    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [September 24, 2005]
    [Pages 1480-1481]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks During a Briefing on Hurricane Rita in Colorado Springs,
    Colorado
    September 24, 2005

        Admiral, thank you very much for a
    series of briefings that really do comfort me in knowing that our
    Federal Government is well-organized and well-prepared to deal with
    Rita. I've come here to watch NORTHCOM in action, to see first hand the
    capacity of our military to plan, organize, and move equipment to help
    the people in the affected areas, in this case, of Louisiana and Texas.
        We've had full briefings on the storm, it's activities. The first
    order of business now is to surge search-and-rescue teams, to pull
    people out of harm's way. Just had an assessment by General
    Honore, of Lake Charles, Louisiana. It got
    hit hard. We've got teams on the ground, beginning to analyze the
    situation and prepare the necessary response to stabilize the situation
    and, more importantly, save lives there as well.
        It's very important for the citizens who have headed into east Texas
    to understand that even though the storm has passed the coastline, the
    situation is still dangerous because of potential flooding. A lot of
    people have left the coastline and headed into east Texas and parts of
    western Louisiana. It is important for them to listen carefully to the
    local authorities about whether or not it is safe to return back to
    their home. It's going to take a while for the authorities on the ground
    to fully understand the impact of the flooding. And therefore, people
    who are safe now ought to remain in safe conditions.
        At any rate, Admiral, thank you very
    much for your hospitality. I appreciate your leadership. I want to thank
    all the folks who work here in NORTHCOM for doing their duty, which is
    to organize and rally the assets of the of the Federal Government, to
    help our fellow citizens who are in need.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 7:50 a.m. at Peterson Air Force Base. In
    his remarks, he referred to Adm. Timothy J. Keating, USN, commander,
    U.S. Northern Command; and Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore, USA, commanding
    general, First United States Army.

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