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Councilman Greg Stanton's
My Turn – Ahwatukee Republic News Column
September 2005
Phoenix Responds to Hurricane Katrina with Compassion, Preparedness
Our thoughts, prayers and support go out to all of those in the Gulf Coast region during this difficult time. Hurricane Katrina spurred Phoenix to action to help those in need, but the crisis was also an important reminder of how we must think more precisely about preparing our own city and homes for an emergency.
Big thanks go to Governor Janet Napolitano and her staff for their leadership in helping with evacuees here in Phoenix. The state teamed with the American Red Cross, the city of Phoenix and other organizations to help hundreds of people. Our Mayor and City Council worked to make sure New Orleans residents landing at Sky Harbor International Airport received a warm welcome on their way to temporary housing at Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum, and I was fortunate to greet evacuees personally as they got off the plane.
Phoenix’s heroic Fire and Police Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team saved about 450 people in New Orleans. Fire Battalion Chief Ron Jamison, a 22-year veteran of Phoenix Fire, slept on concrete for a few hours a night, before getting up to save more people.
“Every time you turned a corner, it was the same,” said Jamison. “We were driving our boats over the tops of cars. It felt really good to go over there and make a huge difference in more than 400 people’s lives.”
Sky Harbor International Airport technicians also have traveled to help repair the New Orleans airport. And the city helped the state and Red Cross coordinate programs for evacuees living here in Phoenix. Some evacuees have even found new jobs through the city’s Workforce Connection Program.
Hurricane Katrina also has led Phoenix to think even more about how we would prepare for and respond to an emergency here. The city has extensive emergency plans and is always working to improve them. One area the hurricane has spurred us to study further is the need to be prepared to accept evacuees from other states. We are sharpening those plans. In addition, we all need to have strategies established for our homes and families.
The American Red Cross has excellent information on its Web site, redcross.org. Click on “Get Prepared” on the left. One critical tip is to build a disaster kit, with three days of supplies for each family member. The kit should include water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools, and any special medical supplies you may need.
Residents also can help their neighbors by volunteering for new, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training – a program initiated by Councilman Dave Siebert. The city plans to train about 13,000 residents over the next five years. They’ll learn important skills to help emergency workers, like giving basic first aid and working on search-and-rescue operations.
CERT volunteers will be critical during a major incident or if the city faces multiple emergencies simultaneously. Training is open to residents citywide. For more information, visit phoenix.gov/CERT/links.html or call 602-534-CERT (2378).
Thanks to all of you who helped victims of Hurricane Katrina and those of you who are getting training to help your neighborhood in a time of need. Remember also to take a few minutes in your own home to prepare. It could save you and your family if an emergency strikes here.
Phoenix City Councilman Greg Stanton represents Ahwatukee Foothills. If you have any questions about any issues, please feel free to call Councilman Stanton's office at 602-262-7491, e-mail greg.stanton@phoenix.gov or visit phoenix.gov/district 6.
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