FEMA Prepares as Gustav Aims at New Orleans

Still suffering criticism from its dealing with Hurricane Katrina, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is already gearing up for a response to Hurricane Gustav, now threatening to hit the Gulf Coast early next week.

Noting that the current track of Gustav is similar to that of Katrina, the historic storm that nearly wiped out New Orleans over Labor Day weekend in 2005, FEMA officials have already moved 478 emergency generators, more than 2.4 million liters of water, more than 4 million meals, as well as over 400 truckloads of tarps, blankets and cots into Gulf Coast states.

In addition, FEMA is coordinating with the Department of Transportation to ensure that area bus lines, airports and other transportation providers will be able to assist with any level of evacuation that may become necessary.

Information on how individuals and families should prepare for hurricanes and other disasters can be found a www.ready.gov.

Also See:
FEMA Begs Patience, Lists Katrina Accomplishments
FEMA Lost Tens of Millions in Katrina Fraud, GAO Finds
FEMA Announces Two New Disaster Recovery Strategies