FEMA and Slidell Law Enforcement are "Moving Together Against Crime"
Release Date: January 12, 2007
Release Number: 1603-594
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Continuing efforts to work with law enforcement officials in addressing criminal activity, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local police are "Moving Together Against Crime" (MTAC) in Slidell on Jan. 13 and 14, 2007. Approximately 170 FEMA recertification staff will visit more than 3,900 trailers on private home sites within Slidell's city limits, identifying abandoned trailers and those being lived in by squatters.
FEMA recertification staff routinely visit trailer occupants to assist in documenting their eligibility for continued FEMA assistance, answer questions about FEMA programs and devise a long-term housing solution. These recertification teams also aid in crime prevention by reporting any illegal activity to local law enforcement and FEMA park management.
FEMA recertification staff from Baton Rouge , Hammond , Jefferson, New Orleans and Belle Chasse will meet with local law enforcement at Slidell 's City Hall at 1330 Bayou Lane at 9 a.m., Jan. 13, before spreading out across the city.
Applicants that are home will be recertified and have their units inspected for safety - fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. If an applicant is not at home, a FEMA team member will leave a flyer notifying the resident about the recertification process and asking them to call and schedule an appointment.
Squatters living in trailers will be informed that they are trespassing on federal property and asked to leave immediately. Local authorities and FEMA's Lease Termination Office will then be notified to ensure that the squatter leaves. Abandoned trailers will be referred for lease terminations and deactivations.
"FEMA is dedicated to helping local law enforcement with crime prevention. Through our initiative of Moving Together Against Crime, we will assist the City of Slidell in providing safety to its whole community," said James Stark, director of FEMA's Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office.
MTAC is a statewide initiative that focuses on areas with the largest trailer applicant populations. It is part of FEMA's Safety Task Force, which manages overall safety in group and commercial parks, as well as emergency sites.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitigation activities and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA works closely with state and local emergency managers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters and other first responders. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 16-Jan-2007 04:11:07