FEMA Updates Search, Find, and Secure Columbia Accident Activities
Release Date: February 19, 2003
Release Number: 3171-29
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Lufkin, TX -- The general public continues to respond to requests from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Division of Emergency Management (DEM), Department of Public Safety for assistance in reporting Space Shuttle Columbia material.
"NASA and FEMA have asked for the help from all individuals who live in Texas to report material finds to the toll-free number 1-866-446-6603. As usual, our people have and continue to respond to requests for help. U.S. Navy divers were called ashore by a citizen on Tuesday and were informed of a material find. NASA confirmed that he had found the shuttle nose landing gear," said State Coordinating Officer Duke Mazurek. "We encourage everyone to continue to be aware of shuttle material and to report their suspected finds to the toll-free number."
In addition, Federal Coordinating Officer Scott Wells, FEMA, announced the following -
- The primary search area now consists of a 10-mile by 240-mile corridor along the shuttle flight path from Ellis County, south of Dallas continuing along a southeast path to the Toledo Bend Reservoir. Ground search will concentrate on a 2-mile area either side of the projected flight path while air search operations focus 5-miles on either side of the corridor centerline.
- The Southern Area Incident Command Blue Team, operating from the Nacogdoches base camp, now consists of 950 personnel who worked in three areas on Wednesday. Three additional search teams, each consisting of approximately 1,000 searchers are being formed. They will be operating out of Palestine, Hemphill and Corsicana.
- Individuals or businesses that have experienced loss, injury or damage as a result of the Columbia accident can call one of the following three numbers to request a claims packet from NASA: Johnson Space Center, 281-483-3021; Stennis Space Center, 228-688-2164 or NASA Headquarters, 202-358-2450. Claims must be filed within two years from the date the damage is discovered.
- The Navy will be briefing the media on equipment used for underwater recovery on Thursday at Fairmont, Texas.
Last Modified: Monday, 14-Apr-2003 09:59:44