FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 9, 2004
CONTACT: Joint Information Center Media Contact: (850) 921-0384

Federal and State Relief Efforts Continue to Meet Needs in Wake of Hurricanes Charley and Frances

More Frances relief arrives, Charley recovery continues and Ivan preparations accelerate

TALLAHASSEE—Disaster relief continues to pour into Florida for victims of Hurricane Frances. Drinking water, ice, gasoline and other essential supplies are reaching areas hardest hit by the storm, as crews from across the country work to restore power.

“I have every confidence in this team,” said State Emergency Response Team Chief Mike DeLorenzo. “We have been activated for 28 days, responded to Bonnie, Charley and Frances and we will handle any potential impacts from Ivan in the same professional manner.”

DeLorenzo commended the efforts of federal and state response teams at today’s 9 a.m. staff briefing, encouraging them to stay the course as preparations begin in Florida for Category 5 Hurricane Ivan. The fourth major storm of the season, Ivan may prompt protective actions today for the Florida Keys.

“Federal and state relief agencies are in full force, working with local governments to meet victims’ needs while preparing for needs Ivan may bring,” said federal coordinating officer Bill Carwile. “We want to assure all disaster-affected residents in Florida that help is continuing to move into their communities and that we appreciate their patience.”

Charley & Frances Relief Statistics:

• More than 4.6 million meals have been served (more than 1.5 million for Frances alone)
• Power has been restored to more than 3.3 million customers
• More than 5.9 million pounds of ice distributed to Frances victims
• More than 2.3 million liters of water distributed to Frances victims
• Approximately 188,929 Charley victims have registered with FEMA for assistance
• More than 113 million dollars in aid to Florida residents
• Approximately 20,000 victims per day are registering with FEMA

To date, more than a quarter million Charley and Frances victims have registered for FEMA assistance. Those affected by either storm can call 1-800-621-FEMA to apply.

Currently, disaster workers from 25 states are assisting the massive relief effort through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). EMAC assistance totaling more than 6.8 million dollars has come in the form of animal control, donations management and health and medical personnel. For Hurricane Charley response, EMAC provided more than 10.6 million dollars in assistance from 28 states.

The joint FEMA/State Emergency Response Team continues to operate a disaster field office (DFO) in Orlando that opened in the wake of Hurricane Charley. Federal and state officials will continue to coordinate all relief and recovery efforts for both disasters from Orlando, as the state emergency operations center in Tallahassee prepares for the potential impacts of Hurricane Ivan.