Hurricane Preparedness

What is it? United States Army North, the National Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have enduring missions that include civil support. The Army may support civil authorities in response to a hurricane or other disaster to save lives, alleviate suffering or mitigate great property damage. The Army may be asked to assist with search and rescue, evacuation and transportation, provide potable water and ice, establish temporary power and shelter, provide medical support, and other logistical support. The National Guard may also assist with law enforcement.

What has the Army done? The Army has developed a comprehensive equipping strategy to meet critical requirements for equipment and manpower during hurricane season. Army North and the National Guard have completed rigorous training events with federal, state, local and nongovernmental agencies to strengthen relationships and to better determine possible requirements.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides a trained and ready workforce of teams and individuals equipped with mission-specific standing contracts and deployable support vehicles to cover a wide range of life-sustaining and life-supporting essential requirements of disaster victims. The Corps of Engineers under its own authority can perform flood reduction measures in advance of an imminent flood and conduct flood fight operations or provide technical assistance to state and local interests during flooding.

What efforts does the Army plan to continue in the future? The Army stands ready to assist civil authorities to save lives, mitigate suffering, prevent great property damage and restore essential public services and facilities in case of a hurricane or other natural or manmade disaster.

Soldiers and their Families should also make individual efforts to prepare. Those living in hurricane-prone areas should plan where they will go if advised to evacuate. Families should create portable emergency kits that include additional items for Family Members with special needs and pets. Excellent disaster preparedness advice is available online at www.ready.gov.

Why is this important to the Army? The Army is committed to keeping Soldiers and Families safe while remaining prepared to save lives and alleviate suffering in the event of a hurricane or other natural or manmade disaster. The Army also stands ready to assist civil authorities during disaster response efforts.

INFORMATION YOU CAN USE

- 2007 Strategic Communication Guide - Read the 2007 Army Strategic Communication Guide for key messages and updates.
- Strategic Communication Coordination Group (SCCG) Workspace
- Army Public Affairs Portal

NEWS ABOUT THE ARMY

• Army recruitment meets stated goal (EB | WP)
• UAS video terminal connects boots on the ground to eyes in the sky (ARNews)
• Army to offer college credits for training (SAS)
• Fort Myer works behind scenes for Army ten-miler (ARNews)

WAR ON TERROR NEWS

• Coalition raids kill one, net 10 Al Qaeda in Iraq agents (AFIS)
• 'If you don't go after the network, you're never going to stop these guys. Never.' (WP)
• Iraqis need a year to control Baghdad, U.S. general says (EB | NYT)
• Colonel says Taliban are still recruiting easily (SAS)

OF INTEREST

• Walter Reed chief picked for Army surgeon general (EB | WP)
• Amputee on active duty inspires others (ARNews)
• Army Guard conducts sexual assault training; now more geared to help the victim (NGB)
• Army launches benefits web site (ARNews)

WORLD VIEW

• Nigeria: U.S. troops not welcome on African soil, says Maduekwe (AA | Story)
• Pentagon chief makes first visit to Latin America (RT | Story)
• Supporters rally for U.S. Army deserter (GM | Story)
• Two U.S. Soldiers killed in Baghdad (PDO | Story)

WHAT'S BEING SAID IN BLOGS

• Bloggers Roundtable: Al Qaeda in Iraq losing, thanks to concerned local (BRT)
• Wednesday heroes - Soldier's angels (GAF)
• Al Qaeda and the Taliban's Pakistani insurgency (LWJ)
• Combat camera video: Operation Anchorage (TN)