police Department motorcycle patrolman yesterday afternoon. Read more

Three Additional Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Harris County to Assist Victims of Hurricane Ike

Three additional FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are open in Houston to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Recovery Center Opens in Tyler County to Assist Victims of Hurricane Ike

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Woodville to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Recovery Center Opens in Hardin County to Assist Victims of Hurricane Ike

A FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Kountze to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Recovery Center Opens In Houston County To Assist Victims Of Hurricane Ike

FEMA/State Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is open in Kennard to provide face-to-face assistance to those who suffered damage from Hurricane Ike. Read more

Emergency Assistance Deadline Nears For Florida Counties

The 30-day deadline for 67 Florida counties to apply for federal Public Assistance reimbursement funding to help pay for undertaking emergency protective measures and debris disposal is Monday, Sept. 22. Read more

Unemployment Assistance Available For Disaster Victims

Tropical Storm Fay brought more than flooding. It put people out of work. But people, such as the self-employed, who normally would not be eligible for unemployment may get help through the state-managed, federally funded Disaster Unemployment Assistance program. Read more

Coast Guard responds to 154 reports of oil and chemical spills in the Houston-Galveston area

Coast Guard members are responding to 158 reports of oil and chemical spills along the coast from Houston to Lake Charles, La. Read more

National Service Moves In After Hurricane Ike

National service disaster responders swung into action to assist recovery efforts after Hurricane Ike’s devastating romp through Texas late last week. With AmeriCorps members pre-positioned to deploy, response has been fast and effective. Read more

Military airborne imagery supported immediate hurricane recovery efforts

Video and still imagery provided by military aircraft after Hurricane Ike struck the Gulf Coast gave responders on the ground their first look at affected areas in Texas and Louisiana. Read more

Update 4: Coast Guard lifts night restrictions on Houston Ship Channel

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port of Houston-Galveston has opened the Houston Ship Channel 24 hours a day with the some restrictions. Read more

CBP Nears Completion of Ike Recovery, Reconstitution Missions

U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees continue to support Texas Hurricane Ike recovery operations today, and are resuming full or limited operations at Houston regional air and sea Ports of Entry. Read more

Hurricane Gustav/Hurricane Ike Activity Statistics Update

Minerals Management Service Monitors Activities for Both Storms Through its Continuity of Operations Plan
Offshore oil and gas operators in the Gulf of Mexico are reboarding platforms and rigs and restoring production following both Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike. The Minerals Management Service is monitoring activities for both hurricanes through its Continuity of Operations Plan team. This team will be activated until operations return to normal. Read more

Coast Guard continues restrictions on the ship channel

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port of Houston-Galveston has re-opened portions of the Houston Ship Channel to commercial traffic, with restrictions. Read more

Kearsarge Medics Begin Health Assessments in Haiti

The amphibious ship USS Kearsarge expanded its assistance to disaster relief operations in Haiti on Sept. 17, dispatching medical teams to conduct health assessments of Haitian communities suffering in the aftermath of tropical storms Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Hurricane Ike. Read more

USCIS Houston Offices Remain Due to Hurricane Ike

Asylum Office, Two Application Support Centers reopen
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that its district office, the LIFE Act Building, and its Southeast Application Support Center remains closed for business until further notice. Read more

Disaster Recovery Center Open in Lake County

A Disaster Recovery Center is open in Eustis to help Lake County homeowners, renters and businesses affected by Tropical Storm Fay, recovery officials announced. Read more

Disaster Aid Totals $96.5 Million At Close Of Registration

At the close of the registration period for disaster assistance on Sept. 15, $96.5 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been approved, emergency managers announced today. Read more

State Shows FEMA Damage Left From Hurricane Ike

Hoosiers learned last week that you don't have to live by the ocean to feel the affects of a hurricane, after remnants of Hurricane Ike rolled through the state leaving severe flooding and wind damage in several Indiana counties. Read more

Minerals Management Service Updates Ike Damage Assessments

Offshore Damage from Hurricane Ike is Surveyed through MMS, Oil and Gas Industry and U.S. Coast Guard Over Flights
Minerals Management Service (MMS) reports that as of September 17, 2008, 49 of the 3,800 offshore oil and gas production platforms in the Gulf of Mexico have been destroyed by Hurricane Ike. Currently, MMS has no information on whether any of the destroyed platforms will be rebuilt by any operator. Oil and gas operators are also reporting damage to offshore infrastructure other than destruction. These reports are being analyzed by MMS and damage statistics will be released next week. Read more

SBA Disaster Budget Questions and Answers

Questions and answers regarding the SBA's budget for large disasters, including hurricanes such as Ike. Read more

Corps permits for emergency repairs to previously authorized projects

The repair of damages resulting from Hurricane Ike may require a Regulatory Permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The President has declared a National Disaster in 29 Texas counties and 4 Louisiana parishes as a result of Hurricane Ike. The Galveston and Fort Worth Districts advise that the repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of any previously authorized structure or fill that was serviceable immediately prior to the flooding event, is authorized under Nationwide Permit #3 (NWP #3). Such repair, rehabilitation, or replacement must not result in a deviation from the plans of the original structure. Read more

President Declares Major Disaster for Arkansas

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 Arkansas and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding associated with Hurricane Gustav during the period of September 2-8, 2008. Read more

Federal Aid Programs For Arkansas Disaster Recovery

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 Arkansas. Read more

After Ike: Federal Resources Support Response, Recovery

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the joint efforts of federal, tribal, state and local partners as immediate response activities begin to reach completion and recovery efforts begin across the Gulf Coast. Read more

EPA Approves Hurricane-Related Waivers for District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia

As a result of the disruption in the supply of fuel caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, EPA has exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily waive reformulated gasoline (RFG) requirements and allow the sale of conventional gasoline (CG) in all the District of Columbia and parts of Maryland. Today’s waiver also extends the current RFG waiver in Virginia. These waivers will allow greater flexibility for the fuel distribution system to support an adequate supply of gasoline. Read more

Audio Messages Promote Safety Tips in Wake of Hurricane Ike

The Environmental Protection Agency has several recorded public service announcements (PSAs) offering safety tips to affected residents as they begin to cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Read more

USCIS Houston Offices Remain Closed Due to Hurricane Ike

Asylum Office, Two Application Support Centers reopen
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that its district office, the LIFE Act Building, and its Southeast Application Support Center remains closed for business until further notice. Read more

President Bush Receives Update on Hurricane Ike Response and Relief Efforts

President Bush Receives Update on Hurricane Ike Response and Relief Efforts. Read more

USCIS Houston Office Remains Closed Due to Hurricane Ike

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that its Houston office at 126 Northpoint will remain closed for business today and tomorrow (Sept. 15-16). Additionally, all three local Application Support Centers as well as the Houston Asylum Office (see locations below) will remain closed until Wednesday, Sept. 17. Read more

NOAA Aids with Hurricane Ike Recovery

Responders from NOAA are on the move as residents and businesses in Texas and Louisiana recover from the effects of Hurricane Ike. Read more

EPA Approves Hurricane-Related Waivers for Parts of Kentucky and Texas

As the result of the disruption in the supply of fuel caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, EPA has exercised its authority under the Clean Air Act to temporarily waive certain federal clean gasoline requirements for parts of Kentucky and Texas. These waivers will allow greater flexibility for the fuel distribution system to support an adequate supply. Read more

U.S. Sec. of Transportation Mary E. Peters Announces $5 Million to Begin Funding Repair Work for Roads, Bridges & Airports Damaged by Hurricane Ike

The federal government is making $5 million available immediately to begin funding work to repair roads, bridges and airports damaged by Hurricane Ike, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters announced during a visit to the Houston region. She added that more funds will be made available for repair and reconstruction work once damages assessed for the region’s transportation network have been completed. Read more

Coast Guard eases retrictions on the Houston Ship Channel

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port of Houston-Galveston has re-opened portions of the Houston Ship Channel to commercial traffic, with restrictions. Read more

Coast Guard incident command post moves to Clear Lake

The Coast Guard incident command post (ICP) for Hurricane Ike has moved from Katy, Texas to the Clear Lake Hilton Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. Read more

Louisiana Guard clears devastation in Cameron Parish

A military response team arrived in Cameron Parish on Sept. 15 to begin cleanup operations in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Read more

Guard wades into Indiana flooding

About 180 Indiana National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are supporting relief missions during massive flooding in northern Indiana. Rain began to fall for 48 hours Sept. 11 caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ike as it passed through the Midwest. Ike’s leftovers moved through Indiana carrying winds of 50 mph. The 6-8 inches of heavy rain and high winds downed many power lines, reportedly leaving more than 87,000 people without electricity. Read more

Corps of Engineers Issues Blue Roof Contact Numbers

Hurricane Ike has left many Texas homeowners with damaged roofs. Repairs to these roofs can take time. In order to mitigate additional damage that could result from rain, homeowners can have plastic sheeting installed over the damaged area by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contractors, in a program provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Read more

FEMA to Fund 100 Percent of Ike Debris Removal, Emergency Costs

The federal government will reimburse the state of Texas and affected local governments for 100 percent of eligible emergency debris-removal work and emergency protective measures performed for a 14-day period retroactive to Sept. 13, the date of President Bush's major disaster declaration for Hurricane Ike. Read more

Harvey Canal gate opening as water levels subside

As a result of water levels subsiding in the Harvey Canal, Col. Alvin B. Lee, New Orleans District commander, ordered the canal gate opened at 7:30 a.m. Read more

After Ike: As Normalcy Returns In Some Communities, Actions Move Forward To Support Long-Term Recovery

FEMA is delivering life-saving and life-sustaining resources in support of state requests for federal assistance including commodities, teams and equipment. State, volunteer and federal resources at 63 points of distribution are handing out commodities with sufficient supplies available to meet demand. Read more

CDC Responds to Hurricane 2008 Season

CDC is working with state and local governments, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other federal agencies to help communities recover from Hurricane Ike. Read more

After Ike: Federal Support For The 'Long Haul'

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the joint efforts of federal, tribal, state and local partners as they continue search and rescue operations, to distribute assistance to those in immediate need, and begin to rebuild. Read more

CBP Continues Support for Texas Hurricane Ike Recovery Missions

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is conducting FEMA-assigned safety, security and aerial assessment missions, and reconstituting business operations at CBP ports of entry as it helps Texas recover from Hurricane Ike. Read more

EPA Approves Third Hurricane-Related Fuel Waiver for Texas

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 special diesel fuel requirements that apply only in the state of Texas. Read more

Hurricane Ike: Spill Notification

As business and industry officials return to their facilities in the wake of Hurricane Ike, the EPA reminds them to report spills to the National Response Center. The Center is integral to these facilities' long-established procedures in response to natural disasters like hurricanes. The Center serves as the sole point of contact for reporting all oil, chemical, radiological, and biological releases in the United States. Read more

CDC Responds to Hurricane 2008 Season

CDC is working with state and local governments, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other federal agencies to help communities recover from Hurricane Ike, which made landfall this past weekend. Read more

HUD Announces Disaster Assistance in the Wake of Hurricane Ike

HUD will speed federal disaster assistance to dozens of counties and parishes in Texas and Louisiana following Hurricane Ike. This assistance will support homeowners and low-income renters and includes foreclosure relief for families whose homes are insured through HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Read more

Transitional Housing Assistance Available For Texas Evacuees With Inaccessible Or Unlivable Homes

FEMA, at the request of the State of Texas, will activate its transitional sheltering initiative to allow eligible Ike evacuees from Texas, who cannot return to their homes, to stay in hotels or motels until it is safe for them go home. Read more

National Guard Helps 2,500 Ike Victims to Safety

Taking people to safe, dry places became one of the main missions for National Guard troops after Hurricane Ike rampaged through Texas and Louisiana. Read more

Coast Guard Assists EPA at Hurricane Ike Response

The Coast Guard's National Strike Force is assisting the Environmental Protection Agency Monday with Hurricane Ike recovery operations near Houston. Read more

Corps begins clearing Hurricane Ike debris in Galveston

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contractor, Ceres Environmental, in coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation, begins its first FEMA-directed debris removal mission along 61st St., in Galveston. The Corps has contracted 20 crews to help clear the way for first responders and recovery teams to enter the city to assess impacts to infrastructure and to begin restoring essential public services and facilities. Read more

Kearsarge Delivers More Relief Supplies to Haiti

The amphibious ship USS Kearsarge delivered an estimated 114 metric tons of disaster relief supplies Sept. 12 as it continued its logistical support to remote communities in Haiti affected by recent tropical storms and Hurricane Ike. Read More.

CBP Continues Hurricane Ike Response in the Houston Area

U.S Customs and Border Protection continues its response to the aftermath of Hurricane Ike by conducting damage assessment missions and recovery efforts as part of the federal government’s support to the Texas Task Force. Read More.

Register Twice if Impacted by Gustav and Ike

Louisiana residents who have been impacted by both hurricanes Gustav and Ike should register twice, once for each disaster. Read more

Working Together, Agencies Help Louisiana Toward Recovery

Local, state and federal workers continue to help Louisiana residents recover from Hurricane Gustav. This partnership has helped enable agencies to remain committed to their missions following Gustav and respond to Hurricane Ike as well. Read more

FEMA Expands Ike Support Offices in Texas

n response to the needs of people and communities affected by Hurricane Ike, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management (TXGDEM) will open an Area Field Office (AFO) in Houston. This office will support the Joint Field Office already established in Austin and will be the forward command center to manage operations close to the disaster area. Read more

After Ike: Federal Support For Recovery Efforts

he Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the joint efforts of federal, tribal, state and local partners as they undertake the activities that help residents whose communities were devastated by Hurricane Ike begin the rebuilding process. Federal assets were on the ground long before landfall, are there now, and will remain as long as necessary. Read more

CBP Resumes Operations at Houston’s Airport, Continues Ike Recovery Operations

U.S Customs and Border Protection resumed operations today at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and continues supporting Hurricane Ike rescue and recovery operations throughout southeast Texas. Read more

Coast Guard Continues Response to Hurricane Ike

KATY, Texas - The Coast Guard rescued 95 people yesterday as part of post-Hurricane Ike operatikons. In addition, 103 were brought to safety on Friday afternoon by helicopter crews from The Coast Guard, Texas Air National Guard, Texas Task 1, and the California Air National Guard before the hurricane hit.

The Coast Guard is continuing its responses to Hurricane Ike on Sunday. Assessment teams, which were staged inland at the Coast Guard Continuity of Operation (COOP) facility in Katy, have deployed to the field. They will conduct waterway assessments on small boats to identify areas of concern in the ports and in the ship channel. In addition, the teams will assess aids to navigation to identify any repositioning of buoys. Read more.

Continuing rains may cause roads near Addicks and Barker Reservoirs to flood

Heavy rains during and following Hurricane Ike are pouring into Addicks and Barker Reservoirs, flood risk management structures on Buffalo Bayou west of downtown Houston, and may cause some road flooding in the area, according to Corps of Engineers officials. Read more

Corps to survey waterways

The Corps of Engineers Galveston District is working with its partners the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, pilots, contractor Terrasond, and the Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association to move assets into place to survey Texas waterways in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Read more

After Ike: Federal Support For Essential Missions Continues

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is coordinating the joint efforts of federal, tribal, state and local partners as they work to help those hurt or put at risk by the passage of Hurricane Ike. President George W. Bush declared major disasters in Texas and Louisiana, making available federal funds to assist individuals and communities in their recovery. Read More.

U.S. Northern Command continues response to Hurricane Ike’s aftermath

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

Special Boat Operators ready to respond to Hurricane Ike relief efforts

Nearly 50 Naval Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC) from Special Boat Team 22 and the Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School (NAVSCIATTS) are standing by with eight Patrol Boats Light (PBL) at England Air Force Base to assist as called upon to perform search and rescue or clean-up operations. Read More

Air Cav. sends relief in response of Hurricane Ike aftermath

Pilots and crew chiefs loaded up two CH-47F Chinook helicopters with food, water and supplies in an effort to lessen the strain caused by Hurricane Ike. Read More

Texas Guardsmen Focus on Rescue Missions in Ike’s Wake

Search and rescue missions began immediately in areas of Texas left in Hurricane Ike's trail and continue to be the main focus of relief efforts, a Texas National Guard spokesperson told American Forces Press Service today by phone. Read More.

President to Tour Hurricane Ike 's Devastation in Texas

President Bush announced that he would be heading to Texas Tuesday to see the first-hand damages left by Hurricane Ike. Read More.

CDC Responds to Hurricane 2008 Season

CDC is working with state and local governments, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other federal agencies to help communities recover from Hurricane Ike, which made landfall this past weekend. Read More.

President Bush Receives Update on Hurricane Ike

President Bush Receives Update on Hurricane Ike Sunday, September 14, 2008. Read more