    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [October 4, 1995]
    [Pages 1535-1536]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Hurricane Opal
    October 4, 1995

        As Hurricane Opal hits the coast of the Southern United States, our
    hearts and prayers go out to all whose lives have been disrupted by the
    devastation. The people of Florida and Alabama have shown great courage
    and strength in dealing with the damage that has already been done, and
    I know they will continue to show courage as the hours progress.
        I want the States affected by this terrible storm to know that the
    rest of America is with them. One of the basic values of America is the
    responsibility to stand with each other in times of need. I will do all
    I can to ensure you the Federal support you need for successful recovery
    efforts. Tonight I have signed emergency declarations to supplement
    State and local recovery efforts in both Florida and Alabama. James Lee
    Witt, the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will be
    on the ground coordinating efforts in the South to save lives and
    protect the health, safety, and property of those affected by Hurricane
    Opal.
        The action I am taking tonight will now enable us to immediately
    send rescue teams into the affected areas. Please be assured that the
    Federal Emergency Management Agency will

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    mobilize all necessary resources to help these States recover from the
    damage. And be assured that the prayers of our entire Nation are with
    you.