For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today spoke with Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe, U.S. Senators David Vitter and Mary Landrieu from Louisiana, and Missouri Governor Jay Nixon in preparation for Tropical Storm Isaac and to express the ongoing support from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the rest of the federal family as Tropical Storm Isaac travels inland.
“At the direction of President Obama, DHS and FEMA will continue to work closely with state and local partners to identify and address needs as communities respond to and recover from this storm,” said Secretary Napolitano. “We have teams on the ground prepared to provide aid to those areas heavily impacted by the storm. I urge residents in affected areas to continue to follow the guidance and direction of their state and local officials.”
Earlier today Secretary Napolitano also joined in a conference call with President Obama, Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, National Hurricane Center Director Rick Knabb, and Homeland Security Advisor John Brennan to discuss the ongoing efforts of DHS and FEMA in coordination with state, local, and federal partners to assess the needs of communities as they respond to and recover from Tropical Storm Isaac.
According to NOAA National Weather Service, Isaac made initial landfall as a Category 1 hurricane when it passed over the Mississippi River Delta in Louisiana last night. Isaac is beginning to move inland in southeast Louisiana and a dangerous storm surge and flood threat from heavy rains is likely to continue tonight.
Yesterday, in advance of Tropical Storm Isaac, President Obama signed an emergency declaration for the State of Mississippi in designated coastal counties and amended the emergency declaration for the state of Louisiana to add the parishes of Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Cameron, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Franklin, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, St. Helena, St. Martin, St. Mary, and West Baton Rouge.
Under the direction of President Obama and Secretary Napolitano, FEMA is continuing close, regular coordination with leading federal agencies, state, tribal and local partners, as well as private sector, faith-based and voluntary organizations. FEMA encourages everyone to take steps to ensure their families, homes and businesses are prepared for a possible emergency.
For more information, visit www.ready.gov.
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