[Vision2020] Re:

[Tom Hansen]

Apparently Mr. Harkins is struggling with his interpretation of FEMA’s
“mission statement”:

 

"In the event of a terrorist attack, NATURAL DISASTER or other large-scale
emergency, the Department of Homeland Security WILL ASSUME PRIMARY
RESPONSIBILITY on March 1st for ensuring that emergency response
professionals are prepared for any situation. This will entail providing a
coordinated, comprehensive federal response to any large-scale crisis and
mounting a swift and effective recovery effort.  The new Department will
also prioritize the important issue of citizen preparedness. Educating
America's families on how best to prepare their homes for a disaster and
tips for citizens on how to respond in a crisis will be given special
attention at DHS." [emphasis added]

 

There is no way that “WILL ASSUME PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY” can be
misinterpreted to mean “WILL ASSUME PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY (upon approval of
appropriate request from competent authority).”

 

I was raised to believe that you say what you mean and you mean what you
say.  Apparently, much like our city council, that concept is lost in
positions of authority.

 

Take care, Moscow.

 

Tom Hansen

Moscow, Idaho

"If not us, who?
If not now, when?"

- Unknown
  

  _____  

From: vision2020-bounces at moscow.com [mailto:vision2020-bounces at moscow.com]
On Behalf Of Jeff Harkins
Sent: Sunday, September 04, 2005 9:18 PM
To: Andreas Schou; vision2020 at moscow.com
Subject: [Vision2020] Re: 

 

Yes, Exactly - coordinate and assist.  The command and control remained with
state and local government.

At 07:24 AM 9/4/2005, you wrote:





On 9/4/05, Jeff Harkins <jeffh at moscow.com> wrote: 

Andreas, 

All of the details will be available for you and others - just be patient.

And the Feds were staged and ready to go before the storm actually hit.  For
the first time in our history, the Feds declared a state of emergency 48
hours before the storm.  But they are not allowed to engage until authorized
by state officials, which did not happen until 2 days after the storm hit.
You may not like it, but that is the reality. 

 
This is incorrect on two counts. First, FEMA is to respond to emergencies
either (a) at the request of state government, or (b) 'at FEMA's
discretion'. Second, dated August 26th, 2005, this is the announcement of
the order to move FEMA in. It's available on the White House web site: 
 
The President today declared an emergency exists in the State of Louisiana
and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts in
the parishes located in the path of Hurricane Katrina beginning on August
26, 2005, and continuing. 

The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security,
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster
relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and
suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide
appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under
Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives, protect property and public
health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the
parishes of Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo,
Caldwell, Claiborne, Catahoula, Concordia, De Soto, East Baton Rouge, East
Carroll, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Franklin, Grant, Jackson, LaSalle,
Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Pointe Coupee,
Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, St. Helena, St. Landry,
Tensas, Union, Vernon, Webster, West Carroll, West Feliciana, and Winn. 

Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its
discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of
the emergency. Debris removal and emergency protective measures, including
direct Federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent Federal funding. 

Representing FEMA, Michael D. Brown, Under Secretary for Emergency
Preparedness and Response, Department of Homeland Security, named William
Lokey as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in
the affected area. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: FEMA (202) 646-4600. 
 

The LA governor bears the brunt of the criticism here. Period.

At 09:10 PM 9/3/2005, you wrote:




P.S. If you don't believe me, let me quote the Department of "Homeland
Security"s website:

 

"In the event of a terrorist attack, natural disaster or other large-scale
emergency, the Department of Homeland Security will assume primary
responsibility on March 1st for ensuring that emergency response
professionals are prepared for any situation. This will entail providing a
coordinated, comprehensive federal response to any large-scale crisis and
mounting a swift and effective recovery effort.  The new Department will
also prioritize the important issue of citizen preparedness. Educating
America's families on how best to prepare their homes for a disaster and
tips for citizens on how to respond in a crisis will be given special
attention at DHS." 

 

http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/theme_home2.jsp

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