Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell hosts a virtual briefing on Friday to discuss FEMA’s actions responding to Hurricane Milton and the ongoing recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene.
*Disclaimer: Audio is choppy for the first 9 minutes, and this is an audio only recording.*
Administrator’s Opening Remarks:
Good afternoon, everyone. I’m coming to you from Martin County and Port St. Lucie, Florida to provide updates on early recovery efforts to Hurricane Milton and the incredible work being done to help people recover from Hurricane Helene.
My heart goes out to all those impacted by these two storms, and I want to assure you that the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to being with those impacted every step of the way as they jumpstart their recovery.
I spent yesterday and today visiting communities across Florida, assessing damage and meeting with survivors.
I saw neighbors helping neighbors and communities coming together during this difficult time.
In fact, I just came back from a community event where organizations have banded together to serve barbeque and other hot meals to people who have been impacted by devastating tornados caused by Hurricane Milton.
When people picture hurricanes, wind and floods most often come to mind. But Milton was a stark reminder of the threat tornados pose and the importance of heeding the warnings provided by emergency alerts.
Over 30 (38) tornados touched down as Milton swept across the state. As we surveyed the damage, we saw dozens of homes completely destroyed.
Our strong partnership with Florida enabled us to take swift action to pre-position people, resources and supplies so we could be prepared to meet the needs of survivors as soon as it was safe to do so. I want to recognize the heroic work of first responders and rescue teams, many of which FEMA brought in from across the country before the storm. Together, we were ready for a catastrophic storm.
While the wind and storm surge impacts from Milton were less than originally forecast on Florida’s west coast, the tornado damage in the eastern parts of the state showed that this was a statewide disaster that will require the whole federal family to support Florida’s recovery.
Today, I want to break down for you exactly what we are doing to help the state and Floridians recover from both storms.
I am committed to ensuring people get the help they need and deserve to make a full recovery. In fact, I’m pleased to share that we have already flowed over $150 million dollars to Floridians from Helene alone. Just this morning, Governor DeSantis submitted an expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Milton, and I have directed my team to process the request as quickly as possible to open up FEMA’s programs immediately.
I will be heading back to North Carolina tonight, and I look forward to seeing our progress there. My Deputy Administrator, Erik Hooks, a North Carolina native, has been on the ground the last few days.
The President and Vice President have called on me to do everything I can to help people recover and my leadership team on the ground across the southeast continues to work every day to do just that.
As I look back on nearly two weeks in the field since the onset of Helene, I have seen people rise above unimaginable tragedy and communities come together to mend each other’s hearts. Helping people is a simple human reaction, and that’s what we’ll continue to do.