FEMA Supports Alabama And Georgia In Wake Of Tornadoes
Release Date: March 2, 2007
Release Number: R4-07-055
» 2007 Region IV News Releases
ATLANTA, Ga. -- The Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is monitoring the situation in Alabama and Georgia and is in constant contact with state and local officials following the tornadoes that hit yesterday, March 1.
Current FEMA support activities include, but are not limited to:
Alabama
- The Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC) in Thomasville, GA is operating at a Level II, with a 24/7 operational period. It continues close coordination with the state Emergency Operations Center and also FEMA Headquarters.
- Joint FEMA/State Preliminary Damage Assessment teams began working in Coffee, Henry, Lowndes and Wilcox Counties this morning, surveying damage.
- Two FEMA Liaisons are operating still in the state Emergency Operations Center.
- FEMA Regional Director Phil May and Senator Jeff Sessions did a fly over of the area, viewing damage areas earlier today.
- FEMA has pre-staged two truckloads of water, one truckload of meals, one truckload of blue sheeting, one truckload of tarps and 50 generators in Alabama in case requested by the State.
Georgia
- Preliminary Damage Assessment will begin tomorrow. FEMA Region IV has staff ready in the field to support the joint assessments.
- The RRCC continues close coordination with the State officials.
- FEMA has presence in Georgia Emergency Operations Center.
At this time, FEMA is in a support role, until further assistance is requested and granted. FEMA staff in Regions VIII and IX are on standby for possible assistance if needed. States will determine whether to request additional federal assistance.
"Part of our vision for a new FEMA, is establishing a stronger, more responsive customer-focused organization to work with our partners such as the states impacted by these recent devastating tornadoes," said May, FEMA Region IV director.
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: Monday, 05-Mar-2007 09:08:36