President Bush Declares Federal Disaster Declaration

Earlier today, President Bush issued Federal Disaster Declarations for four Florida counties: Lake, Sumter, Volusia, and Seminole.

A little over twenty-four hours ago, at least one tornado struck these counties and created devastation enough to leave the area, as stated by Senator Bill Nelson, reminiscent of a moonscape. Upon the views seen from a helicopter ride across the devastated area, Senator Nelson referred to an area of five hundred to six hundred feet wide as having been pulverized.

Approximately 1500 homes were majorly damaged or completely destroyed as a result of this immense storm. FEMA trailers were set to arrive sometime today and immediate disaster assistance will be awarded to some victims as requested by state officials. Those whose homes have been affected can receive up to $28,200.00 from the federal government. The exact amount received will be dependent upon the damage sustained as well as the original coverage.

After the recent disastrous response to the critical situation in New Orleans, FEMA has had to redeem itself from the subject of nationwide scrutiny. FEMA director David Paulison said we have to combat this issue as a country and not state by state. The old system of the state government waiting until the local government becomes overwhelmed to step in, and then the federal government not stepping in until the state government has become overwhelmed simply does not cut it.

Senator Nelson believes the response from FEMA has been much more positive in this case as a direct result of Hurricane Katrina. Newly appointed director Paulison was a former fire chief in Florida. Upon taking over his post, Nelson says of Paulison, "He cleaned out the political deadwood and brought in professionals." Nelson stated he is now "feeling a lot more confident about FEMA."

This past year saw a mild hurricane season, and because of this, Senator Nelson believes FEMA's "real test will be when we get to a real active hurricane season."

When interviewed himself, director Paulison stated that FEMA, in reference to the needs of local and state governments, has become "much more nimbler, much more agile, and much more responsive."

Reports have indicated that twenty have been killed in the wake of this disaster, with many others still missing. Officials are focusing most of their attention on the wreckage, but many homes are still without electricity.

One of the programs Paulison has implemented within FEMA is a system of locating victims. Those who have suffered through such natural disasters are urged to enter their information on the FEMA website at www.FEMA.gov or to call 1-800-621-FEMA. This method is intended to help the organization to locate those who are believed to be missing more quickly.

One immediate question that could be asked is how survivors are expected to contact FEMA directly when they are without power.

SOURCES:
Information for this article was received via a live newscast on CNN.