U.S.

Department of Homeland Security

500 C Street, SW
Washington, DC 20472

-
MAY 2 2006 FEMA
Ms. Melanie Sloan
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
11 DuPont Circle
N.W., 2ndFloor
Washington, DC 20036

RE: Freedom of Information Act Request

FOIA Case Number: 05-263

Dear Ms. Sloan:

This letter is a partial response to your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request dated
September 7,2005. In your request you asked for the following records/information:

What portion of the $3.1 billion appropriated to DHS in fiscal year 2005 for
emergency preparedness to "support the Nation's ability to prepare for, mitigate
against, respond to and recover from natural and manmade disasters" was spent to
prepare for potential hurricanes on the Gulf Coast of the United States and on
potential flooding in New Orleans;
The amount of money diverted from emergency preparedness for and response to
natural disasters to emergency preparedness for and response to acts of terrorism
and the rationale behind any such diversion;
Studies, assessment, presentations, or scenarios of the potential devastation a
powerful hurricane could wreak on the Gulf Coast, including, but not limited to
the eight-day tabletop exercise conducted in July 2004 and intended to prepare
FEMA for a catastrophic hurricane in New Orleans;
Plans created regarding the federal government's response to any such scenarios;
The potential breaching of the levees that would lead to Lake Pontchartrain
flooding New Orleans and the response to such breaches; and
Communications from anyone employed by or associated with the Army Corps of
Engineers regarding the problems with and weakness of the levees surrounding
New Orleans, the potential breaching of the levees and the consequences of such
breaches, as well as proposed repairs or other construction to the levees.

In addition, your letter stated that "CREW further seeks all memoranda, communications
and records of any kind and from any source, regardless of format, medium, or physical
characteristics, from August 26, 2005 through to the present, discussing or mentioning in
any way:

1. Requests for emergency assistance from local government officials in Mississippi

and Louisiana in response to hurricane Katrina;
 Requests from local government officials in Mississippi and Louisiana for
assistance in preparing for hurricane Katrina, including, but not limited to
communications requesting assistance in evacuating residents of Mississippi and
Louisiana from the areas in the hurricane's path;
Communications between the White House and FEMA regarding the preparation
for and response to the damage caused by hurricane Katrina;
Communications regarding the conditions in the New Orleans Convention Center;
Communications regarding the need for transportation to evacuate victims of the
hurricane from the city of New Orleans as well as communications regarding the
need for food and water for victims stranded in New Orleans;
Communications from Congressman Charles W. Boustany Jr. (R-LA) requesting
federal assistance and any response to Congressman Boustany;
Communications regarding offers by corporations and foreign government's to
assist the victims of the hurricane Katrina and FEMA's responses to such offers;
Communications between FEMA director Michael Brown and cabinet officials
either before or after the hurricane regarding the potential and actual devastation
wrought by the hurricane and the federal government's response to the
devastation;
Communications regarding the plan to evacuate victims of the hurricane to
Charleston, South Carolina and the misrouting of the plane carrying the evacuees
to Charleston, West Virginia;
10. Communications regarding the deployment of the National Guard to New Orleans
to assist in evacuation and relief efforts;
11. Communications regarding the inclusion of Operation Blessing, a Virginia based
charity run by evangelist and Christian Coalition founder Pat Robertson, on
EEMA's primary list of charities to which people were asked to donate money to
assist hurricane relief efforts; and
12. Communications regarding the limitations placed on journalists and
photographers, including, but not limited to, efforts to prevent photographers from
taking pictures of the corpses of hurricane victims in Louisiana and Mississippi.

In responding to a FOIA request, the US Department of Homeland Security

(DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA's) search will include
responsive records in its control on the date the search began. FEMA's search began
September 24,2005.

Your request is granted in part at no cost to you. Enclosed are releasable portions of
records responsive to item 6 in the second part of your request. After thorough legal ,
review of these documents, I have determined that portions of them are exempt from
disclosure under exemption 6 of the Freedom of Information Act of 1974,5 U.S.C. 552,
as amended. We are releasing a total of 33 pages, of which 2 are released in part, and 31
pages are released in their entirety.

We are withholding cell phone numbers under FOIA Exemption 6. Exemption 6

exempts from disclosure records the release of which would cause a clearly unwarranted
invasion of personal privacy. The interest of the general public in reviewing these
portions of government documents does not outweigh the individuals' right to privacy.
The release of this information adds no detail about agency activities, the core purpose of
the FOIA.

I am the official responsible for this determination. You may appeal this determination
within 60 days from the date of this letter. Your appeal should include copies of your
original request and this response, as well as a discussion of the reasons supporting your
appeal. The envelope should be plainly marked to indicate that it contains a Freedom of
Information Act appeal. If you decide to appeal, please send your appeal to:

Freedom of Information ActfPrivacy Act Appeals

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
245 Murray Lane, SW, Building 410
Washington, DC 20528

FEMA will continue to search for additional documents that may be responsive to your
request. Because of the broad scope of your request, responsive records may be located
at various offices within FEMA. Each office will respond via separate correspondence
with their respective records.

In addition, while searching for responsive records, we located seven pages that may be
responsive to your request that contain information originating from the Department of
Health and Human Services. Because the majority of information in these records had
originated with HHS, we referred the pages to them for direct response to you.

For your information, your FOIA request including your identity, the information made
available, is releasable to the public under subsequent FOIA requests. In response to
these requests, FEMA does not release personal privacy information, such as home
address, telephone numbers or Social Security Numbers all of which are protected from
disclosure under FOIA exemption 6.

Thank you for your interest in FEMA's programs and policies.

Director
Office of Legislative Affairs

Enclosures
 Page 1 o f 4

Nelson, Jason
-- -

From: Bailey, Leshe

Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2005 1l:33 PM
To : Koshgarian, Susan
Cc: Nelson, Jason
Subject: RE: question

Thanks for following up on this Susan!

From: Koshgarian, Susan

Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2005 4:48 PM
To: Harrington, Richard; Grable, Bryon; Erickson, Scott
Cc: Bailey, Leslie; Earman, Margie
Subject: FW: question
I
Importance: High

Scott,

Thanks for your assistance with this inquiry. I spoke to Ann Atchinson (sp?) at the phone number (225 267 2958) you
provided below. Ann said she would ask Gail Hueth, the Incident Business Advisor, to contact me with an update for
Ms.Lucht. As can be expected, the phone numbers with a 225 area code are busy now. Can Gail contact Ms. Lucht by phone
(Satellite Phone # : 1-254-377-2878) and email me to update the status of Ms. Lucht's contract activity?

Much appreciated,

Susan

Susan Koshgarian
Congressional Relarions Specialist
Oflce of Legislative Affairs
Federal Etnergency Managemenr Agenc?:
Depar~nlen~
1
of Homeland Sec rig!
(202) 646-3373
I
-- - --- -- - .. -- ---. -- - -- -- - - --- - --- -.- --- -
From: Earman, Margie
Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2005 1 1 : l l AM
To: Koshgarian, Susan
Subject: RE: question

Yes.

From: Koshgarian, Susan I

Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2005 10:36 AM
To: Yi, YunChong; Earman, Margie
Subject: FW: question
 Page 2 of 4

- Margie:Y un, \ ,
1 :
I I

Should Becky Lucht, the food servlctj contractor. call the n u r n ~ e r bzlou
j at thz L.4 J F O Y anm not clear ~ v h a ~t a c k '
lngranharn is doing with this.

Thanks

Susan

-----Original Message-----
From: Earman, Margie
Sent: Tuesday, September 20, 2005 7: I4 Ahl
To: Koshgarian, Susan
Cc: Yi, YunChong; Hepler, Megs
Subject: FW: question

Here you go. M.

-----Original Message-----
From: Grable, Bryon
Sent: Monday, September 19, ZOO5 S:43 P M
To: Erickson, Scott; Gallagher, Mark: Earman. Margie; Robinson, Tony: Harrinzton. Richard
Subject: RE: question

That is being worked by Jack Ingranharn with ESF-4

-----Original blessage-----
From: Ericksop, Scott
Sent: Monday, September 19, ZOO5 7:20 Pbl
To: Gallagher, Mark; Earman. M a r g ~ z :Robinson, Tony; Harrington, Richard: Grable. Bryon
Subject: Re: question

S h e needs to get in touch with the a r e a command for USFS i n the J F O T h a t ' s M ho she is contracted I h r o u g l ~to one o f
the IMT for k a t r i n a
225267 2958
2252672805
Should be two good n u m b e r s
........................ I
Sent from my ~ l a c k ~ e W'reless
ry Handheld
i
-----Original Message-----
From: Gallagher, Mark <Mark.Gallagher@fema.gov>
To: Earman, Margie <Margie.Earrnan3fema.gov>; Robinson, Tony <Tony Rob~nson@fe~na.gov>: Harringtoi~.Richard
<Richard.flarrington@fema.gov>: Grable. Bryon ~ B r y o n . G r a b l e @ f z r n a . g o ~ Erickron.
>: Scott <Scott.Erickson@femla.gov>
Sent: Mon Sep 19 l8:jO:X 2005
Subject: RE: question

Can you coordinate this asset?

Mark Gallagher
DHSIFEMA Region I
99 High Street
Boston, MA 02 1 10
(6 17) 956-7504
FAX 46.1 7) 956-7507
 Page 3 of 4

-----Original Message-----
From: Earnian, Margie
Sent: Monday, September 19,2005 17:05
To: Robinson, Tony; Gallagher, Mark
Subject: FW: question

Can either of you answer this question'.'

-----Original Message-----
From: EST-ESF06
Sent: Monday, September 19,2005 5.0 l PM
To: Earman, Margie; EST-DIR; EST-DEPUTY; EST-ESFI 1
Cc: Koshgarian, Susan; Hepler, Megs; Yi, YunChong
Subject: RE: question

Hello Ms. Earman,

Ms. Lucht's kitchen deployment is likely handled by the Louisiana JFO ESF 6 contact. He would be a good place to start in

7
tracking down her deployment orders. Doug Erickson is his name and his phone is 703-946-2 1 3. We don't get information
on specific deployment orders here at the NRCC.

Thanks,
Erin, NRCC ESF 6 !
ESF-6 EST Desk 1: (202) 646-2446

-----Original Message-----
From: Earman, Margie
Sent: Monday, September 19,2005 4:46 PM
To: EST-DIR; EST-DEPUTY: EST-ESF06: EST-ESFI I
Cc: Koshgarian, Susan; Hepler, Megs; Yi, YunChong
Sublttct: FW: question

Can any of you shed any light? M.

-----Original Message-----
From: Koshgarian, Susan
Sent: Monday, September 19,2005 4: 18 PM
To: Earman, Margie .
Subject: FW: question
I
thanks Margie II
-----Original Message----- I
From: Bailey, Leslie
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2005 4:05 PM
To: Price, Alyson
Cc: Koshgarian, Susan
Subject: FW: question

Alyson,

This is in the same vein as the other question you're tracking through Mass Care. If you're still working the previous inquiry,
can you check on this one too? Thanks!

Leslie I

-----Original Message-----
From: Nelson. Jason [mailto:Jason.Nelson@,dhs.nov]
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2005 4:03 PM
To: 'Jeff,Dobrozsi@rnail.house.g~~~'
 'i
Page 4 of 4
I

. Cc: 'leslie.baitey@dhs.gov'
Subject: Re: question

I'm in Baton Rouge at the LA Congressional brieting with some of your staff. Leslie and I will check on this for you.
..........................
Sent from my BlackBeny Wireless Handheld
I

-----Original Message-----
From: Dobrozsi, Jeff <Jeff.Dobrozsi@mail.house.gov>
To: Jim Schumann (James.Schumann@dhs.gov) <James.Schumann@dhs.gov>; 'jason.nelson@dhs.gov'
<Jason.Nelson@dhs.gov>; 'leslie.bailey@dhs.pov'
<Leslie.Bailey@dhs.gov>
Sent: Mon Sep 19 1 5 5 7 : 16 2005
Subject: question
I

Cowboy Catering out of Rivenon, Wyo

Name: Becky Lucht

1
Info: Private Contractor from Wyoming, working for company located in Boise, Idaho. Curren ly waiting 80 miles from
New Orleans with a Kitchen Staging Unit, able to feed over 2,000 people. Cannot seem to get a assignment for where she's
needed.

Satelite Phone # : 1-254-377-2878

She is telling me that she conkacted with the National Emergency Coordination Center and was in Mississippi on
assignment. She was told to wait for another assignment but hasn't heard anything
4
Can you help get Becky an answer?

Thanks ---

Jeff Dobrozsi

Chief of Staff

Rep. Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D.

Nelson, Jason

From: Dobrozsr, Jeff [Jeff Dobrozs~@marlhouse gov]

Sent: Monday, September 19,2005 4 17 P M
To: 'Nelson, Jason'
Subject: RE quest~on

thanks
----- Origlnal Message-----
From: Nelson, Jason Cma~lto:Jason.Nelson@dhs.gov]
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2005 4:03 PM
To: Dobrozsi, Jeff
Cc: 'leslie.bailey@dhs.gov'
Subject: Re: question

I'm in Baton Rouge at the LA Congressional brlefing wltn some of your staff. Leslie and I
will check on this for you.
..........................
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

----- Original Message-----

From: Dobrozsi, Jeff <Jeff.Dobrozsi@mail.house.gov>
To: Jim Schumann (James.Schumann@dhs.gov) <James.Schumann@dhs.gov>;
jason.nelson@dhs.gov' <Jason.Nelson@dhs.gov>; 'lesli~e.bailey@dhs.gov'
<Leslle.Bailey@dhs.gov>
Sent: Mon Sep 19 15:57:16 2005
Subject: question

Cowoo.; '5:erlng out of Rlverton, Wyo

Name: 35cky Lucht t

Info: Private Contractor from Wyoming, working for company located in Boise, Idaho.
Currently waiting 80 miles from New Orleans with a Kitchen Staging Unit, able to feed over
2,000 people. Cannot seem to get an assignment for where she's needed.

Satelite Phone # : 1-254-377-2878

I7
She is tellinq me that she contracted with the Nationai Emergency Coordination Center and
was in Mississippi on ssignment. . She was told to wait for another assignment but hasn't
heard anything

Can you help get Becky an answer?

Thanks ---

Jeff Dobrozsi

Chief of Staff

Rep. Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D.

 Nelson, Jason I
I

From: Nelson, Jason

Sent: Monday, September 19, 2005 4:03 PM
To: 'Jeff.Dobrozsi@mail. house.gov'
Cc : 'leslie. bailey@dhs.gov'
Subject: Re: question

I'm in Baton Rouge at the LA Congressional briefing with some of your staff. Leslie and I
will check on this for you.
..........................
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

-----Original Message-----
, From: Dobrozsi, Jeff <Jeff.Dobrozs~@ma~l.house.gov>
To: Jim Schumann (James.Schumann@dhs.gov) <James.Schumann@dhs.gov>;
'jason.nelson@dhs.gov' <Jason.Nelson@dhs.gov>; 'leslie.bailey@dhs.govl
<Leslie.Bailey@dhs.gov>
Sent: Mon Sep 19 15:57:16 2005 I
Subject: question

Cowboy Catering out of Riverton, Wyo .-. .

Name: Becky Lucht

Info: Private Contractor from Wyoming, working for company located in Boise, Idaho.
Currently waiting 80 miles from New Orleans with a Kitchen Staging Unit, able to feea over
2,000 people. Cannot seem to get an assignment for where she's needed.
4
Satelite Phone # : 1-254-377-2678

She is telling me that she contracted with the National Emergency Coordination Center and
was in Mississippi on assignment. She was told to wait for another assignment but hasn't
heard anything

Can.you help get Becky an answer?

Thanks --- .
Jeff Dobrozsi
Chief of Staff
Rep. Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D.
202-225-2031
 Nelson. Jason

From: Nelson, Jason

Sent: Monday, September 19,2005 4: 16 PM
To : 'Jeff.Dobrozsi@mail. house.govt
Subject: Re: question

You're welcome.
..........................
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

----- Original Message-----

From: Dobrozsi, Jeff <Jeff.Dobrozsi@mail.house.gov>
To: 'Nelson, Jason' <Jason.Nelson@dhs.gov>
Sent: Mon Sep, 19 16:16:42 2005
Subject: RE: questlon
thanks
----- Origlnal Message-----
From: Nelson, Jason [mailto:Jason.Nelson@dhs.gov]
Sent: Monday, September 19, 2005 4:03 PM
To: Dobrozsi, Jeff
Cc: 'leslie.bailey@dhs.gov'
Subject: Re: question

I'm in Baton Rouge at the LA Congressional briefing with some of your staff. Leslie and I
will check on this for you.
..........................
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

, - - - - - Orlglnai Message-----
From: Dobrozsl, Jeff ~Jeff.Dobrozsi@mail.house.gov>
To: J m Schumann (James.Schumann@dhs.gov) <James.Schumann@dhs.gov>;
']ason.nelson@dhs.gov' <Jason.Nelson@dhs.gov>; 'leslie.balley@dhs.gov'
<Leslie.Bailey@dhs.gov>
Sent: Mon Sep 19 15:57:16 2005
Subject: questlon
I
Cowboy Catering out of [Riverton, Wyo
Name: Becky Lucht 1-
Info: Private Contractor from Wyoming, working for company located in Boise, Idaho.
Currently waiting 80 miles from New Orleans with a Kitchen Staging Unit, able to feed over
2,000 people. Cannot seem to get an assignment for where she's needed.

Satelite Phone # : 1-254-377-2878

She is telllng me that she contracted wlth the Natlonal Emergency Coordination Center and
was in Misslsslppl on assignment. She was told to wait for another assignment but hasn't
heard anything

Can you help get Becky,an answer?

Thanks ---

Jeff ~ 6 6 ~ o z s i
' I
Chief of Staff
I
Rep. Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M. D.
Follow up Page L of' 1

Nelson, Jason

From: Dobrozsi, Jeff [Jeff.Dobrozsi@mail.house.gov]

Sent: Sunday, September 04, 2005 11:20 AM
To: 'jason.nelson@dhs.gov'; 'James.Schumann@dhs.gov'
Subject: Follow up

I wanted to follow up on 2 things from the conference call yesterday t h a t Rep.

Boustany meniloned.

Our district include Cameron, Calcasieu, Acadia, Jefferson Davis,

Evangeline, St. Landry,. Vermilion and Lafayette Parishes

rn Portable showers --- Anthony Enunons wlth MBI Induscrles can builda number of
them qulckly. Who do I need to talk to about gettlng approval and to s t a r t thls?
Anthony Emrnons 1s a local LA company and can be reached at337.250.5616 o r
337.334.570i. h~tp://www.mblndustr~es.com/Default.as~

Jeff Dobrozsi

Chief of Staff

Rep. Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D.

 I

Follow up Page 1 of I
I

I ,
Nelson, Jason
' I ,
,.

From: Schumann, James [James.Schurnann@dhs.gov]

Sent: Sunday, September 04, 2005 7:01 PM
To: 'Dobrozsi, Jeff'; 'jason.nelson@dhs.gov'
Subject: RE: Follow up

Jeff, on the first one which names the parishes, what are you looking for?

Showers:

Took request to our Ops. They refered it to ESF-4, who deals with base camps.
They said yes they need showers and took the information.

While tracking down another lnqulry with army corps of engeers, they over saw our
I
notes on the showers and aske abouc them. They too have a need for showers and
took the information too.

- I -------
From: Dobrozsi, Jeff [mailto:Jeff.Dobrozsi@mail.house.gov]
Sent: Sunday, September 04, 2005 11:20 AM
To: 'jason.nelson@dhs.gov'; 'James.Schumann@dhs.gov'
Subject: Follow up

I wanted to follow up on 2 things from the conference call yesterday that Re?
Boustany mentioned.

Our district include Cameron, Calcasieu, Acadia, jefferson Davis,

Evangeline, St. Landry, Vermilion and Lafayette Parishes

. Portable showers --- Anthony Emrnons with MBI Industries can bullda number of
them quickly. Who do I need to talk to about gettlng approval and to start thls?
Anthony ~mmon.$ is a local LA company and can be reached at 337.250.5616 or
337.334.5701. http://www.mb~ndustr~es.com/Default.asp

Jeff Dobrozsi

Chief of Staff

Rep. Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D.

202-225-2031
 From: Fortier. Evelyn (Vitter) [~velyn-Fortier@vit:ei.senate.gov]
Sent: Friday, September 02. 2005 4:57 PM
To: Rennegarbe, Patricia
Cc: Bossert, Thomas; Schumann, James I
Subject: RE: FEMA Advisory - Response to Hurricane Katrina

Thank ,you.

Evelyn Fortler
Office of Senator Davld Vltter
Legislative Dlrector and Chlef Counsel
516 Hart Senate 0ff;ce Building
Washington, DC 20510
Tel.: 202-224-4623
Fax: 202-228-5061
E-mail: evelyn- fortier@vitter.senate.gov

From: Rennegarbe, Patricia [mailto:Patricia.Rennegarbe@dhs.gov]

Sent: Friday, September 02, 2005 4:46 PM
To: 'Alexander - Rebecca Barham'; 'Baker - Paul Sawyer'; Tiner, Mark (Landrieu); 'McCrery
- Clayton Hall'; 'Rep. Boustany'; 'Rep. Jefferson'; 'Rep. Jindal'; 'Rep. Jindal'; 'Rep.
Melancon'; 'Rep. Melancon'; 'Rep. Melancon'; Richey, Allen (Landrieu); Gesser, Herman
(Landrieu); Stanley, Chris (Vitter); Joslyn, Lara (Vitter); Fortier, Evelyn (Vitter!
Subject: PEMA Advisory - Response to Hurricane Katrina

Good Afternoon,

Jason Nelson asked me to send you this information.

Included in this Advisory - Update to FEMA's Response to Hurricane Katrina:

FEMA ona at ions Ho line

i
t

* U.S. Coast Guard issing/Stranded Person's Website

t
FEMA Website, wit links to various information, disaster contacts, and websites

<<Congressional Advisory 6 - 9.2.05.doc>>

We have included the information below for individual's with Blackberry access.

RESPONSE AND RECOVERY UPDATE Hurricane Katrina

Donation Hotline:

FEMA DONATIONS HOTLINE: 1-800-440-6728.

Please be advised that in addition to the information on the F E W Website, the FEMA
Donation Hotline is now operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Be aware, you and your
constituents may experi~ncedelays as we try to assist t h e thousands of generous
individuals who wish to give to the victims of Hurricane K a r ~ l n a .
+ F E W continues to coordinate with State emergency ~ f f i c i a l swithin county emergency
operations centers In Louisiana, Mississlpp;, Alabama and Florida.
* FEMA continues with our first priority of life saving efforts, with resources being
directed to those wlth the nost xrqenc n e e d s .
I ,
F E W c0ntinue.s to push out crltical commodities to the ~rnpactedareas, inclb,ding
meals ready to eat, water, ~ c e ,medical supplies and generators.
Hurricane Katrina destroyed thousands of homes and bujln=sses, was followed b y a
second disaster, that of a great flood. Thebdevastation from :he storm stretches 90,000
square miles across the Gulf States.
t We ask for patlence - though we understand how dlfflcult and motionally stressful
your situation may be - as we work 24-hours a day doing all we can to help the victims of
this catastrophic dlsaster get lnto a safe and stable place.
* This is a time for our naticn to band together and lend a helping hand to our fellow
citizens. The outpouring of offers of goods, services and casn donations to the response
effort have been overwhelming, demonstrating the humanity in the wake of disaster.

Locating Miss'ing and Stranded Individuals:

In order to assist the coast Guard In identifying and location stranded individuals
affected by Hurricane Katrina, they strongly recommend that if you are aware of a stranded
individual, that you visit this website:

http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/porta1/ep/h0me.d0

and complete the missing and stranded persons form, and it will be fed directly to rescue
operations. In addition, this website has additional, emergency ?hone numbers to assist
with the recovery efforts.
http://www.firstgov.gov/Citizen/Tcpics/PblicSafety/Hurricane -Katrina-Recovery.shtm1

Life Saving gf forts :

t Twenty Eight Urban Search and Rescue task forces are working in Louisiana and
Mississippi. Eight swift water teams from California are also dsployed makine a total of
nearly 1,800 personnel.

1 More than 7,000 rescues have been reported by Search and Rescue units
* 2,000 by Urban Search and Rescue Teams
1 . 5,000 by U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) ships, boats and alrcraft

Security:

The unruly behavior of residents of New Orleans following the devastation of

Hurricane Katrina has not only been a great disappointment but a danger to their fellow
citizens.
t With 13,000 National Guard on the ground in three states and an additional 1,100
arriving Thursday, another 1,400 Friday and 1,400 on Saturday, security of victims in the
wake of Hurricane Katrina will be much improved. A total of 27,000 members of the
National Guard will be deployed tc the affected areas. For those in Louisiana, the
National Guard is assisting with security around the evacuations.
* New Orleans has now also received 200 Border Patrol aqencs, 200 additional law
enforcement officers from other Louisiana jurisdictions 3 s well as 2,000 officers from
neighboring states to assist in restoring order in the streets of New Orleans.

Medical Resources :
t Over fifty teams from the National Disaster Medical S\;z:em (NDMS) have been
deployed.
t ,,44 Disaster Medical Assistanc~ Teams
: 14 Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams
2 14 Disaster Mortuary Operational F.esponse Teams
 3 1 Mental Health
4 1 N a t i o n a l Medical 2esponss T s a ~
4.
S e v e n NDMS D i s a s t e r M e d i s a l A s s i s t a n c e Teams (DM4Ts) a n d 3 s t r i k e t e a m s a r ?
s u p p o r t i n g New O r l a a n s m e d i c a l f a c i l i t i e s a n d h o s p i t a l s n o t f u l l y o p e r a t i o n a l a s 3 r e s u l t
o f H u r r i c a n e K a t r i n a , a s w e l l a s s e t c i n q up Mash s t y l e t e n t s .

1 S e v e n DM4Ts a n d 3 s t r l k e t e a m s a z a supporting New O r l e a n s m e d l c a l f a c l l l t l e s a n d

hospitals n o t f u l l y operational a s a r s s ) ~ l ~ t f Hurricane K a t r l n a . I

2 F i v e NDMS DWTs a n d 5 s t r i k e t e a m s a r e w o r k i n g i n m e d i c a l f a c i l i t i e s a n d h o s p i t a l s
i n G u l f p o r t , B i l o x i and o t h e r a r e a s o f M i s s i . s s i p p i .

3 2 , 0 0 0 p a , t i e n t s h a v e b e e n e v a c u a t ? ~t h r o u g h t h e N e w O r l e a n s a i r p o r t .
4 NDMS h a s a l s o i d e n t i f i e d 2 , 6 0 0 h o s p i t a l b e d s i n a 1 2 - s t a t e a r e a a r o u n d t h e
a f f e c t e d a r e a a n d i s w o r k i n g w i t h DOD a n d t h e V e t e r a n ' s A d m i n i s t r a t i o n t o move p a t i e n t s
from t h e a f f e c t e d a r e a s t o t h e s e f a c i l i t i e s .

5 HHS, VA, COD a n d NDMS a r e w o r k l n q I n t h e p u b l i c h e a l t h a n d m e d i c a l a r e a s a n d a r e

w o r k l n g o n establishing t e m p o r a r y MASH s t y l e f a c i l i t i e s f o r t h e a m b u l a t o r y a n d n o n -
ambulatory cases.

6 I
Veterinary M e d l c a l Assistance Teams h a v e a l s o b e e n d e p l o y e d t o p r o v l d e m e d l c a l
c a r e t o p e t s a n d livestock, a s w e l l a s p r o v l d e a n y n e e d e d v e t e r l n a r m e d i c a l c a r e f o r
rescue dogs.

Commodities :
USDA's Food a n d N u t r l t l o n S e r v l c e 1 s p r o v l d l n g f 2 o d a t s h e l t e r s a n d m a s s f e e d i n g
s l t e s a n d l s s u l n g emergency f o o d s t a m p s , l n f a n t f o r m u l a and food p a c k a g e s t o h o u s e h o l d s I n
need.

1 Commodity d r o p s h a v e t a k e n p l a c e i n h a r d e r t o r e a c h l o c a t i o n s i n M i s s i s s i p c ~a n d
t o t h e New O r l e a n s C o n v e n t i o n C e n t e r w h e r e f o o d a n d w a t e r s u p p l y was n e e d e d T h u r s c a l . .
+ 5.7 m i l l i o n l i t e r s of water d e l i v e r e d
1 1 . 7 m i l l i o n pounds o f i c e d e l i v e r e d
2 1 . 9 m i l l i o n M e a l s R e a d y t o E a t (MREs) d e l i v e r e d
3 170,000 t o t a l meals s e r v e d i n one d a y throughout a f f e c t e d a r e a s
t There a r e c u r r e n t l y o v e r 1,700 t r u c k s which have been mobilized through f e d e r a l ,
s t a t e and c o n t r a c t sources t o s u p p l y i c e , w a t e r and s u p p l i e s . Supplies and equipment a r e
moving i n t o t h e h a r d , e s t h i t a r e a s a s q u i c k l y a s p o s s i b l e , e s p e c i a l l y w a t e r , i c e , m e a l s ,
medical s u p p l i e s , and
t W h i l e r e s c u e e f f 4 r t s c o n t i n u e , i t may b e s e v e r a l d a y s b e f o r e e m e r g e n c y w o r k e r s a r e
a b l e t o r e a c h a l l t h e i c t i m s o f t h i s h u r r i c a n e , a n d we a r e w o r k i n g t o c o m m u n i c a t e w i t h
t h o s e a f f e c t e d i n e v e r J way p o s s i b l e .
t W e w i l l d o e v e r y t h i n g we c a n t o m i n i m i z t l o s s e s a n d h e l p t h o s e a f f e c t e d g e t b a c k on
their feet. R e c o v e r y w i l l t a k e t i m e , b u t FEMA w i l l b e h e r e a s l a n g a s n e e d e d .

S h e 1t e r i n g :
+ FEMA i s , s u p p o r t i n g o u r s t a t e p a r t n e r s , t h e A m e r i c a n Flea C r 3 s s a n d v o l u n t a r y a g e n c i e s
i n e n s u r i n g t h a t v i c t i m s of t h e s t o r m s a r e i n s a f e s h e l t t r s w i t h e s s e n t i a l l i f e - s u s t a i n i n g
commodities. S h e l t e r s wilcl c o n t i n u e t o b e t h e s a f e s t p l a c e f o r v i c t i m s t o s t a y i n p l a c e .
* FEMA i s w o r k i n g w i t h a m u l t i - s t a t e h o u s i , n g t a s k f o r c e t o a d d r e s s e x p e c t e d c o n t i n u e d
s h e l t e r i n g and eventual housing needs.
* T h e r e h a s b e e n a d e c r e a s e i n t o t a l number o f e v a c u e e s l n s h e l t e r s f r o m 9 1 , 0 2 4 t o
85, 034. I
* More t h a n 600 b u s e s h a v e b e e n s e n t r o t h e S u p e r d o m e f 3 r t h e g r o u n d evacuation o f
i n d i v i d u a l s s h e l t e r e d a t t h e S u p e r d o m e t o t h e H o u s t o n , TX A s t r o d m e .
+ E v a c u a t i o n s h a v e b e e n made t o H o u s t o n (a: c a p a c i t y ! a n d a r e b e g i n n i n g F r i d a y t o S a n
A n t o n i o ( t o b e housed a t K e l l y A i r F o r c e B a s e ) . 5 u s i n q w i l l c o n t i n u e f r o m L o u i s i a n a on t o
D a l l a s T e x a s R e u n i o n A r e n a , now t h a t t h e A s t ~ o d o m e h ' a rsach capacity.

n u c rcnn~-nnn~_nnnna-2
I
 Housing: 1 ,
I :
* FEMA h a s e s t a b l i s h e d a H o u s i n g A r e a ,command i n B a t 3 3 q o u q e , W t o o v e r s e e al!L'
temporary housing o p e r a t i o n s a c r 3 s s t h s 3 u r r i c a n e K a t r i n a impacted a r e a s of Louisiana,
M i s s i s s i p p i , and A l a b a m a .
* Under FEMA h a s c o n t r a c t e d w i t h f i v e m a j o r engineerlng/construction f i r m s t o b r i n g
t o g e t h e r t h e n e c e s s a r y l e v e l o f t a l s n c , r e s o u r c e s a n d e x ~ s r t i s er e q u i r e d f o r a m a j o r
c o n s t r u c t i o n e f f o r t of t h i s magnitude.
* AL G o v e r n o r Bob R i l e y h a s o f f e r e d h o t e l a n d l o d g e rooms a n d camp s i t e s s u i t a b l e f o r
emergency h o u s i n g t r a i ' l e r s a t Alabama's 2 2 s t a t e p a r k s t o e v a c u e e s .
* FEW, i n c l o s e c o o r d i n a t i o n w i t h t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f iiomeland S e c u r i t y ~ r ~ v a St eec t o r
O f f i c e , i s w o r k i n g t o i d e n t i f y , l c c a t e a n d p r o c u r e a wid? v a r i e t y o f t r a n s p o r t a b l e h o u s i n g
t y p e s a n d u n i t s s u f f i c i e n t t o m e e t t h e demand.

Working t h r o u g h t h e e m e r g e n c y s u p p o r t f u n c t i o n s o f t h e d i s a s t e r , t h e D e p t . o f
T r a n s p o r t a t i o n i s r e p o r t i n g t h a t a l l b r i d g e s and r a i l w a y s a r e c l o s e d i n New O r l e a n s , and
the port is closed.
I n M i s s i s s i p p i , 1-1.0 i s o p e n w i t h o n e l a n e w e s t b o u n d open f o r e m e r g e n c y r e s p o n s e
vehicles only. T h e r e i s damage t o a l l 1 - 1 0 b r i d g e s . U.S. 9 0 b r i d g e i s d e s t r o y e d .
t A team of 66 t r a n s p o r t a t i o n e x p e r t s i s s u p p o r t i n g s t a t e and l o c a l o f f i c i a l s i n t h e
damage a s s e s s m e n t o f h i g h w a y s , r a i l r o a d s , a i r p o r t s , t r a n s i t s y s t e m s , p o r t s a n d p i p e l i n e s .
The D e p a r t m e n t o f T r a n s p o r t a t i o n i s s u p p o r t i n g d e t o u r p l a n n i n g a n d c r i t i c a l t r a n s p o r t a t i o n
system r e p a i r s .
* As o f S e p t e m b e r 2 a t 6 : 0 0 a . m . , 1 . 7 9 m i l l i o n c u s t o m e r s a r e w i t h o u t power t h r o u g h o u t
L o u i s i a n a , M i s s i s s i p p i , a n d Alabama. L o u i s i a n a - 7 8 0 , 7 3 5 ; MS - 7 7 4 , 2 4 4 ; Alabama - 2 3 5 , 2 1 3

Staying Put: ,
W e s t i l l h a v e many p e o p l e v e r y much i n h a r m ' s way, a n d want t o c a u t i o n p e o p l e a b o u t
t r y i n g t o r e t u r n home. t
Please d o n ' t put yourself - o r our f i r s t responders - a t r i s k .
L i s t e n t o s t a t e a n d l o c a l o f f i c i a l s who a s k you t o r e m a i n i n s h e l t e r s , homes o r s a f e
p l a c e s u n t i l g i v e n t h e " a l l c l e a r " t o t r a v e l . Roads a r e v e r y l i k e l y t o b e damaged o r
blocked by d e b r i s . C a r s on t h e r e a d s l o w emergency m a n a g e r s a n d f i r s t r e s p o n d e r s i n d o i n g
t h e i r job.

Outside Contacts:
+ We know t h e p e o p l e i m p a c t e d b y H u r r i c a n e K a t r i n a a r e s u f f e r i n g , a n d o u r t h o u g h t s a r e
w i t h a l l o f t h o s e who h a v e b e e n s t r a n d e d b y t h e s t o r m a n d a r e s e e k i n g t o c o n n e c t w i t h
f a m i l y members a n d f r i e n d s .
We a r e a s k i n g i n d i v i d u a l s who h a v e a c c e s s t o means o f commu.nicating o u t s i d e o f t h e
i m p a c t e d a r e a s t o r e a c h o u t t o l o v e d o n e s a n d l e t them know t h e y a r e s a f e .
I f you e v a c u a t e d b e c a u s e o f H u r r i c a n e K a t r i n a , make e v e r y a t t e m p t t o c a l l f r i e n d s
a n d l o v e d o n e s o u t s i d e t h e d i s a s t e r a r e a , a n d a s k t h a t t h o s e you c o n t a c t p a s s a l o n g
i n f o r m a t i o n about your s a f e t y and whereabouts.
* D u r i n g a d i s a s t e r s u c h a s t h i s , and w i t h s o many c s n u n u n l c a t i o n s s y s t e m s down, t h e r e
i s no way t o h a v e a n o r g a n i z e d , c e n t r a l i z e d number o r s y s t e m c o f i n d i n d i v i d u a l s who
evacuated.
* A l s o , p e o p l e s h o u l d u n d e r s t a n d t h a t d u e t o c o m m u n i c a t i o n disruptions d u r i n g l a r g e
d i s a s t e r s , i t may t a k e s e v e r a l d a y s f o r l o v e d o n e s t o c o n t a c E c h o s e o u t s i d e t h e d i s a s t e r
area.

Declarations Status:
B f e s i d e n t Bush moved q u i c k l y t o d e c l a r e m a j o r d i s a s t e r s 13 L o u i s i a n a , M i s s i s s i p p i
and Alabama making them e l i g i b l e f o r p r e s i d e n t i a l d i s a s t e z a i d f 3 r b o t h . p u b l i c a n d
i n d i v i d u A l a i d e n s u r i n q t h e s w i f t r z s p o n s e o f t h e f e d e r a l governmen: t o h e l p K a t r i n a ' s
:flCtlnS.
.
.l
i h e P r e s i d e n t t3e3:; y ~ s r b a l l vd e c l a r s ? zn s n s r j e n c j i e x i s r s ic zh-. 5 t 3 c e s s f A r k a n s a s
and Texas and o r d e r e d 1 s 3 2 z a i a i d t 3 sug?isrnsnr s c a t ? and l o c a l res?onse s f f 3 r t s c 3 a s s l s t
5 v a c u s e s from t h e a r e a s z z o c k by E u r r l c 3 z e K a t z i n a and t o p r o v i d s t m e q s n c y a s s i s t a n c e t o
t h o s e a r e a s b e g i n n i n g 3n A u g u s t 2 4 , 2 0 0 5 , an" - 3 n t l n u i n g .
P r e s i d e n t B u s h &es?ar-.d t h e a f f i c t 5 5 z s , ~ n t l s si n F l o r i d a a m a j o z d i s a s t e r f r o m t h t
i n i t i a l h i t o f t h e n c a t e g o r y 1 K a t r i n a , f r s e i n g l ~ pf e d e r a l a i d a n d s u p 3 3 r t f a r c 3 u n t y a n d
s t a t e government n 2 e d s . 1
W i t h t h e P r e s i d e n t ' s d i s a s t e r d e c l a r a t i 3 n s , we a r e a b l e t o b r i n g f u l l r e s o u r c e s o f
t h e f e d e r a l government t o S e a r t o h e l p t h e r e s i d e n t s i n t h e impacted i t a t t s w i t h emergency
need3 and r e c s v e r y support.
* . Individuals i n the declared counties are e l i g i b l e for disaster assistance
+ 32 p a r i s h e , s i n L o u i s i a n a h a v e b e e n d e s i g n a t e d f o r b o t h I n d i v i d u a l a n d P u b l i c
A s s i s t a n c e p r o g r a m & . 15 c o u n t l e s i n M i s s i s s i p p i 5 a v e b e e n d e c l a r e d f o r I n d i v i d u a l
Assistance. 3 c o u n t i e s i n Alabama h a v e b e e n d e s i g n a t e d I n d i v i d u a l A s s i s t a n c e p r o g r a m s a n d ,
6 counties for Public Assistance. Three c a u n r i e s i n F l o r i d a havs been d e c l a r e d f o r P u b l i c
Assistance.
+ Damage s u r v e y s w i l l commence f o r o t h e z a r e a s a f t e r t h e l i f e - s a v i n g a n d l i f e -
s u s t a i n i n g e f f o r t s a r e c a m p l e t e a n d m o r e c o u n t i e s a n d a d d i t i o n a l f o r m s o f a s s i s t a n c e may
be designated.

Disaster Assistance:
t
I
A f f e c t e d i n d i v i d u a l s i n d e c l a r e d c o u n t l e s c a n r e g i s t e r o n l i h e a t www.fema.gov o r
c a l l FEMA's t o l l - f r e e r e g i s t r a t i o n l i n e 1-300-521-FEMA ( 3 3 6 2 ) - TTY 80'0-462-7585.
+ R e g l s t e r l n g o n - l l n e 1s e n c o u r a g e d d u e t o t h e p o s s l b l l l t y o f h l g h c a l l v o l u m e .
1 I f r e g l s t e r l n g b y p h o n e , o w n e r s o f commercial properties a n d residents w l t h o n l y
m l n o r l o s s e s a r e u r g e d t o w a l t a f e w d a y s b e f ~ r ec a l l l n g s o t h o s e w h o s e homes w e r e
d e s t r s y e d o r h e a v l l y damaged c a n b e s e r v e d f l r s t .

2 3 t o r m v i c t i m s w i r h i n s u r a n c e c o v e r a g e s h o u l d c o n t a c t t h e l z i n s u r a n c e corn???.:: z r
a g e n ~S s f o r e c a l l i n g t o r e p o r t l o s s e s a n ~ ,i f n e r-.aaary,
P-- t o r e a u s s t a n a d v a n c e o r ;-.Jaz:131
?a:;rnenL 3 f t h e i r s e t t l e m e n t .

3 I f y o u h a v e a f a m i l y member w i t h i n t e r n e t a c c e s s who c a n h e l p you r e g i s t e r , that

may a l s o b e a n o p t i o n t o a v o i d b u s y s i g n a l s a n d w a i t s o n o u r t e l e r e g i s t r a t i o n . l i n e .

4 www.fema.gov i s a l s o a g r e a t s o u r c e t o a c c e s s i n f o r m a t i o n on a v a i l a b l e a s s i s t a n c e ,
d i s a s t e r r e c o v e r y c e n t e r l o c a t i o n s once t h e y b e g i n opening, and 3 t h e r d i s a s t e r s p e c i f i c
information.

5 Our r e g i s t r a t i o n c e n t e r s a r e operating 74/7, a n d w e ' v e a c a e d p e r s o n n e l t o m i n i m i z e

w a i t t i m e a s much a s p s s i b l e .

6 W
P
e a r e a w a r e t h a t some p e o p l e w i t h s e r i o u s n e e d s m i g h t n a t b e a b l e t o c a l l u s d u e
t o p o w e r o r p h o n e o u t a g e s - w e ' l l b e o p e r a t l n g 21 h o u r s a d a y 7 c a y s a week u n t i l a l l h a v e
a c h a n c e t o r e g i s t e r w i t h FEMA.

+ When r e g i s t e r i n g f o r a s s i s t a n c e , FEWA h a s a number o f p r o g r a m s t o h e l p m e e t b a s i c

s h e l t e r and emergency needs.
T e m p o r a r y h o u s l n g a s s i s t a n c e t o make r e ? a i z s t o homes x i t t l i m i t e d damaged o r
p r o v i d e r e n t a l a s s i s t a n c e t o t h o s e w i t h mere s u b s t a n t i a l camaqe

1 Low i n t e r e s t d i s a s t e r l o a n s t h r o u Q h 5SA t o r e p a i r o r r e p l a c e h o m e s , p e r s o n a l
p r o p e r t y o r b u s i n e s s e s c h a t s u s t a i n e d d a m a g e , n2r c o v e r e d b y l n s u r a n c t
-
- A s s i s t a n c e w l t h c t h e r e m e r q e n c y n e i e s , w?ilch c ~ u l ci n c l u d e m e 5 i c a l e x p e n s e s ,
t r a n s p o r t a t i o n expenses, 3 r r e p a i r o r re?lacemenc of c e r t a i n p e r s o n a l p r a p e r t y

You may v i s i t t h e FEMA w e b - s l t e a t w w w . f e m a . q = v , f o r u p d a t e d r e s ? o n s e a n d r e c o v e r y

~ n f o r n a t i o n . I f you h a v e q u e s t i o n s o r n e s s ~ d d l t i c n a ll n f o r m a L l 3 n 2n c h e s s i n c i d e n t s ,
p l e a s - c a l l YE
>atrlcla R a n n e g a r b e
TEMA Csngr?sslonal L l a l s o n
Department of Homeland 3 e c l ~ zt:;l
232-515-4500
w m . r-n
cMA. ~ O V
 shelter possibility Page 1 of I

Nelson, Jason

From: Nelson, Jason

Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2005 7:37 PM
To : Deshong, Casey
Subject: FW: shelter possibility

YOU might want to pass this along to the state.

From: Shumate, Fred [mailto:Fred.Shumate@mail.house.gov]

Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 6 : l l PM
To: Nelson, Jason
Subject: shelter possibility

Vacant Wal-Mart owned by the local government in Opelousas, LA. ,

80,065 sq. ft.

5590 Hwy 1-49 near the res swell exit

St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court

Charles Jagneaux

337-945-7895

stlancoc@bellsouth.net
.
-

Fred Shumate

Leeislative Assistant

i
Congressman Charles Boustany, J r M
 I

LA hospitals Page 1 of I

From: Schumann, James [James.Schumann@dhs.gov]

Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 11:28 PM
To : 'Dobrozsi, Jeff; 'jason.nelson@dhs.gov'
Subject: RE: LA hospitals

Sorry for the late.res,ponse. But still I'm going to send to our folks in the state EOC
^ ^ . .. _ ... . ...
I

From: Dobrozsi, Jeff [mailto:Jeff.Dobrozsi@mail.house.gov]

Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 11:44 AM
To: '3ames.Schumann@dhs.gov'; 'jason.nelson@dhs.gov'
Subject: LA hospitals

.I:
As a doctor, Rep. Boustany is getting calls from many colleagues who are trying to'pr ide aid. There are
especially deteriorating conditions in NOLA hospitals. There are groups attacking the ospitals looking for food.
water, drugs and the medical personnel have been on call for 4 days. They are trying to sustain life for patients
but efforts are being hindered by the gangs.

It is important to get protection for these facilities and the medical personnel not only in NOLA but in the areas
that people have evacuated to.
t
Please let me know if there is anything you can do

Jeff Dobrozsi

Chief of Staff

Rep. Char1es.W. Boustany, Jr., M.D

202-225-2031
 LA hospitals Page 1 of 1

Nelson, Jason
---
. -- --
From: Nelson, Jason
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005%!1: I PM
To: Schumann, James; 'Deshong, Casey'
Subject: RE: LA hosp~tals

-- - -- -- --
From: Schumann, James
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 11:28 PM
To: 'Deshong, Casey'
Cc: Nelson, Jason
Subject: NV: LA hospitals

I suppose this is already known?

From: Dobrozsi, Jeff [mailto:Jeff.Dobrozsi@mail. house.gov]

Sent: Thursday, ~ e ~ t e m b'01,
e r ZOO5 1l:44 AM
To: 'James.Schumann@dhs:gov'; 'jason.nelson@dhs.gov'
Subject: LA hospitals

As a doctor, Rep. Boustany is getting calls from many colleagues who are trying to provide aid. There are
espec~allydeteriorating conditions in NOLA hospitals. There are groups attacking the hospitals IooMng for food,
water, drugs and the medical personnel have been on call for 4 days. They are trying to sustain life for patients
but efforts are being hindered by the gangs.

It is important to get protection for these facilities and the medical personnel not only in NOLA but in the areas
that people have evacuated to.

Please let me know if the& is anything you can do

Jeff Dobrozsi

Chief of Staff

Rep. Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D.

 Nelson, Jason I

I :
From: Nelson, Jason I ,

Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 1.53 PM

To: Deshong, Casey
Subject: RE Rep Boustany Request (from the Member)
I

I'll let him know.

----- Original Message-----
From: Deshong, Casey
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 l:50 ?M
To: Nelson, Jason
Subject: Re: Rep. Boustany Request (from the Member)
, I'll try to find him

..........................
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

-----Original Message-----
From: Nelson, Jason <Jason.Nelson@fema.gov>
To: Deshong, Casey <Casey. Deshongefema. gov>
Sent: Thu Sep 01 13:49:49 2005
Subject: RE: Rep. Boustany Request (from the Member)

Jim didn't all he said was the guy was in the LA EOC based on his conversation with Rep
Boustany.
----- Originalt
Message-----
From: Deshong, Casey
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 1:29 PM
To: Nelson, Jason
Subject: Re: Rep. Boustany Request (from the Member)
Do you have a phone number?
..........................
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

----- Original Message-----

From: Nelson, Jason <Jason.Nelson@fema.gov>
To: Deshong, Casey <Casey.Deshong@fema.gov>
Sent: Thu Sep 01 13:19:13 2005
Subject: Rep. Boustany Request (from the Member)
Casey,
Jim just spoke with the Congressman and he would like for you rc coordinate the following:

Jim wants you to find a guy by the name of D E E Lennie (sp???). Dan is in the LA EOC, he's
with the Acadia Ambulance EMS and they want to bring folks in L o assistance under a mutual
aid agreement. Dan says Acadia has a plan they would like to discuss with the state. Its
the Congressman's understanding that local ambulance service 1 s inactive at this time.
Dan says they have a viable plan to help. Jim wants you to fzcilitate talks between our
FEMP. rep, the state and Dan Lennie.

Jason
. LA hospitals Page l.of2

Nelson, Jason
From: Nelson, Jason
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 12: 17 PM
To : 'Dobrozsi, Jeff
Subject: RE: LA hospitals

you're welcome, Jeff, anytime!

From: Dobrozsi, Jeff [mailto:Jeff.Dobrozsi@mail.house.gov]

Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 12:16 PM
To: 'Nelson, Jason'
Subject: RE: LA hospitals

thanks

From: Nelson, Jason [mailto:Jason.Nelson@dhs.gov]

Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 12:12 PM
To: Dobrozsi, Jeff
Subject: RE: LA hospitals

As explained in our briefing on Tuesday, hospitals are a top priority. The Louisiana State Police are the
appropriate authority to respond to this situation. The numbers we have for them are 225-922-0344, 7708, 7709,
351 1. 7427, and 7428. FEMA is having great difficulty communicating with,personnel on the ground. Therefore,
we are offering additional options. It is my understanding that the police are aware of these types of situations,
but there are a myriad of logistical and navigational issues that can realistically delay the response tihe. Another
option would be if you have a contact at the Governor's office. They can help to facilitate a response as well.

From: Dobrozsi, Jeff [mailto:Jeff.Dobrozsi@mail.house.gov]

Sent: Thursday, September 01, ZOOS 11:44 AM
To: 'James.Schurnann@dhs.gov'; 'jason.nelson@dhs.gov'
Subject: LA hospitals

AS a doctor. Rep. ~ o u s t a n bis getting calls from many colleagues who are trying to provide aid. There are
especially deteriorating conditions in NOLA hospitals. There are groups attacking the hospitals looking for food,
water, drugs and the medical personnel have been on call for 4 days. They are trying to sustain life for patients
but efforts are being hindered by the gangs.

It is important to get protection for these facilities and the medical personnel not only in NOLA but in the areas
that people have evacuated to.

Please let me know if there is anything you can do.

Jeff Dobrozsi

Chief of Staff
' I
, I
Rep. CHarles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D
. LA hospitals

202-225-2031
 FW: Cl~enaultand Port of LC Page 1 of I

From: Shumate. Fred [Fred Shumate@mail.house.gov]

Sent: Wednesday, August 3 1 , 2005 5.51 PM
To : Nelson. Jason
Subject: FW: Chenault and Port o f LC

Fred Sliumatc

Lzg~slalweAjs~srnnr

Congressman Charles Botsran?, J r ivl D

202-?:j-?O;l

From: Dobrozsi, Jeff

Sent: Wednesday, August 31, ZOOS 5:49 PM
To: Shumate, Fred .
Cc: Fish, Terri
Subject: Chenault and Port of LC

George Heard

Cn3r:ault A~rportAuthority (Lake Charles, LA)

(cell)

337-491 -9961 (work)

They have about 300 acres of land available for use and that it was fine to forward their information on. '
I

Adam McBride
. I
Port of Lake Charles

337-493-3500 (work)
, ..
They have hundreds of acres of land next to Chenault that could be used for temporary housing

Can you forward on to whoever appropriate from that bnefing7

 potable water trucks Page 1 of' 1
I

Nelson, Jason
From: Shumate, Fred [Fred.Shumate@ma~l.house.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 3:28 PM
To: Nelson, Jason .

Subject: potable water trucks

Jason,

I am unsure of the need or urgency, but International Truck and Engine has offered a shipment of potable water
trucks for use in the effort. I have contacted the Louisiana office with the information, but wanted to make you all
aware as well. As with everything, some complications exist. My contact with the company is Archie Masacotti.
He can be reached at 630-753-2603.

Fred

Fred Shumate

Legislative Assistant

Congressman Charles Boustany, Jr. M.D

 assistance Page I of 2

Nelson, Jason

From: Nelson, Jason

Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 12.41 PM
To: 'Dobrozsi, Jeff
Subject: RE: assistance

you're more than welcome, Jeff, anytime. In addition, we've received this inquiry from Rep. Melancon and
Putnam. Once I get'your response we can move to the next step.

From: Nelson, Jason

Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 12:33 PM
To: 'Dobrozsi, Jeff
Subject: RE: assistance

Good Afternoon, Jeff:

I
Specifically, if this gentlemen wants to donate his airboats then I have a Donations telephone number, but if he
wants to be compensated he needs to contact the LA EOC, or LOEP to offer his assistance. If the state feels the
need then they will ask FEMA to become involved.

Let me know

Regards,

Jason

-- ----
From: Dobrozsi, Jeff [mailto:Jeff.Dobrozsi@mail.house.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 9:16 AM
To: 'jason.nelson@dhs.gov'
Subject: assistance

b
Thanks for all the pdates you have been sendins to cur office.
helpful in trying t answer questions and help people.
It has been

This morning our office was contacted by the Roberr Dummett. His information is
below.

He is offerlng a number of alrboats to the effort butclalms he hasn't gotten an

offlclal OK from FEMA. Can you help see what 1 s golng on and help me respond to
his offer?

Robert Dummett

Florida Airboat Association

1

Central Florida
- ,.
Completely fueled and will be self sufficient icr li hours.
 1.

assistance Page 2 o f 2

863-537-1700

Jeff Dobrozsi

Chief of Staff

Rep. Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D

202-225-2031
 FW: Congressional B r i e f i n g - Hurricane Katrina Response & Recovery Page 1 o f 2

Nelson, Jason

From: Wizov, Michelle [Michelle.Wizov@mail.house.gov]

Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2005 3:14 PM
To : Nelson, Jason
Subject: RE: Congressional Briefing - Hurricane Katrina Response & Recover y

Either Jeff Dobrozsi Chief of Staff or Terri Fish LD will attend for LA District 7, Rep. Boustany.
Thanks for everything!

Michelle Wizov --- - - -.--- - - - -- - --

Scheduler
Rep. Charles Boustany, Jr., M.D. (LA - 7)
202-225-203 1 Office
202-225-5724 Fdx

From: Nelson, Jason [mailto:Jason.Nelson@dhs.gov]

Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2005 2:44 PM
To: 'tanner~ohnson@landrieu.senate.gov';'erin.benderly@mail.house.gov'; Dawson, Mark; Rep. Aderholt; Harris,
Hood; Staley, Michael; Reese, Jason; Strickland, Kelle; Spencer, Alan; Koshut, Tom; Freyer, Allan; Perkins, Daryl;
Ebell, Victoria; Macomber, Marshall; Brinson, Chris; Sen. Sessions; Sen. Sessions; Sen. Shelby; Sen. Shelby;
Barham, Rebecca; Sawyer, Paul; Landrieu - Mark Tiner; Hall, Clayton; Wizov, Michelle; Swetland, Jack; Allen,
Kim; Daste, Erin; Roche, Jacob; O'Shea, Casey; Sen. Landrieu; Sen. Landrieu; Sen. Vitter; Stanley, Chris; Sen.
Vitter; Wells, Erskine; Jack Norris - DC - Sen. Lott; Gutter,Karis; Kimberly Nelson; Avant, Lanier; Lipski, Mike;

-
Jennings, Randy; Kimbrell, Aubert; Sen. Cochran; Sen. Lott; Irby, Susan; Sen. Lott; Shannon OKeefe; Shannon
O'Keefe; T.A. Hawks - DC Sen. Cochran
Subject: FW: Congressional Briefing - Hurricane Katrina Response & Recover y

I
FYI, Just wanted to make ure all were aware

Good Afternoon Everyone,

This evening at 5:00 p.m. officials from FEMA will be offering a briefing on the response
and recovery efforts underway to address the needs of residents and communities of the
States of Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi who have been impacted by Hurricane
Katrina. The brief ng will take place in the room S-2 1 I of the Capitol. A brief agenda is '
attached for your information.
<<Hill Briefing ~ ~ e n d a . d o k > >
Due to ongoing life-sustaining operations with the stales, the briefing will be limited to I
hour. If you have questions, please contact Jason Nelson or myself at (202) 646-4500.
Thank You.
FW: Congressional Briefing - Hurricane Katrina Response & Recovesj~ Page 2 o f 2
I
 From: Nelson, Jason [/O=ORGANIZ.ATION/OU=FEbI~AUS/CN=RECIP[ENTS/CN=JASON
NELSON]
Sent: Sunday, August 28, 2005 1:44 Ph?
To: 'Alexander - Rebecca Barham'; 'Baker - Paul Sawyer'; 'Landrieu - Mark Tiner'; 'McCrery - Clayton
Hall'; 'Rep. Boustany'; 'Rep. Boustan>r4:'Rep. Jefferson'; 'Rep. Jindal': 'Rep. elkc con'; 'Rep ivlelancon';
'Sen. Landrieu'; 'Sen. Landrieu'; 'Sen. Vitter'; 'Sen. Vitter'; 'Sen. Vitter'
Subject: Hurricane Katrina Preparedness Efforts

Good Afternoon, Everyone:

As a precautionary measure the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management

Agency's (FEMA) Office of Legislative ~ f f a i r s(OLA) wanted to alert all Congressional offices
representing the State of Louisiana that FEMA is monitoring the track of Hurricane Katrina very closely
along with our partners in Lou~sianaand at local levels. Just in case the storm shifts further to the west
the OLA wanted to ensure that your offices have all the necessary information n
preparation for the potential effects of the hurricane. The points below are for y
as your constituencies.

* Based on recent news reports that some folks may be blowing Katrina off as jukt a wind and rain event
compared to last year's storms, FEMA is concerned that people aren't taking the necessary precautions.
We encourage people to take this storm's approach very seriously and pay careful attention, following
local emergency recommendations and evacuation orders. hllake appropriate preparations to ensure the
safety of your family and property

* A principle concern from this storm I S that i t is a slow moving rainmaker, only a few inches of r n l n can
cause flooding and moderate winds could easily uproot trees. Power outages could be a problem lor this
reason Residents should also take extra precautions to avoid fast moving water, and never
drive through standing water even in areas that appear passable

K ~ t r i n a ' sContin i ~ e dProgress:

As Hurricane Katrina moves through the Gulf as a dangerous category 5, residents along the gulf
coastal regions should be following local emergency officials' direction Action must be taken

b
now If you are in a mandatory evacuation area, you should leave your home If you are unable
to evacuate the are , evacuation to a shelter is critical T h ~ is
s a storm with incredibly strong
winds and signific n t storm surge potential. Landfall is currently expected late Sunday evening,
9
with the eye of the storm arriving Monday morning.

President Bush has declared (Saturday night) an emergency for the State of Louisiana opening up
F E b l . 4 ' ~ability to move into the state and assist the state and local governments with mobilizing
resources and preparations to save lives and property from the impact of Hurricane Katrina. The
funding and direct Federal assistance will assist law enforcement with evacuations, establishing
shelters and other emergency protective measures, such as allon ing FEMA to deploy Urban
'
Search & Rescue teams (US&R) and Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT) FEMA is
moving supplies of water, ice and b E s ' into the state as ivell as s t q i n g US&R and DMATs in
the state and rezion.

FEMA continues td be staged throuphout the Gulf Coast replan with emergency supplies
includins water, ice, Meals-Ready-to-Eat @'IRES), tarps and US&R task forces and
Dh4ATs personnel for immediate l i fe-saving and sustaining response anywhere needed

ADDITIONAL NFORMATION
 \ ,
1 :

FENIA and the State of Louisiana for the last year have been conduct~nzdisaster planning specifid to
the City of New Orleans and a categorv I or 5 hurricane impact due to the catastrophic circumstances
such an event would create

FERIA Readiness Throughout Gulf States:

. FEMA's Regional Offices in Atlanta. Georgia, and Denton, Texas, are monitoring Hurricane Katrina's
progess through the Gulf and are closely coordinating with Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and
Alabama state Emergency Operations Centers

FEMA Advance Emergency Response Teams have been deployed to Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and
Louisiana. Eighteen DMATs and 3 US&R task forces have been deployed to the region for further
dispatch when needed.

Water, ice, Meals-Ready-to-Eat @IRES), tarps and other commodities are pre-positioned in Federal
staging areas in and around the states that could be impacted, ready for mobilization if needed.

I suggest, if you haven't done so already, reaching out for contact information from the county
emergency managers, local law enforcement agencies, and fire departments in your respective districts
as they will be the first responders in affected areas if and when the storm makes landfall. They will
forward any requests for assistance and support to the Louisiana Officeof Emergency Preparedness
FEMA is coordinating activities of other Federal departments and agencies and with your state agencies
to prepare for a possible rapid response.

Attached fot your information is "A Guide To The Disaster Declaration Process and Federal Disaster
Assistance " I have also attached for your information a list of websites and phone numbers to call for
information on tracking the path of the storm, shelters, preparedness and mitigation measure$, donations,
and State POCs. For more information on preparedness for individuals, such as creating a "go kit," a
family cornrnunication plan and hurricane-proofing a house, go to www ready gov or www.fema gov.

I will be in the office throughout today and the weekend preparing for the effects of Hurricane Katrina.
, You can reach me via the contact information listed below and I also have blackberry capability.
However, if for some reason you cannot reach me, please feel free to contact the Director of OLA,
James ~ c h u k n nat 202-84 1-27 I 3. or the Deputy Director, Thomas Bossert at 202-306-2036.

I hope you find this information useful. If you have any questions now or in the future, please feel free
to contact me.

Best regards',

J a s o n Nelson
Congressional Relations Officer
Office of Legislative Affairs
Federal Emergency M a n a g e m e n t Agency
Department of Homeland Security
500 C Stt-eet, SW, Suite 820
Washington, DC 20472
E: iaSdn.nelsqn@dhs.qov
' 1
 I ,
From: Nelson, Jason [/O=ORGA~IZ.ATIO~/OU=FEMLAL~S/CN=REC[PIENTS/CN=JASOh~
I
I I
NELSON]
Sent: Friday, August 26, 2005 3 : ; s Pbl
To: 'Alexander - Rebecca Barham': 'Baker - Paul Sawyer'; 'Landrieu - ;\/larkTiner'; 'MlcCrer-y - Clayton
Hall'; 'Rep. Boustany'; 'Rep. Boustan).'. 'Rep. Jefferson'; 'Rep. Jindal'; 'Rep. ivlel~ancon';'Rep. Melancon';
'Sen. Landrieu'; 'Sen. Vitter'; 'Sen. Vi tter'
Subject: Hurricane Katrina Preparedness Efforts

Good Afternoon, Everyone:

As a precautionary measure the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management

Agency's (FEILIA) O f i c e of Legislar~veAffa~rs(OLA) wanted to alert all Congressional offices
representing the State of Louisiana that F E M A is monitoring the track of Hurricane Katrina very closely
along with our partners in Louisiana and at local levels OLA wants to ensure that your offices have all
the necessary information needed i n preparation for the potential effects of the hurricane The points
below are for your information as well as your constituencies'

* FEMA is pre-posi tioning supplies of ice, water and meals-ready -to-eat (ivREQ)in Federal staging
areas in the southeast for timely dispatch if needed. FEMA is also ready with rapid needs assessment
teams to move into damaged areas if needed

* Based on recent news reports that some folks may be blowing Katrina off as just a wind and rain event
compared to last year's storms, FEhIA is concerned that people aren't taking the necessary precautions.
We encourage people to take this storm's approach very seriously and pay careful attention, folIo\i.inf
local emergkncy recommendations and evacuation orders. Make appropriate preparations to ensure the
safety of your family and property.

* A principle concern from this storm is that i t is a slow moving rainmaker, only a few inches of rain can
cause flooding and moderate winds could easily uproot trees. Power outages-could be a problem for this
reason. Residents should also .take extra precautions to avoid fast moving water, and never
drive through standing water even in areas that appear passable.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Katrina made landfall on Florida's east coast at Broward Countyhliami Dade County line Thursday as a
category 1 hurricane and moved across Southeast Florida overnight back into the Gulf of Mesico.
Residents should continue to be cautious about tornadoes forming as well as downed power lines and
flooding.. For those living inland, floodins can be a serious issue as well. Listen to local officials on
when to re-enter areas and move about in vour community.

Residents living in the Florida panhandle to eastern Louisiana should be vigilant i n their hurricane
preparations and in following local official emergency recomn~endationsand evacuation orders. Katrina
is again at humcane status as i t rn,oves over the Gulf of Mesico with the possibility of being an even .
stronger hurricane when making landfall Sunday or Monday. Make appropriate preparations to ensure
the safety of your family and property.

Flooding can be extremely dangerous as well as the most likely cause of property damage. Residents in
gulf coaststates and inland up t h r o u ~ hGeorgia and the Carolinas should take action now to reduce
potential water damage by movins appliances. electronics, antiques. important papers and other
valuables to hisher floors or hisher shelves.
I suggest, if-you haven't done so already, reaching out for contact information from the county
emergency managers, local law enforcement agencies, and fire departments in your respective districts
as they will be the first responders in at'fected areas if and when the storm makes landfall. They will
forward any requests for assistance and support to the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness.
FEMA is coordinating activities of other Federal departments and asencies and with your state agencies
to prepare for a possible ra$d response

Attached for your information is ".A Guide To The Disaster Declaration Process and Federal Disaster
Assistance " I have also attached for your information a list of websites and phone numbers to call for
information on tracking the path of the storm, shelters, preparedness and mitigation measures, donations,
and State POCs For more information on preparedness for individuals, such as creating a "go kit," a
family communication plan and hurricane-proofing a house, go to www ready gov or www.fema gov.

I will be in the office throughout today and the weekend preparing for the effects of Hurricane Katrina.
You can reach me via the contact information listed below and I also have blackberry capability.
However, if for some reason you cannot reach me, please feel free to contact the Director of OLA,
James Schumann at 202-54 1-27 13, or the Deputy Director, Thomas Bossert at 202-306-2036.

I hope you find this information useful. If you have any questions now or in the future, please feel free
to contact me

Best regards,

Jason Nelson
Congressional Relations Officer
Office o f Legislative Affairs
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Department of Homeland Security
500 C Street, SW, Suite 820
Washington, DC 20472

F: 202-646-3600