|
(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman and Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey received official notice tonight from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that federal officials have scheduled four potential flights of Hurricane Katrina evacuees into Nebraska.
The first flight is scheduled to arrive at Omaha’s Eppley Airfield at 10:55 a.m. CT Saturday. Additional flights are expected to arrive at Omaha’s main commercial airport at 2:45 p.m., 5:55 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. No word is available on how many evacuees, if any, to expect.
Evacuees Nebraska receives will be bussed from Eppley Airfield to the Civic Auditorium, where the City of Omaha and The American Red Cross will temporarily shelter storm survivors as the city and private relief agencies seek longer-term housing for them.
“It is imperative that we in government and the private sector work together and respond as a team in times of crisis,” Gov. Heineman said. “Government agencies and relief organizations at all levels have prepared well for this possibility, and Nebraskans should be proud.”
Mayor Fahey said, “The people of Omaha have been ready to help since the hurricane hit, and they have responded in an overwhelming fashion. I could not be more pleased with the level of communication we have enjoyed, and I am confident in our readiness.”
Nebraska state agencies, including, but not limited to, Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor and the Department of Education, are working closely with city officials and private relief agencies to accelerate evacuee access to state services.
The Civic Auditorium shelter is being run by the Heartland Chapter of The American Red Cross. Security services and the auditorium itself are being provided and managed by the City of Omaha. Douglas County Emergency Management is coordinating the multi-pronged, multi-agency efforts, along with the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Gov. Heineman, effective today, has also declared a State of Emergency in Nebraska and requested a federal disaster declaration at FEMA’s request so the state and its communities can be reimbursed for much of the public costs of assisting in the recovery efforts.
However, private relief agencies still need the support of Nebraskans. Gov. Heineman asked individuals who want to help in the stateside relief efforts consider donating or volunteering with the private and faith-based agencies providing aid. Other private efforts are bringing evacuees to Nebraska, and they may also need the support of Nebraskans.
Judy Peschio, Executive Director of the Heartland Red Cross, said, “The evacuees to be sheltered by The Red Cross have been through a great deal, and we will give them as much emotional support and compassion as possible as they begin the road to recovery.”
Information on how to help and information for how storm victims can apply for federal aid is available online at www.nebraska.gov. Click on the Hurricane Katrina box.
Media members seeking information on the arrival of evacuees at Omaha should contact Joe Gudenrath in the Omaha Mayor’s Office after 6 a.m. Saturday, at the number listed above.
|
