FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:Brie Turek (407) 246-3106

CITY OF ORLANDO UPDATE REGARDING HURRICANE KATRINA AFTERMATH

ORLANDO, FL (August 31, 2005) – Today, the City of Orlando is continuing its assistance to the region impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

19 Orlando Fire Department (OFD) members of the Central Florida Urban Search and Rescue team including District Fire Chief John McCormack were deployed to Pastagoula, Mississippi, with equipment to aid in the search and rescue mission to locate and assist hurricane victims.

“Our hearts go out to the victims of Hurricane Katrina,” said Mayor Buddy Dyer. “After last year’s tumultuous hurricane season that the citizens of Orlando experienced, I want to extend any City resources possible to assist in relief efforts, as we had received tremendous support during Charley, Frances and Jeanne.”

In addition, the City’s Office of Emergency Management is assisting the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), a federal agency, with the planning and coordination for deployment to affected areas. Spencer Hawkins Deputy Manager from the City’s Office of Emergency Management has been deployed to Biloxi, Mississippi, along with the DMAT team, to provide logistical support.

At this time, the City has not received any official mutual aid requests from the region, but is in dialogue with other municipalities and ready to offer a steady hand through recovery efforts.

If citizens are looking for ways to offer assistance, Mayor Dyer recommends making donations through one of the following agencies:

· Red Cross is accepting financial donations only
Contact 407-894-4141 or donate online through http://centralflorida.redcross.org

· Salvation Army is accepting financial donations, bedding, and clothing
Contact 407-423-8581 or donate online through http://www.salvationarmyusa.org

· Second Harvest Food Bank is accepting financial donations and non-perishable food items
Contact 407-295-1066 or donate online through http://www.foodbankcentralflorida.org

# # #