U.S. Response to Hurricane Katrina -- Sept. 6

The federal effort to save lives, sustain life, and support recovery and law enforcement operations in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina continues around the clock.

The following from the Department of Homeland Security highlights some of the important activities as of 1 p.m.:

• Lives Saved (rescues performed) -- 32,000
• Shelters -- 559
• People housed in shelters -- 182,000
• FEMA responders -- 7,000
• U.S. Coast Guard personnel -- 4,000
• National Guard personnel -- 43,000
• Active Duty Military -- 15,000
• MREs provided (meals) -- 11.3 million
• Water provided (liters) -- 18 million

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns authorized states to pre-load electronic food benefit cards with $50 worth of assistance, which will enable displaced residents to immediately purchase food even before their application has been processed to receive complete benefits. These cards can then be distributed to displaced residents as they move from shelters to temporary housing. The food stamp program is administered by states and fully funded by USDA. States are being notified of the authorization and urged to take advantage of it. Additional information and updates about USDA's hurricane relief efforts are posted daily on the Web site at www.usda.gov.

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) are now open in Shreveport and Monroe, La., for people affected by Hurricane Katrina. Individuals having questions may visit the centers to meet face-to-face with recovery specialists of local, state, federal and volunteer agencies. Disaster victims are urged to register for assistance first by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or, if they have access to the internet, register online at www.fema.gov. The TTY number is 1 800 462 7585 for speech or hearing-impaired.

Hurricane Katrina Resources