FEMA Presser Dates 9/24/17 Federal Response Teams Assisting in Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Release date: September 24, 2017 Release Number: HQ-17-138
WASHINGTON – In the wake of Hurricane Maria, life, personal safety, and access to safe shelters for disaster survivors remain a priority of local responders, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the entire federal family. To aid in life sustaining missions, six FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) task forces are deployed to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and are working in tandem with numerous federal partners to rescue and render aid to distressed survivors in the region. Additional FEMA US&R task forces are arriving today to expand operations, as areas become accessible. FEMA US&R task forces currently conducting operations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands include Virginia Task Forces 1 and 2, Florida Task Forces 1 and 2, and California Task Forces 6 and 7. Components of New York Task Force 1 and Massachusetts Task Force 1 are on the ground providing logistics support. Federal partners assisting with Search and Rescue (SAR) missions include the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), and the U.S. Department of the Interior / National Park Service. Collectively, these federal agencies have rescued 180 individuals and searched more than 45 structures in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. [image: five men in uniform stand around the hood of a car and look at a piece of paper] *FEMA Urban Search and Rescue task force members meet with local officials on St. Croix to coordinate search and rescue operations.* The U.S. Coast Guard is operating nine cutters in the vicinity of Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands, bringing helicopter SAR support, while teams from CBP are operating two P-3 maritime patrol aircraft to assist in communications, a wide-area search, and distress signal monitoring capabilities. An additional five flight deck-equipped cutters, five patrol boats, four rotary wing, and one fixed wing aircraft are moving to the vicinity of U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to further support search and rescue efforts. While US&R teams continue targeted sweeps of the affected areas, teams from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management are providing security and force protection to rescuers. Department of Defense support includes helicopter SAR flights, damage assessment flights, beach assessments, and patient evacuation flights flown from the amphibious ships USS Kearsarge and USS Oak Hill and Marines embarked from the 26thMarine Expeditionary Unit. FEMA US&R teams are organized under the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System, which partners federal, state and local partner emergency response teams to create 28 US&R task forces. These 28 task forces are located throughout the continental United States and can be activated to provide assistance in survivor rescue, damage assessment, and SAR in a water environment. The task forces deployed consist of multi-faceted, and cross-trained personnel who service in major functional areas to include: search, rescue, medical, hazardous materials, logistics, and planning. A task force also includes technical specialists, such as physicians, structural engineers, and canine search teams. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the DoD conducted medical evacuations for more than 100 patients from the islands to the continental United States. The National Guard Bureau (NGB) has more than 2,300 Guard members on the ground in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands taking part in security and support operations. The Air National Guard is focused on transporting food, water, and communications capabilities as well as rapidly increasing airlift into affected areas. FEMA, working in coordination with federal partners, provided more than 1.5-million meals, 1.1-million liters of water, nearly 300 infant and toddler kits, and nearly 12,000 emergency roofing kits to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico for distribution to the public since Hurricane Maria’s landfall. Jason Wilson Remotely Located Providing High Speed Internet to out of the way places. 530-651-1736 530-748-9608 Cell www.remotelylocated.com On Tue, Sep 26, 2017 at 6:59 PM, Jaime Solorza <losguyswirel...@gmail.com> wrote: > Just saw and heard the mayor of San Juan... We need our military to deploy > immediately to assist...they are trained and have logistics > expertise...cruise liners could take a shitload of supplies them...damn we > are the most powerful country and we are dropping the ball. > > On Sep 26, 2017 7:35 PM, "Jaime Solorza" <losguyswirel...@gmail.com> > wrote: > >> I saw that on news..they need gasoline for generators..I have seen the >> COWs military uses during war games at McGregor and White Sands Missile >> Ranges..they have a section of Fort Bliss where they store these...they >> look like Glen Martin telescoping towers on trailers...wonder if we could >> send some of these for rescue and recovery ? >> >> On Sep 26, 2017 7:17 PM, "Steve Jones" <thatoneguyst...@gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> I just read an article about people being pissed cause they haven't >>> lifted the act that bans coastal shipping to non us ships. they lifted it >>> for Harvey and Irma, but not this one. everybody is making a big stink, the >>> problem is, the ports are damaged, theres limited offload capacity and >>> ships are queued. >>> This is crazy, youd think they could bring in some of those military >>> bridging vehicle to make a bridge out to some barges made into temporary >>> docks or something. >>> >>> I don't think people realize you cant land cargo planes on damaged >>> tarmacs. Its almost worth reaching out to the cartels at this point, they >>> can move high volumes of cargo into inaccessible areas like nobodys business >>> >>> On Tue, Sep 26, 2017 at 8:08 PM, Brian Webster <i...@wirelessmapping.com >>> > wrote: >>> >>>> Right now there are limited flights in and out of PR, their FAA systems >>>> were down as of last report I received this morning. FedEX, UPS, and USPS >>>> are not operational on the island yet. Flights in and out are VFR only with >>>> very big spacing and slots controlled and issued from Miami. Logistics is a >>>> big issue right now. I have not had any direct or specific requests from >>>> Gino yet. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Thank You, >>>> >>>> Brian Webster >>>> >>>> 214 Eggleston Hill Rd. >>>> <https://maps.google.com/?q=214+Eggleston+Hill+Rd.+Cooperstown,+NY+13326+(607&entry=gmail&source=g> >>>> >>>> Cooperstown, NY 13326 >>>> <https://maps.google.com/?q=214+Eggleston+Hill+Rd.+Cooperstown,+NY+13326+(607&entry=gmail&source=g> >>>> >>>> (607) 643-4055 Office >>>> >>>> (607) 435-3988 Mobile >>>> >>>> (208) 692-1898 Fax >>>> Skype: Radiowebst >>>> >>>> www.wirelessmapping.com >>>> >>>> www.Broadband-Mapping.com >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> *From:* Af [mailto:af-boun...@afmug.com] *On Behalf Of *Jaime Solorza >>>> *Sent:* Tuesday, September 26, 2017 11:26 AM >>>> *To:* Animal Farm >>>> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Gino >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> How do we ship gear to Gino? Do shipments all go by plane? Boat? And >>>> more help is needed there in remote areas according to Puerto Rican Club >>>> here in El Paso that is collecting money for relief. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Sep 25, 2017 10:47 AM, "Chuck McCown" <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: >>>> >>>> I am sure he serves some critical facilities. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> *From:* Steve Jones >>>> >>>> *Sent:* Monday, September 25, 2017 10:33 AM >>>> >>>> *To:* af@afmug.com >>>> >>>> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Gino >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> that would be an issue to take up with WECAT, they should have contacts >>>> for logistics. If gino serves any critical facilities (hospitals, long term >>>> care, fire/rescue/ems/military/municipality/etc) stuff like that may >>>> be able to find its way onto military transport >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Mon, Sep 25, 2017 at 10:15 AM, Mathew Howard <mhoward...@gmail.com> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>> I would imagine they'd have to go by boat... not sure how quick you >>>> could get it there. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Mon, Sep 25, 2017 at 10:06 AM, Chuck McCown <ch...@wbmfg.com> wrote: >>>> >>>> Is there a way to ship you COWs? I can build a few and send them. Not >>>> sure if I can get them to you fast enough to help. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> *From:* Gino A. Villarini >>>> >>>> *Sent:* Monday, September 25, 2017 8:19 AM >>>> >>>> *To:* af@afmug.com >>>> >>>> *Subject:* Re: [AFMUG] Gino >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Guys, we are ok, lots of damaged and downed towers (all guyded). Need >>>> Gens, COWS and manpower (riggers, installers, etc.) >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> *From: *Af <af-boun...@afmug.com> on behalf of Lewis Bergman < >>>> lewis.berg...@gmail.com> >>>> *Reply-To: *"af@afmug.com" <af@afmug.com> >>>> *Date: *Monday, September 25, 2017 at 9:00 AM >>>> *To: *"af@afmug.com" <af@afmug.com> >>>> *Subject: *Re: [AFMUG] Gino >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Yep, exactly what I said. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> *Gino A. Villarini* >>>> >>>> President >>>> >>>> Metro Office Park #18 Suite 304 Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00968 >>>> >>>> On Mon, Sep 25, 2017 at 7:53 AM Faisal Imtiaz <fai...@snappytelecom.net> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>> It is nice to have deep thoughts and conversations about restoring >>>> internet service..... >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> May I remind everyone that, We all of the ISP/WISP/NSP are here to >>>> serve our Customers, and that is how we earn a living... >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Yes after Natural disaster event, there are two parallel concerns... >>>> >>>> One.... How do we bring back our service, restore the damage to our >>>> Infrastructure. >>>> >>>> Two... What is the state of affairs of our customers ? Do we have any >>>> left who are able to use the service and pay for it ? >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Yes, one can have a fully functional infrastructure, but if the >>>> Customers (end users) are not in any shape to utilize it or pay for it, >>>> then such functional infrastructure is of little value. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> (I am not being heartless in talking about paying customers, just >>>> pointing to realities of the situation.. without paying customers, non of >>>> us will be around... and yes we can do acts of charity, and provide free >>>> service for a certain duration, but at the end of the day that has to get >>>> paid somehow, from someone, from somewhere) >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> These events are not short term issues.. depending on severity they >>>> true severity of such disasters unravel over a period of time... >>>> sometimes weeks, sometimes months, and in some cases years ! >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Regards. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Faisal Imtiaz >>>> Snappy Internet & Telecom >>>> 7266 SW 48 Street >>>> <https://maps.google.com/?q=7266+SW+48+Street+Miami,+FL+33155&entry=gmail&source=g> >>>> Miami, FL 33155 >>>> <https://maps.google.com/?q=7266+SW+48+Street+Miami,+FL+33155&entry=gmail&source=g> >>>> Tel: 305 663 5518 x 232 <(305)%20663-5518> >>>> >>>> Help-desk: (305)663-5518 <(305)%20663-5518> Option 2 or Email: >>>> supp...@snappytelecom.net >>>> >>>> >>>> ------------------------------ >>>> >>>> *From: *"Lewis Bergman" <lewis.berg...@gmail.com> >>>> *To: *af@afmug.com >>>> *Sent: *Monday, September 25, 2017 8:42:30 AM >>>> *Subject: *Re: [AFMUG] Gino >>>> >>>> It is possible to build an infrastructure that doesn't rely on anything >>>> else but what you have, just like the US militay. Problem is you would lose >>>> your shirt trying to do it. There is only so much you can do that consumers >>>> will pay for. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Sun, Sep 24, 2017 at 10:35 PM Colin Stanners <cstann...@gmail.com> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>> Even for WISPs who are very far from the affected areas, such events >>>> are humbling. Customers say "your company can deliver [good, non-satellite] >>>> internet where no one else can", but all of us rely fully on the backbone >>>> internet connection, usually on a functioning power grid, and need gasoline >>>> to power service vehicles. Once those are gone, no matter how we wish or >>>> pray, everything is dead in the water. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Sun, Sep 24, 2017 at 4:27 PM, Craig House <cr...@totalhighspeed.net> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>> I'm in st Thomas and have been here a week helping a WISP and general >>>> cleanup like orphanages The power is the major issue. All poles and >>>> utilities are offline outside of the major port area that has buried >>>> utilities. Generators are being flown in every day word here is 6-9 >>>> months for power to be restored. Fiber phone and cable providers are >>>> crippled and many of the towers here have most of the equipment not just >>>> damaged but totally missing. What is there still is water damaged or has >>>> fried Ethernet from water infiltration >>>> >>>> But power is the major issue in the USVI also >>>> >>>> Sent from my iPhone >>>> >>>> >>>> On Sep 24, 2017, at 16:58, Steve Jones <thatoneguyst...@gmail.com> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>> With PR having been on the verge of state bankruptcy, why not, just cut >>>> and run now. use the influx that's inbound to rebuilt and become wealthy, >>>> never have to worry about the statehood thing again. Everybody will have >>>> smartmeters and starbucks >>>> >>>> On Sun, Sep 24, 2017 at 1:00 PM, Jason McKemie < >>>> j.mcke...@veloxinetbroadband.com> wrote: >>>> >>>> Aruba has a pretty decent wind farm, although they are wealthier than a >>>> lot of other Caribbean islands. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Sunday, September 24, 2017, Erich Kaiser < >>>> er...@northcentraltower.com> wrote: >>>> >>>> I always wondered why the Caribbean islands did not use more wind >>>> and/or solar power. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Erich Kaiser >>>> >>>> North Central Tower >>>> >>>> er...@northcentraltower.com >>>> >>>> Office: 630-621-4804 <(630)%20621-4804> >>>> >>>> Cell: 630-777-9291 <(630)%20777-9291> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Sun, Sep 24, 2017 at 11:23 AM, Bill Prince <part15...@gmail.com> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>> From what I'm hearing, the major issue is power, or the lack thereof. >>>> Existing supplies of fuel for generators, etc. are in extremely short >>>> supply. I've been hearing estimates of 6+ months to restore power, and that >>>> may be optimistic. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> bp >>>> >>>> <part15sbs{at}gmail{dot}com> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On 9/24/2017 9:07 AM, ch...@wbmfg.com wrote: >>>> >>>> I know we are all anxious hoping to hear from Gino.ï¿1Ž2 >>>> >>>> ï¿1Ž2 >>>> >>>> I wish I still had an HF rig and a decent antenna.ï¿1Ž2 I am wondering >>>> of anyone on here works 20 meters and has heard from folks in PR? >>>> >>>> ï¿1Ž2 >>>> >>>> Keep hearing of the lack of communication capability there, but 2 meter >>>> and HF is pretty much going to work irrespective of any infrastructure >>>> damage.ï¿1Ž2ï¿1Ž2 Here in Utah, our county emergency center has fully >>>> functional HF, VHF and UHF capability.ï¿1Ž2ï¿1Ž2 >>>> >>>> ï¿1Ž2 >>>> >>>> Actually most of Utah does as well as many groups of LDS church folk >>>> that work with emergency preparedness.ï¿1Ž2 >>>> >>>> ï¿1Ž2 >>>> >>>> I have never used it, but I know there are HF methods to convey >>>> IP.ï¿1Ž2 Could certainly keep slow speed email going.ï¿1Ž2 >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>> >>>
