Haiti Update from Administration

I received this communication from the U.S. Conference of Mayors regarding the disaster in Haiti. We are all concerned about the loss of life and if you want to take action, please read below.

Regards,

Mayor Maher Maso
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To: The Mayor

We are all devastated this morning by the images of death and destruction coming from Haiti in the wake of yesterday’s massive earthquake. The U.S. Conference of Mayors has a long history of support for Haiti and its people.

Without fail, when disasters like this occur, mayors call to ask how they and their cities can help. Here is what we know so far:

President Obama has designated USAID as the lead agency for our government-wide response. USAID is dispatching a Disaster Assistance Response Team and has activated its partners, the Fairfax County (VA) Urban Search and Rescue Team and the Los Angeles County Search and Rescue Team. These teams will be composed of up to 72 personnel, six search and rescue canines and up to 48 tons of rescue equipment. They will be accompanied by USAID disaster experts who will assist with assessments of the situation.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has announced that the Coast Guard Cutter Forward arrived off Port Au Prince this morning and was the first U.S. asset on the scene.

The President’s statement on the situation in Haiti and the nation’s response to it is at http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/01/13/help-haiti.

A posting by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s Chief of Staff on the State Department’s official blog (DipNote) reports that individuals wishing to make immediate cash donations to relief efforts may do so through organizations like the Red Cross at http://american.redcross.org/supporthaiti and Mercy Corps at https://donate.mercycorps.org/donation.htm?DonorIntent=Haiti+Earthquake.

Individuals may donate $10 to be charged to their cell phone bill by texting "HAITI" to "90999."

Families of Americans living in Haiti are encouraged to contact the State Department at (888) 407-4747.

As we get additional information during the day we will pass it along. We were advised by FEMA this morning that they will be providing guidance on how to help shortly. We will no doubt focus on the tragic situation in Haiti and what U.S. cities are doing to help during our Winter Meeting in Washington next week.


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