Montana steps up

Hurricane Katrina is no doubt a tragedy. We have seen the devastation, frustration, and the beginning of a lengthy and complicated recovery. Over 2,000 miles away, Montana provided help, support, and heartfelt prayers for the many victims of this disaster.

As administrator of the agency tasked to coordinate Montana's efforts to assist, I can tell you this has been the most touching outpour of selflessness I have witnessed.

Even though this disaster has occurred outside Montana's borders, the impacts to our state have been great and your compassion has been unmatched.

One of the most impressive efforts I have seen is the collaborative effort made to accommodate hurricane evacuees.

When the initial request came to us through FEMA, we had concerns. Considerations needed to be made to welcome these individuals to our state. Shelter, weather, culture, health and disease issues, schooling, transportation, security, privacy, social services—the list just didn't seem to end.

Our team of leaders came together quickly, willingly, and with some of the brightest and most compassionate minds, to plan for their arrival.

Representatives from local, state and federal governments, volunteer organizations, private industry and concerned citizens were there with questions, answers and the solutions needed to address this event.

Although we never received evacuees in mass numbers, there are many people and organizations that must be commended for their efforts in making the concept of caring for these people a reality if the need occurred.

General Mosley, the Adjutant General with the Montana Army National Guard, rallied our soldiers and offered their services to house up to 500 evacuees at Fort Harrison.

These men and women were fully prepared to take on the task of housing, feeding, and providing security for our fellow Americans in need. It was a gracious offer, one that was made available for as long as help was needed.

The Department of Public Health and Human Services established a donations hotline to assist Montanans wanting to help. They were leaders concerned with potential health issues and provided valuable guidance.

The Department of Labor recognized an important need and made adjustments to accommodate processing claims for victims. OPI stepped up to accommodate children into our schools, the auditor's office processed insurance claims, and commerce helped identify appropriate housing availability for potential evacuees.

We are blessed by the caliber of our volunteer agencies both in Montana and in our nation. They are tasked with huge responsibilities and handle them well. We saw representatives from every corner of our state offer their services.

We can't forget these are "volunteer" agencies. Everything they do, every service they offer, every great deed they accomplish is possible because you make donations that support their cause and because they are dedicated to helping those in need.

FEMA has taken much criticism over the response to this disaster. Whether you feel it is justified or not, problems will be identified and resolved and many of the successes will be showcased. We have the great fortune of working with FEMA on a daily basis and are confident in their leadership.

Throughout Montana and our nation, we regularly plan, train and exercise our capabilities. We know no two disasters are alike and we know every situation must be addressed based on the challenges.

There is some comfort knowing this overall planning effort was successful but we must also thank individuals who stepped forward to help.

Some of you opened your homes to the few victims that made it to Montana on their own. Businesses offered services to help victims in a variety of ways. You are good neighbors and in times of crisis we know you care.

We are not surprised by your charity, just proud to call ourselves fellow Montanans. Thank you for all you've done to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Governor Schweitzer requested and received a Presidential Declaration to assist with the costs we will incur in providing services and helping these victims with their recovery.

Disaster and Emergency Services will lead this effort and will work with our partners to assure these families have adequate housing, emergency medical care, schooling for their children, and a variety of other services we are prepared to provide.

Dan McGowan Administrator

Montana Disaster and Emergency Services