Text 1485, 55 rader
Skriven 2005-09-24 23:33:06 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0509241) for Sat, 2005 Sep 24
====================================================
===========================================================================
President Updates Press Pool on Hurricane Developments
===========================================================================

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 24, 2005

President Updates Press Pool on Hurricane Developments
Peterson Air Force Base
Colorado Springs, Colorado


˙˙˙˙˙In Focus: Hurricane Relief

7:50 A.M. MDT

THE PRESIDENT: Admiral, thank you very much for a series of briefings that
really do comfort me in knowing that our federal government is
well-organized and well-prepared to deal with Rita. I've come here to watch
NORTHCOM in action, to see first hand the capacity of our military to plan,
organize and move equipment to help the people in the affected areas, in
this case, Louisiana and Texas.

We've had full briefings on the storm, it's activities. The first order of
business now is the search and rescue teams, to pull people out of harm's
way. Just had an assessment by General Honore of Lake Charles, Louisiana --
it got hit hard. We've got teams on the ground, beginning to analyze the
situation and prepare the necessary response to stabilize the situation,
and, more importantly, stabilize there, as well.

It's very important for the citizens who have headed to East Texas to
understand that even though the storm has passed the coastline, the
situation is still dangerous because of potential flooding. A lot of people
have left the coastline and headed into East Texas and parts of Western
Louisiana. It's important for them to listen carefully to the local
authorities about whether not it is safe to return back to their home. It's
going to take a while for the authorities on the ground to fully understand
the impact of the flooding. And, therefore, people who are safe now ought
to remain in safe conditions.

At any rate, Admiral, thank you very much for your hospitality. I
appreciate your leadership. I want to thank all the folks who work here in
NORTHCOM for doing their duty, which is to organize and rally the assets of
the of the federal government, to help our fellow citizens who are in need.

Thank you very much.

END 7:52 A.M. MDT

===========================================================================
Return to this article at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/09/20050924-1.html

 * Origin: (1:3634/12)